November Tactical Position

Black to play and win

What is the best move here for black ?

Technique & tactics

White to play in the following position. What is the best move for White ?

Alternatively, try to win this position with White against your favorite chess engine.

1.?

Five Technical Positions (Know your classics !)

Often we ask ourselves how to make progress in chess, gain rating points,etc.
I suggest you play the following positions against the strongest engine you have (Shredder, Rybka, Fritz, Toga, Crafty, Junior,etc). Or against a sparring partner by alternating colors.

All positions with White to play and win

Position I




















Position II



















Position III




















Position IV



















Position V






































If you wonder what is the perfect play in each position, you can consult the answer here:

http://www.shredderchess.com/online-chess/online-databases/endgame-database.html

Improve your endgame technique (training positions)

Practice makes perfect. Here are two technical endgame positions. Both positions are for white to play. Spend 5 minutes assessing each position. I recommend you play from the White's side both positions in 15'+2'' against your favorite chess engine ( Rybka,Fritz,Shredder,Crafty,Fruit 2.1...).

Position I. White to play

Position II, White to play

Both positions come from actual games.