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: White allows Black to hold the pawn after ...dxc4 in a Fianchetto Semi-Slav. White tries to play aggressively but his game falls apart. He tries a desperate kingside attack and Black defends poorly, allowing at least a draw. However, White tries to win and ends up with an inferior game. In the endgame, Black is much better, but captures a pawn the wrong way, allowing White the opportunity to grab a key file with a rook and possible winning chances. However, White fails to take that opportunity and then, finally, his chances run out and Black is able to reel in the win.

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