Understanding Interesting Philidor Positions: Insights from GM Krisztian Szabo

In today’s blog post, we introduce you to one of the best Grandmaster coaches in the world (and the happiest) Grandmaster Krisztian Szabo, whose students have been making waves globally.

We also present a short course on Philidor Rook endgame positions with GM Szabo, giving our readers a glimpse of how grandmasters think.

We want to thank all our readers who have supported us throughout our journey, written to us and encouraged us. Thank you once again!

In this short video course, GM Szabo discusses some interesting Philidor positions in Rook endgames, highlighting key strategies for both the attacker and the defender. The Philidor position involves placing the defending rook on the third rank to prevent the opposing king from advancing. Key points include:

Basic Strategy: The defending side keeps the rook on the back rank, giving checks to prevent the opponent’s king from advancing in front of the pawn.
King and Pawn Coordination: The attacker aims to maneuver the king and pawn effectively to reach a winning position while avoiding traps that lead to a draw.
Defensive Moves: The defender must utilize precise rook placements, often moving behind the pawn, to maintain a draw. For example, Rook E1 is a crucial move to counter White's King F6.
Winning Tactics: The attacker should aim to reach a Lucena position, where the pawn can be promoted successfully with proper rook and king coordination.
Common Mistakes: Misplacing the rook or king can lead to a loss for the defender. Proper understanding of these positions helps avoid common pitfalls.

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GM Szabo demonstrates these principles through various example positions, emphasising the importance of correct maneuvering and strategic play in Rook endgames.

To watch the complete video, download the session PGNs, and learn more in-depth about Philidor positions, subscribe to our premium plans today.

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M Krisztian Szabo: A Hungarian Grandmaster's Journey

GM Krisztian Szabo is a Hungarian grandmaster known for his competitive prowess and esteemed coaching. With a history of competing at some of the highest levels in chess, he offers lessons on Chess.com for players of all backgrounds and skill levels, consistently helping his students reach their chess goals.

Szabo's expertise extends beyond his own play; he serves as the second for GM Richard Rapport (Peak World Rank #5, Peak Rating 2776) and has been an analysis partner for legendary players, including GM Judit Polgar (Former World Women No. 1) and GM Peter Leko (Peak World Rank #4, Peak Rating 2763).

He began playing chess at the age of 5, and although he achieved high positions as a player, he discovered that his greatest passion lies in teaching and coaching.

*A picture of GM Szabo at an event with legendary GM Judit Polgar. Photo: Courtesy of Szabo.*

Getting Started in Chess

Szabo was introduced to chess at the age of five when his father bought a computer that included a chess game. He was immediately captivated. This early introduction led him to the local chess club, Fehervar SE, where Ferenc Botos became his first coach.

Other significant coaches in Szabo's career include IM Bela Molnar, IM Miklos Orso, and IM Dr. Laszlo Hazai, who played a crucial role in his professional development from 2002 onwards.

Coaching and Seconding: The Dual Role

Since 2012, Szabo has refined his coaching methods, working with students of all levels, from beginners to top-level professionals. As a coach, he finds immense satisfaction in passing on his knowledge and witnessing his students' successes. Being a second, on the other hand, involves developing the best materials tailored to the player's needs.

It's an exciting role where Szabo shares in the player's experiences, whether they win or lose. He maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date repertoire of all openings, which helps him support players like Grandmaster Richard Rapport.

Magnus Opus: A Memorable Game

One of Szabo's most memorable victories was against GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (Peak World Rank #11), a particularly strong player who had won the individual European championship a few years prior. This game marked Szabo's first encounter with a grandmaster rated over 2700, and he was both excited and motivated.

His strategic play and tactical prowess led to a satisfying victory, demonstrating his deep understanding of the game.

Approach to Coaching

Szabo believes in passing on his knowledge to those who see the beneficial effects of chess and wish to use it for their development.

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He focuses on strengthening his students' foundations and building on them through a thematic system. He also imparts values such as respect, humility, and perseverance.

Proud Moments

Szabo takes pride in all his enthusiastic students, but a standout moment was when his student, GM Aryan Chopra, became a grandmaster at the age of 14, making him the youngest grandmaster at the time.

Another proud moment was when GM Richard Rapport qualified for the 2022 Madrid Candidates tournament after defeating GM Dmitry Andreikin.

A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.

Student's Testimonials

Here are some select testimonials from the thousands of students whose lives GM Szabo has impacted over the years as a chess coach.

The role of the coach is to create the conditions for learning to happen and to find ways of motivating the players.

We cannot be grateful enough to him for his exemplary service to the chess community, both as a coach and as a player.

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I started training with Krisztian in 2013 when I was 11 and rated 2120. Krisztian's training played a crucial role in my achieving my first IM norm in 2013, becoming an IM in 2015, and later a GM in 2016 at the age of 14. I was the youngest GM in the world at the time. Plus, Krisztian was always fun to work with. He was understanding, kind, and always motivated me.
Grandmaster Aryan Chopra
(Peak Rating: 2641)

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GM Szabo is a perfect coach. He is an exceptional opening specialist. With his help, I achieved 3 GM norms.
International Master Sean Winshand
(Peak Rating: 2452)

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I have been training with Krisztian for 8 years. When I started, I was still a beginner. Today, I have won many tournaments and important games. In 2022, I reached a rating of 2300, earning the FM title. I still really enjoy every moment of our lessons. I have learned a lot from him, and the lessons are always great fun. We talk about openings, middlegames, endgames, and every part of chess. Krisztian teaches me excellent material and explains all the important moments. While you can learn an opening from a book or a course, it is only a fraction as valuable as understanding the transition from opening theory to a middlegame plan. If you understand those transitions, chess becomes much easier, as you play from good positions with good plans, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. Thank you so much, Krisztian!
Fide Master Attila Forgacs
(Peak Rating: 2286)

The best coaches are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see.

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I have been training with Krisztian for 7 years (since I was 10) and I still really enjoy every moment of it. I have learned a lot from him and the classes are always great fun. We talk about openings, middlegames, endgames, and every part of chess. Krisztian teaches me excellent material and explains all the important moments. I have won several chess tournaments, and he helped me with preparations as well. I am very happy that in 2022 I became an FM. I’m looking forward to our future classes.
Fide Master Fule Simon
(Peak Rating: 2351)

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I have been training with Krisztian for 9 years (since I was 11) and I still really enjoy every moment of it. I have learned a lot from him, and the classes are always great fun. We talk about openings, middlegames, endgames, and every part of chess. Krisztian teaches me excellent material and explains all the important moments. I have won several chess tournaments, and he has helped me with preparations too. I’m looking forward to our next class.
Zhou Hao
(Peak Rating: 2032)

A great coach is not just a teacher but also a mentor and a friend.

Responsibilities and Advice

Szabo sees his role as a coach as a pedagogical one, focused on development. He emphasizes the importance of students being genuinely interested in chess, enjoying the game, and being diligent and humble.

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His advice to all chess players is to be brave and imaginative. He believes that chess is an eternal game that benefits everyday life, enhancing memory, logic, and strategic thinking.

His teaching methodology focuses on building a solid opening repertoire and working effectively with endgames. For middlegame study, he provides model games with the same openings they study.

He helps his players improve their calculation skills and provides materials so they can also work well independently. Depending on the student's level and needs, Szabo also plays practice games to address practical issues or prepare for tournament opponents.

Szabo welcomes students of all levels, as he enjoys helping everyone who loves chess. He believes that ensuring players enjoy the chess journey is the most important task for a coach and works hard to make them feel that way.

GM Krisztian Szabo's journey in chess, both as a player and a coach, underscores the profound impact of dedication and passion. Whether you are seeking private instruction or inspiration, Szabo's story and insights offer valuable lessons for all chess enthusiasts.

**GM Szabo holding the Mitropa Cup after his victory with Hungary in 2014. Photo: Courtesy of Szabo.**

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