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Chess forum by Grandmasters
Confusion in the Silent Strategy Course
Hello everyone!
I have a doubt. In the Silent Strategy Course, section 3 video 9 at 1:16 GM Gabuzyan says that white has 3 defenders of the weak square. Doesn't the queen count as a defender? It can defend from c2.
Please help clear this doubt.
-Ved
Replies
As GM Gabuzyan Hovhannes says in the video, “we are speaking about the minor peices.”
He then counts the 3 minor piece defenders and attackers, before going on to illustrate the trade that would help Black to take the weak square.
When thinking about infiltrating a weak square, or taking an outpost, it is the minor pieces (especially the Knights) that would love to be there. The Queen not so much. That is why in the examples, the focus is on the pieces.
Hope that helps!
New podcast with Dr. Rao Srikumar: The Joy is in the Journey, Not the End
What if your worst blunders weren’t caused by the game… 😊
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Srikumar Rao — who calls himself the “FedEx guy” — delivers timeless principles for emotional clarity, fulfillment, and performance.
A must-listen episode for chess players and deep thinkers:
https://youtu.be/rA4F4nyElLA
Replies
New article: How the Small Trips You Take Shape Your Life and Chess
Every move you make—on the board or in life—is a trip.
But are your trips taking you closer to your goals? Not always.
What if one question could change it all? 🤔
A question that could transform your life and your chess.
Read today’s article to find out how ⤵️
https://chessmood.com/blog/life-chess-trips
Replies
Very nice analogy! The idea that being conscious about all the little trips can profoundly influence the overall long journey is powerful. Thanks GM Avetik!
Sounds very interesting
My best game rating (2100) and accuracy (100%)
Lies, damned lies, and statistics! It was only a 6-move game 😂
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/daily/797448859?tab=review
Do any of you high-ranking players get quick games anymore or are they all 50+ moves?
Replies
They are usually pretty long up here XD but the exceptions are really funny.
Twice in classical (just last year) I had a lost position as early as move 7 (!!).
But the majority of games are usually decided between the 15-25 move phase I’ve learned. Worth spending extra time there!
Hopefully your opponent wasn’t too happy with the result ;)
https://www.chess.com/game/137250737750 Yes I sometimes get quick games haha.
There are a few notable instances of top grandmasters losing focus early. This game happened at the 2023 World Rapid Championship: https://www.chess.com/events/2023-fide-world-rapid-chess-championship/08/Ganguly_Surya_Shekhar-Madaminov_Mukhiddin
Nice win yourself Poker. I've heard of that trick before but had never actually seen it done in a game.
Look who got a new milestone!
1300 blitz! Yeah!
I actually lost a friendship over bullet and blitz lol. She was so resentful that I ‘wasted’ her advice flagging it up in the blitz and bullet arenas instead of playing slow, ‘virtuous’ chess.
I give ten thousand shits…wait, no, I totally don't. I'll retire from blitz and bullet when I'm dead.
Replies
french attack 3. e5
Dear CM coach-community, what do you recommend against 1.e4-e6 2.c4 d5 3. e5.
i had an otb games where i played 3..d4, 4.d3 c5 5.f4 Nc6 with a closed center but was not confident with the position.
Replies
Dear Marius,
The pawn on e5 is too advanced and without a supporting pawn. I like the idea of playing 3…c5 followed by Nc6 moves.
As an alternative you can take on c4 at first and then play with c5.
Did any one struggled to get 1600-2000
how did you solved that?
Replies
How to become better
Hallo evrey whan i have thake some lesson from this and i have a elo 1724 on fide and i play a torement and i have 3 on 7 but i stond better almost winnend agains a 2000 and still lose and my last game i whas a Piece down but i toon a lesson of this the slp and it work i keep the mood and i go for it but i can i prove more
Replies
funny bug on chess.com
My peak elo in rapid is 1908, I'm currently 1900. But chess.com has it all messed up
Replies
So something similar happened to me, and it was mainly because I played with a cheater, and lost (big surprise I know) and got refunded the points later.
Maybe same for you?
Question about the Sicilian
Why did you choose the move order with 2... Nc6 which allows the dangerous Rossolimo when it can be avoided by starting with 2... g6?
After 2... g6, the alternatives to transposition into the Accelerated Dragon, notably 3. c3 and 3. d4 cxd (not 3... Bg7 as this is very risky for Black because of 4 dxc5 or 4 d5) 4. Qxd4, don't seem to pose much of a problem for Black.
In any case, probably less so than the Rossolimo, which remains one of the best, if not the best, Anti-Sicilian and a line in which Black can struggle to get counterplay, especially if White captures on c6, doubling Black’s pawns.
For me, I guess this is a reason to recommend that Black plays 2...g6
What do you think, a reason to have avoided this move order and chosen instead 2... Nc6 instead?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Replies
https://chessmood.com/forum/pro-channel/why-dont-we-play-the-hyperaccelerated-dragon
"Yes, you are right, we could do that. But we don't focus on playing tricky lines or fast recipes for winning. We want you to develop, to grow as players and Rossolimo is a great battlefield to be tested in. Also the 2..g6 has some very good lines as White along with the initiative, and it is not our cup of tea once you play against a prepared opponent.
But the main reason is to play a very sound opening that allows you to grow as a player.😃"
Hi Frederic,
The move order with 2. … g6, is known as the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon Variation. Most of the time, the two variations are going to be interchangeable and reach the same position. However, each comes with its own side side lines that you would need to be prepared against. So, choosing between them is really about what lines you want to avoid and what you are happy facing.
For example, if you really do hate facing the Rossolimo, then yes, the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon move order would be an option to avoid this. But then you have to be prepared for the potential 3. d4, cxd4 4. Qxd4 … variation, which is not found in the standard Accelerated Dragon and can cause problems if you aren't ready for it. So, whilst you might swerve some side lines, you will run into others.
I've been an Accelerated Dragon Sicilian player for most of my (albeit short) chess life. Although I have experimented with 2. … g6, I do prefer the 2. … Nc6 move order. Both are reputable, however I agree with chessmood on this one.
What is interesting to me is that you rate the Rossolimo so highly. Personally, I feel it is very solid, but not one of White's most ambitious ways to play against us. The middle games tend to be balanced positional tussles. I don't think it offers White many chances of playing for an advantage out of the opening. We can normally fianchetto our dark-squared Bishop and get a familiar Sicilian Dragon type of structure and go from there.
Perhaps take a look at both options and see which you prefer, but be careful with the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon as it does come with some sharp side lines that you would need to look at. It may be worth simply putting in the effort to learn the Rossolimo a little better from Black's point of view. Have you looked at the relevant chessmood course?
Hope this helps and good luck, whichever option you go for!
Hi, Fredric good day! The Rossolimo is not dangerous after 3. Bb5 Nf6 is ok. Be careful and black has chances.
Why Not More Than One?
In fixmood they only show one mistake in the whole game one example. Few days ago i played a game. I put it in fixmood it highlights a mistake i did in the opening but after opening it cant be sure that we will definitely lose even if we play the best moves or if we blunder. in that game i blundered twice except for the one in the opening.
I kindly request to show all of our bad moves in the fixmood. If no, its not a problem.
Replies
Hey Zaheem!
FixMood is a tool to show deviations from ChessMood openings. Once you deviate, what you are playing is no longer in the ChessMood repertoire and any more mistakes won't show. 😊
Happy Chessing!
Sarah
Hi there :)
We are working so hard to bring new features.
Of course will have the whole game review function as well!
Happy Anniversary, Avo and Annie
Wishing you many more years of marriage filled with happiness, love and adventure!
Replies
Thank you, dear James!
Good openings to play
I've been playing for quite a while and I was wondering what openings should I play.
I am a aggressive player but I know 5 lines in the opening, Stafford Gambit, Danish Gambit, and Englund Gambit.
I know a few lines in the Sicilian Defense, KID, Vienna, Caro-kann, Fried Liver.
My rating has fell a lot over the years I started with 800 lost a few match and kept 900 rating for 3 months and then I started against a 1000 it was my fault I turned of rating range and went against a 1200 rating and fell to the rating of 300-/300+.
My user is Iusechessmood you can check out my page in chess.com https://www.chess.com/member/iusechessmood
Replies
Hi Ryan,
As a fellow beginner, I appreciate the appeal of learning lots of openings. However, our time is far better spent by choosing a couple of openings (one for white and one for black) and then focusing on tactics. The Chessmood advice is to play Scotch for white and French for black. That's what I played for the first 12 months - only now am I looking at other openings (and again it will only be one for white and one for black).
You'd also probably benefit from playing longer games on Rapid or Daily.
If you fancy a game to practice (happy for it to be unrated) I'm ShouldveStuckToPoker on Chess.com.
It looks to me as if you may be making the mistake of playing trappy openings that are sub-optimal if your opponent knows a bit of theory, or can work it out over the board.
For example, I'm a 1. d4 player predominantly, and I just love facing the Englund Gambit because its terrible. I'm only an intermediate sort of player (around 1400-1500 chess.com rapid) but I have it largely figured out.
These kind of openings may get you a few easy wins at lower levels but they are not equipping you very well in the long run, and you will soon find they lose their effectiveness when encountering stronger opponents.
I think the advice from IShouldveStuckToPoker is sound. Play one opening system for each colour that is reputable at all levels. Learn them well. This will put you in a much better position in the long run. The chessmood recommended openings are a fine choice.
Perhaps later on, when you are a more advanced player, there may be some benefit in learning other openings. But for now, keep it simple.
Also, don't get too caught up on the importance of openings. Most games at your level, and mine, are decided by tactics, errors and blunders! That should be your primary focus when studying.
Avetik to join Chessable Team - Retirement from Chessmood
Have you guys heard? "I realized I'm no longer the boss," he said. Full podcast and article coming soon.
Replies
Took me way longer than a second.
Happy April the 1st - fools day!
Third Time's the Charm? My Final Push to a FIDE Rating
I have been here before. Twice, in fact. And both times, I walked away without a FIDE rating. This time, I can't afford to fail.
In 5 days, I'll be playing in a tournament with 165 players already registered—125 of them FIDE-rated. My rapid rating on Chess.com is close to 2000, and I've put in the work, but I know my weaknesses:
My Black repertoire is shaky, and I want to prepare the Sicilian Accelerated Dragon. I am strong in tactics and decent in middlegame and endgames, but I need to sharpen everything.
This tournament isn't just about a number—it's about proving to myself that I can break through. I also run a YouTube chess channel, constantly exploring ways to improve and share the journey.
So, to those who have fought this battle and won: How would you maximize these 5 days?
I know I've put in the hours. Now, I just need to make them count.
Replies
Hi there,
You are way above my rating level so I can't offer any technical help (sorry!). However, have you seen the ChessMood course on the Accelerated Dragon? https://chessmood.com/course/sicilian-defence-accelerated-dragon
I wish you the best of luck in the tournament.
By the way, how about a link to your YouTube channel so that we can share in the journey and cheer you on 😀
Hello!
I am 2200 blitz on cc, and 1800 FIDE so some tips for you:
First, objectively I think you definitely could do it!
Second, you have five days, and a good rule of thumb is to have ⅓ of the tournament length in rest days before (rounded up.) If you don’t get what I mean, just take 2 days before with no chess.
Third, preparing a whole opening in 3 days is… borderline impossible. I would just play what you know best instead, and play practically to your style.
Fourth, I think you are putting uneccesary pressure on yourself. I don’t really see why you couldn’t do it , you are a very strong player already (2k is no joke).
Lastly, I think of you are running into this issue, you might play better online than otb. I would try to play this tournament with you online games mindset.
All in all, good luck, and I’d reccomend that these last three days, you take it slow. Just play some games (on an anymous account) analyze them, and just take notes of your weaknesses.
Gook luck, and let us know how it goes!
The best games of March, 2025, and the prizes
Hello ChessMood family, hello champions and future champions!
Welcome to the "Best games of March, 2025" competition.
Under this post, we invite you to post the best games that you will play this month.
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 February, 2025:
Regis H.
Yuya Sato
Konrad Scheffler
Ashwin Anjulan
Tomas Hanak
Replies
https://lichess.org/CeMggKtS/black#0
Huge attack by my opponent with the english
https://lichess.org/9EVQMl9A/black#0
Silent Strategy was used,specially weak pawns,just a very neat positional game
This game is inspired by GM Avetik's creative style game (Breaking the Rules like Picasso) I took the ideas and played this game. I am playing the White Side.
https://lichess.org/lsREgr5Y/white#0
https://lichess.org/4Yl5ghCVT6I0
😀
Playing in the lobby and I found my lucky day. Played a low rated but still, it was a neat checkmate in 11. Please vote me, I need the moodcoins!
Pawnhunter90 vs OWENY954: King's Gambit Accepted: Abbazia Defense • lichess.org
A really good masterpiece on how to beat the King's Gambit.
I reached 2100 rapid and got a solid win when the opponent played weird moves in the opening.
I punished bad play and ignored the rook. This game is inspired by the course Fearless Warrior and Attack Like A Viking.
Thank you CM members
https://lichess.org/5TgITxLBwkuT
Schlechter variation against the French leads to positional endgame victory.
https://www.chess.com/live/game/123495546726
nice dragon attack mate
Tactical Oppurtunitites
https://lichess.org/q3xgB5t9/white#0
Missed wins for white
https://lichess.org/MGJqtCFI/white#0
lichess.org/aGX0GkYn/black#0
Middlegame Mess
An anti-Sicilian win against an opponent rated over 600 points higher: https://lichess.org/JQzbGsnD/white#1
this is like 5th time in live and online I win out of prep, GP for the win
https://lichess.org/t56MtmuI4YeP
A standard ‘how to take advantage of opponents dubious play’ type of game.
It started with a queen infiltration, then a nice pawn sac to open up lines, then a piece sac for a huge attack, finally, a queen sac into a completely won endgame :)
Study: https://lichess.org/study/ByQW93Nf/EquDIUsu chapter 6
Dutch opening attack but failed
https://lichess.org/v88TMJlE/white#0
Fench attack.. thank you Avetik!
https://www.chess.com/game/123505910802
Tried a dutch and managed to win against a much higher rated opponent
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/134436551591?tab=review&move=79
Punishing the artistical openings (…g5?, …b5? And offering a queen for a mate.
https://www.chess.com/game/123528765060?move=17
a rook sac to win the game
[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2025.03.04"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Aim2500-MS"]
[Black "Heppahei"]
[Result "1-0"]
[TimeControl "180+2"]
[WhiteElo "1907"]
[BlackElo "1887"]
[Termination "Aim2500-MS won by resignation"]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/game/123535058274?move=44"]
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Bd3 Nc6 5. c3 Nf6 6. Bf4 Bg4 7. Qb3 Qd7 8. Nd2
a6 9. Ngf3 Bxf3 10. Nxf3 e6 11. O-O Be7 12. Rae1 O-O 13. Qc2 Rac8 14. a3 Na5 15.
Ne5 Qd8 16. Re3 b5 17. Rh3 h6 18. Qd2 Nc4 19. Bxc4 dxc4 20. Bxh6 Ne4 21. Qe3 Bf6
22. Qxe4 gxh6 23. Rxh6 1-0
Nice win against caro-kann.
Scotch game victory. Very straightforward by following the lessons from the Scotch opening course!
https://www.chess.com/game/123541866604
https://www.chess.com/live/game/123546058662
straight from the course!!!
https://lichess.org/8lXIk2uC/white#0
nice miniature demonstrating power of grand prix setup
Interesting Middlegame
https://lichess.org/wCKsQw0m/black#0
Squeezing Blood from a stone in the endgame!!!
https://lichess.org/G7ti2F9d/black#0
https://www.chess.com/live/game/123576424776
absolutely destroyed the Caro Kahn
https://lichess.org/f5prb4WD/white#0
nice positional exchange sac (6.Kf2 was a misclick😅)
At long last - a good win in the stonewall Dutch!
https://lichess.org/Ic5KLRqq/black
https://lichess.org/3SjMlKNy/black#0
nice attack vs english
This time the Schlechter Variation strikes tactically:
https://lichess.org/SO4SLHNOv1WH
Chessmood Schlechter strikes again:
https://lichess.org/T3tvvNwgfrrV
hello!
i was playing with white:
A game as black couldn't pull off the power of french and found myself in a tough spot.
Like Avetik sir in “In Avetik's Mind” king on the other side. Managed some defense. And how unexpectedly I won! Personally I think I won because opponent blundered. But i'm sure my friends watching that game till waiting for a pair loved the show!
https://lichess.org/PfYtrhLvV08w
I've been having trouble cracking the scicilian and just tried the grand pri attack after finishing the whitemood course. Absolutely lethal opening! https://www.chess.com/game/live/135015558977?move=34
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136017710380?move=0
Deadly Dutch
https://www.chess.com/game/136034799634
Killing the Sicilian e5
https://www.chess.com/game/136039747770
Killing scotch c5
Hi, The French Attack!.
https://lichess.org/o3Bz4XGTL0Tn
https://lichess.org/LK1YtprwSKWU
Good evening!
I played very nice game as white in exchange Caro-Kann.
Please enjoy!
Scotch
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136054206846
Scotch
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136064375782?tab=review
Sicilian, with black pieces
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136064495074?tab=review
Destroying Black's kingside in exchange Caro
https://lichess.org/GVnMbmFJ/white#51
Innocuous looking move vs. the Scandinavian leads to nice win:
https://lichess.org/Tx4kkHepw4sX
McCutcheon gambit strikes again:
https://lichess.org/5ZS8U1HUsVn8
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136091801684?move=0
Dutch Attack
Is this game among the best of March for quality play? Hilariously, absolutely not. Most entertaining? You decide. I did win against a player over 200 points higher-rated. The engine says we should both be ashamed of ourselves, I think! (ChessBase does set the “beauty” of this game at three medals, whatever that means.) https://lichess.org/0z0lYVtf/white#1
If you like Queen sacrifices, well, there is one in this game…
Interesting Closed Sicilian battle, it's a pity that my opponent blundered mate in one at the end. Just before that I had a dominant position but rushed with 29.f5? when he defended well with Rfe8. 30.Bxg7 is a trap as if he takes with the king, gets crushed after 31.fxe6 Kf6 32.Rxd7 Rxd7 33.exd7 and now he has to play the sad Rd8. But he effortlessly found the only defense (30…exf5!) even here, so before his blunder my advantage was minimal.
https://lichess.org/wQ5rzhQv/white
Playing after so long !!!
https://lichess.org/0p159aZZwogW
missing😢 my immortal game
this game could have been my best one with a double K sacrifice..
https://lichess.org/GhYxSZkw/black
but i missed a simple mate in 3 and then in time trouble did not pay attention to a drawing resource for white.
that said my first knight sacrifice at move 10… was sound (for a machine at least) as well as the second knight sac at move 14… and M.T. could have played it so i m still happy of these moves.
hope some of its line will inspire you.
Crazy game with opposite side attack and a nice touch at the end (although 24…Ne2 followed by Nc3+ instead of Nf3 would have ended matters quicker)
https://lichess.org/s5aOmo63/black#0
Crushing attack in the Grand Prix line.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136006647080?move=1
https://www.chess.com/live/game/136152305102
beat a titled player for the first time!!!
thanks chessmood!
https://lichess.org/dJNKnrLrlPrG
Positional crush vs. Caro-Kann
Rampaging rook:
https://lichess.org/XIJwWGh0ncMl
New account so not the level of 2700 but still decent win after his horrible misplayed opening.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136194296516
Crushed a GM !!!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136194893326
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136208294196?tab=review&move=40
C
Chessmood kills the Caro Kann!
Using the h-file to mate opponent
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136208718982
Schlechter strikes against the French:
https://lichess.org/Bsvtp3Mh/white#27
https://lichess.org/HQUlAFP2XacJ
Scotch game. One of my best games ever i mated using all my forces except for 3pawns a rook<to use just incase i blundered in my checkmate attack> and of course my king.
Never thought the small pawn up advantage could have been so crucial to win the games.
https://lichess.org/rhnAooBO#103
Back rank domination
https://www.chess.com/game/136258051434
Scotch with a nice finish
https://www.chess.com/game/136268483884
https://www.chess.com/game/136268483884
https://lichess.org/oweRSWfDa26T
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136305317086?tab=analysis
https://lichess.org/0xwx0cXa/white#0
nice positional game
https://lichess.org/KGXLgkL1/white#0
nice positional game using holes in opponent's position
https://lichess.org/IsXx2EluWgFv
Finally a win with the French defense!
https://lichess.org/zPc5V49UecRd
https://lichess.org/BOUK7Mlq/black#52
https://www.chess.com/game/136418024400 Good N vs. bad B
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136423273882?tab=analysis
https://lichess.org/qzj5n8DAY7MI
Opening i forgot , I think after Nh5 ? he had no chance , I only had all plans. So I played slow and stopped all his plans like Karpov and went on to win .
The Dutch attack-total distruction!
https://www.chess.com/live/game/136452212334
I made 2 brilliants in a row
Sicilian, black had all the pieces on the queenside, so i went for the king!
https://www.chess.com/live/game/136518393544
Attacking The Sicilian Closed.
Jouer Buccaneero • lichess.org
A simple caro kann
https://lichess.org/CoSS9Mko/white
Freeing the LSB
https://lichess.org/80dLNocv/black
Scotch with an early d5
https://www.chess.com/live/game/136589982562
https://lichess.org/tqy05ui1oQpz
Winning two pawns and thus obtaining a winning advantage with a nice combination, starting with 17.Ngxf7
https://lichess.org/bf8Wnd7X/white#0
https://lichess.org/broadcast/12th-chessmates-international-tournament/round-2/a1uWedPe/LCIRNibI
nice game in french be7 line, played in team junior event
I don't show this game for its great quality, but because the flashy mate at the end
https://lichess.org/RPIzfIht/white#0
This forum post is super cool because it has given me a chance to look back at the games I've played this month and realize again how powerful the ChessMood openings have been for me! Before ChessMood I never had an opening repertoire before in my life and always suffered because of that.
Here are the games I'd like to submit from the month of March:
A win vs an IM in the Scotch Game:
https://lichess.org/nbJxif6y/white#57
Another win vs a different IM in the Scotch Game:
https://lichess.org/F9NYy5do/white#14
A win vs a 2500 in just 12 moves using the closed Sicilian!
https://lichess.org/gXNohuS8/white#23
A 16 move win using the closed Sicilian (what an opening ❤)
https://lichess.org/g8KVCJru/white#31
Thanks again to all the ChessMood team for a beautiful chess learning website!
Start of the game Petrov Russian
https://lichess.org/YKa1DFTdYmE2
A 90+30 OTB tournament game, in which I was pleased with my fighting spirit. French Attack.
I declined a draw with 16 seconds left when my opponent had 42 minutes, and converted. Happy days.
https://lichess.org/study/aQilCMGT/tctYvYpL
Another 90+30 OTB tournament game, Caro Kann. This was the final round of five and I was tired and forgot a move order. But recovered the plans we are looking for and got the full point:
https://lichess.org/study/aQilCMGT/JU7kCLid
Nice win (OTB, 70+15) against a stronger player, just following the game plan as presented in the Caro-Kann course. I didn't have to do anything special, my opponent just never got into the game and the attack played itself. And this game guaranteed me first place in our club championship with one round to go!
https://lichess.org/study/Y0hpFcZB/LoXpTYe1
Very smooth victory in the Exchange Caro
https://lichess.org/USYDUt1w/white#0
I have two offerings. The first one was a 3+2 blitz game, where I played the French
attack and it worked like a dream:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136624665310
My second offering was a classical over-the-board game where I didn't play the recommended
ChessMood opening, but used lots of the knowledge I gained from the other courses to get
a good position and squeeze my opponent. In particular, not being afraid of bringing the
queen out early if it's not going to be easy to attack it, with the idea of inducing a
pawn weakness. Towards the end, I cut my opponent's king off from the action with my rook
and repositioned my bishop to a better square on moves 32-34.
[Event "Witham C vs. Clacton A, North Essex League"]
[Site "Clacton"]
[Date "2025.03.11"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Simon White"]
[Black "James Waters"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "1765"]
[BlackElo "1836"]
[Board "2"]
1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 Nf6 4. e5 Nd5 5. cxd4 e6 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd2 Nxc3 8.
bxc3 Be7 9. Qg4 g6 10. Nf3 h5 11. Qg3 b6 12. Bd3 Bb7 13. O-O d6 14. Ng5 Rg8
15. f4 Bxg5 16. fxg5 dxe5 17. Qxe5 Qd5 18. Bb5+ Nd7 19. Qxd5 Bxd5 20. Bxd7+
Kxd7 21. Rxf7+ Kc6 22. a3 Kb5 23. g3 Ka4 24. Rb1 Rgf8 25. Rf6 Rxf6 26. gxf6 Rf8
27. Bg5 Kxa3 28. Kf2 Ka2 29. Rb4 Rf7 30. Ke3 Rc7 31. Kd2 Bb3 32. Bf4 Rb7 33.
Bd6 Rf7 34. Be7 Ka3 35. Rxb6+ Kb2 36. Ra6 {Black resigns} 1-0
https://lichess.org/SupEBcd2/white#0
nice rook sac on a6
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136714102768?tab=analysis I did a good job of being aware of opponent's threats since my king was in danger and defended well to convert a winning position
😪
file:///Users/michaeldittmar/Desktop/Bad%20Woerishofen%202025%20%E2%80%A2%20lichess.org.html
almost my best game so far. Missed unfortunately the mate after move 28 .. the rook sacrifice on h5 followed by Rf5 and mate ..
well and recovered somehow with another nice move 43) h4 move but missed again move 45 Re3 and Rh3 but played instead Rh2?
and was in trouble but just found the right way to get a draw. What a pity ..
I played online. I played as white. Time control was blitz(5min + 5sec).
Opening is Pirc Defense.
I played 2 tactical moves in the game and lightly won in this game.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136725968168
SLP game that got me to 2000 again.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136733262480?tab=analysis&move=0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136741561894?tab=review
How to punish wrong opening principles: Opening Avengers and tactic in action!
A decent game in the caro kann
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/136747580388?tab=review&move=85
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136765293300
Punishing bad opening
Killer French! Thank.you Avetik! Thank.you Chessmood !
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136768005332?move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136770917230?move=0 brilliant rook sac!
https://lichess.org/fTxNJfKhCACT
Trading right pieces !!!
https://lichess.org/629x8n13/black
very nice game with my strong pawn on d3
Black French - I hope my opponent didn't report me for my 99.4% accuracy 🤣
Chess: KevinRomero2000 vs GoPlayChessNowOrElse - Chess.com
Black French 2 - 94% accuracy with brilliant 🐰
m-safar vs. GoPlayChessNowOrElse | Analysis - Chess.com
https://www.chess.com/game/136797181722 An alapin game with some beautiful tactics towards the end!
Nice variant of the Rxb2 trick in the b3 Benko:
https://www.chess.com/game/136813655856
In the closed French “attack”with Bd7 & a6 also featuring the Kd7 move and really very similar to other games I have seen in the speed runs.
Cheers, Edger
Closed sicilian without deep combinations but easy conversion (ofcourse thanks to the opponent).
Regards, Edger
CM Antisicilian idea
www.chess.com/live/game/136825448646 Interesting slow attack
Solid positional play
[Event "CIS 2025 Girone C24"]
[Date "14/03/2025"]
[Round "1"]
[White "FB"]
[Black "AA"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "1885"]
[BlackElo "1817"]
[TimeControl "90'+30\""]
[Board "1"]
[ECO "C62"]
[Opening "Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bd7 6. Bxc6 bxc6 7. O-O Nf6 8. Nc3 Be7 9. Qf3 c5?! 10. Nf5 Bxf5 11. Qxf5 O-O 12. Rd1 Qc8 13. Qf3 h6?! 14. b3! c6 15. Bb2 Qe6 16. Qg3 Nh5 17. Qf3 Qg6 18. Re1 Bf6 19. Na4! Bxb2 20. Nxb2 Qf6 21. Qxf6 gxf6? 22. Rad1 +- Rad8 23. Rd2 d5 24. Red1 Nf4 25. g3 Ne6 26. exd5 Nd4 27. Kg2 cxd5 28. Na4 Rc8 29. c3 Ne6 30. Rxd5 Kg7 31. Rd7 Ra8 32. R1d6 Kg6 33. Rc6 Rfd8 34. Rxd8 Rxd8 35. Nxc5 Ng7 36. Ra6 Rd2 37. Rxa7 Nf5 38. Ne4 Rc2 39. Ra6 Ne3+ 40. Kf3 Nf1 41. h3 Kg7 42. Kf4 Re2 43. b4 Nd2 44. Nxd2 Rxd2 45. Ke3 Rc2 46. Ra3 1-0
Rated 2000, black played French defence. used my whitemood opening repertoire and won with insane attack on queen side. opponent resigned.
Bxe4 Bf3 line…
https://www.chess.com/live/game/136830703204
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136829102350?move=0
Nf4 was a nice find
https://lichess.org/H0hR2Ieq/white#35
https://lichess.org/Dn8EfNrc/black playing on my other account i play on when im tired and I beat a 1987 lichess rated player!
https://lichess.org/jcuUNE4iPO3h
One sided Benko
Scotch Qh4, forcing the black king to take a hike
https://www.chess.com/game/136870884690
GoPlayChessNowOrElse vs. m_boudenant | Analysis - Chess.com
94% accuracy with powerful beginning
One more slow motion attack, then some time trouble. But I converted without blundering as usual)
https://www.chess.com/game/136886601750
When I sacrificed the rook I knew it was either madness or brilliance. My opponent blundered in the end, but mate was coming anyway.
https://www.chess.com/game/136894086198
Sacking for the attack in an opposite side castling position
https://lichess.org/VFm19k4t/white#0
Hello champions!
How are you all doing?
Thank you for sharing your best games — you played some amazing moves, executed nice strategies and scored beautiful wins. We found many instructive moments and ideas. Keep it going!
Now, onto the prizes:
1st Prize: Samuel Marsden
A fantastic masterpiece! Materially, the position stayed equal throughout the game, but White completely dominated and won. You showed what Silent Strategy looks like in chess. Well done!
https://lichess.org/KGXLgkL1/white#61
2nd Prize: Tony Weir. The Petroff Defense gets crushed!
Black created a pawn hook — and you used it brilliantly with Bh6 to completely destroy Black’s position. A super aggressive game with a nice finish. Well done!
https://lichess.org/H0hR2Ieq/white#17
3rd Prize: Thomas Maes
The Schlechter Variation indeed strikes tactically! The opponent’s King was stuck in the middle. Knight sacrifice, then another sacrifice — and you completely took over the initiative. You made sure the poor Black king never found safety and calmly finished the game by bringing your last piece into play. Beautiful attack!
https://lichess.org/SO4SLHNO#43
4th Prize: Trying to get Better for real (interesting username)
A very creative game! So many principles of attack are at play here — from starting with a pawn storm to patiently finishing the game by bringing all your pieces into the attack. Nicely done!
https://lichess.org/lsREgr5Y/white#59
5th Prize: James L.
You nicely applied the silent strategy and showed great understanding of the good knight vs. bad bishop concept. Your trading strategy was spot on, and the pawn placement was perfect. The bishop was locked in jail, and you wrapped up the game smoothly without giving your opponent any chance to fight back. Well done!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/136418024400?move=1
Congratulations to all of you!
And thank you once again to everyone who shared their games.
All the best for next month’s contest!
Scotch Game, black move 4
I’m very new to the Scotch, so apologies for what may be a dumb question. At what OTB rating level do the members of this forum begin to see Bc5 or Nf6 for black move four (the “correct” moves)?
Replies
Hey David,
The question is not nearly dumb - feel free to ask anything related to our content.
Since I am streaming those lines, I can say that 1500-1600+ it's more likely to face the right move order - but still players won't really know much how to play after.
As well, l U1500 people can play the moves you mentioned, but without much knowledge behind them.
My experience showed if you master our setups and middlegame (usually easy attacking ideas), you could have decent results with the scotch.
Good luck!
1.5x Video Speed Stuck
I have an issue where every video I play resets to 1.5x speed. I can change that video, but the next video to start playing resets to 1.5x. I have tried logging in and out, refreshing the browser. Still having the issue. Any ideas?
Replies
Dear Matt,
Do you still have the issue?
I redirected your inquiry to our technical team.
Hello, we know about that bug, we will fix it, but for now on 1 video change the 1.5x to 2x then to normal. After that it should work properly
The issue you reported has been fixed! 🎉 Feel free to check it out, and enjoy your learning experience!
Additionally, we’ve addressed a few other bugs related to the course episode page to ensure a smoother experience for everyone. Please give it a try now, and we hope you enjoy the improved functionality!
If you encounter any other issues or have further feedback, feel free to let me know. 😊
Should I???
I just learn the king's Indian but after watching some of the course opening principles to Example 1 the one after 3 best setups I didn't know whether to play it or not because it doesn't control the downtown.
Replies
I mean it depends.
I switched from Benko to KID, and found it easy to learn and very enjoyable.
I think the main questions are what is you rating range (as for like below 1400 I think this opening is too complex and thearetical) and do the positions suit you.
Also, don’t be fooled, we do control the center, just not with our pawns! You can especially the dark squares we either get some space on those, or active piece play.
Question on Scotch e5 the Ne4 instead of Qe7
Hey guys… I was wondering how to pubish Ne4!
I know a video was done on punishing Nd5.. i played an aggressive came but wasnt sure whats the best way to punish Ne4.
Replies
https://lichess.org/study/RcCBSG4h/shZTvbLW
e4e5 nf3nc6 d4 ed nd nf6 nxc6 bxc e5 ne4?
Hey Druva,
In the given position there are options to attack the Knight with Qf3 or Qe2 which are slightly pleasant for white, but my preference goes to Nd2, and if Nxd2 Bxd2 - White will put the Bishop on d3 - with some potential pressure on the Kingside. The position is not concrete and the opponent has many moves - but White is doing decently well afterthe Ne4 move.
Good luck!
