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Chess forum by Grandmasters
Doubt✋
In Scotch game Bc5 line after qe2 what about d5?
In Scotch game Nf6 line after h4 and opponent plays d6 I'm like-Now what, what to do?
Also I like Dutch very much but I always get mated first or lose too much material?
Replies
pls answer this
Don't play Dutch it is very complicated why don't you play semi slav or kings indian attack or benoni defense.
After d5 you may play f3 supporting he pawn on e4
The best games of April, 2026, and the prizes
Hello ChessMood family, hello champions and future champions!
Welcome to the "Best games of April, 2026" 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 March, 2026:
Marius Cornee
Tyler Ferland
Edvinas Volkovas
Tina Vehl
Mark Tee
Replies
Apocalypse Attack vs the Caro-Kann:
https://lichess.org/7gIuQowN05AZ
2 brilliant moves in GP attack attempt:
https://lichess.org/rWUG9tKP
3 brilliant moves in French:
https://lichess.org/dyiBEQoP
Blumenfeld in action and nice OTB endgame https://lichess.org/broadcast/lithuanian-championship-2026--open/round-8/x5ogjUlV/Qg7t9HGg
Crush with the dutch https://www.chess.com/game/167443086540
https://www.chess.com/game/166947250860
some nice tactics in the dragon
my opponent gives a masterclass on how not to play in the opening
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/166995185272/analysis
https://lichess.org/BZYz29E7IT8v I was black. The defense was really nice
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167073040768/analysis A nice example of WWP
Check out this #chess game: Praneetsurana vs Edorin97 - https://www.chess.com/live/game/167092846886
Sharing because this was the most random queen trap that I actually saw and calculated a bit. Thus played 1… d5 to cut off potential retreat to e4 by queen and hoped he won't notice that
🙃
GP in the Gabuzyan style plus the usual Ovi errors = interesting melange.
https://lichess.org/DcfQEtdk/white#0
🙂 nice mate https://lichess.org/k7iOznBBYVGN example of attacking like a viking
https://lichess.org/HboXnbq5/white#44
nice example of wwp and strategic manuvering https://lichess.org/rjFTpqNC/white#0
https://www.chess.com/game/167226669852
nice rook sac tactic to force mate
🙂
[Event "rated classical game"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/8X2UNqYB"]
[Date "2026.04.05"]
[Round "-"]
[White "gvayner"]
[Black "vishalthakkar"]
[Result "0-1"]
[GameId "8X2UNqYB"]
[UTCDate "2026.04.05"]
[UTCTime "00:37:18"]
[WhiteElo "2013"]
[BlackElo "1951"]
[WhiteRatingDiff "-20"]
[BlackRatingDiff "+55"]
[Variant "Standard"]
[TimeControl "1800+20"]
[ECO "C01"]
[Opening "French Defense: Exchange Variation"]
[Termination "Normal"]
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. Bd3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bd6 6. O-O Nge7 7. Re1 Bg4 8. c3 Qd7 9. h3 Bf5 10. Bb5 f6 11. Nbd2 g5 12. Nh2 h5 13. Ndf1 O-O-O 14. Bd3 Bxh3 15. gxh3 Qxh3 16. Qf3 Qh4 17. Ng3 g4 18. Qg2 f5 19. Nxf5 Nxf5 20. Bxf5+ Kb8 21. Be3 Rdf8 22. Be6 Ne7 23. Re2 Rf6 24. Bd2 Rhf8 25. Rae1 g3 26. fxg3 Bxg3 27. Rf1 Bxh2+ 28. Qxh2 Rxf1+ 29. Kg2 R8f2+ 30. Rxf2 Rxf2+ 0-1
My proud game…French Attack…Chessmood style…
https://lichess.org/kpfOz0yu/black#60
https://www.chess.com/game/167276092100 A very nice scotch game where I understood how to prevent my opponent's ideas while at the same time executing my own :)
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167173916702
Having watched the course a couple of months ago, I'm more or less starting to figure out how to play the French
Also, here's a SLP game I quite liked:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167175150772
https://www.chess.com/game/167307030216
nice straight forward attack n mate
Double Exchange Sac ! Rook…Rook… get the King!
https://lichess.org/lgpcgMZdgl7H
https://www.chess.com/game/167370745610
nice smothered mate to end it
Black French 2 b3, short game, I couldn't remember the line so just played developing moves, turns out I played top move each time. I think white got confused but instructive game for black.
My today game OTB in classic time control
I'm satisfied as I could play a variation learned from the whitemood openings scotch “rare moves”. So I knew what to do. Many thanks to the mood technical team.
The opponent completely missed the ideas to counter white initiative and the game is quite short
-----game--
[Event "na"]
[Site "na"]
[Date "2026.04.17"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Bonferroni, Carlo"]
[Black "na, na"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "C45"]
[WhiteFideId "-1"]
[BlackFideId "-1"]
[PlyCount "39"]
[GameId "2299862961531144"]
[SourceVersionDate "2026.04.12"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qf6 5. Nf3 Bc5 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd2 d6 8. Be2 Bd7 9. O-O O-O-O 10. Nd5 Qxb2 11. Rb1 Qa3 12. Nxb4 Nxb4 13. Bxb4 Qa4 14. Qd2 Nf6 15. Bd3 Bc6 16. Ng5 Rd7 17. e5 Nd5 18. Bf5 Bb5 19. Bxd7+ Kxd7 20. Qxd5 1-0
My game last weekend against the reigning CAM League Champion (I played black). Christian attacked quite relentlessly all game and, well, I'll let you judge how well I defended.
[Event "CAM League 2026.CMT"]
[Site ""]
[Date "2026.4.11"]
[Round "1, Game 21"]
[White "Christian"]
[Black "Mark"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "oft"]
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Bc4 Nf6
5. O-O Bc5
6. d4 Bxd4
7. Nxd4 Nxd4
8. Bxf7+ Kxf7
9. Be3 Nc6
10. Nc3 Rf8
11. Nd5 Kg8
12. Bg5 d6
13. f4 Be6
14. Nxf6+ gxf6
15. f5 fxg5
16. fxe6 Qe7
17. Qh5 Nd4
18. Kh1 Nxe6
19. Qh3 Rf4
20. Rxf4 gxf4
21. Qg4+ Kf7
22. Qh3 Ke8
23. Rd1 Kd7
24. c4 Rg8
25. c5 Kc8
26. cxd6 cxd6
27. Rc1+ Kb8
28. b4 Rc8
29. Rxc8+ Kxc8
30. Qg4 Kc7
Releasing the pin on the knight and beginning to activate the king
31. b5 axb5
32. h3 Nd4
33. a4 bxa4
34. Qg8 b5
35. Qa8 h5
36. Qa7+ Kd8
37. Qa8+ Kd7
38. Qb7+ Ke6
39. Qd5+ Kf6
40. Qg8 h4
41. Kg1 a3
42. Qa8 b4
43. Qa5 Nc2
44. Qa4 Qc7
45. Qe8 a2
46. Qf8+ Qf7
47. Qh6+ Qg6
48. Qf8+ Kg5
49. Qd8+ Kh5
50. Qh8+ Qh6
51. Qe8+ Kg5
52. Qg8+ Qg6
53. Qd8+ Qf6
54. Qg8+ Kh6
55. Qxa2 Nd4
56. Qd2 b3
57. Kf1 Qg7
58. Qb4 Qc7
59. Qe1 Kg5
60. Qd1 Qc2
61. Qg4+ Kf6
62. Qxh4+ Ke6
63. Qg4+ Ke7
64. Qg7+ Kd8
65. Qf6+ Kc7
66. Qe7+ Kc6
67. Qe8+ Kc5
68. Qc8+ Nc6
69. Qb7 b2
70. h4 b1=R+
It doesn't make any difference whether I promote to a queen or a rook. He's got to take it.
71. Qxb1 Qxb1+
72. Kf2 Qxe4
73. h5 Nd4
74. h6 Qg6
75. h7 Qxh7
76. Kg1 Qg6
77. Kf2 e4
78. Kg1 f3
Taking advantage of the pin to win the pawn
79. g4 Qxg4+
80. Kf2 Nc2
81. Kf1 Qg2#
0-1
https://www.chess.com/game/live/170052646513
Some mistakes but a nice game against a strange Caro Kann ..g6 line where I got an advantage and squeezed my opponent to the end.
Happy with my endgame play. My accuracy despite some innacuracies was still 95%.
Delighted with my play.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167498871912
Took my sweet time to find rook g6. Feels good.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167571182912/review?move=29
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167599303970?move=0 kings Indian game with pretty combination at the end
I got a bit lucky with the opening, but I was glad I was able to capitalize on it with a solid combo.
Here: https://lichess.org/1GCGxXKM
I built a strong center and destroyed my opponent quickly https://www.chess.com/game/167648919746
A nice Gran Prix miniature
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167717508026/review
A defensive game
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167841269950/review?flip=true
A clean game in maroczy (me as Black)
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. c4 Bg7 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Nc3 d6 8. Be2 Nf6 9. O-O O-O 10. Bf3 Nd7 11. Rb1 Rb8 12. Bf4 Ne5 13. Be2 Be6 14. Qa4 Rb7 15. Bxe5 Bxe5 16. Qxc6 Qb8 17. Nd5 Bxd5 18. cxd5 Rc8 19. Qa4 Rxb2 20. Rxb2 Qxb2 21. Bg4 Rc7 22. g3 Kf8 23. Qa5 Rc2 24. Qd8+ Kg7 25. Qxe7 Bd4 26. Be6 Rxf2 *
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167727277118
very nice attack after punishing opponents mistake in the Sicilian https://www.chess.com/game/live/167188250022
I used the schlechter variation against the French defense to get a solid position and a nice win! https://www.chess.com/game/live/166947947542
In this game i managed to win from very behind: https://lichess.org/IvvC6DIg/white#107
Destroyed a 2048 player in blitz with the Alekhine whitemood line (got the move order wrong but got there in the end!)
Blitz is not my thing so delighted with the accuracy.
https://lichess.org/ZA74DAoM/white#47
Strange game but somehow got interesting with a near Q trap tha developed into a mate opportunity
https://lichess.org/algol2tD/white
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167775626946
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167839887998
Worst example of a good game, but quite a good example of using time during SLP(first time disadvantage then material)-Watch the time-I panic on below 25 secs, but pulled that off
https://lichess.org/xXK9BSnX/white
Just punnishing bad play
https://lichess.org/SOnrDJzn/white
I defeated my opponent and attacked his kingside using the Ruy Lopez with an early opening advantage
Here: https://lichess.org/spx9wHc3qHL1
This is my OTB game using gray mood. Time control is 1hr + 30 seconds increment. Critical moment is at move 24. Blundered at move 36. Game ended up in a draw upon offer of opponent. Hope someone learns from this game.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/collection/otb-games-21846mXoU/4ErnDCHErr/analysis
My collection of comebacks after blunders
https://www.chess.com/game/live/166928676010
https://www.chess.com/game/live/166936485154
http://chess.com/game/167265164884
https://www.chess.com/game/167712082970
And a single normal game
https://lichess.org/lR0VqDO6VUOX
nick - SSd
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167877058158/review?move=106 I entombed my opponents bishop and converted it into a winning position!
My April candidate games:
1. https://www.chess.com/game/live/166739100776 Take center, space, bring pieces and quickly finish (Principles model-setup, GP-style)
2. https://www.chess.com/game/live/167820009548 Pinned Scotch Knight, take space, outpost (Scotch 4...Nf6)
3. https://www.chess.com/game/live/166914874984 Take space - sad Rook in a cage (Scotch 3..f5?)
4. https://www.chess.com/game/live/167079253224 GP Slovakia without light squared Bishop, nice checkmate (GP)
5. https://www.chess.com/game/live/167548299478 Smith-Morra - no, thanks (Alapin)
Playing a such game in bullet! Really Wow!
https://lichess.org/eLdOWxHO/white#0
I didn’t always find the best engine moves, and I missed at least one potential tactical highlight, but I maintained control of the game.
Here: https://www.chess.com/game/168034252350
To grab a pawn or not?
I slowly built a better position with a dark squared bishop vs a light squared bishop. I had a couple of opportunities to grab a pawn but did not as that would have activated by opponent in my thinking. ChessBase gave only a 0.25 advantage for grabbing the first pawn, but maybe the second pawn was ok. Being an ex-gambit player has made me wary of accepting ‘free’ pawns, especially in the opening. Anyways I was slowly building an advantage and then he blundered. ChessBase gave my play as WEV - Black=0.11 (very precise). Is there any merit to this metric?
Thanks…
https://www.chess.com/game/live/168037750730?move=0
My most interesting games of April:
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/166596810106/analysis
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/166854462206/analysis
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167582186248/analysis
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167851409994/analysis - countering the London, perhaps this one is the most spectacular
https://lichess.org/mQGxTV5p/black#0
https://lichess.org/egPQLo3E/black#0 - and this one is the cleanest, with a nice mate
https://lichess.org/J61o4X6B/white#0 - double exchange sac for devastating attack in the Vienna
2 games for this nice april month
Hello Champions!
Thank you to everyone who sent in their best games of the month.
We saw many creative ideas, strong strategic play, and some truly impressive victories. Your games were packed with valuable and instructive moments.
Excellent work, and now it’s time for the prizes! 🏆
1st Prize: Tyler Cee
Concreteness is the key!
At the right moment, while having an advantage, you didn’t hesitate to go for decisive action and destroyed the position around the opponent’s King, later turning it into an endgame of 6 pawns vs. Knight!
Loved this game!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/167188250022?move=27
2nd Prize: Andrei Gopak
GP is the best opening.
Haha, once again, you proved why this opening is so cool and practical. Amazing attack, no words.
Keep crushing!
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167717508026/analysis?move=30
3rd Prize: DB SquareMaster
Practical masterpiece!
Double exchange sacrifice in the endgame????
Your opponent was probably as speechless as I was.
Fantastic domination on the board and pressure on the King.
Unique game!
https://lichess.org/lgpcgMZd#119
4th Prize: Joseph Zaffarese
Silent strategy in action.
You sacrificed the exchange just for a Bishop. But the Bishop dominated the dark squares and the entire board, and that was stronger than the Rook.
Amazing chess understanding. Proud of you!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/166947250860
5th Prize: Dmytro Shulzhenko
Fantastic execution of the ideas.
Getting the GP structure against the Pirc, you brought your pieces and struck hard at the right moment.
Well done with this powerful crushing attack!
https://lichess.org/rWUG9tKP#30
Congratulations to all of you!
Thank you once again to everyone for sharing your games.
All the best for next month’s contest!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/168093374024?move=0 my highest rated win
New article: Stop Chasing Rating Points and Titles. Do This First
What if the reason you're stuck isn't your training, your openings, or how many hours you put in, but the way in which you approach it all?
In this article, GM Avetik shares a lesson from his coach Dr. Rao Srikumar that flipped his thinking about chess, work, and life upside down.
Read it here 👇
https://chessmood.com/blog/be-do-have
Replies
Happy Birthday Dr. Rao…..
Happy birthday, Dr. Srikumar! This was a great lesson :)
Happy birthday DR Ran Srikumer
Happy birthday coach Rao and many thanks for your wisdom
Thank you for your wisdom.
♟️
Happy birthday Dr. Rao……..may you always be at the top in your life and in chess
Happy B’day Dr. Srikumar! Have a wonderful day and year ahead!
Happy birthday Dr Rao. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY doctor rao
Happy birthday Dr Rao. I can't thank you enough for giving me a brilliant advice for not just chess but also for my life ahead too.
Happy Birthday Dr. Rao!🎂 Thanks for all the advice!
Happy Birthday Dr. Rao! 🥳
Thanks for your advice!
🥳Happy Birthday Dr Rao. Thank you Avo.
Happy Birthday Rao!
Thank You Avo!
BDH❤️
belated birthday Wishes Dr. Srikumar!!! Have a great year ahead!!
😀
Happy Bday Sir Stay Happy For Life
:)
Happy Birthday sir, rooting for your great health and happiness!
I just suffered a loss in the first round of a classical tournament and this blog really helped me.
Thanks Avo
Happy Birthday Rao Sir.
And thank you very much Rao!
Thank you Avo and chessmood team!
First month with Chessmood
Hey Team !
I've been working with Chessmood daily for a month now.
I'm currently on Tactic Ninja Section 17 - Interference. I'm finding sections 14 (X-Ray), 15 (Intermediate Moves), 16 (Counter Threats), and 17 (Interference) difficult. I understand the concepts, but I just can't succeed to integrate them into my game.
I'm also working a bit on Mating Matador, which I find a little easier...
For now, my Elo rating isn't improving: it's staying around 1400...
Yet I feel like I'm playing a bit better overall; I seem to have a better understanding of the game, a better view of the board. Thanks for that!
I'm forcing myself to "Play More!" games; I'm trying to let go of the "fear of losing"... because I'm gradually realizing that ultimately, winning or losing doesn't really matter!
I'm going to persevere! I'll check back in a month for an update. Take care. Sincerely, Mitch.
Replies
Hi Mitch! I think you make a good start. New skills can take a while to get into your game.
I can recomend you to study, play, fix and repeat the process. Solve puzzle daily and i can recomend lichess puzzle and chesstempo.
read this article from chessmood: Study Plan 1000-1500
Good luck!
Greetings Erik from Sweden
Hippo
Hello chess friends,
I am 1650 fide. Next week my tournament opponent is a 1730 player who plays the hippo. How should i prepare? i saw the quick plan with f5 from the whitemood course but i cant really understand how to develop my queen side there. For context my opponent starts every game g6, Bg7, b6, Bb7
Replies
Clearing Bugs
When I am in th Bug zone with lots of bugs, am I best to go through them, leaving those I fail to revisit another day, or to retry them till achieved, to then clear on another day? Any learning theory/tips?
Replies
Dear Alan,
Sorry for my late response.
Let's say there is no scientific right or wrong in this situation; however, if something goes wrong, trying to come back to it later can be an option. Let's say you finished a course, did some examples - some mistakes. Try to return in a few days and clear it up, and the same way until you are done.
"video feature is live"
Hi,
I'm Jean-Lou. And i love your website.
I received an email titled "video feature is live". but I don't see what this means on the chessmood site. Where should I go to get this feature?
sincerely
Replies
Hi,
After some research on the web, I found some explanations on your Facebook and Instagram. The project is under development and already some features appear by going to the profile and "ai coach". I wish you great success with this project.
Sincerely
how to deal with these people
I have a problem with a lot of players that they know all the theory, and just play into some random line that endgame and draw that game and ruin my tournament. They offer a draw every 5 moves and don't try to create any sort of advantage. Their only goal in the game is not winning, but to not lose. I tried to break through so many times but the guy just kept it so tight and I couldn't win. This happens a lot as black. How to play against these people.
Replies
Dear Eli,
Well, sometimes some people who are aiming for the draw and choose some lines where positions are simple, trade off the material and keep it solid, might be able to not give many chances - but that usually happens on like IM+ levels, when they are able to stand solid for a long.
Out of my experience, almost everyone gives some chances, or you can find ideas to outplay them - for that, you need to work on your chess understanding - and over time, as you become stronger, you will be able to better play against such opponents.
How to avoid memorising solutions?
I usually do the Tactic Ninja training puzzles as a warmup for the day, and also, I am currently on the Calclman course, and as many of those puzzles require lots of calculations and tactical vision, I want to redo the puzzles that I have gotten wrong.
However, many times, I often unintentionally memorise the solution. Like when I open a puzzle, I can immediately remember the correct move. I think that is quite bad for my learning, as I won't be able to apply the ideas I have learnt
Is there any way to avoid memorising the solution? Or perhaps, if I happen to remember the solution when solving a puzzle, is there anything I can do?
Replies
I wish I had the same issue with good memory haha :-)
Well, I don't know any ideas to forget the solutions, dear Teddi, but I can advise just to puzzle through other options, in order not to get the same positions over and over again.
It's a good idea as if you train patterns in many different situations, you have better chances of learning them better and applying in the future.
Thanks for a cool question, it made me smile :-)
Dutch Attack against London System
Dear ChessMood family, I recently studied the Dutch Attack course - which is excellent! - and have a question when facing the London system: in the typical London setup (Bf4, Bd3, Nd2, c3, 0-0) should I still play Ne4 if white has already played Nd2, which is usually answered by white with Nd2xe4? If so, should I take back with the Pawn f5xe4, as explained in the chapter ‘a counterintuitive idea’? Thanks for your help!
Replies
ChessMood Family, Welcome to our Forum!
Dear friends, dear chess lover, welcome to our forum!
This is the first forum in the chess world, where your questions will be directly answered by Grandmasters!
In our chessmood family, we have cool members, who take value and help others as well the same time!
We will reward such cool people!
Ane time your answer to any questions gets 5 "likes", or "best answer" by any of our Grandmaster- you'll be rewarded with 1000 MoodCoins!
Let's keep constant growing!
Right Mood - Right Move!
Replies
In chess during each game the player must be prepared psychologically. After chess training this is in the main place! Not right??
Scotch game 5...Bb4
Hi, I'm a 1300 player.
I am struglging with the 5…Bb4 of the scotch game.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4
I don't do very well in this variation. I am concerned about the doubled pawns on c file and the e4 pawn being attacked eventually. Does the chessmood course cover this variation? i don't seem to be able to find it.
I have looked at the engine, but i can't seem to comprehend it.
Replies
Dear Eric,
In these lines, we play with 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 - you can check in the Whitemood lines how to play :-)
Here is the link:
https://chessmood.com/course/whitemood-openings/episode/3724
Caro Kann, whitemood repertoire how to create an attack with white ?
I played this OTB game yesterday and I was not able to buil up an attack on either kingside or queeside, what I've I missed ?
Who can give an advice ? As the position will occur again your comments will be very useful. Thnkas in advance for your help
Replies
do you have the pgn of the game?
Dear Carlo,
Indeed, the information is needed; if you can post a picture of the positions, I can see and provide recommendations.
As well, we have lots of model games here https://chessmood.com/course/whitemood-openings-model-games/episode/6404
This is the place where we add our best games, and that experience can help you a lot as well :-)
Good luck, hope you will master and enjoy the Caro Kann opening :-)
what opening should i play
“Hi, I’m trying to choose a main defense vs d4.
I’ve played d5 setups (sometimes Triangle), but I often get passive positions and a bad light-square bishop. I know about breaks like …c5 or …e5, but I struggle with the timing in real games.
I’m also considering the Benko Gambit, but I’m not very comfortable with gambits.
Should I stick with d5 and improve, or switch to something like the Benko? I just want something reliable for tournament games.”
Replies
Well, I love Benko a lot, but!
Opening should be something you enjoy - you like what you get, so I would advise making a choice based on your feelings :-)
I play Benko, as I smile everytime I get it :-)
Why don't you try benoni defense or kings Indian defense or semi slav.
Yes, that'll be good, if you find it too advanced, chessmood dutch is always an option.
12-year-old son is set to compete in a qualifying tournament next month
My 12-year-old son is set to compete in a qualifying tournament next month to represent our country in a major international event. I am looking for a structured daily training path to optimize his preparation over the next four weeks.
He is currently using ChessMood for his opening repertoire. For a typical training day, would you recommend a mix of 20 minutes of tactics, opening reviews, and practice games? Or should he focus on a specific intensive course instead?
I would appreciate any guidance or specific routines you could suggest to help him reach his peak performance. Thank you for your help!
Replies
Dear Kevin,
I would love to help, and I think the best I can do is to share this article with you about tournament preparation https://chessmood.com/blog/the-right-way-to-prepare-for-a-chess-tournament
My advice is, if the tournament closes, it's a bad idea to learn and apply a whole new opening, as there will not be enough time to practice and get experience.
I personally wish your son good luck, and will be waiting for your updates about his results :-)
Sneaky move in the Alapin 4.Qc2
Hi all I faced this move 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 Nf6 4.Qc2 which defends the e4 pawn.
I played 4….e5 and opponent immediately played 5.Bb5.
Later he will play d2-d4 and if I exchange the c and e pawns I'll end up with a backward and isolated d-pawn.
If we play 4…d6 then White can play d2-d4 with a strong center since it's defended by the c3 pawn.
Now I know against 4.Qc2 Black should have many choices e5, e6, d6, a6, g6. What can you recommend for us to play following the Chessmood style?
Thanks very much,
Alex
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Interesting Question!
I have never faced it :-)
So many moves are fine for Black.
I liked the most e6, followed by d5.
But it's also possible e5-Bb5-Bd6.
It's also possible to play with g6.
Thanks for the interesting question, it was fun to check it :-)
Let me know which move you liked the most :-)
openings against d4
😆hello guys and grandmasters, i am struggling against d4 as a 2000 rated player, i play jobava londan and french as black but dont like dutch , kid
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How about Benko?
That's what we advise at 2000 or above level, and it's my most favorite opening :-)
Then why don't you play semi - slav defense it is very solid.
1..Nc6 2..d6 3..Bg4 question
hi all!
Just wondering what the recommendation is after 1 e4 Nc6 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 Bg4 (most popular on Lichess).
Do we try and transpose with 4 Be3 or perhaps 4 Nc3 or perhaps 4 h3 or maybe keep it safe with 4 Be2 or do we try and punish them with the interesting 4 d5!?
If they go 4..Nb8 we have a good centre but if they go 4..Ne5 (also the most popular) we have the option 5 Nxe5!? it gets very tactical with white potentially sacraficing his queen-see my little study below.
thanks
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Dear Paul,
I checked the position, and the line with 4.d5 as you posted here leads to an outstanding advantage for White, above +1 - which is super decent.
Great job in analyzing!
Hope you have a wonderful day :-)
White mood french defense 7. Be3 e5
Today in my OTB game I played with the white pieces, and the opening was a franch defense and my opponent played 7. … e5 after my 7. Be3.
How to handle this ? I put the game below, so someone can give advices end improvements for white to handle this move.
Thanks
---------------------------------
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "ProMember, Carlo"]
[Black "na, na"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[Annotator "Carlo"]
[ECO "C01"]
[WhiteFideId "-1"]
[BlackFideId "-1"]
[PlyCount "38"]
[GameId "2298096329667798"]
[EventDate "2026.04.12"]
[EventRounds "7"]
[SourceVersionDate "2026.04.12"]
{[%evp 0,35,17,22,28,29,21,0,0,-6,-10,-10,32767,32767,0,-12,30,32767,32767,32767,6,35,36,-20,-35,-44,14,-35,-27,-21,-12,-30,-24,-52,32767,-64,-50,-61]} 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Bd3 dxe4 4. Bxe4 Nf6 5. Bf3 c5 6. Ne2 Nc6 7. Be3 e5 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. dxe5 Qxd1+ 10. Kxd1 Ng4 11. Kd2 Ba6 12. Nbc3 Nxe5 13. Bf4 O-O-O+ 14. Kc1 Ng6 15. Be3 Be7 16. Ng3 Rhe8 17. Nf5 Bf8 18. b3 Ne5 19. Kb2 f6 1/2-1/2
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Dear Carlo,
After 10…Ng4 11.Nd2 is the right continuation, we bring the Knight out; sometimes it goes to f3, sometimes to other squares - it depends a lot on how Black will continue, the position is not very concrete; however, if you want to see more, I advise working a little with the engine.
11.Nd2 is the answer!
Dear Carlo,
I didn't get whether you are asking a question or if it is a statement :-)
Could you please clarify :-))))))))
hahahah - cool than :-)))
Why is this a mistake?
I just finished playing a game, and I am not sure why one of the moves I made was a mistake
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/167477666574/analysis?move=24
After analysing the game, I saw that 24. Bxf6 was a mistake. I found that quite strange as I had watched the first few sections of the piece trading course, and I asked why before I traded. Basically, my logic for trading was that it weakened the pawn structure around the black king, but apparently, that turned out to be a mistake
Can someone explain why?
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The thing is, despite the fact of weakening the King, White gives up a dark squares Bishop, and also doesn't have ready resources on the King's side for a quick attack.
Also, the pawn on e6 is next to the doubled pawns, and they are gaining flexibility with a f5 move in the future.
