Chess forum by Grandmasters

Question in the Tromp

In Crushing d4 Sidelines, Section 1, video 7, this position: https://imgur.com/a/cPpUuvB

(1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 d5 3.Bxf6 exf6 4.e3 c6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.Nd2)

it is mentioned that White's idea is to play Qf3 and prevent ...f5, but thinking logically, why not play ...f5 right away after Nd2, before White plays Qf3?

PS I've posted 3 times in the last 2 days, hope it's not too much ;)

Replies

Stockfish doesn't like f5 immediately, I think it has its explanation but I couldn't find out it, maybe h3-g4 will follow? Anyway would be better to wait for the coach to answer. 

btw, ask as much as you want and don't worry about that, especially since your questions are interesting and logical :)  

Inguh, really a good question :) 
Looking at the position now, it seems absolutely fine too. 

Selection of advanced topics

Could I ask why in particular the Nc6 anti-sicilian topics e.g. 4... e6/a6/g6 are advanced?

It's not a move that only 2200+ will play especially given its proximity to the start, and knowing how to deal with them is rather important to the system's viability. If there were good workarounds given then perhaps that would qualify. It's one thing to say don't worry about it for blitz, but another if you are going to be playing in a match or a tournament. Personally I would leave advanced for giving information that isn't likely to be remembered because it's long, difficult to get right or just too much detail. However, if it's a major move you're likely to face or it's a recommendation in a major course or book, it really does need something in the ordinary course section as an alternative, or the first few moves leading to it so that it can be muddled through over the board (against perhaps less accurate responses).

Replies

But if you are a Pro member, what is the problem to watch them in the advanced section? :) 

David, before 2200 level, Most of the people whether play 3...g6 or take on b5 after Nd4. 
We have seen many times during the streams, when I was playing against lower level players. 

If you don't think so, and you meet them often, not a big deal :) 
There are in the adv. section.  

Videos on Mobile?

I can’t seem to get the videos to work on my mobile devices? I can a black screen that says the video cannot be played due to it’s privacy settings...it would be very helpful if I could use the iPad to watch the video sometimes and not have to be at my desktop...is it possible?

Replies

Hi Aaron,

I have no problem whatsoever to watch them in my smartphone. I watch the videos with the Firefox browser but you may have some privacy settings or something activated in your smartphone. The videos work perfectly in any device, if you can watch youtube and vimeo you can watch this. Try a different browser on your smartphone... That would be my first step...

Hey Aaron! 
It's strange. 

Noone had this issue before. 
Can you please contact our support him, they'll try to understand the reason and helping solving the issue. 
Please write at contact@chessmood.com 

Sicilian GP attack 2... d6 - the issues

Looking through my notes in prep for today's tournament. Am noting some issues that need to be resolved / I need to try to resolve:

Issue 1: Opening move order
One of the problems with the whole complex is that Black can play some or all of the common moves (a6, Nc6, e6, Nf6, g6 - and d6 if we go beyond this one system) in different orders. The play against them is different. Therefore there needs to be some kind of overall rules to negotiating the move order otherwise it's easy to enter a different line.

I also think an extra move-order video would be useful for that reason as part of the course, or maybe as part of a 'round-up' course which covers the contents of the 5 videos and helps with transpositions.

Issue 2: d3 or d4
In pretty much every line d3 or d4 gets played. How to choose d3 or d4. If cxd4 whether to capture Qxd4 vs Nxd4

Issue 3: Bc4, Bb5 or Bg2 (or even Be2)
A main theme is placing this bishop. When to 'retreat' to b3.

Issue 4: Capture Nc6 (when) or retreat
Another theme after Bb5 is whether the knight should be captured and when. If not, whether Ba4, Bc4, Bd3, Be2 (or maybe even f1 to redeploy on g2) should be played

Issue 5: The kingside attack
Whether to play Qe1->g3/h4, whether and when to push f5, when to let the f3 knight go (Bxf3 / Nxf3) or exchange it (usually Nxd4)

Issue 6: a4 advance
When to play this, when to keep pushing to a5/a6

Issue 7: Bc1
Where to play this piece - Be3, Bg5, Bb2 (after b3), Bd2, leave it for a bit, even Bh6 at the right moment

Issue 8: O-O or O-O-O
Mostly O-O in the videos, but there were a few times O-O-O was considered

Issue 9: Mating formations
Would be useful to have a taxonomy of these

Issue 10: Nxc2 (and maybe Nxa1)
When to allow this, when to defend, when to exchange Nf3 for Nd4. If Nxf3, capture with Q or R.

Replies

Great Post which summarises many of the tricky move order issues and other things I find with the system (good system as it is)

Great post.  It addresses some of issues I also have with the GP attack.  Frankly, I don’t really like playing it and I’m pretty close to junking it and searching for another system.

Hi David, your post puts into words what I am dealing with, too. When trying to employ these lines in blitz, I quite often feel helpless with a lack of the guiding ideas in mind. So what to do? I will finish the other openings for White first. They are much more accessible for me. After that I will go through my  pgn for the Ant-Sicilian again and integrate the stream(ChessMood team playing ChessMood openings)  into my work plan. And after that I will start playing Blitz again and will go through the games. The last step will be the Webniar on this opening (it should come out soon since there had been a dedicated tournament to the first part of Anti-Sicilian the last days).

I read through the interesting post and the replies. I find your idea how to learn the opening catching but flawed. It feels like you are trying to do it by mechanically remembering certain patterns and by providing answers to questions in specific positions. 

On suggestion of a post I can't find, GM Jones' DVD on the Sicilian Grand Prix was recommended. I bought it and have gone through about half and it's a good companion to the course here.

If anyone is interested, it's just gone on sale at Chess & Bridge, London for £5 (no idea about international shipping and customs costs), but it might be a cheaper option than the download from Ginger GM (which to be fair is a bargain as well).

Kevin D's answer is perfect! 
Guys, if you consistently watch the streams, and get into the position, you'll not have problems. 
Soon Gabuzyan starts a streaming series, where he'll play with players around your level, so it should help with feeling the positions better. 

Maybe we can organize a webinar, covering all the questions you have? 

Hoodie blunder of the month entry

This hoodie blunder is from the recent Chess Mood arena training, on the power of the bishop pair and played by my opponent (only rated 732 higher than me, which might confirm that rating has little relation to chess play, or not and that hoodie blunders can strike anyone at anytime for any reason, but that is a deep and possibly meaningless discussion, so I will not continue it.)

Sadly, I have not taken the power of the bishop course yet, but I look forward to doing so.

Anyway, here (as seen in the image), Black makes a bad move with Nh4 (knight on the rim is dim) and follows it up with the hoodie blunder move, Ke7...oooops!

This makes this a fine contender and entrant for Chess Mood Hoodie Blunder of the Month. Mind you some of my hoodie blunders this month might be considered at least equal to this!? Lol

May these hoodie blunders strike anywhere but our Chess Mood games, and happy play & training to all!

Replies

Out of interest, where does the phrase hoodie blunder come from? Is it like your hood coming down over your face - i.e. going chess blind?

How to win equal Positions?

Hello Chessmood friends,

In many openings such as French Exchange, and Slav Exchange, we may get symmetrical pawn structures which are very boring and frustrating. But, players like Ulf Anderson, Karpov, Petrosian, and ENGINES can squeeze water out of the Rock and win these positions!

Question: How to win equal Positions? 

Replies

There is a book by VasilIos Kotronias called How to Play Equal Positions

It might be helpful to you

Game 8 of Commented Classical Games would  also be good to review for Winning Equal Positions 

Do you watch chessmood daily lessons? This might be helpful :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUSwIAI2SXo

I think a good mindset is essential while playing chess. Personally, I have played games where I felt equal positions are a draw or it is not to my liking then have a lapse in concentration and lose the game. However, lessons need to be learnt! I have realized that if I'm happy, positive, confident and focused, playing equal positions won't be as dull as it seems but are actually full of opportunities! Right mood=Right move! In today's era, there is plenty of training material but chessmood is a great website to improve one's chess. 

The starting position of chess is also equal. Equal is not the same as 'draw' especially not at the amateur level. With the French exchange for example; all the pieces are still on the board! Plenty of play left in the position. 

At Master level this opening has a 55% draw rate. While at the Lichess online database only 8% drawrate. Just 2% more than 3.Nc3 in the French. 

I think the key in these positions is the control of the open file. 

There are 4 ways:

1. You can try altering the pawn structure or introducing a material imbalance.

2. You can try forcing your opponent to deal with sudden threats or by sharpening the position. 

3. You can try confronting your opponent with strategic dilemmas. 

4. You can try attacking your opponent.

Hi Kourosh,

This is a really big question. I will try to share my personal opinion about it. If a position is equal we need to outplay our opponent which means we should try to do something better.

Outplaying is a very much required practical skill, which helps to win as you mentioned equal positions.

In order to outplay you first of all need to determine the type of position.

Usually, I am trying to create weaknesses, attack King if I think it's abandoned or I have enough forces to do that, gain more space, activate my pieces, or limit the opponent's one.

To summarize I mean either you need to improve your positon and pieces or spoil opponent's one.

Openings for Black in Must Win Situation

Hello everyone, I want to add an opening against 1.d4 which is suitable to play for a win. Against 1.e4 I there are plenty of options, I play the Najdorf Sicilian. Against 1.d4 I play the Grunfeld and white can force a draw in some variations. For this I had three candidates-- i)Modern Benoni ii)King's Indian iii)Semi-Slav. I have only played more than 10 games in KID, 2 casual games in Benoni and 0 games in Semi Slav. I think I should eliminate King's Indian because its me who gets more scared with black in Mar Del Plata Variation. I scored 0.01% in Mar del Plata variation. I played modern benoni in 2 games and 2 of them, but I only played them for fun and have no experience in it. I saw some games of Shirov in the Botvinnik Semi Slav and was amazed how complicated it is. Can anyone help me of selecting the best opening? You can also share your weapons in must win situations  :-)

Replies

To be able to choose your opening based on your need, in this case a win, or based on the style of play of your opponent, you would need to know in detail more than one opening against 1.c4 Nf6 2.c4. I suggest you choose an opening that is different in style from Grunfeld that you already know. Then, depending on the style of the play of your opponent I would choose the opening that suits him or her less. This is to put the opponent out of the comfort zone.  

I always play my own openings, I change them so hard and that's my main disadvantage :(

I play the Modern Benoni and it certainly is a possibility in a must win situation.                                             It is a fantastic weapon against careless white players, but it is difficult to play against well prepared positional players, so I sometimes consider playing something else. I think I will give it another try and study more in the theory books. I can recommend John Doknjas: The Modern Benoni. He explains the ideas very well and offers a good alternative to the drawish modern mainline.

Hey Khokan,

When I am trying to choose a must to win an opening for black I am either going for Benko or Modern Benoni. The choice is logical cuz in that situation we need to choose positions where it's imbalanced. By that, I mean like black gives away the center but gets queenside to activate and has dark strong bishop like in Benoni or sacrifices a pawn and gets initiative like in Benko.

In must win situations I find that 1...g6 is quite a good try to avoid premature simplification and instead reach rich and complex positions, with the bonus that it can be employed equally well against both 1.e4 & 1.d4, making it a very compact and efficient surprise weapon. The main issue with the 2...d6 Sicilian in a must win situation is 3.Bb5+, while against Benoni/Benko hopefuls 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3 is a quite safe and solid option for White.

To sum up it is very challenging to successfully play for a must win as Black, it often boils down to psychological factors, strong nerves, risk tolerance and the ability to maintain concentration in case of a long tense fight.  It is also vitaly important that you know your 'Must Win' opening well, and fully embrace the risk that you will probably be somewhat worse if your opponent is well prepared, but with the upside being that a tense position will likely suit you more than your opponent.

Chess tactics

Hey ChessMood family,

Where do you usually solve puzzles? From the books, chess.com, lichess... ?

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I solve tactics at ChessTempo. All positions are taken from actual games

Mostly on chesstempo and lichess because they are taken from actual games. Chess.com has good puzzled but sometimes wrongly thematised or classified but I can understand the paterns quickly. Last day I hit 2000 on lichess puzzles.

Online on Chess.com and over a real board with the book "Test your Chess IQ" by Livshitz

I solve on lichess and chess24. Chess24 puzzles are very complicated and improve calculations a lot.

I also use visualwize books which helps me to visualize positions and solve it after 4 moves from the diagram

puzzle rush :D 

CT-ART 4.0 on my mobile phone. Mostly while on the metro. And the woodpecker method book (I copied the puzzle and had always a few pages with me). 

I study ' Chess Tactics from Scratch' from Weteschnik on Chessable. After that I'm going for ' Improve Your Chess Tactics' from Neishtadt. When I'm at home I set up the positions on the board. I also solve Chesstempo standard problems for calculation practice. Next to this I started in the Yusupov books. This contains tactics, strategy, endgames but all exercises where you have to calculate. 

~~~MoodCoins~~~

How many MoodCoins you guys have?

I have 899500 

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You rich.I have only 39500 :(

But sharing is always good.Are u wanna share :D

Wow !! I have 76500.

Seems that I'm the last one :D only 28500

Finally I got 900000 moodcoins. I wanted to make it to 1000000. I am sure soon I will make it but for now this 9 and 5 zeros looks cool.

Can I ask how you spent it? It's a slight dilemma how to spend my moodcoins, to be honest.

62500 not bad I think with 9 best replies.

51500

184500

PRO Members

Hello everyone. 29$ in INR(Indian rupees) is how much?

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2,127.30 (if you google "29 usd in indian rupees" it will give you the current rate)

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=29&From=USD&To=INR

How to handle 3. c3 against Dragon

I've been finding that people are often playing 3. c3 after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6, and I don't see anything about that in the Dragon course.  In the Sicilian sidelines course, GM Gabuzyan recommends Nf6 after 2. c3.  Should we do the same against 3. c3, or do the moves Nf3/Nc6 mean we should do something different?  If this is in a course, and i just missed it, please let me know.  Thanks!

Replies

Hello Karl

No, it shouldn't make any difference, I believe, still Sf6

Yeah Nf6 should transpose

Hey Karl,

My recommendation will be the same 3...Nf6 move as after e5 it transposes to Alapin, or if white decides to go with d3 that would just be to passive and we are completely fine for black!

Missing something in Sicilian 2.Nc3 g6 line...

Hello and a Happy new year to all Chessmood members! :)

Would you pls give a good recipe against the taking with a knight on d7, instead of queen in the main line : 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Qa4 d6 7.e5 dxe5 8.Nxe5 Bd7 9.Nxd7 Nxd7?

I can not find any note about that line in the course, but in the book of Hyper Accelerated dragon written by IM Raja Panjwani there is a detail analysis of this option giving black very good chances... 

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Agreed, 9…Nxd7 is also a playable move for Black.
I think White should continue with 10.Bb5, and when Black protects the pawn with Qc8 play 11.O-O, Bg7, 12.Re1 with a good game for White.
Better for Black is to offer a pawn sac with 10…Bg7!, but in my opinion White should not accept it with 11.Bxc6, bxc6, Qxc6, Rc8, Qf3, Bxc3, bxc3, Qa5= (now the white pawn structure is messed up and most likely Black will win back the pawn), but White should just continue development and play 11.O-O, O-O, Rd1, Qc8 and then Nd5 or Be3 with the slightly better game for White

Hey Martin!

I guess it would be still fine to play with 10.Bb5 and try to 0-0 or as well 10.Be3 seems to be fine with Rd1 in future , position is not very concrete and is slightly better due to 2 bishops advantage.

All right, folks, thank you for your response! It seems to me that black is quite OK in these lines thank to the good coordination of his pieces, especially the sniper on g7. I went through your suggestions, compared it with the above mentioned book and analysed it all with engine. Now I play this line with black against a strong opponent (rating 2500)  in correspondent chess. We already have position after 10.Bb5 Bg7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rd1 Qc8 on the board. I will keep you in touch, if you don't mind... :P

Classical or Modern Maroczy?

Which one is the easiest to play/learn? Right now I'm learning the modern one. I have some trouble if white goes into sidelines like for example like the Queen retreat to d3 instead of d2. 

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6

5. c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Be2 Nxd4 8. Qxd4 Bg7

9. Be3 O-O 10. Qd3

Can we go for the same plan here with pushing the a-pawn, Be6 and Qa5?

Replies

Hey dear @Duvupov_,

I didn't watch this course completely, but I checked it in ChessBase, there was games played with the idea that you mentioned, but I am sure that the coach checked both and showed the best choice for us :)

Well,  with 10.Qd3 white covers e4, but 10....a5 should still be good. Anyway white can not play 11.b3 because of the same answer as if he had played 10.Qd2: 11...Nxe4. The queen can not protect the e4-pawn and the knight on c3 at the same time. Furthermore the queen is on d3 exposed to a Nf6-d7-c5 or e5.

I have seen it recomended to watch the Maroczy Bind course,  even if you want to learn the Modern Maroczy Bind

Ches.com and Lichess Usernames

Hello Chessmood Family

If you play chessmood openings, then please consider writing your usernames please...It will be helpful to everyone

Mine is DEVANSh29 - lichess and Devansh290403 on chess.com

Replies

Giorgos_Kechagias on chess.com and giorgoskehagias509 on lichess. On lichess I have slightly higher ratings.

Alekhine Defense Be7 Missing variation?

Hi all

In the Alekhine Defense Be7 variation, there is a missing, important variation from the course.

Please consider move 12, d5, main line. Black has 12...BxNf3 , a good in-between move that keeps black from isolating their d5 pawn.

Any suggestions?

https://www.chess.com/game/daily/299313508

Thanks in advance

Replies

In my file I have: 12...Bxf3 13.Bxf3 Ne5 14.dxe6 fxe6 (14...Nxf3 15.Qxf3 fxe6 16.Qg4) 15.Bg4 followed by b2-b3.

I didn't watch the course yet, I just checked Be7 in the database it was the first move. I think coach working on it and it will be added soon.

Hi dear @Ovi_S,

I was checking this position with engine more than 20 minutes and the result was like this:

But I agree with you, it's better if the coach covers this line too, because white has to play so carefully to keep the big advantage. The only way is 13.Bf3 Ne5 14.dxe6 dxe6 and 15.Bg4, otherwise white is gonna lose it.

Hi all,

This line is analyzed in the latest Parimarjan Negi's repertoire book. I am pasting it here for your reference. I think that it can be useful to everyone and maybe there will be no need to go deeper into this line...

Accelerated Dragon Refuted!

Hello GM Avetik, can you please cover the Accelerated Dragon refutation variant: 1.e4 c5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.d4 cxd4, 4.Nxd4 g6, 5.Nc3 Bg7, 6.Nb3 Nf6, 7.g4!! Montevideo variation http://escaque.blogspot.com/2008/07/propsito-de-la-charla-de-ayer-del-mn.html Please!

Replies

Not so sure it's refuted, engine says just normal moves of d6, O-O and on g5 Nh5. Even if White plays Be2 and wins a pawn,  White's king is more the problem. 

  I think the key is that after 6.Nb6 we do not play 6...Nf6, but we play 6...d6. That way, if 7.g4 then 7...Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 Nf6 and black is not worse than white

White could try 7.Be2 Nf6 8.g4 0-0 g5 and this seems a little more dnangerous...

Lol 
Well, g4 is an interesting option, but it has nothing to do with the word "Refutation." 

It had to do only with one thing, to make the article headline bolder :)  

By the way Nb3 allows Bc3 interesting option for Black. 

I think interesting after 7.g4 is d5!? forced line and temporary sac, and played in few games with good results as black by GM Matsuura. Idea 8.e:d Nb4 9.Bb5 Bd7 according my engine equal. 

Check list after your opponent move

What is the check list to employ when your opponent has played ?

Check his threat, Yes his threat is important, i search an adequat move. No threat, only a normal move, what is important to thhink?

Replies

I think except the threat there is nothing to "check" we just should make our position better

Besides threats, the Consequences of the opponents move could be added.

I am trying to make it a habit to list Consequences in my mind (forget it too often though).

For example: opening a file or a diagonal, blocking one piece with another, weakening a square or a pawn structure, leaving a piece undefended and so on. Any important changes in the position.

The purpose is to ensure not just to look at one consequence when finding moves. e.g if one of the consequences after the opponent´s move is an open file and then right away focus on that. Perhaps other consequences could bee better or easier to exploit.

I don't know how much help I can put in, but I use a thinking process that helps me gather my thoughts. When your opponent moves you check threats. Then look to see if the threats can be ignored. If they can't you address the threats. If you can (and this is very important this part is part of the decision to ignore his threat) you look for threats to your opponent that is more powerful than his. Usually you look for attacking moves. Moves that push your opponent back with you moving forward, or direct tactical operations. If there is no threats from your opponent, you still do the attacking move idea first. Look for threats of your own that look to push your opponent back while moving you forward or direct tactical threats. Think of as many candidate moves as possible. Sometimes starting with the most crazy first. See if you can calculate them to favorable positions. If you find one you like, play it. (Blunder check yourself right before playing just in case.) If none are satisfactory, and you know there is no blunders or threats.. You look for moves that improve your position. And when you are ready and you made your decision, it's good idea to do a blunder check. A lot of your "good moves" will come from developed intuition.

Hi Jean Marc,

A couple of months ago I wrote a comment about the thinking process for Jay in 

https://chessmood.com/forum/pro-members/chess-is-hard-work#scroll6021

but I am copying it here for you because it may be helpful:

We are really lucky because we have a strong, I would say spectacularly strong opening repertoire, which is clear not the thing that is wrong. Then we have here in Chessmood lots of instruction about the middle game, endings, everything at your disposal, right? Then what is missing? 

The thinking process is not the optimum one. Plain and simple. Do not think that is lack of concentration, or bad mood, I honestly believe that this is normal.

In order to help to overcome this blindness that you said, chess schools like the Russian, Ucranian or Chinese have been using for years the Algorithms in order to help the thinking process. GMs like Avetik or Hovhannes do this automatically and they do not even think about it. Lesser mortals like us, we must get used to think the right way, because we never did it yet.

I guess that this should be a topic for a couple of blog posts, but I will do my best to explain it a bit for you, this way I am sure that in a couple of months you will be again much stronger:

Avetik always says, what is the opponent thinking, what should be his next move? This is part of a thinking process that should be embedded in your brain. This kind of automatic questions are missed by us all the time. We must get used to think and answer these questions EVERY move!

The algorithms that I know were explained to me in Spanish by the excellent and great person IM Raul Ocampo from Mexico, but I am sure that you can adapt them to English, also you are in Arizona, you should speak Spanish too, it should only help, ;-)

He used to tell me:

The proper formulation of a problem is in most cases more important than the solution.
ALBERT EINSTEIN

To remember the algorithms, we use acronyms and since the vast majority of games are decided by tactics, I will start here. There are acronyms for middle game, endings, attitude at the board, when your pieces are attacked, etc. As I said, this is a remarkably interesting and complex part of chess study.

LET'S BEGIN, prepare your tea, and fasten your seat belts! (in Avetik style)

TO SEE (as a contrary of being blind) is easier with tools, and these are enriched at the same time if we develop the HABIT of examining each square on the board with our eyes or with our mind.
Some positions seem simple and easy to see and observe but they are not. Every square in every type of position of our pieces deserves our attention and we carelessly throw our work overboard when we do not pay attention.

The first question we should ask ourselves as chess players, out of habit is: What our opponent wants to do, and an easy way to find out is asking yourself ALWAYS: If my opponent played again, what move would he play?

This would be the acronym PARA, and you should always force yourself to ask and answer this, 

PA_ ¿Para qué? ( Why?)

R_¿Repitiendo qué haría? (Repeating the move what would he do?)

A_¿Adónde? Where (is he heading)

This is easy right? Do we do it at every move? we do not, GMS do it unconsciously. We must get used to do it at every move.

Another acronym is (the main one for tactics):

JACAS

JA_ Jaques (Checks)  You have to check out all the possible checks

CA_ Capturas (Captures) You have to check out all the possible captures

S_ Saltando (Jumping) Same as above but jumping, for exemple x-ray positions, pins, etc.

You also must free your imagination. How? Imagine that your pieces can jump, the same as those of the opponent and start thinking about:

• All possible checks if “the pieces would jump"

• All possible captures if “the pieces would jump"

These 2 acronyms: PARA and CAJAS, we will have to repeat constantly to avoid committing serious tactical errors. CAJAS IS FUNDAMENTAL. It takes time at the beginning to think like this but is the base of all growth.

The third one for tactics is: PLUS Which is the same in English

Piece
Limited
United
Loose.

You must look for signs in the board: pieces limited with no space, pieces united in the same diagonal, etc. or my favorite one, loose pieces. (I have an obsession, when I see a loose piece, I look for a combination that will allow me to capture it, I succeed many times!)

At the beginning when I started the courses, my coach made me do every day 20 min. of tactics at least. With well-chosen problems but with a mandatory thing to do:

Apply the algorithms at every problem!

I had a checklist that looked like this provided by him:

-          Check what the opponent menace is (PARA)

-          If the opponent would be able to repeat would play:

-          A) Checks ___  ___ ____

-          B) Captures ___  ___ ____

-          C) Checks jumping ___  ___ ____

-          D) Captures jumping ___  ___ ____

-          My candidates moves are: ___  ___ ____

-          I did CAJAS of every candidate move. YES or NO

-          I have a final evaluation of each of them. YES or NO

This was the list of questions I had to answer, sometimes I could see the solution right away, but we are trying to fix our mistakes, our thinking process, that is why you should do this slowly, writing, checking every move. We are trying to learn how to think properly at the board. At the beginning is slow, then it will become fast and automatic. GMs do this in a second, it will take us more time, but we should get there if we have the right way…  

I had hundreds of paper sheets written with this checklist, when solving Tactic problems, replaying master games, etc.  I even did it when playing practice games OTB with my friend. This helped me a lot to avoid blunders, which, let us face it, is the main reason why we lose games at our level.

I hope that this will help you, this simple system helped me a lot in the past, it makes no sense to build the house by the roof since our base is weak. Fix the base, grow up stronger! And above everything: Enjoy what you are doing!

Hi Jean!

Interesting question) It depends on the position I think. If it's an endgame and your opponent is trying slowly to activate the king to center you have no much to do. But if your king is in a center and your opponent is trying to sacrifice a piece you will need to check all possibilities. 

Trying to summarise I think it depends on the tension in positions. As higher the pressure is, as more you need to do.  I think the following can be a nice sequence.

1. What's the concrete threat?

2. Isn't it a blunder? ( in case you are lucky)

3. What's the idea? ( long term)

Merci

Merci

Question in Happy Pieces: The Art of Keeping Your Army Happy

Section 3: The Queen in the Mopenings

(haha the name kinda cracks me up)

Anyway, in video 28, (Xie J. - Larsen B.)

Here's the position, by the way - https://imgur.com/a/tlTRQV5

the move Qd6 was suggested. It does feel refreshing, but what about ...Re8 trying to play ...Bf8 next? That's why I didn't choose the move when asked to think about the position.

Thanks!

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it doesn't give black anything

Classical Game 21 Bisguier Karpov

Minute 4.00

Why after ... Be6 white doesn't play Ng5 gaining the bishop pair?

Thanks in advance

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Black would play Bd5 and if white takes there will be a very strong knight on d5. White never gonna take on d5 ))

This is also a model game used in the (last) Nf3 section of the English opening course, you may find some useful background there.

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