Lessons

Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

Start

How does a star player like Shakhriyar Mamedyarov prepare openings to score quick victories? He surprises his opponent with sharp complications. Check out some of his best opening ideas!

How to attack on the kingside against the King's Indian.
How to sacrifice early and shock the Tarrasch Defense.
How to force a razor-sharp Nimzo-Indian.
How to try tricky ideas in the Slav and Semi-Slav.

Shakh Shocks The Tarrasch Defense: Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

Shakh begins his new series with a line you can try to surprise anyone who plays the Tarrasch Defense. You can win back material or go all-in with an amazing piece sacrifice.

16 min

5 Challenges

An Amazing Rg1 In The Slav: Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

When Black plays the Slav Defense he or she is usually hoping for a quiet life. GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov has an aggressive idea to cause your opponent's all kinds of headaches.

15 min

5 Challenges

A Nasty Knight Jump: Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

How should you spice up an extremely solid line of the a6 Semi-Slav? GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is back with another tricky idea to spice up a quiet-looking variation.

14 min

5 Challenges

A Deadly Battery Against The KID: Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

The King's Indian usually leads to Black attacking on the kingside, but we don't need to give up on the initiative so easily. GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov shows a surprising way for White to aim for mate right from the opening.

15 min

5 Challenges

Attacking The Nimzo - Indian: Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

How do you fight against world number two, Fabiano Caruana, and his solid Nimzo-Indian Defense? GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov found a stunning sacrifice to spark a vicious attack.

18 min

5 Challenges