We are happy to present another fascinating course by GM Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko - Boost Your Calculation. Just like in his previous courses, GM Oleksiyenko uses a highly interactive teaching approach. He believes that the only way to master a skill is through practice. The interactive approach is also enhanced by the structure of the course. The material is divided into training positions that are sorted by chapters. Here is how we suggest that you should work with the course:
1) Take at least 15-20 minutes to think about each position
2) Listen to the instructive video explanations provided by the author
3) Check the PGN version of the answer to study the position in greater detail
The course is divided into the following topics:
INTRODUCTION
TRAPPING THE QUEEN
SURPRISING MOVE OR AN IDEA
UNEXPECTED SACRIFICE
LONG STRAIGHTFORWARD LINES
CHECKMATE OR CHECKMATE THREAT
MY ENDGAME STUDIES
FINAL CHAPTER WITH NO HINTS
In each one of the chapters, you will find a number of training positions that you must solve. It goes without saying that each test is backed up by an extensively annotated solution.
In the introduction to the course, GM Oleksiyenko gives the following example:
White to move
White is winning by means of the elegant 1.Bb8!! Rxe1+ 2.Rxe1 when Black cannot simultaneously protect the rook and the backrank mate. Even more interesting is the comment that Oleksiyenko provides at that point, "I asked myself: "Why on Earth a move like Bb8 is even possible?" The answer to this question gave me the four main signs of a possible combination! 1. Can I give a check? - Yes! Rxe8 is a check 2. Can I threaten the checkmate? - Yes! 3. What are the undefended pieces? - The queen is certainly the problem! 4. What are the semi-protected pieces? - Both rooks have one piece attacking them and one piece defending them! What else was going on? Back-rank problem! Then I also realized that all five signs are crucial! You cannot remove one and still have a win! I also realized that I need to pay attention to the signs in advance so that I focus my tactical vision properly".
About the Author
Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko, a Ukrainian chess grandmaster born on September 30, 1986, in Lviv, is a prominent figure in the chess world. He has a peak Elo rating of 2643 and has achieved notable successes both as a player and a coach.
As a player, Mykhaylo became the Champion of Ukraine in 2016 and has excelled in rapid chess, earning the title of Rapid Champion of Ukraine in 2014. He has represented Ukraine in numerous international competitions and continues to compete at a high level.
Mykhaylo is also an accomplished chess educator. He has created multiple chess courses for platforms like Chessable and Udemy, benefiting thousands of students worldwide. His instructional videos on his YouTube channel offer valuable insights into various aspects of the game.
In addition to his instructional work, Mykhaylo has contributed to the chess community by creating chess DVDs and conducting webinars. His extensive coaching experience includes guiding national teams to success in prestigious events, such as the 2022 World Teams and the 2018 Olympiad.
Mykhaylo holds a Candidate of Physico-Mathematical Sciences (Ph.D.) degree and is recognized as an International Grandmaster since 2005. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, he effectively communicates his deep understanding of chess to a global audience.
Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko's multifaceted contributions to chess make him a respected and influential figure in the world of chess, both as a player and an educator.