Dissecting Chess 101 - Understanding Top-Level Chess

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of elite-chess players? How do top chess players actually think? Here's your chance to understand top-level chess from an experienced chess trainer.

In this series, we will be dissecting the strategic decisions taken by elite chess players. This series will help you understand the thought process of elite chess players & what goes on behind the screens when players don't have computers to their rescue :)

Without further adieu, let's begin!

GM Levon Aronian - GM Arjun Erigaisi

Julius Bear Generation Cup 2022

This is a rapid game between Levon Aronian & Arjun Erigaisi at the Julius Bear Generation Cup 2022 held on Chess24.com.

In this blog, we would be going through the critical moments of the game. I would recommend you to think at the critical junctures before going through the entire game.

Position 1

The critical moment arises after move 7.0-0 by white.

h6 is a great prophylactic move. Black prevents the Bg5 pin and does not let white put pressure on the d5 square.

Position 2

What should white play in the position?

Be3 prepares Na4-a3, targeting the b4 bishop. 8.Na4 a5 is very strong. Black prevents a3-b4 advance & makes space for the bishop. After 8.Be3, Bg4 attacks the f3 knight & puts additional pressure on the d4-square.

Position 3

What is the most accurate solution for white?

10.a3! is the way to go. After Bc5 Bxc5 dc5, Nxe5! is the tactical shot solving white's problems. Instead,10h3?! plays right into black's hand. Black wanted to capture on f3 & this move just provokes the capture.

Position 4

Find the best move for Black.

Bc5! is a prophylactic move against a3. Black is happy to trade off the misplaced bishop & simultaneously open the d-file for the Queen/Rook, putting pressure on the d3 pawn.

Position 5

White is preparing f4. What should black play to neutralize f4?

c6! closes down the h1-a8 diagonal & black is ready to meet f4 with exf4 gxf4 f5! exerting pressure on the e4&f4 pawns. 14...Qe7 or 14...Nb8 is a very respectable alternative as well.

Position 6

How should white challenge black's central control?

By undermining the centre! b4 challenges the control over d4 squares and poses some problems. Instead, Aronian went Kh1?! in the game & Arjun capitalized on the missed opportunity with a5! , stopping b4 permanently.

Position 7

The final challenge for you :) How did Arjun increase the pressure?

Rf7! prepares Nf8-Ne6, allowing black to activate the d7-knight. The game went on with a few inaccuracies, but Arjun was able to win convincingly.

Here's the complete game for you

Conclusion

I hope I was able to give you a glimpse of what top-level chess looks like from a human point of view. Have any questions? I will be happy to reply in the comment section.

About Me

Hey guys! This is IM Kushager Krishnater. I am a full-time chess coach & have trained more than 6 GMs! I have been the second of GM Vidit Gujarathi & GM Arjun Erigaisi, who are both 2700+ GMs. I am also the Chief Openings Coach of the Singapore National Team. For any inquiries, you can contact me at kushagerkrishnater@gmail.com.