National Master Dan Heisman is a name that is synonymous with excellence in chess coaching and teaching. Dan authors the award-winning Novice Nook column (winner of three Chess Journalists of America "Best Instruction" awards), aimed at improving adults, for chesscafe.com that are clearly written and offer very practical advice and tips on how to improve your game . In the new Improve Your Chess series, Dan provides instruction by reviewing amateur games played on ICC and showing where the players went wrong and how to improve.

Today's show: In a theoretical opening Black varies from theory but both sides play reasonably and a game with chances for both sides ensues. Black, however, continues to play quickly and is mesmerized by a cheap tactical trick, and plays a few bad moves hoping White will miss the idea. Instead, White refutes Black's play, sacrificing the exchange for a winning attack. With several winning continuations, White easily finds one and, with careful play, gets Black into a mating attack. Black finally resigns one move before checkmate, a not-unexpected defeat due to his quick and superficial play.

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