Lessons

Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

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

Mamedyarov's Opening Surprises

Openings
5 Lessons
78 Minutes
25 Challenges
Released July 14, 2021