Chess Strategy and Tactics: Paul Morphy's Amazing Games

Learn From Paul Morphy's genius: Openings, Tactics, and Strategic Insights and Key Principles of the Open Tactical Game

4.69 (54 reviews)

Udemy

platform

English

language

Gaming

What you will learn

Be able to play the King's Gambit with key Morphy model games in mind

Be able to play the Italian game and in particular the exciting Evans Gambit with key Morphy model games in mind

Be able to play the Scotch game more comfortably with key Morphy model games in mind

Be able to understand the dangers of the Evans Gambit more clearly as Morphy had nearly a 90% success rate with this in preference to the Ruy Lopez

Be able to see clearly how going for the King can even overcome material odds given at the start of games

Be able to maximise win probability even when playing with extreme material odds using techniques of pawn fragmentation around opponent's king or "Thorn pawns"

Be able to calculate forcing variations more accurately with a Morphy King hunting mindset

Be able to have a number of options and mindset for opening up positions and creating tactical opportunities

Be able to study a master without being distracted too much by modern technical opening theory to more easily grasp key concepts and ideas fundamental to chess

Be able to learn from one the greatest tactical old master to reinforce tactics, forcing moves and combinations and imaginative win-generating concepts

Be able to see how to win against inferior play by non masters who are less familiar with opening theory, tactics and positional play than todays masters

Be able to appreciate more the so called "Romantic era" of chess which featured intuitive sacrifice and mate instead of often tedious modern grinding games

Be able to appreciate a wide range of Paul Morphy iconic games - not just the "Opera" game which Paul Morphy is mostly remembered for

Be able to appreciate why a6 in the Ruy Lopez is named after Morphy - known as the Morphy defence to the Ruy Lopez and is seen in over 65% of Ruy Lopez games

Be able to form a more "concrete" mindset about downside actual exploitability in concrete moves as opposed to what looks intuitively or vaguely promising

Be able to experience a fine "chess game art gallery" with many beautiful and brilliant games which also have great instructiveness to them

Be able to play exciting attacking dynamic chess and especially Gambits which were common in the Romantic era of chess

Be able to understand that Chess understanding concretely is an evolving community database of example games, and Paul Morphy is an essential foundation of that

Be able to understand more what chess commentators mean when they use terms like "principled"

Be able to handle Open positions - Mikhail Botvinnik indicated that in such handling there has been nothing new since Morphy

Be able to see why Bobby Fischer called him one of the most accurate players who ever lived

Be able to see why Bobby Fischer considered Paul Morphy to be probably the greatest genius of them all

Why take this course?

GroupLayout: Chess Strategy and Tactics: Paul Morphy's Amazing Games

🎓 Course Instructor: Tryfon Gavriel

🏰 Course Title: Explore the Mind of a Chess Genius with Paul Morphy's Legendary Games

🚀 Course Description:

Dive into the rich tapestry of chess history and unravel the secrets of one of the greatest minds to ever play the game – Paul Morphy. As an American prodigy, Morphy left an indelible mark on the world of chess with his swift and decisive games. His brilliance earned him the title of an unofficial World Chess Champion, a status that resonated through the ages, influencing the likes of Bobby Fischer and garnering the respect of giants such as José Raúl Capablanca and Wilhelm Steinitz.

🌟 Key Takeaways:

Morphy's Masterpieces: Delve into the breathtaking games where Morphy demonstrated his unparalleled skill, particularly those concluded in just 25 moves or less – each a masterclass in tactical prowess and strategic depth.
Precision and Creativity: Learn from the 'Opera game' and other legendary matches that showcase Morphy's precision in calculation and his boundless creativity, as noted by Fischer.
Influential Legacy: Understand why both Capablanca and Steinitz admired Morphy for his profound grasp of chess fundamentals and open game mastery, making his legacy an invaluable resource for any aspiring player.

🧠 Course Outline:

Rapid Development and Center Control: Master the art of swiftly moving your pieces to key squares and asserting dominance over the center of the board.
Opening Attacks: Discover how Morphy initiated his attacks in the opening, setting the stage for dynamic engagements and tactical opportunities.
Romantic School Principles: Embrace the principles of the Romantic School of Chess and experience the thrill of tactical battles that define this era.
Gambits and Aggressive Play: Explore Morphy's preference for aggressive openings like the King's Gambit and the Evans Gambit, learning how to engage in sharp tactical battles reminiscent of chess legends.

🌟 Why Take This Course?

By immersing yourself in Paul Morphy's legendary games, you will not only deepen your understanding of classic chess strategy but also be inspired by the creative and precise spirit that has motivated generations of champions. This course is designed to transform your approach to the game, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills.

Step into the world of Paul Morphy and emerge as a more inventive, tactically astute player, armed with strategies that have been at the heart of chess mastery for over a century. Join us on this journey through the timeless lessons of a true chess genius.

Ready to embark on a strategic journey? Enroll now and let the games of Paul Morphy revolutionize your understanding of chess. 🧙‍♂️✨

Our review

Course Review for "Paul Morphy: The Player of the Century"

Overview: The course offers an in-depth analysis of Paul Morphy's legendary chess games, taught by Tryfon Gavriel. It is designed to cater to both beginners and advanced players who wish to learn from one of the greatest chess masters of all time. The course rating stands at a near-perfect 4.95, with all recent reviews expressing high satisfaction.

Pros:

Engaging Content for All Levels: Reviews highlight that the course is not only informative but also engaging for beginners as well as seasoned players. The games analysed are from an era before modern chess theories, focusing on open play and tactical brilliance.
Enthusiastic Teaching Style: Tryfon Gavriel's enthusiasm for Morphy and chess in general is a notable highlight, making the course material come alive and adding immense value to the learning experience.
Educational Value: The course is considered highly instructional, offering insights into the Romantic age of Chess, which is seen as a pure and exciting era of the game.
Inspirational and Motivating: The early lectures are carefully crafted to motivate and inspire learners, promising an informative and entertaining exploration of Paul Morphy's chess genius.
Legendary Status: The course is associated with a legend of the game, making it a must-study for anyone looking to become the best attacking chess player at their club or to improve their tactical play.
Violent Efficiency and Piece Coordination: Morphy's games are showcased as examples of 'violent efficiency' and masterful coordination of pieces, providing valuable lessons on how to exploit opponent weaknesses.
Historical Insight: The fact that many of the games were played blindfolded adds to the historical insight and understanding of Morphy's extraordinary skill level.

Cons:

None Identified: With a near-perfect rating and positive feedback across all recent reviews, it is challenging to identify any significant cons in this course. The content appears to meet the expectations of its audience effectively.

Conclusion: "Paul Morphy: The Player of the Century" is an exceptional course that has garnered high praise from the chess community. Its ability to cater to a wide range of skill levels, coupled with the infectious enthusiasm of Tryfon Gavriel, makes it a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in understanding and appreciating the genius of Paul Morphy. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or an advanced player looking to deepen your tactical knowledge, this course promises to be both informative and enjoyable. It is a testament to Morphy's enduring legacy and an excellent addition to any chess enthusiast's learning journey.