Must-Know Defensive Techniques 

The April Edition of Strategy Wednesday – Must-Know Defensive Strategies is Now a Digital Product!

The April edition of Strategy Wednesday, led by GM Ioannis Papaioannou, is now available as a digital product! This course explores the essential art of defensive play, covering the fundamental techniques and mindset required to hold difficult positions and turn defense into counterplay.

Through 4 carefully structured lectures, GM Papaioannou guides you through the key defensive principles, typical defensive setups, and critical decision-making under pressure. Whether you're looking to improve your defensive skills or learn how to exploit weaknesses in your opponent's defensive play, this course will enhance your understanding of the most important defensive concepts and practical techniques.

What's Included?

✅ 4 Video Lectures – Masterclass coverage of essential defensive strategies

✅ PGN Files – Full analysis and key defensive model games

✅ 40 Test Positions – Practice the core defensive themes with practical exercises

Now, let's take a brief look at each of the lectures:

LECTURE 1 - THE ART OF ACTIVE DEFENSE

In the first lecture, GM Ioannis Papaioannou explores the fundamental question: what does defense truly mean in chess? You will discover that effective defense goes beyond finding the objectively best move, especially when such moves lead to passive, cheerless positions. The lecture emphasizes the importance of creating active defensive counterplay through moves that pose real and psychological threats to your opponent. Special attention is given to key defensive concepts including avoiding "lazy" moves through precise calculation, strategic material sacrifices, and constructing defensive fortresses. Understanding when to gamble and create complications rather than passively defending is crucial for successful defensive play.

SAMPLE EXAMPLE

LECTURE 2 - MAKING CONCESSIONS AND COUNTERPLAY

In the second lecture, GM Ioannis Papaioannou delves into the art of making concessions to create defensive counterplay. You will learn when and how to sacrifice material purposefully, transforming difficult positions through positional exchange sacrifices and counter-attacking techniques. The lecture explores the crucial skill of changing the character of the battle by giving up material to shift from passive defense to active play. Special emphasis is placed on defending seemingly lost positions by creating complications that give your opponent practical problems to solve. Understanding these advanced defensive concepts will help you turn desperate situations into fighting chances.

SAMPLE EXAMPLE

LECTURE 3 - MAINTAINING COMPLICATIONS AND ENDGAME DEFENSE

In the third lecture, GM Ioannis Papaioannou emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding "lazy" moves and refusing to calculate accurately when defending difficult positions. You will learn how to keep the game complicated when you're worse, denying your opponent the opportunity to improve their position through logical, straightforward moves. The lecture focuses on creating tactical and strategic complications that force your opponent to navigate complex decisions under time pressure. Special attention is given to holding worse but defensible endgames through precise technique and psychological pressure.

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LECTURE 4 - PASSIVE DEFENSE AND LOST POSITION TECHNIQUES

In the fourth and final lecture, GM Ioannis Papaioannou explores the challenging art of holding worse positions through passive defensive techniques. You will learn essential skills for playing in completely lost positions, where finding the most resilient defensive setups can still offer practical chances. The lecture demonstrates how to defend through counter-attacking, creating threats even when your position appears hopeless. Special emphasis is placed on psychological aspects of defense, showing how to make your opponent's winning task as difficult as possible.

SAMPLE EXAMPLE