Chess forum by Grandmasters

What to do if White plays double fianchetto systems

Hi,

I ran into a Double Fianchetto setup from White in this game: https://www.chess.com/game/171836679668

This is the second time I faced this setup the last two days and both times I wasn't sure what to do in the middlegame. 

A few specific questions:

1. Against a Double Fianchetto, should we play our normal Fianchetto Attack, or switch to Stonewall?
2. I considered Stonewall, but noticed White can play Ba3, offering a trade of our dark-squared Bishop. If I meet that with c5, is that the right idea, or is there something better?
3. This setup doesn't seem to be covered in the Simplified BlackMood opening repertoire — is there a recommended plan against it? 

Thanks in advance!

Replies

Dear Tyler,

I think after g3 it was reasonable to play with d5 and build the stonewall setup, instead of playing with b6.
https://chessmood.com/course/blackmood-openings/episode/6175

Chess day course?

Happy International Day (belated ofcrse) ! 
Sorry to be asking this but guys are there no free courses unlocked this year on chess day like every year on chessmood here

? 

Replies

Well all of the courses were unlocked last month with the Eric Rosen collab.  If you don't follow Rosen, you should, I think they did this 2 or 3 times now – which worked, it got me hooked and I bought a membership!

Chess Tournament in 3 weeks

Hello!

So I have a classical chess tournament (30+30) on August 12-16 that I want to win. 

Category - U1800 ELO.

My weakest side is endgames; and I always dable around with random openings (trying to learn Chessmood repertoires though. Played 1. e4 all my life + Sicilian Accelerated Dragon for black and Benoni without theory, so I suppose no need to learn French/Dutch from scratch). 

Middlegame plans and tactics are quite good for me.

What would you recommend from Chessmood courses to focus on? :) I have plenty of free time now.

Thanks for any insights!

Best,

Edvinas

Replies

Dear Edvinas,

Learning whole new openings right before the tournament can be hard. I would advise repeating your lines, doing tactics, work on calculation.
If struggling with the Endgames can watch the Endgame Roadmap and some commented Endgame Masterpieces.

This article can be helpful as well: https://chessmood.com/blog/the-right-way-to-prepare-for-a-chess-tournament

Chessmood Games/Simultaneous Exhibitions

In these events, are we required to play ChessMood openings?

Replies

No, dear Vincent,

You can play absolutely any opening you want :-)

2.a3 3.Nc3

Recently I played an OTB Game as Black and faced:

1.e4 c5 2.a3 and I played 2…g6 as mentioned in https://chessmood.com/course/crushing-all-the-sidelines-of-sicilian but then they played 3.Nc3 and suddenly I realised that they were not going for b4 at all.

This is not mentioned, and 3. a3 is not mentioned after 2.Nc3 Nc6 also :(

The game continued 3…Bg7 4.Bc4 Bg7 5.d3 e6 6.Ba2 Nge7 7.h4 and I found myself in a difficult position.

Replies

Early Qe2 in scotch

Hey guys, in an Eric rosen video Avetik mentioned an interesting idea which was to play an early Qe2 in the Scotch Nf6 line. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Qe2!  

This seems pretty interesting to me and I wanted to ask if anyone has analyzed this, because nowadays h4 move has become more mainstream and this early Qe2 seems like a good choice to get a game without having to memorize tons of lines.

Replies

Yeah i was also hoping to see a update. Few new lines were introduced in the Eric Rosen videos. Fingers crossed 

Accelerated Sicilian

The pace is a bit quick at times. So quick that perhaps it is not just me. For example, in section 3 video 5, after Bxe6 then not Rxe6 but Bg5 wins for Black?

Replies

To compensate for my relative slowness, my plan was to view the whole course once and then review the course with the PGN file side by side and add to that skeleton file along the way. What have others done with regards to expanding and working with the PGN file? This is my first opening course with Chessmood. The lines in the advanced section are really interesting. The game by Avitek's student and the analysis of Rb8 was incredible.

Dear Dave,

The idea of watching the course, and redoing it with the PGNs later, has a point, but it's gonna be much more time-consuming - just in case I didn't share it, here is an article to help you create your PGN files https://chessmood.com/blog/the-most-effective-way-to-create-chess-pgn-files

Regarding the video question, could you please post the screenshot of the position? I watched it twice, but I am not sure where exactly Bg5 :-)

French attack exchange variation - what if opponent plays 4. Bf4

In French attack exchange variation, the move I keep forgetting is to bring my Q knight out before the black bishop.   Because, when I think about the opening principles I've learned in these courses, the Black bishop wants to be on d6, and we need to get there before white plays their bishop to F4, otherwise they can exchange their bad bishop.

So, I'm confused by the recommendation of Nc6 first.   I mean, I see the benefits when white plays passive , but what to do if white challenges the black bishop spot?  Stockfish seems to recommend Bd6 anyway, and exchanging our good bishop.  Thoughts?

Replies

See below.  Actually either 4.Bf4, or after 4. Nf3 4.Nc3, 5.Bf4, it just seems like we gave up our rightful spot on d6, or else as the engine shows, we should exchange our good bishop for White's bad bishop.  Or, since the center opened, is neither bishop bad anymore, so that principle doesn't apply anymore.

Reply against d4 with Nf3-g3-Bg2-0-0

I have been wondering- what is the optimal way to reply when White plays d4- Nf3 - g3 - Bg2- O-O. What would be your recommendaion against this setup?

Replies

How about Ng6-g6-Bg7-c5? 
I do that and usually end up transitioning to the English course by GM Avo, or some Benko lines.

Rossolimo

Hello 

in the line e4 c5 Nf3 Nc6 Bb5 g6 Bxc6 dxc6 d3 Bg7 h3 Nf6 Nc3 Nd7 Be3 e5 Qd2 h6 0-0 b6 Nh2 Nf8 f4 exf4 Bxf4 Ne6 Be3 and after some moves engine says +0.5 advantage for white 

I just want to know is it playable as after e5 in your line there is some g4 ideas

And can you reccomend me some ideas for the a4 sideline 

Thank you sir

Replies

Dear Nirav,

I checked the position with an extremely strong cloud engine; the numbers are less, and I think it's fine for Black - image attached.
Can you post the exact a4 position that you are asking about?

 

Confused about d4 vs f4 in the Open Sicilian course

I'm going through the Sicilian Defense course and I've watched all five videos, but I'm still confused about one key decision point.

In the Open Sicilian setup with e4, Nc3, and Nf3, I don't understand how to decide between playing d4 or f4 on a given move. Both seem to come up depending on the position, but the videos don't make it clear which signals in the position should tell me which one to choose, or the right move order/timing for each plan.

Could you help clarify:

1. What specific pawn structure or piece placement tells me to go with d4 instead of f4 (or vice versa)?

2. Is there a general rule of thumb for timing, i.e., which move number or setup should trigger each plan?

3. Are there example lines that show both approaches side by side so I can compare them directly?

I'd really appreciate a simple explanation or a follow-up video/article that addresses this specific decision point, since it's the one thing holding back my understanding of the whole system.

Thank you for your time and for the great courses.

Replies

Im not quite sure what you are talking about. Could you give a sample position or diagram?

Seeking Practice Games: 1.e4 vs French Defence

Dear chess lovers,

I am currently building my opening repertoire and looking for training partners to help me practice it. At the moment, I am focusing on 1.e4 against the French Defence.

If you are rated between 1800 and 2200 and would like to practice your French Defence against 1.e4, please get in touch. We can arrange a training match on Lichess with either 10+5 or 5+3 time controls.

Looking forward to some interesting games!

Replies

Dear Diniz,

You can also try to post in this channel https://chessmood.com/forum/main-channel/studysparring-partner-1362

 

Course: Silent Strategy | Section 4, Lecture 14, Exercise 2 | Question & Feature Suggestion

Hello everyone,

I am working through the exercises in "Silent Strategy," Section 4 (Active vs. passive pieces), training exercise for Lecture 14, Exercise 2. I have a question regarding the specific position: why is moving the Queen to f2, in order to attack the rook defending the weak pawn, not the correct continuation? (A screenshot of the exercise is attached to this post).

Encountering minor tactical questions like this one throughout the exercises prompts a feature suggestion. Often, these small details do not warrant an entirely new forum post to resolve. It would be highly beneficial to implement a feature allowing users to export a PGN of the quiz positions. This would enable offline analysis to explore why certain candidate moves do not work. If exporting PGNs presents platform issues, an alternative would be integrating an engine like Stockfish directly into the interface, allowing users to independently analyze lines.

The course material is excellent; this is strictly a feature suggestion to enhance the technical learning experience. Thank you for your time.

Replies

Dear Marcelo,

Looks like the Qf2 move is also quite decent!
Thanks for your suggestion as well, we are trying to make things better :-)

Thanks for being concerned :-)

Best books for a 2000 fide rated player

I need some advice on what to focus on as a 15 year old 2000 fide chess player
I don't really have a coach and I am improving using online resources
I need some advice on the most useful chess books or courses I can do to improve
Also a reality check whether it is actually possible to be professional chess player without having a proper coach

Replies

Hey, the website does have a recommended book section, scroll down and you will see reccomendations for books at 2000+

https://chessmood.com/recommendations

bro you are good with the courses here, especially middlegame mastery will really benefit you in my opinion

I like the Yusupov series books used exactly how he describes, try to solve each example position yourself before looking at the commentary and take an hour for each test, write down all variations, set positions up on a real board and play through solutions on a real board. There are 10 books in total targeting 1500, 1800, and 2100, my opinion is the rating level is not accurate. There are puzzles in the 1st series of books that are very tricky and challenging. Besides the rating levels, the only other negative I see is the opening sections are not detailed but you have this website for great opening prep. I also never heard of anyone who actually completed all 10 since one book will probably take you at least a month and probably a few months unless you are able to study chess full time. 

Tournament Prep

Hi my name is Shaurya Singhi, i am 1550 Fide rated I have a tournament in 1 month which is below 1700, can you give me some tips to prepare for the tournament. I often struggle to win games last tournament I drew 7/9 games won one and lost one. Which course do you reccomend, I am an active player in india U15.https://ratings.fide.com/profile/429038324. I know currently it is not showing any classical rating but it will uptade at the end of this month and I calculated my rating. @avetikgrigoryan. Thanks

Replies

seems like attacking courses will benefit you the most, so go for “fearless warrior” and “attack like a viking”. you will win much more games

Need some help..and advice

Sir  ..i was rated around 1850 in lichess....i couldn't afford a coach so i tried working hard online watching videos...and surfing...thing around...i seriously want to improve my ratings...i dont know what is my original rating...as i had not attended any tournaments...i can do any thing to improve my chess career....please help me to reach 2500......??.....just tell me what should i do...i can work hard on anything.....thx

Replies

First of all lichess rating starts from1500.so Ur just started playing chess..

I recommend couple of things...

Do tactics everyday...this is the most effective way of increasing Ur rating..because at this level more than 50%games are decided on tactics.......

Secondly study some endgames..the books like 100 endgames u must know ....

After studied that book throughly Ur HV pretty good knowledge of. Endgames..Ur understanding of endgame increases....that will help u...

Now  start reading some chess blogs...that will increse Ur interest in chess...Ur will read some amazing insight of game.. tournament..and other

U need 6~12 months to do that depending upon how mush time u afford to give regularly

Ur overall game will increase

Here are the 3 important steps! 

1 Why you want that? Have a definite answer to that question. You should have a very strong answer!  

2 Burning desire to do that! 

3 Massive, determined action 

3a- If you are a PRO Member- you have already a big advantage, you know the direction, you have mentors. 
a1Watch the courses, watch the streams and put in practice. Don't afraid to get out of the comfort zone. We grow only when we are not in the comfort zone! 
a2 Explore chess books from chessmood.com/we-recommend 
a3 Solve puzzles minimum of 30 minutes a day! 

You'll see big progress in a few months! 

3b- If you are not our PRO Member 

b1- Find good sources to learn - Good FB groups, good youtube channels, if you can't afford to have a coach - find friends who can help you or you can grow helping each other. 
The rest is the same. Explore chess books, solve puzzles. Of course, having a coach or mentor - is a big shortcut- but if you can't afford it - That's the way. 
You will find good resources here: chessmood.com/we-recommend

A video link about how effectively explore chess books   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Tw1iNDfas&t=913s 

Friends, and don't forget about the Right Mood! Right Mood generates Right Moves! 

Tactical skill and positional understanding are very important as is knowledge of some basic endgames. Doing tactics helps a lot, but you'll need to do quite a lot of tactics with varying themes and levels of difficulty to achieve something big. Reading (and understanding!) some books like "How to reassess your chess" and "The Amateur's Mind" (both by IM Jeremy Silman) helps to improve your strategic skills as would many of Dvoretsky's books (Advanced material warning!). You might want to brush up your knowledge of endgames (rook endgames in particular, as well as pawn endgames) by understanding what to do in endgames rather than memorizing long theoretical variations.

I would also suggest choosing yourself a 'pet' opening. If you already know an opening (and like it!) then you could easily make it more fire-proof, by looking for novelties and ideas everywhere. One last thing, never be afraid of playing an opening or gambit that leads to a position deemed unclear as sometimes there is always a possibility that the opening may be better than its reputation. Use any good material to learn openings, but I suggest checking all lines with an engine and by yourself before playing it. That way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises by hanging a piece in the first 10 moves. I should know, I've done that a few times ;)

Best of luck!  

Resources for Deep Calculation?

Where in ChessMood, is it possible to find resources that help you train deep calculation in complex positions?

Replies

Dear friend, did you check the Calclman course?

Fighting against dubious openings

Greetings Hovhannes!

I have been recently struggling to play against Sokolsky and Grob openings. What would be your advice on how to combat 1.b4 ang 1.g4 moves?

Replies

Hey Andrew,

Did you check the simplified chessmood opening course? Both of the replies are in the blackmood section 19 for Grob and section 21 for Sokolsky. 

Modern Maroczy 9.Bg5 Doubt

Hello, 

I am preparing for a tournament game happening really soon and I'm not very sure about a position in the Modern Maroczy 9.Bg5 line. What should Black's plan be after 9.Bg5 0-0 10.Qe3 Be6 11.0-0 Qb6 12.Qd2 Qa5 13.Rfc1 a6 14.a4? White seems to be denying Black all counterplay here and my engine doesn't find a plan that seems satisfying for me. 

It seems that even if I naturally develop with moves like Rfc8 and Qb4, White controls everything and in the long run I will suffer and White will eventually take control. I've attached a picture of the position too. 

Thanks 

Replies

Hey there, I checked the position - engine evaluates it as a bit better for White - that is Maroczy though, super super solid, and in this structure it's hard for Black to do anything if White doesn't start the actions on their side - I like 14…Rfe8 to protect the e7 pawn and if 15.b3 Nd7 is what I found - trying some Qb5-Nc5 ideas - can even sometimes play a5 giving up the b5 square but controlling the b4 and fixing the b3 pawn.

Avoiding strong Nc5 in French

Hi Gabo,

I have quite often that white plants Nc5 in French with closed queenside. I usually let it, focus on K side activity and remove it later. Examples:

https://www.chess.com/game/live/171067570618?move=33

https://www.chess.com/game/live/171331223930?username=kolous81&move=31

If closed it is nothing tragic, but when the attacks weakens it can be very annoying. Taking with B gets a pawn that is blocking center on it's place. What is the right approach to either prevent or remove early or something? 

Replies

Dear Dan, 

This question is conditional and depends on the situation - if you make sure the Knight isn't a concrete issue, leaving it is possible, although I played with captures sometimes, putting the b6 Knight on a4 or c4 - again, it all depends on the concrete position :-)