Chess forum by Grandmasters

What am I missing in this position?

Hi, new chess player here. I was working on this chess puzzle and when I couldn't figure it out, I checked with an engine and it decided on the move in blue. 
Can someone explain why this is the best next move? I was thinking white could just move the queen down 1 square rather than sacrificing.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

Hello!

This is for several reasons I believe.

First, the engine sees more compensation with 2 pieces for a queen I stead of losing the knight on D2.

Second, (and my calculation may be flawed here), but I believe that Whites queen is close enough to trapped, that White will have to give more material anyway.

The engine is simply trying to minimize it's losses.

Hope this helps!

Dutch Attack - London

Hi. I've just played a dutch vs the London in a rapid game and got into trouble very quickly.

The game went 

1. d4 e6 2. Bf4 f5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bd3 b6 5. Nf3 Bb7 6. Nbd2 d6 7. c3 Nbd7 8. Qb3 Qe7 9. Bc4 and here I reluctantly played the ugly d5 which blocks my bishop on b7 but stops white playing e4. I think this was a mistake. I was thinking of Nd5 but didn't think the knight best placed there. The computer says e5.               

Should I play e5 here and after exchanges castle queenside then follow up with the usual Ne4 g5 attack?

I would be grateful for any insights which show the plans for black.

Replies

Hi Norbert,

The way your opponent played is quite rare.
I looked at the position and e5 followed by 0-0-0 looks quite interesting.

Nc3 sicilian part 4

Hi. what to do after e4 c5 Nc3 a6 f4 e6 g3 and d5?

Replies

Hi Eliya,

We don't want to take on d5 as in that case, we will trade our valuable pawn on e4 with the pawn on e6.
Instead, I believe Bg2 is the right way - and if Black plays 5…d4 than Nce2 followed by d3-Nf3 development.

Rossolimo Question

Hi Chessmood family, 

This is my first time posting but I have a question about the Rossolimo. On move 7 after e4 c5 Nf3 Nc6 Bb5 g6 Bxc6 dxc6 d3 Bg7 h3 Nf6 0-0 c4 what about e5 move? I do not find a reasonable response. 

Thanks

Replies

Yeah that is a playable line for White, Id recommend (especially not to overload on theory) just to continue and try to play the main line with Nd7, e5 etc.

Usability Issue With New Quiz Interface

Recently a new interface has been developed for puzzles. It looks nicer but it has an usability problem. There is no easy way to go to a puzzle in the middle of the set:

On a 50 puzzle set (image below) if I want to go to puzzle 30 I have to press on the right arrow many times. Also if I do just half of the puzzle, when I come back it loads the first puzzle, not where I left off, and I also need to press the right arrow many times to continue where I was. 

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French to Taimanov

The first move after e4 e6 d4 black played c5 and got converted to Taimanov. Do I need to know Taimanov theory or is there anything better to get to closed sicillian?

Replies

Hey there,

After 2…c5 we continue 3.d5!

White gets a quick space advantage and comfortably healthy positions for pieces to develop.
 

Anti-sicilian against 2...d6

In the line with 6…e6 7.d4! move, I played a game recently where black played 7…Nxd4 8.Be3 Qb6!? and I wasn't sure how to logically react to it. I went on to win that game because my opponent made some mistakes, but could someone explain what to do in this situation?

Replies

Hey there,

Can you please post the position or video of the position that you are asking about, so I can provide you with an answer 🙂

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 d6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bc4 Nc6 6. O-O e6 7. d4 Nxd4 8. Be3 Qb6!?

Stockfish and I think 9. e5 is strongest. If then 9. … Nxf3+ 10. Qxf3 Qxb2? 11. Nb5! is crushing. 

Or if 10. … d5 11.Bb5+ keeps an advantage regardless of how black responds. 

• If 11. … Bd7 12. Bxd7+ followed by 13. Na4.
• If 11. … Kf8 then white must deal with the threat of … d5-d4. But 12. b4! d4 13. bxc5 Qxc5 is well met by the cute 14. Rad1! when black cannot take either piece with the d-pawn because of Rd8+ followed by Re8 checkmate. And if 14. … Qxc3 then 15. Rxd4 is crushing. Black cannot untangle their back rank before white penetrates decisively. For example 15. … Bh6 16. g4! or 15. … Nh6 16. Rfd1 Kg8 17. Rd8+ Bf8 18. Rxf8+! Kxf8 19.f5! winning.

I realize this is mostly engine analysis, but it demonstrates that white's position is still very good, as long as you act with energetic play. Good luck!

James

French after bishop exchange on b5

After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Fd7 4.Nf3 a6 5.Be2 Bb5 6.Bxb5 axb5,
I see only one model game from that position, the one played by a student…
I get this position fairly often in online games, can you please add more model games starting from it?

Thank you!!!

Replies

Hi Luc, 

We have several games in this position - the best moments from the streams
 

https://chessmood.com/course/blackmood-openings-model-games/episode/5798

Charlick gambit?

Hi everyone!  I tend to feel vulnerable when playing the Dutch and have recently toyed around with the Charlick gambit (1.d4…e5 2.dxe5…e6).  It seems to move the d4 player from theory and leads to open and attacking chances with quick development for black.  What do you all think about this opening?  Any warnings?  I’m 1460 on Lichess.

Replies

Hi Joshua,

To be honest I don't find the Gambit that attractive as Black sacrifices the central pawn, without getting to much in exchange.
It can be playable on your level, but instead would be better to learn more fundamental-healthy openings, as at higher levels the Gambit shouldn't be sound at all :-)

Good luck

Rossolimo Sicilian and Stonewall Dutch

I’ve been working on improving my opening repertoire and I’d like to expand my knowledge of the Rossolimo Sicilian and the Stonewall Dutch.

I'd love to hear any advice, tips, or resources that could help me better understand these openings.

i play the BlackMood and WhiteMood repertoire, and since the classical Dutch and the closed Sicilian are part of it i feel like going deeper in the stonewall and Rossolimo would be useful. especially the stonewall against people that know theory. i also often transpose to the Rossolimo when playing the closed Sicilian

Lastly, if any of the team members see this, I’d be especially grateful for your insights!

Replies

🙂

Great choices!

Both the Rossolimo Sicilian and the Stonewall Dutch are solid openings that can lead to complex and interesting positions. Here are some tips for improving your understanding of these openings:

Rossolimo Sicilian:

   Understand the key ideas: White aims to control the center with e4 and d4, while Black seeks to disrupt this plan with c5 and Nc6.
   Learn the main lines: Study the main theoretical lines, such as the classical line with Nc3, Bc4, and the more aggressive lines with f4 and g3.
   Practice tactical motifs: The Rossolimo can lead to sharp tactical positions, so it's important to practice recognizing and calculating tactical motifs.
   Analyze master games: Studying games played by top-level players can help you understand the nuances of the opening and identify key strategic ideas.

Stonewall Dutch:

   Grasp the positional concepts: The Stonewall is a positional opening, so it's important to understand the positional ideas behind the moves.
   Learn the main lines: Study the main theoretical lines, such as the classical line with e5 and the more aggressive lines with f4 and g4.
   Practice maneuvering: The Stonewall can lead to complex maneuvering positions, so it's important to practice maneuvering your pieces to gain an advantage.
   Analyze master games: Studying games played by top-level players can help you understand the nuances of the opening and identify key strategic ideas.

Resources:

   Chessable: This website offers a variety of courses and training exercises on both the Rossolimo and the Stonewall.
   Chess.com: This website has a large database of games and analysis, which can be helpful for studying both openings.
   Lichess: This website offers a variety of training tools, including puzzles and tactics trainer, which can help you improve your tactical skills.
   Books: There are many excellent books on both the Rossolimo and the Stonewall. Some recommended books include "The Modern Sicilian" by Miles and Nunn and "Silman's Complete Endgame Course" by Jeremy Silman.

Additional tips:

   Play lots of games: The best way to improve your understanding of an opening is to play lots of games.
   Analyze your own games: After playing a game, take some time to analyze your moves and identify any mistakes you made.
   Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different approaches and see what works best for you.

I hope these tips help you improve your understanding of the Rossolimo and the Stonewall. Good luck!
 

look at this deadly annihilation - this was fun

Looks very visually alarming because I have to throw my rook away!

https://lichess.org/zIDUSZK3/white#93

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recaps of the World Chess Championship games

Hi all,
I would like to watch recaps of the World Chess Championship games, but most of these recaps are way over my head, since I am only around 1650 on Lichess Classic. I'm sure there will be plenty of recaps on YouTube, but most of them skip over the opening lines, saying this is all standard, but it's not standard to my as I don't know these openings. I'm really looking for recaps for my level, that start with some basic explanations of the openings used (strong points, weaknesses, typical plans) and comment the game from there on. When I watch these recaps, I want to learn something from them. So I don't mind if these videos are a bit longer, I would actually prefer it that way. If anyone could make suggestions that would be great. But no live coverage, that would take way too much time.

Thanks,

Replies

🙂

Here are some videos that might be helpful:

• Magnus Carlsen's 50 Best Games Ever by ChessBase. These videos are a great way to learn chess concepts quickly and easily.

I hope these videos help you improve your chess game!

😀

They will come in a few days time 

To answer my own question: 
Chess Vibes (on YouTube) makes daily recaps of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship games. These recaps are very clearly explained and purposefully aimed at lower rated players. And educational as well. I'm very glad I found them.

Never understood this....

Aren't I risking getting fried livered here?

Replies

Good question! Nf6 and Bc5 are the main moves here. The key after Nf6 is that you play:

4.Ng5 d5!

5.exd5 Na5!

Don't play 5…Nxd5, otherwise yes you may get wiped off the board with 6.Nxf7 or 6.d4.

In this variation you are sacrificing a pawn, but both of whites active pieces will be forced to retreat soon and you'll have lots of open space for your bishop pair and rooks. 

So technically, Nf6 in itself is a pawn sacrifice, but it is certainly sound.

Trying a new strategy (controlling centre from a distance)

I'm trying a new strategy at the moment: controlling the centre from a distance, by fianchettoing the bishops or whatever and undermining the opponent's control of the centre.

When I'm choosing which opponents to try it against, is there any point in playing against other players who don't tend to control the centre directly? If there's no control of the centre to undermine, it seems a bit pointless. Should I just try it against players that do try to control the centre the usual way?

And has anyone got any tips on how to play the strategy I'm trying? I don't know what I'm doing.

Replies

Looking for Sparring Partners for My 8-Year-Old Daughter

Hi everyone,

I am looking for sparring partners for my 8-year-old daughter. Her Lichess rating is 1200, and she has shown great potential in chess. She has also participated in National-level tournaments.

She would love to practice and learn together with players of her age and skill level. This will help her improve her game, share knowledge, and make new friends who share her passion for chess.

If anyone is interested, please feel free to reach out!

Looking forward to connecting and growing together in chess

Best regards,
Ankit 

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Middlegame Roadmap

Hi, 

just wanted to know when Middlegame Roadmap course will be coming 

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Openings

Hi everyone,

I have a question about how to tackle learning the Whitemood/blackmood starter courses. I have finished first two sections of Whitemood and also did my homework and finished the lines in the attached pgn. I now use the pgn to train my opening in chesstempo opening trainer (which is awesome btw) 

But I have a question about how to proceed. The amount of information in each course.  is quite large and if i were to finish the Whitemood first and then move on to blackmood i would have no real preparation for black. So should I maybe do one section of white and one of black and proceed like that?

Thanks!

Tom

Replies

Annihilation or decoy? A bit of both?

What would you call this tactic I used to clean up the bishop and pawn? 

https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/124364367783?tab=review&move=109

Replies

What move would that be?

My gut says to call it annihilation, as you are transposing to a winning pawn endgame and that seems lke the main part.

Decoy dosent make that much sense to me as the sacrifice wouldnt seem that justified (in a matter of speaking).

It’s deflection… we are not destroying the defender of the rook,  we are deflecting it

Look at this ridiculous SLP!

I was getting so tilted and so angry at myself for not noticing that queen trade was possible. I was about to resign but I kept imagining Avetik's disappointed face. I managed to complicate the position enough that my opponent blundered away his rook.

https://www.chess.com/game/live/126140389111

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Wow! Nice SLP :D

How to practice chess mood openings ?

Hi everyone, 

I was wondering: how do you effectively practice your openings ?
 

While I love the chess mood opening courses, I haven't figured out how to make the most of them. 

I play only 4-5 (long format) chess games per week. So a month can goes by without having the opportunity to practice a specific opening. 

I really enjoy website like chessable for that, where you can easily put the reps in. Could there be an equivalent for ChessMood ?

I was also thinking about putting all the variations into a private chessable course, but that seems a bit laborious ^^. 

Regards,

Replies

🙂

Here are some tips on how to effectively practice ChessMood openings:

1.Focus on understanding the ideas behind the moves. Don't just memorize lines; try to understand the reasons for each move. This will help you play more flexibly and adapt to different situations.

2. Play through the lines with a friend or training partner. This will help you solidify your knowledge and get feedback on your play.

3. Use a chess engine to analyze your games. This will help you identify your mistakes and improve your understanding of the positions.

4. Play online games with the openings you're studying. This is the best way to get practical experience with your new openings.

Here are some additional tips for practicing openings:

-Don't try to learn too many openings at once. Focus on one or two openings at a time until you feel comfortable with them.

-Play games with different time controls. This will help you learn to play the openings quickly and accurately.

-Analyze your games with a strong player. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your overall chess skills.

The ChessMood blog has many articles that can help you learn about chess openings. 

Here are a few articles that you might find helpful:

-How to get better at chess: The 3-step formula and the secret sauce

-5 Easy Steps to Evaluate a Chess Position Like a GM

-Analyzing Blitz Chess Games: Why? And How to Do it!

-The Must-Learn Skill to Skyrocket Your Growth in Chess

A nice way is to play mini-games vs openingtrainer.com then check that you played your line correctly.

i use the app Chessbook. you can simply import your pgns, and then it will ask you the relevant moves. So it is basically similar as the approach to create a chessable course, but in my opinion the handling is way easier (side fact: the developer himself was seeking an alternative to create own chessable courses). In YouTube you will find video tutorials but I think the app is quite intuitive and easy to use.

Hi,

My "method" is to play blitz games. You can play 4-9/day, which adds up in a month to a pretty sum where you have not only a feeling of them, but the distribution of what openings are rare and which ones come up often (and thus you should mainly focus on them).

I know blitz is not as deep as classical, but if you want to practise openings, it's the best I can think of. Against real opponents, putting yourself in sutiations just like what you will face in competitions.

Ervin

I use Lichess Studies for this reason. I enter each possible line/continuation in a new chapter. I use the "interactive lesson" setting. You can then use "preview" to practice the opening. It's like playing against an opponent, I start with e4, get a countermove and make my next move. If I'm wrong, I get a message.
I can go through each study this way, but the chapters are always in the same order, which makes it easier to remember.
So I came up with the following:
Each chapter in a Lichess Study has its own url. I put each url in a folder in my favorites. Then I downloaded a Chrome extension that opens a random url in the folder. This way I can practice without knowing if I'm playing a line from the Scotch, Philidor, Sicilian... but all mixed up.

Lichess😀