In chess, “the hardest thing to do is to win a won game.” This well-known saying holds truth, as many players struggle to convert advantageous positions. Whether the advantage is material (extra pawn, piece, etc.) or positional (more active pieces, better pawn structure, etc.), one needs to develop the skill of technique, i.e. being able to convert the advantage into a full point. Technique is a fundamental skill that all developing chess players need to study and work on in depth. This series aims to provide the essential knowledge required to improve one’s ability to convert winning positions and become stronger in the technical aspects of the game.
In this video course, IM Kostya Kavutskiy introduces important concepts when it comes to the skill of converting advantages, also known as technique. In addition to the lesson examples that are provided in PGN format with each lesson, there are also multiple exercises per chapter that highlight some of the key ideas presented in the lectures, while often introducing new ideas and motifs as well. Throughout the lectures, the author includes as much practical advice as possible, as this course is meant for the active tournament player, especially those in the 1200-1600 Elo range.
Check out the first video in this course for free by visiting the curriculum tab!
Course Curriculum
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PreviewPart #1 - The Balance of Strategy & Style (25:41)
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PreviewPart #1 - The Balance of Strategy & Style - PGN
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StartPart #2 - The Universal Approach (18:51)
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StartPart #2 - The Universal Approach - PGN
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StartPart #3 - Using Tactics to Achieve Strategic Aims (25:44)
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StartPart #3 - Using Tactics to Achieve Strategic Aims - PGN
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StartChapter #1 - Exercises
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StartChapter #1 - Solutions to Exercises - PGN
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StartPart #1 - Simplification in the Endgame (23:57)
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StartPart #1 - Simplification in the Endgame - PGN
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StartPart #2 - Simplification in the Middlegame (16:25)
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StartPart #2 - Simplification in the Middlegame - PGN
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StartPart #3 - Active Prophylaxis (17:02)
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StartPart #3 - Active Prophylaxis - PGN
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StartPart #4 - Restricting Enemy Counterplay (22:59)
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StartPart #4 - Restricting Enemy Counterplay - PGN
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StartPart #5 - Creating & Exploiting Weaknesses (18:03)
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StartPart #5 - Creating & Exploiting Weaknesses - PGN
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StartChapter #2 - Exercises
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StartChapter #2 - Solutions to Exercises - PGN
Your Instructor
IM Kostya Kavutskiy is a widely recognized chess coach, author, and a Director of Operations at Chess University, Inc. Kostya joined the Chess University team three years ago and has taught students around the world through the Prodigy Program and through his spectacular video courses.
Kostya was born in Kiev, Ukraine but raised in Los Angeles, California. He first learned chess from his grandfather when he was 5. By the time he was 16, Kostya had reached 2200 Elo becoming a National Master. Kostya’s main highlight is winning the 2014 Southern California Championship.
Around 2012, he started working full-time as a chess professional. This included writing for US Chess and Chess Life Magazine, as well as recording videos lessons.
Currently, Kostya's also a member of the San Jose Hackers team in the PRO Chess League and is actively training and playing tournaments to earn the GM title. He primarily teaches at Bay Area Chess and Chess University.