Chess forum by Grandmasters

Test your Pawn EndgameS!

It's black to move. share your evaluation with important variations.

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Hello Abhi, can you please shorten the name of the jpg? Rename it to something like; picture.jpg

It looks that the images are not properly displayed with a long name. Thanks!!

Not allowed to join chess.com Chess Mood tourney

I tried to join Chess Mood chess.com tourney today but was not allowed!

A message stated I had played too few games (see attached screenshot). Anyone know exactly what this refers to? Too few chess.com rapid games or too few Chess Mood tourney games & importantly how I fix it to play future tournaments

NB-I cannot see screenshot img file displaying & not sure why this is also!

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Hi Richard,

In lichess you need to have played several games with your lichess account (not sure how many) before being allowed to join a tournament. It is not a Chessmood requirement but a lichess requirement.

I guess chess.com works in a similar way. The way to fix it would be that you play several rated games with that account, so you reach the minimum to be able to join a tournament.

Hope it helps

Hi Richard,

Yes, as stated by some other members, at that moment, maybe you had played too few games in rapid mode in chess.com. We are sorry about this, but it is decided by Chess.com. We will be able to know more when we see the attached picture.

Ruy Lopez Repertoire for White

Hi, I am rated 1441 FIDE and 2000-2100 on lichess. I have not played OTB tournament for last 3-4 years. Have started studying and preparing for OTB tournaments post covid. While I am working hard on my tactical vision and positional chess, I want to learn and study Ruy Lopez for white and make it a part of my repertoire. Is anything wrong in this? And if not, can you please suggest me any source or method for studying and understanding it? Or will a course on it be done on ChessMood in some time?

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I really love the way every move of an opening and all the ideas are explained in the courses here on chessmood. I wish if Ruy Lopez course was also done by the ChessMood team. It would be amazing.

Problem is it's a lot of different systems to study which will take a lot of time and effort. Is there anything wrong with learning the Scotch?

Thank you @Abhi_yadav. Will check both those courses. It will be great ones I believe.

The Lopez is a amazing opening. However its likely one of the most vast and complex openings around.

The amount of content it would need to do it full justice is probably not practical for what chessmood is trying to achieve. Likely 4/5 times the size of scotch. Plus the style of it also does not fit what chessmood is trying to do.

Thats to give open attacking options, not get crushed in the opening and then focus on middlegame and endgame play.

Some of the positions in the closed Lopez really require grandmaster level understating imo. Lines like the breyer for example is incredibly complex, then you very dull stuff like the Berlin...

Start with Scotch Sahil. I believe it's much easier to learn, fun to play and will get you great results even against stronger players.

Ruy Lopez is no doubt a great opening, but it requires deep understanding. There are many little nuances and strategic concepts that can be overwhelming especially for a new player. 

As for studying the opening, try to look at model games of Anand and Karpov in the Ruy Lopez. Analyze them on your own and find out the deep ideas. I guess that will help you build an understanding of Ruy Lopez.

Chessmood openings

Do our chessmood openings work at GM level?Why top GMs like Carlsen,vishy anand do not play such openings.plz reply

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Chessmood openings are designed to beat below 2200 players. 

For example Grand Prix. Even if you follow any grand prix theory chessmood ones or other courses the lines are so sharp so its not so easy for below 2200 players to remember all theories and they lose easily.

So in order to beat below 2200 players we need a simple and solid and well presented opening repo. We don't need to remember lines . All we need is to understand ideas and plans and with the help of playing so much training games we also develop the feel of those positions and it help us in real life events.

Chessmood openings are solid, easy to understand and most dangerous for below 2200 to face over the board.

Much of it works (I'd say all at 15 minutes and below).

The problem is it's not deep or subtle enough that you can't get out prepared which will happen as you get to master level in long play games, particularly with hours to prepare. At the top levels technique matters so much so you need subtle difficult positions so as to outplay.

One of the beauties of the repertoire is (as a learner) not only do you need to know less positions because they work together as a whole, not have to constantly keep up to date, nor have to deal with subtle positional play or ultrasharp tactics, but particularly in the GP for example you can play open variations on some of the opponent's replies and not others, easing you into a more master level repertoire.

For now get to 2200 or so, sort out the other aspects of your game, then consider other openings seriously (i.e. to learn and play, not just get experience of other plans and ideas to improve your chess skill).

When you get to be a professional 2600 you might be able to spend hours and hours every week on your repertoire and keeping up to date and finding novelties, but for most of us amateurs with a job and maybe family, low maintenance without learning trappy inferior moves is a good medium.

Well, why not start with the Queen's Gambit Declined and take a look at Quality Chess. And if you want some words of one of the legends - there is an overview by Kasparov availability at ChessBase that I really enjoyed.

Thank you family for all your answers! Deeply appreciated! This question has been very well explained in the different replies. @Dhruvil_Dave But if you are interested in Quality chess books, I suggest that you visit their site, they also have a forum and they will be able to guide you much better. I am saying this because most of us can not follow up with all the new books in the market nowadays because we are working hard on the Chessmood courses.

f4 move in benko

hi coach, today I was faced with this f4 move in the Benko gambit after which he continues as in course, he easily achieved the e5 break and won the game. How must I respond to f4?

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Provide all the moves please.

hey kevin,in the game i played in the typical Benko fashion as shown in course but as u mentioned on looking at the downside of f4 which even GM Avetik mentioned in his daily lesson video , i feel that i shd play an early qb6 and then continue with other moves! As the g1-a7 diagonal is weak i feel Qb6 immediately and then following the Benko move order will be effective! What do u think?

I asked Avetik to take a look at this and he will. In the meanwhile, I had a recent game with this variation but this f4 is a bit dubious. The opening moves in my game went as in the picture, there may have been better moves, still I reached a very playable game and was unimpressed by White's artificial castling.

Question about todays position

Why 1.Ra7 Qb1 2.Bg7 doesn't works?

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I guess the "daily puzzle software" only accepts 1 solution - but your line / move order is just as good as the given solution

So can i get 500 moody?

Anti-sicilian d6 11.. Ng4 video 12 theory changed?

In this position, the video commentary (4:30) mentions a big advantage and a plan of d4 Rf3, Rxe3.

Unfortunately both my own analysis and computer analysis / matches puts this into doubt and perhaps this is one reason the Nb5 line doesn't appear as a widely considered option.

The position is R + 2P (3 if the e3 pawn can be captured without any loss) vs 2B. The problem is the concrete nature of this position, lack of open lines for White's rooks, lack of easily accessible targets (aside from e3) for White, the power of Black's 2B working together, and the fact Black has an extra piece of wood (ignoring the pawns) taking away any ideas of sacrificing back an exchange say.

Meanwhile both Black's single rook and queen and Bs do have open lines and targets (a4, b2, f4 [if g3 , then h3]).

The computer gives this position slightly (varying up to half a pawn) in Black's favour (though closer to equal with more chances for Black, but some too for White, is my own feeling). Black's plan is Kg8 and then Rc8 or f8. If White plays Rf3, then Bh6 attacks f4.


There are some different moves playable earlier, which might give White a very small edge and therefore keep the line alive in practical terms over the board, but again the computers make a lot of draws.

I'm not sure until this is resolved that the theory can be claimed to have been changed. Even if 12... a6 might not be found (not that it's not an obvious candidate), it only needs one game of yours to get in a database and this line will be found by the next person prepping a defence against you.

Is there any concrete analysis to support the claim of a 'big advantage'?

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Bumping as unanswered so far.

@David_Flynn

I think that if I have this position in the board I would be more than happy as White. You need to see things from a human perspective. Just watching stockfish evaluations all day will not do much good I believe.
Where you see weaknesses I see potential. A weak pawn is the pawn that has no other pawn that is able to support him. This is not the case and even if all black pieces attack for exemple b2, there are only 3 pieces that can attack, and 3 defenders.

Also the e3 pawn will fall, no need to do it now right away, we choose the moment as White because we are in control. Black has to wait because they do not have a clear path. There is no Trojan horse ready and believe me, people lose control when they do not know what to expect. 

Anyway, I specially asked Avetik to reply to your post, but please try to not be so influenced by the engines, after all we are humans with human flaws...

David, practical big advantage and a big advantage for the engine are different. 
I don't understand the fun you're having, watching the courses, compare with different engines and ask these questions... 
I mentioned not once, that we appreciate and are eager to answer human questions. 

Your favourite player?

For me I just love Fischer. It made me cry for more than an hr when I saw "Pawn sacrifice" and " Fischer Against the World". I was playing North  Zone University event and my friend asked me to show the movie Pawn Sacrifice. I showed him and he watched it and when it was in the very end. I left the room and it was night and I was on street crying.

I only analised his few games like Game of the Century but I dont know I am very connected with him and his attitude. I do studied 18 hours a day in order to get a level of 1600 in just 2 month from beginner.

I just love him. I miss him. 

He is my idol. He inspired me to study whole day. 

The interesting this about me I am emotional but I dont cry so easily. Even when someone die I don't feel tears. For example when my grandmaa died I did not felt cry but when I think of him I feel cry. Because the first game video I saw was him and he was playing Suzen (Bc4 setup f4 f5 plans I think) against Najdrof.

For me if I see any chess player die no matter what's their age is. I just feel like cry.

I just dont wanna see any chess player die before the age of 100.

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Hi Abhi

Nice post and great choice of favourite chess player and I have to agree with you! Fischer is my favourite chess player also.

I saw the other day, a comment from GM Bent Larsen, describing Fischer as not a good player, as many Russian GM's thought he played children in the USA! Pretty arrogant of them....

Larsen thought he and the Russians would beat him! Well, Larsen lost 0-6 to Fischer and Fischer beat Spassky to be World chess champion.

So, he is my favourite chess player, although he appeared to lose his mind, sadly, after his retirement with several strange views and opinions on chess and other life issues even. It was though, very odd and bad, how the US government had treated him. He was directly responsible for an upsurge of chess play all over the world in his hey day and especially in the West.  He leaves an awesome chess legacy even in today's modern chess world, as good players appreciate his games and tournament records. Nice one Bobby!

Any new members? Do you like Fischer?

Fischer is the greatest genius to descend from the chess heavens. (Mikhail Tal)

Agree, Fischer is my number one, followed by Morphy, who had a similar life. unfortunately.

And do not exaggerate mate, you have already become way better, take your time

My favourite player is Karpov and then Kramnik. I think they do not need to be introduced ;-) 

My favourite is Mikhail Tal followed by Nezhmetdinov. Two great sacrificing attackers!

I do support Vachier-Lagrave because of his dynamic style. Now A favourite player. All players from whom i learn including me! I actually cannot say because it keeps changing. But I was inspired by reading the story of how Tigran Petrosian  and Boris Spassky worked hard.

Kramnik! Too bad he stopped playing classical games.

Scotch 8 h4 line against 4Nf6

Does anyone know the best continuation for White after:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5 Qe7 7. Qe2 Nd5 8. h4 f6 9. c4 Nb6 

I cant see better than exf?

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Isn't that position covered in the Scotch course?

Chessmood openings in top level

I always have a doubt. Why are Chessmood openings not seen at top level? Because Chessmood openings are great

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Kindly reply to my ques. Thanks

Have you already answered to yourself what kind of repertoire you would expect being a PRO-Member?

I was certainly not expecting a repertoire based on current top level play when I joined last October.

I do like active play with both colours so ChessMood's repertoire for black is a perfect match (and for white, too).

This approach helps you to develop your attacking skills (and for defence you will find a great course, too). I think that piece activity is a very important skill to develop. It is a kind of basis for further skills (the game's idea is to checkmate your opponent and not to jointly perform a positional play).

And I (FIDE ELO around 2000) have no problems with this repertoire against opponents of my rage in OTB. I rarely play FM/IM.

And re Benko, yes there are some lines that are a bit harder for black. But you will find responses in the course and the streams and the PRO-forum. But trust me, this is much easier than staying up-to-date in the Grünfeld. 

Thursday already, no theme tournament in events

Usual issue, would the schedule for the next few weeks be published please. It's probably too late for any openings tournament, so another middlegame one?

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Thank you David for pointing this out. The Events page was dully updated.

Closed Tournament for ChessMood PRO Members

"How to Memorize Opening Variations" tournament for ChessMood PRO Members

Too late for any opening - well, we will need the complete repertoire for white (1. e4) and the black repertoire against 1. e4. And to make it a bit harder, we play it with reversed colours (black has begun the game with 1. e7-e5). 

A small detail/concept check in Rossolimo

Recently, I played this following game against a ~2600 GM (90/30 time control). It started as 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bc6 dc ... And now due to inexperience playing the white side of this variation, I continued with 5. h3. How should Black exploit this subtle inaccuracy(as played in the game)? 

P.S. after 5~5.5 hrs and almost 90 moves of involuntary passive defense, my opponent gave up trying to win Rook gh against Rook g and gave draw. :p

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Dear @Valdemar_Rasmussen, could you be so kind to include the pgn of the game?

@Valdemar_Rasmussen

The 5.h3 move-order allows the immediate 5...e5 followed by 6...f6 which has scored well for Black in practice.  Having said that I should add that 5.h3 is a perfectly legitimate move-order which has been employed by many strong players, although it does give Black one or two more options as was indicated:  1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.h3 e5! 6.d3 f6!.

Hope that helps.

Anti-Sicilian with Nc3!? Part 2

In the Anti Sicilian Part 2  line many  of my opponent played like this 

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 or in the 4th move 4... bxc6.  And i get better version of Rossolimo after d3 followed by f4 - Nf3 as coach Avetik said in the main course. But as i do not know  how to  play better Rossolimo with White is it possible to give me few idea here for further development  or create a small video about this line in the course ?

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Best response to 2)...... c5 after 1)e6 ?

e4 e6 : d4 c5 ?!  ---- I played d5 and got a position I was uncomfortable with a sort of Old Benoni hybrid. For a determined e4 player looking for the Chess Mood lines, what do people prefer if faced with 2) c5 ?!  

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There was a discussion in this thread:

https://chessmood.com/forum/pro-members/hwo-to-play-against-1e4-e6-2d4-c5

course for smithmorragambit

SmithMorra Gambit course is there any course for the refutation of smith morra gambit here i couldn't find it in crushing all the Sicilian sidelines

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Sicilian Sidelines, tranposing into Alapin:

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 Nf6

Interesting pawn endgame I got in OTB rapid

Hello Chessmood,

Yesterday I played in OTB tournament, and here's an instructive pawn endgame I wanted to share. On the surface it looks equal and with little time I misjudged the winning idea and played h5, to which white could have made a draw. During this game I remembered Rubinstein's endgame with Kh3, having watched some classical endgames on this site and couple more examples, so they gave me the breakthrough idea. But it's interesting that first h5 with later g5 is only a draw with correct play from white, cause black runs out of tempi. Anyway, cheers!

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French 3.Bd3 with 3...dxe4 and 5...c6 with Bd6 setup

Hello guys,

In rapid OTB game, I used recommended french 3.Bd3 line and game went

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Bd3 dxe4 4.Bxe4 Nf6 5.Bf3 c6 6.Ne2 Bd6 seems passive (cause Bc8 is locked) but at the same time solid, hard to crack setup for black. I played next 7.Nd2 with idea Nc4 (as it was similar idea in one of the videos) but didnt get much out of opening, as later black just played Bc7, Nbd7 and even had a chance to push e5.

So question, how best to setup white's pieces vs this black's play? Txs

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Hi!

There is a similar line like this 1.e4 e4 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 de4 4.Ne4 Bd7!? known as Fortknox Variation here Black idea is Bc6 exchange the Bishop for the f3 knight and put the pawn on c6,Bishop on d6..

Here Black is solid. But this line has a problem White often gets with c4-b3-b4 trying to expand as much space as possibly..

There is a difference between two lines. One Black lacks from space advantage so He needs to exchange some pieces but in the line you mentioned c8 Bishop is the hindrance for a8 Rook which can come to c8. White can continue in the same fashion c4-a3-b4 Gain Space as much as possible Nbc3 comes Maybe we can trade Blacks good Bishop with Bf4 or simply go g3 Limiting the bishop and transposing to catalan type structure. I think After you play all these moves we need to improve the e2 knight only worst piece in Whites camp.

I hope it helps... Regards.

hey Paulisu. I think would be smart if white plays with Nge2 later on Bf4 trying to trade it off, also I think Knight can be placed well on c4 square to prevent e5.

Great tips, txs guys. Another question about this position: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Bd3 b6 - looks weird move but french idea to exchange bishop via a6. Here's example game I played https://lichess.org/d5wIinOFZStM , but I dont think i got much from the opening.

I think should have played 3.Nf3 and now 3..Ba6 doesnt quite work 4.Bxa6 Nxa6 5.exd5 gives white substantial edge according to stockfish 12, because of the weakened squares and lack of dev for black.

Any other thoughts how to handle 3..b6?

What is the difference?

https://chessmood.com/course/classical-chess-endgames/episode/2734 2min 1sec in the video. What is the difference between Bf1 and Bb7 here? Don't they both attack the pawn and make black play a5? Is there some tactical refutation? 

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See the point of going Bf1 is not just to attack the a6-pawn.
White also wants to IMPROVE THE BISHOP's postion.

So after 1.Bf1! a5 2.Bc4, White managed to get their Bishop to an active square c4 -square.

On the other hand, after 1.Bb7 a5, White's bishop looks a little silly on b7. Sure it attacked a6, but what else is it doing on b7?
In this case, White will again have to reroute the bishop with 2.Ba6 and 3.Bc4 wasting another useful tempo.

That's why 1.Bf1 is better than 1.Bb7.
The goal is to give the bishop a better job while using the fact that a6 is undefended. :)

Streams ?

Hi -- I'm having a 'senior moment' !!  How do I access the streams to see full games. Thanks 

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Hi Keven

Go to Event's page https://chessmood.com/events

Then scroll down to the event for a Stream, click on that, a page will open for th event and there will be a link to review .. that review link will open Youtube

Tournament didn't go well :(

Hello, today I had quite an important tournament, but I didn't do very well. I prepared quite well for the tournament, but when I was playing I got into winning positions and blundered it away, or missed tactics for my opponent. When I was training however, I made none of these misttakes. Is there any reason for this? What can I do for my next tournament?

Thank you..

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You need to understand what was different and the sorts of blunders made. Was it just you weren't in the same frame of mind, there was ego attached (you needed to win, it was important), over-confidence, tiredness...

What sort of blunders, did you just not evaluate right, blindness, over focus, overlooking distant long reaching pieces, forks, pins, loose pieces...

Also what is your rating?

Some of the problems will go with more experience, but part of it is understanding when you blunder and trying to get back to the right frame of mind.