Positional Tips Video Series
GM Melik Khachiyan knows about positional chess. Not only was he trained by the best, but he now trains the best. The teaching that’s been passed down throughout his camp breeds champions.
Learn positional strategy from Melik here in this brilliant video series. Using the same tools and in-game examples, he shares a number of strategies that contribute to positional fundamentals.
Evaluate Melik’s play, and solidify your own understanding of pawn structures, spacing, endgames, calculating, minor-piece play and much more!
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In chess, the black and white squares are as important as the pieces that occupy them. Yet appropriate strategies are rarely discussed in comparison to other theory, like openings.
Positional Tips: US Qualifier, vs GM Benjamin -- Our first video is in reference to another great game between Melik and GM Joel Benjamin. It’s hard to spot Black’s positional weakness at first. Have patience, as all becomes clear when Melik exploits weak squares on Black’s kingside and takes full advantage of a better pawn structure. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! -- How many pawn islands are too many? With a rook and a bishop vs a rook and a knight, which side wants to trade minor pieces? These are two subjects covered in our second video, along with the tension between pawn structures. Take a look. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 2 -- A rare gambit makes a contribution to our series. This unique Slav sideline draws Black from the center, so White can extend its reach from the fourth rank. Melik’s ability to strengthen seemingly weaker squares and strategically place his minor pieces impedes White’s progress. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 3 -- With fewer pieces, the endgame should be easier to calculate, right? That’s not always the case. Sometimes giving the pieces more squares is giving more room for mistakes. The king is always stunted by limited, safe space. Understanding how to use it in an endgame can be tricky, since the rest of the game keeps it in hiding. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 4 -- Even GMs have off days. It doesn’t excuse them from criticism, even from themselves. Melek reviews a Giuoco Piano he played, where his opponent wrecked the board with his knights. What tips does Melik have for himself to better protect outpost squares? (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 5 -- Don’t get frustrated in a worse position. Instead, step back and reevaluate the board. Develop a plan, and if you’re going to lose, make beating you the hardest victory of your opponent's career. Watch Melik simplify things, and crawl back into the next match with tactics and a fresh strategy. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 6 -- Chances are, your opponent isn’t thinking much about your situation. Don’t make that same mistake. Learn from Melik how to evaluate that side of the board. Oftentimes, you’ll uncover additional ways to hinder their plans that neither of you saw. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 7 -- Melik has a full repertoire of openings and sidelines he uses to stifle his opponents. Perhaps the most effective of them, the Philidor, is on display in our next video. More than just using surprise preparation, Melik practices a variety of techniques to control the pace of the game. Listen in, as the GM advises on proper mindset and directing your opponent’s moves. (Intermediate to Advanced)
Positional Tips: Learning from My Own Play! - Part 8 -- Memorizing opening theory isn’t Melik’s style. Understanding their ideas and positional structures is how he generates winning positions. Hold yourself accountable for move orders, but rely on your understanding of the game to retain the advantage out of the opening. (Intermediate to Advanced)
