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📚 Chess Courses – Openings, Tactics, Middlegame, Endgames

The Provocative Tango Chess Opening: Tactics and Strategy

Use early Nc6 to provoke weaknesses and seize the initiative vs 1.e4 and 1.d4. Master the Mexican & Nimzovich Defences, strategic bishop swaps, and kingside attacks.

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Knights’ Tango Chess Opening – Video Playlist

What You Will Learn

Master Provocation with Nc6 Discover how the move Nc6 can be used as a tool to provoke weaknesses in your opponent’s position from the very first moves, disrupting their standard plans and setting traps.
Exploit Pawn Structure Weaknesses Learn how to identify, create, and ruthlessly exploit structural weaknesses in your opponent’s camp, gaining both tactical and strategic advantages.
Strategic Bishop Exchanges Understand when and why to exchange bishops to amplify weaknesses on a color complex, especially to launch dark-square attacks.
Master the Black Knights’ Tango and Mexican Defence Gain confidence playing provocative systems as Black versus 1.d4 and 1.e4, including the Two Knights’ Tango, Mexican Defense, and Nimzovich Defense.
Initiate Powerful Kingside Attacks Learn how earlier provocation can set up devastating kingside attacks using the classic Tango motifs and move orders.
Use Provocation as White (“Reverse Tango”) See how to use the “Reverse Tango” (1.Nc3) with White to surprise opponents and apply similar provocative ideas.
Leverage Grandmaster Model Games Study deeply annotated games by legends like Tony Miles to understand the practical application of these openings and concepts.
Transition from Opening to Middlegame and Endgame Understand how the opening choices set up advantages in the middlegame and even endgame.
Handle Space Disadvantages Learn strategies to neutralize or even capitalize on space disadvantages by timely piece trades and counterplay.
Deploy Dark-Square Strategies Master dark-square attacks and see how trading the dark-squared bishop can break down your opponent’s defenses.

Course Highlights

11 Hours of On-Demand Video Stream detailed, practical lessons covering every phase of the Knights’ Tango and related openings.
Full Lifetime Access Revisit lessons anytime, at your own pace, on any device.
Certificate of Completion Get an official certificate to showcase your progress.
Access on Mobile and TV Study wherever you are—on mobile, tablet, or smart TV.
Beginner-Friendly, Grandmaster Approved Suitable for beginner to intermediate players, with model games from Grandmasters and FIDE titled instructors.
84 Practical Lectures Benefit from a well-structured course with step-by-step progression from fundamentals to advanced practical play.
Unique Focus on Provocation & Tactics Learn not just theory, but the psychology and strategy behind using provocative moves to win games.
Apply to Both 1.e4 and 1.d4 Openings The Tango system arms you to surprise and frustrate opponents no matter their first move.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is this course suitable for? This course is designed for beginner to intermediate chess players who want to surprise their opponents and add an exciting weapon to their opening repertoire.
2. Do I need to know advanced chess theory to benefit from this course? No, only a basic understanding of chess rules and how the pieces move is required. All key concepts and strategies are explained in an accessible way.
3. What is the Knights’ Tango or Black Knights’ Tango? The Knights’ Tango (or Black Knights’ Tango) is an offbeat but powerful chess opening that uses early knight maneuvers (Nc6, Nf6) to provoke weaknesses and disrupt standard plans for both 1.e4 and 1.d4.
4. Can this system be played as both Black and White? Yes! You’ll learn the Black Knights’ Tango and how to use similar provocative ideas as White with the “Reverse Tango” (1.Nc3).
5. What makes the Tango system effective in practical play? The Tango system provokes early weaknesses, creates imbalances, and leads to positions unfamiliar to many opponents, making it highly effective for club and online play.
6. Does the course include annotated games by Grandmasters? Absolutely. The course features deeply annotated games by Tony Miles and others, helping you see theory in action and understand key plans.
7. Will I learn how to transition to middlegame and endgame? Yes, the course covers how your opening choices set up strategic and tactical opportunities that carry through to the middlegame and endgame.
8. How much content is included? The course features over 11 hours of video lessons, 84 lectures, and is accessible on all devices with lifetime access.
9. Can I ask questions if I get stuck? Yes, you can ask questions directly on the course platform and connect with the instructor or fellow students for support.
10. Will I get a certificate of completion? Yes, after completing the course you’ll receive a certificate you can share with others or add to your chess resume.

Top Reviews

FNA/AFM Mark Anthony D.

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Hello Sir Mr. Kingscrusher your topic is very interesting and instructive. Especially for Tango Opening. Actually, this is my first time that I heard that opening and I was shocked during your discussions that it is considered also as gambit. Thank you so much sir :)

Instructor response: Many thanks Mark :)

David S.

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I love learning the reverse tango with Kingscrusher. Engaging and amusing commentary. Deadly weapon of choice to give an informational advantage in many cases. Highly recommended.

Instructor response: Many thanks David :)

Mr James H.

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Excellent introduction. Looking forward to getting into the meat of the analysis!

Instructor response: Many thanks for your rating :)

Blaine H.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kingscrusher is excellent at teaching/explaining. Great series and quality.

Instructor response: Many thanks Blaine :)

Rezheen A.

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Tryfon explains all of the positions clearly and extensively in the knights tango system. I will try and utilize his techniques and recommendations in my own games. Thanks Kingscrusher.

Nigel T.

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I'm really enjoying the course and learning a ton along the way. Thanks Kingscrusher!

Instructor response: Thank you so much Nigel for your kind comments :) Cheers, Tryfon

Ken F.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The courses from Kingscrusher have taken my chess to the next level. I was stuck in the mid 1800's but I have recently managed to get to over 2100. Hope it lasts, it's up to me now.

Instructor response: Thank you so much :)

Wouter K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

fantastic!

Instructor response: Many thanks :)

Dave

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KC always makes me smile. Looks like he put in a lot of work for this course! I've been curious about the Tango...Now I've got no excuse not to get cracking and actually learn something about it. ;)

Instructor response: Many thanks Dave :)

Colin R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Exactly what I was looking for!

Phillip M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you like quality courses on the subject of chess then KC delivers. He speaks clearly and the course video and audio quality are on point. His knowledge is extremely good and I can only guess the reason he isn’t a GM is because he devotes a lot of time to creating amazing chess courses and not going after IM or GM Norms. Playing with the black pieces is often seen as a disadvantage but Tryfon shows us some interesting moves that dissolve the perceived disadvantage of going second. Check out what he has to say about the Caro Kann in his openings course. He often provides discount codes.

Instructor response: I really appreciate your enthusiasm and positivity - glad you find value in my courses. Best wishes, Tryfon

Om G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am satisfied with this course. Many variations are told in less time. It is a qualitative content. I am enjoying the course. May you (@Respected Kingscrusher) enjoy a healthy life😊

Instructor response: Many thanks Om :)

Jorge M.

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Good to have more analysis on the Tango. Will hopefully up my bullet game.

Instructor response: Many thanks for your rating :)

Matt C.

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Very interesting!

Top 100 Fun Facts & Trivia – The Knight’s Tango Chess Opening

1. Multiple Names The Knight’s Tango is also known as the Black Knights’ Tango, Mexican Defense, and the Kevitz–Trajkovic Defense.
2. A True “Tango” The opening is named for the knights’ dance-like maneuvering on c6 and f6.
3. Main Line Moves The classic Knight’s Tango begins with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 Nc6.
4. Tony Miles’ Weapon British GM Tony Miles was a leading practitioner and promoter of the Tango in top-level play.
5. Mexican Roots IM Carlos Torre was the first notable player to popularize the “Mexican Defense” (Tango).
6. A System Opening Like the London System for White, the Tango is a flexible system opening for Black.
7. Transpositional Flexibility The Knight’s Tango can transpose into the King’s Indian, Nimzo-Indian, and even Queen’s Gambit setups.
8. Rare at Elite Level It’s seldom seen in modern super-GM games but can surprise even titled opponents.
9. Knight’s Journey The signature knight route: Nc6–e7–g6, “dancing” to its best square.
10. Symmetry and Asymmetry The Tango often creates asymmetrical pawn structures and rich middlegames.
11. Also Playable vs. 1.e4 The Nimzowitsch Defense (1.e4 Nc6) can transpose to Tango-like ideas.
12. Provocative Play Black aims to provoke White’s center and create long-term targets.
13. The “Reverse Tango” White can mimic the ideas with 1.Nc3 (the Dunst Opening).
14. Early Queen Check In some lines, Black plays ...Bb4 and ...Qh4+ for surprise tactics.
15. Not a Gambit The Tango does not sacrifice material by force—it's about dynamic piece play.
16. Avoids Mainline Theory The Tango sidesteps heavy Queen’s Gambit and Nimzo-Indian theory.
17. Suitable for Blitz Its surprise value and tricky plans make it popular in blitz and rapid chess.
18. GM Nigel Davies’ Recommendation GM Davies wrote a whole book on the Black Knights’ Tango.
19. The Knight Pair The system often leaves Black with a pair of active knights controlling the center.
20. A Favorite of Club Players The Tango’s surprise value and simple plans make it ideal for club-level play.
21. Avoids the Catalan The Tango sidesteps many mainline Catalan setups for White.
22. Hybrid Defense It can become a King’s Indian, Queen’s Indian, or even a Modern Benoni.
23. Famous Victory: Miles vs. Karpov Tony Miles used similar “provocative” knight moves (1.e4 a6!) to beat World Champion Anatoly Karpov.
24. A “Hypermodern” Approach Black allows White’s center, aiming to undermine it later.
25. Tricky Pawn Levers Moves like ...d5 or ...e5 can be prepared after flexible knight development.
26. The “Czech Benoni” Connection The Tango can transpose to the Czech Benoni with ...e5 and ...d6.
27. Queen’s Gambit Reversed Some structures resemble a Queen’s Gambit, but with colors reversed.
28. Playable vs. 1.c4 The Tango works against English Opening move orders, too.
29. Thematic Exchange of Dark-Squared Bishops Trading off the dark-squared bishop can expose White’s weaknesses.
30. Bishop to b4 The move ...Bb4 is a common pin and tactical idea in Tango positions.
31. Transposes to Chigorin The Chigorin Defense (1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6) is related, but Tango avoids an early ...d5.
32. “Mexican” Defense History The name “Mexican Defense” honors IM Torre’s heritage.
33. No Mainline Refutation Despite its rarity, there’s no direct refutation of the Tango.
34. Easy to Learn The Tango’s plans and ideas are easy for improving players to grasp.
35. Theoretical “Sidelines” Top GMs consider it a sideline, but it can be very practical below 2400 level.
36. The “Tango Triangle” The c6–e7–g6 triangle is key to Black’s setup.
37. Effective vs. Queen’s Pawn Openings The Tango works well against 1.d4, 1.c4, and sometimes 1.Nf3.
38. “Offbeat” is In Engines and modern masters now respect offbeat openings more than ever.
39. Computer Analysis Approved Modern engines show the Tango is playable with best play.
40. Attacking Opportunities The setup can quickly lead to kingside attacks with ...Ng6, ...h5, and ...Qh4.
41. The “Knight Pirouette” Black’s knights can move from c6–e7–g6–f4 in certain attacking lines.
42. Delayed Center Black often delays ...d5 or ...e5 to see White’s intentions.
43. Early ...e6 Option Sometimes Black supports the center with ...e6, blending with Nimzo-Indian setups.
44. The “Miles System” The name “Miles System” is sometimes used due to Tony Miles’ advocacy.
45. Avoids Petroff Draws In e4 lines, the Tango avoids symmetrical, drawish Petroff positions.
46. Psychological Value Most opponents are out of book after move three!
47. The “Black Knights” Theme Both Black knights leap into action quickly—rare in most defenses.
48. A Favorite in Simuls Masters often use the Tango in simultaneous exhibitions for its flexibility.
49. GM Viktor Kupreichik’s Choice The late Belarusian GM Viktor Kupreichik used the Tango successfully.
50. Avoids the Exchange Slav Tango setups can bypass boring Slav Exchange variations.
51. Unique Move Order Tricks Move orders like ...e5 or ...d5 at the right moment can catch White off guard.
52. Not in Most Opening Books Many repertoire books for White ignore the Tango entirely!
53. Can Be Played vs. 1.Nf3 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 Nc6 transposes directly to the Tango.
54. No Early Commitment Black can wait and see before committing pawns to the center.
55. Good in Online Play Fast games favor the Tango’s dynamic and flexible ideas.
56. Occasional Draw Odds Some GMs play the Tango when they only need a draw with Black.
57. Queen’s Knight Attack Connections The Dunst Opening (1.Nc3) as White can mimic Tango-style plans.
58. Avoids Mainline Grunfeld White can’t easily force a Grunfeld if Black plays the Tango.
59. A Favorite on YouTube The Tango is featured in many YouTube “offbeat chess opening” videos.
60. Surprising Success It scores surprisingly well in club-level chess.
61. Unbalanced Play Leads to rich, unbalanced positions—great for playing for a win.
62. Playable vs. Kids and Masters Its trickiness is effective vs. both beginners and strong players.
63. The Early ...Nb4 Black’s knight sometimes jumps to b4 for pressure on c2 and d3.
64. Flexible Bishop Development Black’s light-squared bishop can go to b4, c5, or even e7.
65. Not Just for Black White can “reverse Tango” with 1.Nc3 and similar ideas.
66. Not Mainstream—But Not “Bad” The Tango is offbeat but perfectly sound for practical play.
67. Useful Surprise Weapon Even strong players are often unsure of the best reply.
68. Book Recommendations GM Nigel Davies’ “The Black Knights’ Tango” is a classic guide.
69. Avoids Dead Draws Very few forced-draw lines exist in Tango positions.
70. No Forced Theory Both sides must think for themselves from move four onward.
71. “Hybrid” Defenses Sometimes Black blends Tango with King’s Indian or Benoni plans.
72. Knight Endgames Knight-rich endgames arise more frequently due to early exchanges.
73. Useful for Learning Knight Tactics Studying Tango games is great for understanding the power of knights!
74. Practical for Lazy Players You don’t need to memorize 20 moves of theory to play the Tango.
75. Thematic ...f5 Push The ...f5 pawn break is sometimes a key attacking weapon for Black.
76. Avoids the London System’s Sting White can’t simply play the standard London without being challenged.
77. Queen’s Gambit Avoidance The Tango can prevent White from entering the Queen’s Gambit.
78. Many Transpositions You can reach the Tango through unusual move orders, even starting 1.Nf3 or 1.c4.
79. Useful for Creative Players The opening rewards creativity and tactical alertness.
80. A “Sidestep” Opening Great for players who don’t want to face heavy theory or symmetrical positions.
81. Can Lead to Both Open and Closed Games Flexibility is one of the Tango’s greatest strengths.
82. Respected by Engines Modern engines give the Tango full equality with best play.
83. Useful for “Mouse-Slip” Defense Even if you slip and play ...Nc6, you’re not immediately worse!
84. Works in All Time Controls Bullet, blitz, rapid, and classical—all work for the Tango.
85. Effective “Second Opening” Many players use the Tango as a backup defense in tournaments.
86. Encourages Strategic Play Players learn strategic concepts by practicing the Tango.
87. Used in World Championships The setup has appeared in correspondence world championships.
88. No Critical Refutation There’s no easy path to advantage for White with best play.
89. Baffling for Computer Prep Hard for opponents to use computer prep against the Tango.
90. A Chess “Dance” The opening’s very name reminds players to be nimble and creative.
91. Suitable for All Ages Kids, adults, and seniors all enjoy the dynamic play of the Tango.
92. Early Bishop Exchange ...Bb4, ...Bxc3, and doubled pawns for White are common themes.
93. Supports Quick Castling Black can castle kingside early or delay for dynamic effect.
94. Unique Game Examples Many brilliancies have been played in the Tango—search for Miles, Torre, and Kupreichik games.
95. No “Best” Response for White Multiple setups are possible, but none guarantee an edge.
96. Supports Pawn Sacrifices Black can occasionally sacrifice a pawn for activity or open lines.
97. A Forgotten Gem? With chess engines leveling the field, it’s time for a Tango revival!
98. Useful for Chess Instructors Coaches use the Tango to teach piece activity and unbalanced play.
99. Fans Across the Globe Chess clubs from London to Mexico City have Tango aficionados.
100. Fun and Winning! Above all—the Tango is fun, practical, and gives real winning chances at every level!
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