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Chess forum by Grandmasters
Opening Doubt - Caro Kann
Hi Chessmood family!
I played a few games recently, and my opponents played early …g6, without committing …Nf6. I got a bit confused at the start because I was not getting our favorite Ne5 ideas in …g6 systems of black as mentioned in the course
However, I got a decent position from the opening, but I wanted to know how the chessmood team will treat this approach.
The game went the following way:
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5. c3 and here they played 5. …g6. I continued with 6. Bf4 Bg7 7. Nf3 Bg4 8. h3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 - This is the main point.
In one game, he played 9. …Nf6 10. Nd2 0-0.
In another game, I faced 9. …Qb6,
and then in another game 9. …e5.
How will Chessmood react to this line?
Replies
After Bg4, you can play with Nbd2 - preparing to recapture with the Knight.
After Black trades the Bishop on f2, White is getting a decent positional advantage due to the pair of Bishops.
1. f4 - Bird Opening doubt
Hi chessmood family!
Please make a course on how to refute 1.f4—Bird's opening, as the line suggested in Chessmood Openings for beginners is a different move order compared to what is recommended in the Step Up Step Opening course. I have noticed with 1.f4, white players have some flexible approach to transpose with 2.d4 3.e3 setup or, they can play 2.b3 but that will transpose to our beloved 1.b3. The problem is when they play 2.Nf3 3.g3, leading to a closed Sicilian g3 system structure, wherein, in the closed Sicilian course, Avetik sir suggested to play ...e6 followed by ...Nge7 against f4 by white, but here our N is already on f6.
Replies
Play c5 against f4, which can often lead to a Sicilian in or close to the repertoire (after e4 and some g3 lines), as well into b3 lines. There are e3 Be2, e3 d4 with or without c3, g3 without e4, c4 and various minor lines to handle. Usually in the independent lines White tries to control e5 with b3 Bb2 or d4, often placing a knight there if d6 isn't played. Some of them are quite tricky.
It's pretty rare despite quite a high profile course on Chessable by GM Raven, but against a strong player who doesn't transpose it can be difficult to win against. Unfortunately been waiting years for a course on f4 here.
If you are playing the simplified repertoire, follow GM Avetik's advice, and if the advanced one, play with 1…c5 - of course, White can play some weird sequences, but it usually transitions either to Sicilian Sidelines, or the 1.b3 Larsen variation course.
Why do top-level players usually avoid the Petroff?
Hi everyone,
I was wondering why the top level GMs mostly prefer 2…Nc6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3. I was trying to find a promising line to prepare with the white pieces and was quite discouraged by what I found when checking the different lines:
3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 is the ChessMood recommendation, and I understand why, but I am searching for an alternative that keeps as much tension in the position as possible (on principle, I was looking for a line that avoids an early piece trade and opening the position because of the possibility that a very well-prepared opponent can prepare very far down the variations)
3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 is the main line it seems, but everything just seems very easy/simple against an opponent who is doing a decent opening preparation.
There are also several surprise lines (like 4.Nc4 or something, for example), but I guess what I'm saying is that I want a line that A) Keeps as much tension on the board as possible and B) Is solid/testing enough that I can repeat it over a long period of time.
For context, I am around 2200 Fide.
I greatly appreciate any advice, thank you all very much!
Replies
Dear friend,
Petroff on top levels is a solid opening, and in many games, top players are applying it.
Our approach is practical and easy to play, if you are searching for some very very deep prep, you need to investigate the theory played by top players, understand the modern lines, and try to come up with fresh engine ideas ( with very strong engines).
That's the nowadays chess at high levels - no advantage - just a practical, surprising approach for each game :-)
Modern Maroczy - Opening trouble
Hi Chessmood family!
I have studied both Classical Maroczy and Modern Maroczy courses, and I have improved my chess understanding a lot and learned many new ideas.
But when it comes to practical games, especially against weaker or low-rated opponents in certain lines like:
Dry position in 7.f3 line:
- e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.f3 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 Bg7 9.Be3 0-0 10.Qd2 Be6 11. Be2 Rc8 12.Nd5 (which is not mentioned in the course) 12. ….Nxd5 13. cxd5 Bd7 14. 0-0.
Dry position in 7.Be2 9.0-0 line:
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be2 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 Bg7 9.0-0 0-0 10. Qd3 Nd7 11. Be3 Nc5 12. Qc2
(In one game, a lower-rated opponent played 12. Qf3 and I was clueless. According to the machine 12. …b6 is the best move but what is the middlegame plans after that? )
Coming back to mainline 12. ….Bxc3 13.Qxc3 Nxe4 14.Qd4 Nf6 -
In this position, I played couple of games and I faced 15.Bg5 followed by Bxf6 idea, 15.Bf3, 15.Rfe1, 15.h3 followed by Rac1 and b4 with c5.
I understand all the possible logical moves cannot be included in the course, as it will be a very big course, but if you could, please explain the plans and ideas on how to continue for each of the lines mentioned.
Also, there are a lot of model games for section 1 with Be3 and Qd2; after studying that, I feel confident in playing those positions, but for the remaining sections (in both courses as well as in the black stream games), there are not many model games showing how typical ideas and plans are in playing those positions. Even though the ideas may be a bit similar, there are some nuances in the ideas as the variations change in the remaining section
(I am saying this from my playing experience and the troubles I have faced while playing against lower-rated players to play for a win.)
Please help me and give your take on these positions and the mindset when you play against lower-rated opponents and why this is not seen in high-level games.
Replies
Dear friend, this is a part of our repertoire,
I do understand that it can be hard to beat lower-rated guys with this, so you can try to have some side openings as well.
Maroczy is a solid structure, but if White does nothing wrong, they also have a very normal position.
French Nd2
Hi after 1e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nc6 4 Nf3 Nf6 5. e5 Nd7 our plan is to play f6 followed by Qxf6. However if White plays 6. Nb3 he allows his Bishop to get to g5 and gain a tempo on our queen if we follow our normal plan.
Should we then play 6. … f6 7 ef gf or is this opening lines against our king? Without f6 black's position looks rather passive as we lack pawn breaks so f6 looks necessary. Should we play our normal plan but on Bg5 play Qf7,Bd6 and castle kingside?
What should be the plan for black here?
Replies
Hi Norbert! Against 6 Nb3 a5 7 a4 Ncb8 is Avetik recomendation and later with the idea of B6 and Ba6 to exchange the bad Light bishop for black. Check this video and about 1h:16min
https://chessmood.com/event/french-attack-advanced
You can see alot of game on chessbase from this position.
I try to play this position for black. I find its intresting and when I play this position White can later play H4 -h5 Rh3- Rg3 ideas it looks to me that White have little bit initiative against black position? This line i guess under masterlevel you will almost never face a White player so updated. So before you check h4-h5 ideas with Rh3-Rg3 ideas like in Machuteon French. You need to study another alternative on move 8 to lern ideas. Cause you can not expect your opponents know rook lift ideas or had checked one good computer line. Thats why i recomend you to see human games and analyse. Study- Practice and fix after every games. Try to analyse understand common ideas. Analyse more lines but shorter than only one long deep variation.
You can also play 6.. f6 7 exf6 most common is to play Qxf6 8 Bg5 Qf7 9 Bb5 Bd6 with later 0-0 ans e5 ideas to open lines for your pieces mostly light bishop against White kings position for the price of a pawn sac on d5. It seems okey for black. I find in surprise value GM Avetik advice with 6.. a5 more intresting cause the knight can stand little bit missplaced on b3. A computer move. In online chess is not so common move and I guess not so common in OTB chess. In Corr chess and when people prepare with computer it is a common move. Do not go so deep to understand this line.
Chess Mood - The French Attack
Hi everyone. I have a tournament coming up. There are a few strong players in there, so I checked their games. While analyzing one player's games, I happened to find that this was the most played line against the French: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.exd5 exd5 5.Nf3.
While aware that this is the Exchange Variation, I am not very comfortable with this line as the knight's ideal position is on e7(BTW, A similar thing happens in 2 knights variation after 1.e4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.exd5 exd5 and 5.d4). I was not able to see anything on this line. Can anyone tell me the piece placements and other ideas? Thanks in Advance.
Sincerely, Vedant
Replies
Dear Vedant,
Here you can play with c6-Bd6 setups, and later on, castling short. The Knight on c3 now is a bit bad, due to the c6-d5 pawns. And it's an easy and equal position to play for Black.
french problem
what to do after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nc6 4.Ngf3 Nf6 5.exd5!? where our knight is on f6 and what plan to choose?
Replies
Here you can try to develop with Bd6 - Bf5 or Bg4, the thing is that Nd2 blocks the Bishop on c1 as well.
Chessmood Refutations 😈😈😈😈
😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈
I saw my opponent playing chessmood line with white, and played the refutation. I enjoyed his crying heheheheheeheheheehe… He played Grand Prix d4 line…
GMs already know, I played a6 Nd4 Nf6 line.
I will come time to time to haunt the forum.
Stay tuned, and scared…
😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈
Replies
YAAAAY HAPPY EXCITABLE PEEING OF PANTS
1700 bullet!
Replies
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Funny Comments
Recently I've been learning the WhiteMood Openings.
I import the PGN Homework into Chessbase, then annotate and add lines.
Then I import into Chesstempo for Spaced Repetition.
However, I've been noticing some ridiculously funny comments that were definitely not written by me, but are showing up in the Chesstempo as I practice the lines, but it shows 0 Comments which means it is a private comment. This means the comment came with the PGN Import into Chesstempo.
However when I go back to Chessbase, I can't find those comments anymore, this is so funny! Maybe a ChessMood Editor threw them in somewhere??
Here are some examples:
1.e4 1...c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4 4.Nf3 Nxb5 5.Nxb5 d6 6.d4 Nf6 7.Qd3! a6 8.Nc3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 e5 10.Nf5! g6
Ahahahahahahhahaha!
1.e4 1...c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4 4.Nf3 Nxb5 5.Nxb5 d6 6.d4 Nf6 7.Qd3! a6 8.Nc3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 e5 10.Nf5! Bxf5 11.exf5 h6 12.f4! 12...Be7 13.Bd2 O-O Time to Aaataaack!
Replies
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How should I create my own set of PGN files?
During the 1 on 1 call with GM Gabu, he asked me if I analyzed my games. I replied yes, and I do it with Lichess. He then asked me to read the following article after our session:
https://chessmood.com/blog/the-most-effective-way-to-create-chess-pgn-files
After reading it, and watching GM Avetik's video on the files, I realised I am not analyzing my games in the right way. (In the past, I just enter my OTB games online, and then simply analyze with engine).
I realise now I should have a set of PGN files for my openings (which I do not have).
I have tried to create a set of opening moves for the scotch game below from the whitemood openings (see attachemnt).
But I have no idea if this is what GM Gabu and GM Avetik mean when they say we should create our PGN.
Can somebody confirm if what I am doing is correct?
Replies
Dear Eric,
If you split the variations into different files, adding the moves from the course, explanations ( short) just to understand the ideas, and so on, it looks fine to me - the goal is to have files that help you to revise your lines, and also can compare with the games when you play them. Also can use FixMood for that.
Top 25 Lichess - Between a rock and a hard place.
Long post/story, I'm sorry :-)
I play on Lichess and I have zenmode/hidden ratings activated.
Early november when I went online I saw a Top 50 trophy.
It is very amazing to have that trophy but ... I also see it with hidden ratings, so I also will know if it is gone.
Trophy pressure/stress has become very real ...
To this day, as I’m writing this, I still hold that trophy — and it feels wrong on multiple fronts. I feel like a fraud. And, if I’m honest, I’m also a little scared of getting banned.
I checked my rating (Yes, I broke my own rule)
I promised myself I wouldn’t look at my rating for a long time. But with the new year coming up, I wanted to check now… and then check again in one year.
Instead of feeling neutral, it made everything worse.
The top 25 problem
Right now, I’m in the top 25 classical players on Lichess.
However…
The deeper I look, the more it feels like I don’t belong there — not because I’m cheating, but because of how I’m getting my games.
I only play 30+20 or longer, usually via Quick Pairing, with my search settings set as wide as possible in both directions.
I know Lichess runs weekly classical tournaments (Friday evenings) with 20+10, but that’s basically never possible for me schedule-wise.
When Quick Pairing takes too long, I’ll sometimes take games through the lobby, but always with a minimum of 30+20.
And here’s an important detail: I can’t see my opponent’s rating when I accept these games. So I’m not selecting opponents — I’m accepting time controls.
It seems like the strongest classical players mostly play:
in those tournaments, or
through other channels (not random matchmaking / quick pairing / lobby)
So while I’m climbing the rankings, I’m not sure I’m actually swimming in the same pool as the people I’m “ranked” alongside.
That’s what makes it feel fake.
My stats (and why they make me feel worse)
I’ve played 61 classical games on my account and when I write this post.
Average opponent rating: 2040.38
Highest-rated win: 2274
Record: W49 – D4 – L8
Because I’m facing that average level, I win a lot — and often pretty convincingly. My analysis stats are usually strong too (accuracy, centipawn loss, blunders/mistakes, etc.).
And that creates a second problem.
I’ve been messaged a lot with accusations:
cheating
sandbagging
rating manipulation
basically every classic one
And even though I’m not doing anything wrong, it still messes with my head. The fear isn’t logical — it’s emotional:
What if too many people report me?
That fear comes from my chess.com experience.
On chess.com, I once had an account meant for tired/unfocused games. It got banned.
Support told me the reason was essentially that I “gave myself a lower rating to start with,” and that this counted as sandbagging.
That felt awful — and it left a mark. I did made a new account, as I was allowed to do so but so far it has only been used for my 3 puzzle/day and a puzzle battle/day.
So now, even if I’m playing honestly, the “what if I get banned again?” thought keeps creeping back in.
The core issue: My rating feels inflated by the pool
Back to Lichess: because I’m consistently matched with an average opponent around ~2040, I keep winning, I keep gaining rating, and I keep climbing the rankings.
But instead of feeling proud, I feel like a fraud.
Not because the games are illegitimate — but because it feels like I’m climbing a ladder that isn’t placed against the same wall as everyone else’s.
If I’m being real, I don’t think I’m “top 25 classical” strength.
I have the feeling I’m more like a 2150–2200 classical player.
And the gap between “what the leaderboard says” and “what I think I deserve” is exactly what’s making this whole thing feel so wrong.
So… what do I do now?
Do I just keep playing the way I play and accept that the system is the system? Or do I actively try to “fix” this by seeking stronger opponents, even if it means fewer games and more losses? I don’t want a fake rank, but I also don’t want to sabotage myself just to feel morally clean.
I also could go for a different time control, 5+3 as is suggested by ChessMood in the multiple blogposts and play a classical game once a week (or a few on a single day) to keep my calculation and all still solid. Going for 5+3 will probably bring back a lot of anxiety (I had major issues starting chess) as I'm absolutely not used to playing “fast”.
In general, I am not in any local chessclub and I also don't have any major plans for chess (it's not like I want to be a titled player or anything, at the moment). I'm thinking about joining an open tournament, close to my home, that is hosted in august but apart from that there are 0 OTB plans.
Should I make 2026 the 5+3 year and see where it leads me?
Any input is very much appreciated.
Any input?
Replies
Dear Gabriel,
I’ll answer this honestly.
You are not a fraud.
You are playing fair. You accept games blindly. You don’t choose weak opponents. You choose time control. That is completely normal.
The system gives a rating based on wins. That’s it. Sometimes the pool you play in is softer. That can push your rating up. It happens to many players. It doesn’t mean you are cheating or doing anything wrong.
The real problem is not the rating.
The problem is the feeling inside:
“Do I really belong here?”
That stress comes from past bad experiences, not from reality.
Also, online accusations mean nothing. If you play strong, people always complain. That’s normal online noise.
Now, what can you do?
Keep playing the same way if you enjoy it.
Don’t attach your identity to the trophy. It’s just a number.
Add some stronger games slowly.
Once or twice a week, try to play stronger opponents on purpose. Not every game. Just a little challenge to stay honest with yourself.
Try fast chess carefully.
5+3 is good for intuition and confidence, but don’t pressure yourself. Short sessions, no rating stress, just practice.
One OTB tournament is a great idea.
Real chess always shows the truth better than online ratings.
You don’t need to lose on purpose.
You don’t need to prove anything.
Just play, learn, and stay calm.
Chess should feel fun and clean, not stressful.
Schlecther (GM Colovic claims it is good for black)
GM Colovic in one youtube video suggests that in Schlechter variation black can get good position after 3..de and 5…c5 and 7..Nd5 line (Section 3 in the course), grabbing pawn on g2 with Queen.
https://youtu.be/dW7STAYhkyQ?t=303
What chessmood thinks about it?
I had written down all PGNs from the course and in my notes I see thath in the course lines stops after 11.Bf4, thou Colovic continues and claims black is more than fine. Are there some extra lines mentioned after 11.Bf4?
Replies
we just need to know how to use initiative
Please help!
I watched the whitemood course entirely and strated playing but I forgot to download the pdf files. Now I'm out of time and it seems I won't be able to download it for sometime. Can someone please give the pdf files?
Replies
Whats your take?
I'm in a chess group community from our city theres a tournament that I need to play and it cannot be avoided to play against your own team mates, I know we should just play the game and disregard our friendship for a while but what opening should I play? The one in the community or can I get from different groups just like chessmood. I am curious how coaches will feel cuz I only played diff opening specifically for a teammate the tournament not major or so basically just picking the best. Thank you
Replies
ChessMood Scandinavian
I was browsing on Chessable when I happened to find a course about the Scandinavian(The Scandinavian Supercharged!). It had a whole section on 3.Nf3. Upon closer inspection, I found the following line: 1.e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3.Nf3 Bg4 4. Be2 Nc6 5. h3(he calls this an "insipid" move) Bxf3 6. Bxf3 Qe6+ 7.Qe2 Qxe2+ 8. Bxe2 0-0-0! He says that Grandmaster Avetik surprisingly missed this move and claims that black is certainly not worse in the endgame in the line that follows: 9.c3 e5 10.d3 g6= With Bh6 and f5 coming next, Black is certainly not worse in this endgame. His extra space fully makes up for White's bishop pair. Can anyone help?
Replies
Hi Vedant,
This is a very deep idea; this position is still slightly better for White.
If we talk about super deep engine-level preps, there is no winning advantage in any lines, and all the players tend to find good practical positions.
Help in Sicillian Dragon for black
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nd4 g6 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.Nb3 d6 8.Be2 0-0 9.Qd2 Be6 10.Bh6 and they go for h4-h5. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong but when they attack I don't know if I should defend or if there's even something to defend but my game went on and lost. What should I do in this line?
Replies
Search for counterplay on the queenside as fast as you can.
E.g. see Odeev - Motylev (1999)
https://www.365chess.com/game.php?gid=797968
The best games of December, 2025, and the prizes
Hello ChessMood family, hello champions and future champions!
Welcome to the "Best games of December, 2025" competition.
Under this post, we invite you to post the best games that you will play this month
(up to 5 games per person accepted).
The Prize fund is 350K MoodCoins which is equal to 350$.
The 1st prize - 150K
The 2nd prize - 100K
The 3rd prize- 50K
The 4th prize- 30k
The 5th prize- 20k
Good luck with your games and keep the Right Mood!
#ChessMood
#Right Mood - Right Move
P. S.
Here are the winners of November, 2025:
Jayden Fide
Raj KK
Thomas Maes
Jioh Park
James L
Replies
5 games where i destroy people with tactics after watching some of tactic ninja
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146227119612/analysis?move=28
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146226654470/analysis?move=37
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146219365896/analysis?move=54
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146219305046/analysis?move=27
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146218902524/analysis?move=115
Hope this one works as its played in Gabuzyan style spirit.
https://lichess.org/4dftjiMl/white
Just finnished blackmood, and here's Greymood Attack:Dutch Variation
https://lichess.org/yqTcVqA3/white
I played white here,played a Scotch Game and won it.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146256986964?move=0
Destroying the Caro-Kann
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146258834392/review?move=52
French attack
https://lichess.org/VxZz6L2x7eS5
Played white here, and delivered checkmate in a impressive way.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146293914208?move=0
I played this game and liked how it went.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146322048248/analysis
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146326620624/analysis?move=55
A strong bishop C5 scotch game !
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146332958790/review?move=7
Dutch attack https://lichess.org/IfKAKDCN5Ucl
I knew the opening better than my opponent (Scandinavian modern), but still he played ok. I felt every move I make has a strong reason (even when engine doesn't approve). So of course I won in the end.
https://www.chess.com/live/game/146333483386
A 2008 Philidor player mated in 12 moves, exactly according to Chessmood training.
https://lichess.org/pQnjK2JE/white#1
On fire tonight! Here is a Stonewall versus an English, smooth as can be.
https://lichess.org/wxKGZayk/black#1
I loved how this game went! Although I didn't see it all, I did have a mate in 8.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146366891830/analysis
https://lichess.org/D9LIdox9xYRC
Though didn't find mate in 2 .. Saw the mate while scarifcing rook
Ok bro I will participate
https://lichess.org/I6JyeMlY 97% accuracy vs @Darkoncrack a well know player in lichess.org that makes various prize tournaments.
Here are two games I played in a recent Rapidplay (I want to remain anonymous, so I will do the same for my opponent), where I won two nice games with WhiteMood Openings. Even though they weren't perfect, I am proud of them.
[Date "2025.12.07"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Variant "Standard"]
[ECO "B00"]
[Opening "Nimzowitsch Defense: Declined Variation"]
1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. Nc3 Qa5 5. Bb5 Bd7 6. a3 Nf6 7. O-O a6 8. b4 Nxb4 9. axb4 Qxa1 10. Bxd7+ Nxd7 11. Nd4 Nc5 12. Qf3 O-O-O 13. Qg4+ f5 14. Qxf5+ e6 15. Qg4 h5 16. Qh4 g5 17. Qxg5 Rxd4 18. Qf6 Rg8 19. Qxd4 Nd7 20. Qc4 Rg6 21. d4 Bd6 22. Qb3 Nb6 23. Bf4 1-0
[Date "2025.12.08"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Variant "Standard"]
[ECO "B00"]
[Opening "Owen Defense"]
1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 e6 4. Qe2 Nf6 5. Nf3 c5 6. d5 Be7 7. c4 exd5 8. exd5 d6 9. O-O O-O 10. Nc3 a6 11. Bf4 Nbd7 12. Rae1 Re8 13. Bc2 Nf8 14. Qd3 Ng6 15. Bg3 Nh5 16. Ne4 Nxg3 17. fxg3 Bc8 18. h4 h5 19. Neg5 Bxg5 20. Rxe8+ Qxe8 21. Nxg5 Ra7 22. Bd1 f6 23. Bxh5 fxg5 24. Bxg6 Qd8 25. Qf3 Qf6 26. Qh5 1-0
Petrov's Defense
https://lichess.org/7Rhw9qlo/white#0
One nice and short game of french kinder suprise variation: https://www.chess.com/game/live/146436040708?move=0
One nice and short win against CM with trompowsky: https://www.chess.com/game/live/146434560658?move=0
French Schlecter (white).
Proud of my play in the game in the French as white.
The French is one of my bogey openings so any win is a delight for me, accuracy was high.
Black played the ..dxe4 and ..c5 line then went 7..Qb6 (see image below), I cannot remember if this is in the course or not.
I think I played it pretty well, his queen got out of play for a few moves, my king got safely castled and I as able to launch an attack on his king.
https://lichess.org/Ymxk2CSu/white
I am a fan of the Queen's Gambit and I decided to see how well I play it in bullet. Although it's not my preferred time, I was pleasantly surprised with my quick instincts, considering my rating.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146522914990/analysis
This was actually the next game I played on Chess.com. 10/5 rapid game.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146523503498/analysis
https://lichess.org/MR0SYAwJ/white#79
A decent game I guess
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146567128468?move=0
Hook, line and sinker!
Easy win in the Dutch 2 nights, Qb3 line.
A 70+10 OTB game. Grand Prix - decent and instructive attack I think, until I made the mistake…. I had got myself into huge time pressure and I lost positivity at the vital moment… 🤔 A good lesson in mindset.
But then gave me a free shot which I took ! 😀 So it was SLP by staying as sharp and positive as possible after the mistake, even with 1 min left on clock.
https://www.chess.com/game/146607034082
https://lichess.org/rJbjlYgX9WXe
French attack knight sacrifice for mate in 2
https://lichess.org/9WcJ5ZUo/black
A great positional game I believe ,Targetting his weak pawns,Putting pressure and in the end a Knight Sacrifice to almost end the game
https://lichess.org/9WcJ5ZUo/black
Restricting him from castling and installing a great kingside attack
https://lichess.org/zJelpP83/black
A tactical one
https://lichess.org/SeTUHtXe/white#0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146645483118
Caro crusher
finally played a good game
been in worst slump ever
3 brilliant moves in Scandi:
https://lichess.org/xYw7nKLe/black
2 brilliant moves in the Modern variation:
https://lichess.org/Ecjy7qwj/black
My highest-rated win in Rapid ever against the English opening:
kaazbe7 vs. dima9419 | Analysis - Chess.com
4 brilliant moves:
3 brilliant moves in French:
https://lichess.org/AGzGSxSy
https://lichess.org/ND1TFBjW/black#0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146270893542 a brilliant queen sac!
All of my best wins and loses of my life in an internationally rated tournament in Kolkata, hope my games get selected 😀
All the games are full of complexity, fearless attacks, and silent positional play, sometimes used SLP mode to save lost positions of mine and grind out my opponent like nothing or sometimes getting vaporized from the opponents attack…
Regards,
Kartikesh
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146723209884/analysis
https://lichess.org/U5PvfT0o/black#66
BTW I’m not an e5 player
Beating the Catalan with a Dardha approved system:
https://lichess.org/O1NtzZptdzXo
caught a strong 2200 player in otb blitz in our CM french Bd3 https://lichess.org/study/fP8jYMJQ/0vTKnxrz
from the same OTB tournament, this time rapid game Jobava attack https://lichess.org/study/fP8jYMJQ/V9MaxWPz
another fun game from the same tournament https://lichess.org/study/fP8jYMJQ/2vH0YRck
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146854320228
A fine scotch game with Qf6
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146864829622/review?move=82
Sacrificing a pawn to activate multiple pieces
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146868012698/analysis?move=42
Good Alapin game for Black
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146868183238/analysis?move=43
This was an opening trap, I found during the game. I did not know it before.
Check out this #chess game: Bida_Bidaa vs peterbago - https://www.chess.com/live/game/146904190874
This game have 2 brilliant moves! (From Chess.com)
My account: KarimVagapov2
https://www.chess.com/game/live/144955288232
Win against englund gambit: https://www.chess.com/game/live/146839185054?move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146965555614?move=0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146982968978/review?move=70
https://www.chess.com/game/live/147016637178?move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/147018629754?move=0
December 2025
Nice counter attack in a french attack https://lichess.org/Vh5xyVa2/black
Back door mate https://lichess.org/Re7Hixqz
French schlechter winning a piece and then the king: https://lichess.org/4YtMOIPu
a nice antisicilian attacking as much as possible the e6 weak pawn: https://lichess.org/eULhjpn2
Keeping the material advantage and defending against a 2500 player: https://lichess.org/qLs0yW5k/black#0
wish all of cm members and family good Christmas time.
Nice attack in French exchange (blitz game): https://www.chess.com/game/147029135714
https://www.chess.com/game/147037179042 I couldve defended with honor, but i attacked like a true viking
https://lichess.org/VNNSb4W3wYHK - a smooth caro-kann
https://lichess.org/rHj1MHZzKvEv - tricky 'kinder-surprise' vs 100+ rating
https://lichess.org/P1GlPXA7
An Attacking Masterpiece
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147078141048/review?move=44 a nice grand prix attacking game.
Positional dominance versus Caro-Kann crowned with a queen sacrifice:
https://lichess.org/WylWngVHTNA4
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147078970040/analysis?move=2 nice attacking game in the KID
My opponent gave me a strong e5 square, so i showed its full potential!
https://lichess.org/BFO5JC93/white#0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147165311366/analysis?move=43 king gets brutally pulled out in the center from the grand prix attack. good attacking stuff
Hello ChessMood family! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.
Here are my game submissions for this month :D
https://lichess.org/n8j612uL/white#71 A win vs an IM!
https://lichess.org/fZ1vXLWn/white#47 Closed Sicilian is a really dangerous opening 😆
https://lichess.org/rPh7BZyh/black#68 One with Black vs the Closed Sicilian
And a couple quieter games with ChessMood openings:
https://lichess.org/NU38Tq0V/white#14
https://lichess.org/0CMmJqNt/black#88
Love you guys!
most chaotic kings indian game Ive ever seen! the engine was crying between winning and losing with multiple rook sacrifices. Please watch this https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147185084804/review?move=0
One of the best games I've ever played.
Please see 24…Bxf3!! Definitely the best move I've ever played.
A beautiful multi- purpose move.
Scotch game https://lichess.org/sYmIQTlv/white#37
As in the opening chesmood videos against the sicilian with a quick g6 (Morphy style) https://lichess.org/xqs5ds91/white#24
After chessmoods latest french attack video I picked the french up (normally iscilian) and played an active game against the Tarrasch variation https://lichess.org/sxONZSAS/black#1
Enjoy the festivities!
Bye, Edger
This is my game, it's attacking but I think it's not inaccurate enough
(By the way the link is a Google share form since I'm using a phone)
Sicilian
https://lichess.org/M0WicT9l/white#57
I was Black.
I'm white :)
last submission for me: a Scotch vs Bb5. I noticed either my concentration/calmness dropped (especially WWP) or the level of online lichess resistance raised this holiday season, bringing me down from 1850 to 1787 lichess blitz. This is the type of execution style I need to maintain. I used many ideas from the streams including building what I now think of as “a quiet solid fortress” 🏰 🙂
https://lichess.org/Yid9hKHG
https://lichess.org/Nm3gEM1U/black#0
Made a blunder or so, I played after so long it took me 2 games in a row to get back in touch, the first 1 I lost on time even though i was winning- 2 rooks 2 minor pieces vs 2 minor pieces, and now this game I won, I just seem to find a sacrifice out of nowhere-mostly bad but i trust my instinct and do it, i seem to win most of them even though they are bad in all levels, This is my favourite game this month so far because it tells me to take the risk and trust myself!
Hello ChessMood family! 🌟
I’m excited to share some of my OTB tournament games in Andhra Pradesh from this month where I tested both the BlackMood and GreyMood openings. Each game reflects my evolving strategies, careful calculation, and the mood-driven approach I strive for at the board. I hope these games showcase creativity, precision, and the spirit of ChessMood!
I scored 6 points out of 8 rounds, and Gabu select the games yourself…hehehe GreyMood was interesting. :-)
Looking forward to feedback, and may the Right Mood guide every move! ♟️🔥
#ChessMood
#RightMoodRightMove
Regards,
Kartikesh
https://lichess.org/SVJ29dyH/white
Attacking french defense building up the advantage upon inaccuracies of the opponent, move after move.
15 Average centipawn loss
95% Accuracy
Closed Sicilian. Crowning the year with my highest rated victory ever. Thank you, ChessMood!
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147404252818/analysis?move=1
Hi,
Here are 5 games I played… OTB in recent tournament. 2 of these are against French and I am grateful to Chessmood for this opening repertoire!
(P.S- Have a look at the sacrifices in game vs Levetin.)
Petrof, not perfect but not bad.
Playing the Dutch, got a great position then made a stupid blunder losing my knight. kept the good mood and focussed.
A good game in the Sicilian but made a silly blunder in the endgame that lead to getting mated https://lichess.org/1LjhVxkc/black#0
A good game in the Sicilian I dominated for the win https://lichess.org/O8OUDY5j/black#0
A nice win with the Queens Indian https://lichess.org/MThIJ5r0/black#0
A nice even game as black but timed out due to poor time management https://lichess.org/Y9c24YY9/black#0
A perfect game against the Italian as black https://lichess.org/Ma7x9lPS/black#0
I played the 2025 Winter Marathon on Lichess and managed to raise my blitz rating 150 points in that 24-hour span (not playing continuously, of course). It helped that I had not played blitz on Lichess for several months. Here are a few games from that event…
I'll start with a loss on time. I did not realize until after the game that my opponent was a CM! I managed not to completely embarrass myself against this much higher-rated player in one of the Caro-Kann lines not in WhiteMood (if I recall correctly). This one was even winnable until I started blundering under time pressure. http://lichess.org/2oNxFB2g/white#1
Here's a win with the French against a player over 500 points higher rated: https://lichess.org/RrEiT4PP/black#1
Here's a win against the Pirc (opponent about 300 points higher rated): https://lichess.org/Wrjec6BE/white#1
This win on time is not from the same event. Mostly, it's notable (to me) because the engine had no complaints about either player. https://www.chess.com/game/live/147209900840?move=1
A quick win in a benko gambit
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147355230218/analysis
And a slightly messy game with a nice ending
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147356507890/analysis?move=0
https://lichess.org/OY55j6JZ/white#0
Benoni with white, pretty one sided game, without any mistakes from my part according to the engine, and a nice mate at the end
https://lichess.org/3TeGkqkQ/black#0
Complex middlegame struggle in my favorite 3…a6 variation of the QGD
https://lichess.org/6crLZ4t5/black#0
This one is probably my best game of this month, a French Steinitz with black. Thematic exchange sac on f3, then resisting my opponent’s attack and counterattacking ferociously
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146660361840/review
A miniature decided within the last 3 moves
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/146803339922/explorer
Middlegame domination, making use of my much better development. Winning material was the logical outcome
Happy New Year to all of you!
A nice win against the French defence
https://www.chess.com/game/live/147373062070?move=0 GPix sacrifices line: Rook, Queen - almost model game ;-)
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146853144848?move=0 GPix means win
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146851765604?move=0 Opening principles, model setup
https://www.chess.com/game/live/147094411714?move=0 Scandinavian
https://www.chess.com/game/live/147167016658?move=0 Caro-Kann
When are results coming?
https://lichess.org/BLqJHv8p/black#0
Not the best game ever but move 31! is pretty instructive.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/147598117758?move=61
I played as Black and won:https://www.chess.com/game/live/147573941086
Beat the Nimzo.
Inspired by Hakobyan's Complete 1.d4 on Chessable, but of course I completely mixed up the lines. Luckily I remembered some ideas.
https://lichess.org/K4r556RUngaS
A not so quiet Exchange Slav:
https://lichess.org/H7vlt2tij3gX
A not so quiet exchange caro!
https://lichess.org/SWnEmytp
Another exchange caro
https://lichess.org/5yOU7i9X
🎉 Hello Champions!
How’s it going?
Thank you for sending your best games of the month!
You showed creativity, strong strategic understanding, and achieved several impressive wins. There were many instructive moments that offered great learning value.
Well done! And now, let’s move on to the prizes!
1st Prize: Yacoub Kassim
A fantastic game in Italian.
You gained the Bishop pair right from the opening, and with same-side castling, you started a fast, powerful attack. It was all so unexpected to see a crushing attack in the endgame leading to a fascinating checkmate!
Fantastic job!
https://lichess.org/Ma7x9lPS/black#54
2nd Prize: Kamil CH
You crushed with Grand Prix!
You brought your pieces to the Kingside, and using the spica advantage, made a typical f5 idea, crushing the opponent’s King defence, and delivering a fantastic checkmate!
Great game!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/146853144848?move=35
3rd Prize: Lucifear twm
Kings Indian masterpiece, love this opening.
In the closed position, you pushed your pawns, brought your pieces, and destroyed the opponent’s King.
Speechless. Well done!
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147078970040/analysis?move=50
4th Prize: Gaspar Veres
Very complex French game.
Sacrificed the exchange to destroy the opponent’s central pawns and kept their King in the middle. Opponent was fighting back, and this battle was really intense.
Nice tactic at the end!
https://lichess.org/6crLZ4t5/black#53
5th Prize: Andrei Gopak
You demonstrated Benko masterpiece.
No complex details. No crazy tactics - a simple, amazing execution of typical ideas - intruded through the weak d3 square and destroyed the opponent’s defence.
Benko Expert!
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/147355230218/analysis?move=35
Congratulations to all of you!
Thank you once again to everyone for sharing your games.
All the best for next month’s contest!
How to get back in shape?
Dear, Coach Gabu
I play good chess than I take a day off or two from playing to spend more time studying chessmood courses but when I come back to play my games are worse, I think the main cause is because I’m not in shape. How to get back in shape into the playing mode. Did you also face this problem in your professional chess career? If so how did you overcome it. Thank you so much! Really appreciate it.
Replies
Hey there,
Bad shape is a thing that happened a lot to me, and happens to everyone.
There could be limitless reasons - you need to understand what the conditions are when you are playing the best chess, and what are when you play badly. Positive habits, positive mindset - good concentration e.t.c.
Trying to research this topic about you might help to understand the conditions when you feel well and confident.
WWP issue or cheating?... Lichess vs Chesscom
I am trying to work on my WWP skills! I have switched to Lichess consistently this last month or two, but I am still having trouble with the 5+3 increment to convert positions. Usually what happens is I get a crushing attack or even up a piece and my opponent is able to hold on without letting me to increase my advantage at all for something like 20 or 30 moves until I finally am very low on time and slip up. Is this normal and I need to work on my WWP, or is this an indicator of cheating? I want to know because I felt like this sort of thing didn't happen on Chesscom as much and my issues were different in WWP there. Here is an example game:
https://lichess.org/CTlmf2Wf/white#26
Replies
Hi Matt I played through your game quickly and the move that immediately stood out to me was 25.Qxa5. For WWP our main priority is to exchange queens - you're already a full rook up so it's not necessary to go after pawns to increase the material advantage further and giving your opponent swindling chances, especially with the queens still on the board. I've been guilty of this myself!
So instead of Qxa5 I think more practical is Qd4 offering to trade queens. He won't accept of course but at least you centralize your queen and get a tempo to move the Rh1 out of the long white diagonal masking that bishop. He can't avoid the queen trade forever (his king is also quite exposed so we can even combine an attack with going after his queen, he can't keep dancing around) then we just win with our extra rook.
Rgds,
Alex
Dear Matt,
Out of my experience, it's overwhelming to think about cheaters :-)))
So try to play your best, and report at the end if someone seems suspicious.
Thanks Alex, for helping as well :-)
