Pawn Sacrifice for the Initiative

Pawn Sacrifice for the Initiative

Schedule: June 25-28, 17:00-20:00 UK time (09:00-12:00 California, 12:00-15:00 New York, 18:00-21:00 CET)

Many powerful ideas in chess begin with a pawn sacrifice. By giving up material at the right moment, players can gain the initiative, activate their pieces, gain control of key squares, and create lasting pressure that is often difficult for the opponent to handle.

In this online camp, legendary Grandmaster and former World Championship challenger Boris Gelfand will share his insights into one of the game’s most important dynamic themes. With examples from both classic and modern chess, he will explain how strong players evaluate pawn sacrifices, assess compensation, and use material sacrifices to gain active and dangerous positions.

Over 10 hours of instruction, you will explore positions where a pawn is invested for development, piece activity, attacking chances, control of critical squares, or long-term positional compensation. The focus will be on understanding not only when a sacrifice is justified, but also how to continue playing energetically and accurately once the pawn has been given up.

You will learn:

• How to evaluate compensation for a sacrificed pawn.

• Typical pawn sacrifice ideas.

• How to maintain the initiative and keep up the pressure after investing material.

• Practical decision-making techniques used by top Grandmasters.

Through carefully selected examples, deep analysis, and instructive exercises, GM Boris Gelfand will share the thought process behind some of the most effective pawn sacrifices in chess. Whether you are an ambitious club player or an experienced tournament player, you will leave with a clearer understanding of initiative, compensation, and the practical decisions that separate strong players from the rest.

The camp will take place early evenings 25-28 June, with 3 lessons of 50 minutes each and two breaks of 10 minutes in-between each day. It will offer you a full 10 hours of training.