Chess forum by Grandmasters

Anything against the Bird Opening?

I don't think I've seen any course on how to play against the Bird Opening on ChessMood, am I right? What do you play against the Bird? because as white I tend to have good success against the Dutch, but the dutch up a tempo (a.k.a. the Bird) gives me trouble. 

Replies

Section 22 of the Blackmood Opening course is about the Bird.

I just had yesterday the surprise to have the Bird played against me by the best player of my local club (600 elo more than me, basically an NM save the title). It was surprising, because he has been a d4 player since he decided to build himself a solid repertoire (opening was his main weakness). I had watched the section 22 of the blackmood opening, but I knew that the problem was that the recommandation is to play a dutch-like setup and, since I had not watched the whole course I did not knew about playing the Dutch properly and the middlegames plans. Still, I had no better idea and I decided to give it a go, played e6, then f5. To my surprise, after a short phase were I lacked space, I entered the middlegame with a slightly better position (I think it was slightly better, and he told me after the game he tought it too), especially after he make the choice (inaccurate?) to exchange a knight for a bishop in a very closed position. 
I still ended loosing the game after some inaccuracies, long after that moment he ended up finding a way to open the position and I missed a tactic, lost and exchange and from there his conversion tecnic was flawless - the usual with that very strong player. But I got a better position at some point, wich is already kind of rare. Imagine what could have happened if I really knew what I was doing in that opening? ;)

struggling with the dutch attack - need help understanding key ideas

Hi ChessMood family,

I’ve been having a tough time with the Dutch Attack in the Simplified ChessMood openings. I feel like I’m not fully grasping the key ideas, especially around castling and the overall setup. I've been struggling with this opening for a couple of months now, and it’s starting to feel a bit discouraging.

One of my main challenges is understanding when to castle. I know GM Avetik often recommends delaying castling, but I find myself getting into pressure situations before move ten. Opponents will sometimes start early attacks, either with pawn pushes against my center or premature pawn storms. Other times, they’ll attack my light-squared bishop with their queen or their own bishop, and I’m not sure how to respond. I often lose the initiative, get stuck with my king in the center, and end up in poor positions.

I’m not sure when I should be castling kingside or queenside. I’d love some advice on how to handle these situations and better understand the underlying ideas in the Dutch Attack. Are there specific principles or common themes I should be focusing on to help me get more comfortable with this opening?

Replies

Dear Tyler, 

Can you please provide 2-3 examples ( like position screenshots).

I do understand your question, but will need more details to able to provide the most convenient answer 🙂

model in game in anti-sicilian 2...Nc6, 9.Qb4!

after 9.Qb4, black went for the most obvious 9…d5 and got crushed.

(got lucky to not end in an equal position 2 times later → have to train my endgame in low time)

https://lichess.org/TnG2YQ9Z/white#127

Replies

Good game!

Despite some troubles in the endgame with 2 extra pawns, you got a crushing position in the opening!

Keep going :-)

Why am I good at short time controls and absolute hot diarrhea at slow ones?

For someone with the lichess name ‘Adrenalectomy’ this is a gigantic irony

Replies

I believe that it might have something to do in what interests you more, and what type of community you are in.
If you like blitz more, you may be more inclined to play it, as opposed to someone who grew up playing long chess.
For me, the senseis of chessdojo and the lichess4545 league heavily influenced me to like classical. Honestly, the only "downside" to this is it takes a ton of time and effort, but maybe that's where you actually grow. As someone who is really busy with life though, it's very very tough to push through this without sacrificing a large part of your time playing and analyzing a single game.
Try doing hard puzzles with a timer of 3-5 minutes each puzzle or something. Immerse in the deep calculation.
Check your moves a minimum of 2 times. (Unless you're in time trouble), Look at the major responses, the potential sacrifices against you, and refutations of your moves. 
Honestly, you need to have greater courage towards facing losing positions since you are going to have to play these positions for way longer than you would in blitz. Same can be said towards winnning positions, ALWAYS never let your guard down during these.
Probably a lot more factors too,  but thats enough for now. Would be extremely boring to read if i'd continue this

Hi voran . I checked your stats on lichess and you played mainly 1 min bullet games where You use different skills compare to slower chess games . If you really want to improve chess there is a very good article about bullet by GM Avetik .
https://chessmood.com/blog/does-bullet-chess-make-you-better

good luck 

Question about statements in Tactic Ninja

In the course Avetik says on various occasions that when we sacrifice we should calculate when they accept it, first. I would like to know the rationale behind that. Why does that matter if we calculate first when they decline it or accept it?

Replies

For example, when you’re giving up a rook, first things first: figure out what happens if they take it. That’s the real test!

If they don’t accept, we’ve already gained something.

What if they do? Well, that’s where it all matters. Skip calculating five random moves, only to realize in the end that if they accept, you’re toast 😁

Bishop and Knight mate

Do we have a course on how to do it? I have seen various resources but it's still not easy to do with low time on the clock, BEFORE the opponent's king is caught in the cage.

Replies

Hey there!

Of course, we have it 😁

It's in the MET (Must Know Endgame Theory) course and here is the link for that exact question https://chessmood.com/course/endgames-you-must-know/episode/5467

Need advice on getting through difficult times in life

Hey ChessMood family,

I’ve been going through some incredibly tough life circumstances recently, which led me to take a six-week break from chess. Even though I’ve returned to the game, these challenges are still ongoing and it’s really weighing me down mentally and emotionally. 

 I’m looking for advice from anyone who’s been through difficult times and managed to come out stronger. How did you stay focused and motivated when everything felt overwhelming? What helped you keep pushing forward, even when things seemed stacked against you?

I know that the skills we develop in chess—patience, perseverance, and problem-solving—can help us face life’s biggest obstacles, If anyone has insights on how to maintain mental strength, deal with setbacks, or navigate hardship, I’d be grateful for your input and emotional support. 

Replies

Tyler,

Focus (as best you can) on where you are headed. There will be challenges but keep your sight on who you are and where you want to be.

It's interesting that you point out that chess teaches us skills that can help us face obstacles in life. True. But, I would suggest that you look through Avetik's blog posts and podcasts. He is actually more than a chess coach — he is a life coach. He shares lots of thoughts about being a human being.

For example, have a look at these blog posts:

https://chessmood.com/blog/thank-you

https://chessmood.com/blog/best-non-chess-books

https://chessmood.com/blog/if-you-want-to-achieve-more-you-need-to-deserve-more

You want to believe, actually know, that you will through the current challenges. And you will be stronger for the experience. Best of luck on your life journey, friend. Be Happy!

Hi Tyler,

no advice from my side since I don't have any. But some emotional support maybe: 2024 has been the most horrible year in my life so far.

I am still down and hope to get on track again (in the further future).

That was it. But in my life it has often helped me to find out, that I am not alone. Many other people are facing hard times just in this moment, too.

All the best !

Hey Tyler! 
Thank you for your post. For being open. 

I recently went through some difficult times as well. 
And accidently, I don't know from where, my friend gifted me a book. He had no idea what was happening in my life, but came up with that book. 

Currently I'm reading it, and its healing me, day by day by day…… 
Its called no mud, no lotus.
This one.

https://www.amazon.com/No-Mud-Lotus-Transforming-Suffering/dp/1937006859 

There is a story, about who is this person (he is from the chess world, and who has adviced him this book, etc…) 

Later, I'll write about it more, and how to accept the suffering - the mud, and go through transformation. 

Meanwhile, check out this book. 

With best wishes and love,
Avo  

How are you doing, man? 
Got better? 

My peak rating achieved today

I'm so happy with the games I have played could be better if I brush up my openings a bit more. Thank you chessmood

Replies

Congrats ! 

Congrats brother!

keep crushing 💪💪💪

good job!

Moving towards a descriptive terminology system for King of the Hill (KotH) chess?

Moving towards a descriptive terminology system for King of the Hill (KotH) chess?

Operation: OFFSIDE (!)

In the much loved King of the Hill (KotH) variant of chess, available on Lichess (other sites available), the objective is to position your King into one of the middle squares (centre / center).

In so doing, the deployment of pieces may engender control of d4, d5, e4 and e5 (Queen's fourth, fifth; King's fourth, fifth).

For the illustrative Queen's pawn opening example, this can be repelled by various methods associated with that Opening (gambit, hyper-modern, hybrid benoni-type structures).

It is this that the post here focusses on.

If your opponent pushes an early King move (for example in the Bongcloud attack) tension arises.

Their King may venture beyond the middle demarcation line separating the two sides of the board (or digital surface platform).

The situation this described qualifies as: OFFSIDE!

Their King has strayed: OFFSIDE!

Please introduce this formative description into the lexicon of KotH terminology, please.

Replies

Here is an example game where the OFFSIDE precursor was not overstepped, of course.

<pgn>

[Event "Rated King of the Hill game"] [Site "https://lichess.org/5MEYG1nZ"] [Date "2024.11.07"] [White "healLan"] [Black "GrandDirk"] [Result "1-0"] [UTCDate "2024.11.07"] [UTCTime "06:11:26"] [WhiteElo "1448"] [BlackElo "1774"] [WhiteRatingDiff "+10"] [BlackRatingDiff "-10"] [Variant "King of the Hill"] [TimeControl "300+0"] [ECO "A03"] [Opening "Bird Opening: Dutch Variation"] [Termination "Normal"] [Annotator "lichess.org"] 1. f4 d5 { A03 Bird Opening: Dutch Variation } 2. d3?! { (-0.01 → -0.57) Inaccuracy. Nf3 was best. } (2. Nf3 Bg4 3. Ne5 h5 4. d4 e6 5. c4 c5 6. Nc3 Nf6) 2... Nf6 3. Nd2?! { (-0.20 → -0.90) Inaccuracy. e4 was best. } (3. e4 dxe4 4. dxe4 Qxd1+ 5. Kxd1 e5 6. Nf3 Bc5 7. fxe5 Ng4 8. Nc3 Be6) 3... Nc6 4. h3? { (-0.84 → -2.30) Mistake. Ngf3 was best. } (4. Ngf3 Qd6 5. e3 Bf5 6. c3 h5 7. d4 e6 8. Ne5 Be7 9. Ndf3 O-O) 4... Bf5? { (-2.30 → -1.03) Mistake. e5 was best. } (4... e5 5. fxe5 Nxe5 6. e3 Bd6 7. d4 Ng6 8. Qf3 Qe7 9. Bd3 O-O 10. Ne2) 5. b3?? { (-1.03 → -4.21) Blunder. g4 was best. } (5. g4 Bg6 6. Ngf3 e5 7. fxe5 Nd7 8. c3 Ndxe5 9. Qb3 Qd6 10. Nxe5 Qxe5) 5... h6?? { (-4.21 → -1.54) Blunder. e5 was best. } (5... e5) 6. Bb2?! { (-1.54 → -2.78) Inaccuracy. e3 was best. } (6. e3 e5) 6... e6?? { (-2.78 → -0.68) Blunder. d4 was best. } (6... d4 7. Ngf3) 7. e3 Bb4?! { (-0.91 → -0.15) Inaccuracy. g5 was best. } (7... g5 8. g4) 8. Qe2 a6? { (-0.60 → 0.61) Mistake. Kd7 was best. } (8... Kd7 9. a3 Bxd2+ 10. Kxd2 e5 11. g4 exf4 12. exf4 Re8 13. Qf2) 9. Nf3 Ke7?! { (0.69 → 1.37) Inaccuracy. Bh7 was best. } (9... Bh7 10. a3 Bd6 11. g4 a5 12. Bg2 g5 13. Ne5 Bxe5 14. fxe5 Nd7) 10. O-O-O?? { (1.37 → -0.69) Blunder. g4 was best. } (10. g4) 10... Qd6 11. Rg1 Ba3 12. Kb1?! { (-1.21 → -2.23) Inaccuracy. Nb1 was best. } (12. Nb1 Bxb2+) 12... Bxb2?! { (-2.23 → -1.28) Inaccuracy. a5 was best. } (12... a5 13. Ba1) 13. Kxb2 Nb4?? { (-1.76 → 0.61) Blunder. a5 was best. } (13... a5 14. a3) 14. a4?? { (0.61 → -1.89) Blunder. g4 was best. } (14. g4 Bh7) 14... b5 15. Ra1 c6?! { (-2.53 → -1.44) Inaccuracy. c5 was best. } (15... c5 16. e4) 16. g4 Bh7 17. Ne5? { (-1.40 → -3.35) Mistake. g5 was best. } (17. g5 hxg5) 17... Nd7?? { (-3.35 → -1.33) Blunder. d4 was best. } (17... d4) 18. d4?? { (-1.33 → -5.56) Blunder. Ndf3 was best. } (18. Ndf3 d4) 18... Nxc2 19. Ra2 bxa4?? { (-5.10 → -2.29) Blunder. Nxe5 was best. } (19... Nxe5 20. fxe5 Qb4 21. Nf3 c5 22. Qd2 cxd4 23. axb5 Qxd2 24. Nxd2 Nxe3 25. Rxa6) 20. f5?? { (-2.29 → -7.15) Blunder. Rxa4 was best. } (20. Rxa4 c5) 20... Rab8?? { (-7.15 → -3.23) Blunder. Nxe5 was best. } (20... Nxe5 21. Kxc2 axb3+ 22. Nxb3 exf5 23. Kd1 Rhb8 24. Nd2 fxg4 25. hxg4 c5 26. g5) 21. Kxc2? { (-3.23 → -5.94) Mistake. Nxd7 was best. } (21. Nxd7 Kxd7) 21... axb3+ 22. Nxb3 Qb4?? { (-5.87 → 11.91) Blunder. Nxe5 was best. } (22... Nxe5) 23. Rb2?? { (11.91 → -6.22) Blunder. Nxc6+ was best. } (23. Nxc6+ Kf6) 23... Nxe5 24. dxe5? { (-5.44 → -19.50) Mistake. Qh2 was best. } (24. Qh2 Nf3) 24... exf5 25. Qxa6?! { (-17.85 → Mate in 2) Checkmate is now unavoidable. Nd4 was best. } (25. Nd4 Qxb2+) 25... fxg4+ 26. Bd3 Bxd3+?! { (Mate in 2 → -26.49) Lost forced checkmate sequence. Ke6 was best. } (26... Ke6 27. Bxh7 Kxe5#) 27. Qxd3 Ke6 28. Qd4 Qxd4?? { (-23.38 → 0.00) Blunder. c5 was best. } (28... c5) 29. exd4 Rb4?? { (-0.15 → 10.95) Blunder. gxh3 was best. } (29... gxh3) 30. Nc5+ Kf5 31. Rxb4 Re8 32. Rf1+ { Black resigns. } 1-0

</pgn>

Scotch: How to counter centre pawn strike

Hi, I have been playing Scotch and launching kingside pawn storm. When Black strikes back in the centre with d5, should we change plans or continue with the kingside pawn storm? My kingside pawnchain became vulnerable after Black's centre D5 strike. Here is the game example, though I blundered in the last few moves, but my position looked difficult after 14…Qc7. 
Opening "Scotch Game: Potter Variation"
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Nb3 Bb6 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. Qe2 O-O 8. Be3 Bxe3 9. Qxe3 d5 10. O-O-O Re8 11. f3 Ne7 12. Qd2 c6 13. g4 Be6 14. Qf2 Qc7 15. h4 Qf4+ 16. Rd2 dxe4 17. Ne2 Qxf3 18. Qd4 Qxh1 *

Replies

Hey Luke,

In the given game, instead of going Be3 - you can play 8.Bg5 which prevents the idea of d5 😃

Blundered my queen. Won anyway.

https://www.chess.com/game/120687168938

Fear my deadly rooks!

Replies

Nice one! I wonder if an SLP dedicated forum would be useful, so we can share entertaining comebacks without clogging up the forum or Best Games category. Thoughts?

The best games of September and the prizes

Hello ChessMood family, hello champions and future champions! 
Welcome to the "Best games of September" competition.
Under this post, we invite you to post your 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 August: 

1st-  Abhi Yadav
2nd- Edo Tokyo
3rd- Captain Hook
4th- Duncan Vella
5th- Kourosh Asgari 

Replies

A very nice win almost sacrificing everything against FM with 3.Bd3 in french 

https://lichess.org/YFJgUXZLL7ZV

Killer Tactic Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5382974226

Closed Game

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5383216515

Nice Game

But Time

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5383354630

Positional Exchange Sacrifice!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5383182780

Clean Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5383435376

Smooth Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5383462890

https://lichess.org/jFHYvAgs

Crushing Chigorin Defense

Long Castle idea in rossolimo with black !!

https://lichess.org/UrOToDwC/black#0

https://lichess.org/sE1eoSww5Vby Played the chessmood recommendation against the London and got a great endgame. Was a nice finish (though I almost gave away a draw unnecessarily).

Edit: scratch that, was played a few days before September. :( 

Positional Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5391863866

Funny Game!

5 Move  Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5391863866

"The Cooolest Game I Ever Game!"

https://lichess.org/nQ29S0xjtORK

Opponent long-castled in Maroczy and got crushed after Queen exchange

Recently thanks to ChessMood I found Benko gambit a very interesting opening for black pieces.
Here is one of my games for September:

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5401205867

https://lichess.org/ib4HAwqyyKLQ good and interesting game

Crushed the sicilian with 2..e6

I think this game deserves a prize

Here's the reason why?

- It was a serious rapid game with time control of 15+10

-I used the chessmood opening

-I beat a real FM rated 600 fide rated points above me 

https://www.chess.com/live#g=5409613159
Crushing Benko win!

Best Ever Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5411164535

And I Play A Brilliant Move

Using opponents mistake

Sacrified a pawn for attack in French

My opponent couldn't even breathe

Beating a FM with strategies

A fine win against a trendy line in the Pirc!

A little sloppy at the end, but always fun to feed the dragon!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5421833467

Won a good game against higher rated player,using Scotch-- chessmood opening,in 5+2nformat.

 https://lichess.org/9JJpYk2q

"Suffocation"

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5426083383

very aggressive grand parix attack!!

https://lichess.org/D7yluBhYdiOS

https://lichess.org/z13vFXCymPEg

Never give up..

Hi, new member here. Yesterday,  in my Lichess 45-45 game I had the opportunity to test my knowledge of the Maroczy Bind course I watched the day before.  I was black in the game.

https://lichess.org/0PwLK3Z8nJrb

Now I am winning almost every game with Scotch

This is earlier game against same opponent with Scotch.

again using our weapon against sicilian ( grandprix attack ) to beat a strong GM !

https://lichess.org/6VRvuZjCX05S

Scotch 4..Bc5

Beautiful Game!

https://lichess.org/ydCgVoP2ktaN

When you follow @GM_Avetik_Grigoryan's positional instructions, games get easier to play!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5437206501

Another quick win, this time in the Petroff!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5437282179

Great & Beautiful Game!

No Counterplay!

Clean Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5439555590

https://lichess.org/Y0iEgx9z

Just practicing chessmood openings..

Beautiful Game!

https://www.chess.com/game/live/5449442991

 Short Game!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5449504502

Crushing the Pirc.

https://lichess.org/itvW5Lqx/white#55

The first game I've shared, feeling like I'm starting to get the grand Prix 

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5450788827

#SLP - Whites King "Charge!"

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5451514360

https://lichess.org/NwkSDmnvcWJx

Play white Opening Scotch Game 

Smooth win,

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5458852499

I can not understand why my opponent resigned!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5458936890

Chess Academy Cup 2020

Anna Khachatryan 2224 vs Astghik Hakobyan 2168

1-0

A crushing win with another system of 2. Nc3 Sicilian

Typical ROok Sac.

Positional Crushed a 2000 elo player with Anti Sicilian!

https://lichess.org/WslvcUfysYuG

Beating 2100+ player..

Crushing Game!

https://lichess.org/l0H0FuFt7boX

Nice Game
!

https://www.chess.com/game/live/5463620161

Scotch Game 

Beating GM with Anti Sicilian !!!!1

https://lichess.org/uRupBMSIBBl3

i play black - Sicilian Najdorf

https://lichess.org/Y09ZesYa

Only 1 innaccuracy for me estimated by the engine as black

Just testing my positional and KID structural skills.

https://lichess.org/8c4CYQOi/black#55

Scotch Game 

Wining with Fd3 French against strong apponent!!

https://lichess.org/IsptYQQilajZ

Nice attacking game with white. Every move was a threat!

https://chessmicrobase.com/microbases/14167/games/1121629

please take a look

Killer Benko Gambit

https://lichess.org/xX9zjVP2Xx3y

Anti Sicilian -2...d6

https://lichess.org/mzo41NxEQBIj

#accelerated dragon

Textbook Scotch straight from the course  ... didn't even need to think myself!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5478551153

I won this Accelerated Dragon game thanks to a Chessmood stream. And it finishes with a beautiful mate!

Crushed a NM with GP

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5479489290

I play just simple chess, focus on just not to make mistake. In the end my opponent blundered.

https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/5481149238

Another smooth win 

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5481258386

Perfect Benko

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5481309802

Another simple win

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5481360104

One of my first games with the chessmood French!

https://lichess.org/v4vFZjTj/white

I think decent positional game.

https://lichess.org/4Y5x2ACG1Onj

Passive Scotch Greek Gift.

https://lichess.org/RZgmvIYK/white#22

Anti-Sicilian part 3 2...e6 3.f4 d5 4.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bb5

Crushing whit scotch ! Crazy rook on a5 !!!

https://lichess.org/u1fY7wvopIwW

Tal!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5486789673

Smooth!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5486758892

One of my recent games with 98.2% accuracy. I missed mate in one but still it was winning position.
https://www.chess.com/live/game/5487137720

French Str. 

https://lichess.org/w2t4Fm2Z/black#44

Passive Stonewall Destroyed

https://lichess.org/JvrWoQa6Q3He

Demolished a 2200+ with GP 

https://lichess.org/LrtxDyqQUorS

Victory with Scotch

https://lichess.org/KKtXy0XYosWF

Nice win. During the game I thought about the super isolated LSB in a game in  the stream 1600-2400.

https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/5490401913

Miniature against the Scandinavian 

https://lichess.org/HmmN4tYs/white

One of my best games so far.

https://lichess.org/eZ1wW0IU/black#72

Epic Mating combination

https://lichess.org/u4IJ6Rgz/white

Exchange sac and great interference tactic as in a game where I never took my foot off the pedal against a computer no less!

https://chessmicrobase.com/g/xuxfvmpf

Exchange sac and great interference tactic as in a game where I never took my foot off the pedal against a computer no less!

https://chessmicrobase.com/g/xuxfvmpf

This match is a part of my structural basics training. I am playing e4 and d4. e4 was a main chessmood weapon and d4 to practice my knowledge of KID pawn formations. Here is a game. Ignore openings because I am sure there will be tons of mistake there but final rook sac was nice I think.

https://lichess.org/Ps1pctgDITNZ

Played this today and it shows a great example of a kingside attack using knights! My proudest game thus far this month.

https://chessmicrobase.com/g/wqpltmvl

I am a big fan of Carlsbad Stru. so sometimes I try to play it online and in this game black was crushed like a melon. I don't say black's opening had issue. His one slight early c6 gave me a tempo so I castled long. Because in normal positions if I castle long with pawn on c7 then black can simply play Be6 Rc8 and direct c5. In this position he already committed that oh I have pawn on c6 so I said to myself let's go for long castle in tempo up line. 

This is what I learnt about it. I feel I am right. That's why I don't like this early commitment because of white's long castles. I like Re8 Nd7 Nf8 then c6 only if white castles short

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5494218858

Scandinavian Defense 

a nice win using accelerated dragon n*c6 and e5 variation

Crushed a 2200+ in 23 moves with GP.

https://lichess.org/kYyCdI47/white

I am not sure how to embed a replayer game yet.

This was nice attack versus some random double fianchetto in the modern.

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5453107180

I just follow the ChessMood openings, simple normal chess and some small tactics.

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5500444148

https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/5500326381

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5500285495

Caro-Kann.
The rook endgame was over my paygrade, but anyway luckily I won.

A very nice game I played at a real tournament on September 5th.
Just creating attack from nothing, pawn storm on kingside.
I can send you a real batch record if it is confirmed as needed.



1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5
5. O-O d6 6. h3 O-O 7. Bg5 h6 8. Bh4 a6
9. Bc4 Na5 10. Bb3 Nxb3 11. axb3 b5 12. Nc3 Bb7
13. Nh2 g5 14. Bg3 h5 15. Nf3 h4 16. Bh2 Nh7
17. Qe2 f5 18. exf5 Rxf5 19. Ne4 Bb6 20. Rad1 Qe7
21. Kh1 Raf8 22. c4 Qf7 23. c5 Bxc5 24. Qd2 Bxe4
25. dxe4 Rxf3 26. gxf3 Qxf3+ 27. Kg1 Qxh3 28. Qd5+ Rf7
29. Bxe5 g4 30. Qe6 dxe5 31. Rd8+ Bf8 32. Qg6+ Rg7
33. Qe6+ Kh8 34. Qf5 Qf3 35. Qxf3 gxf3+ 36. Kh1 Kg8
37. Rg1 Rxg1+ 38. Kxg1 Ng5 39. Re8 Nxe4 40. Rxe5 Nd2
41. Re6 Nxb3 42. Re3 Nd2 43. Rd3 Bb4 44. Rd7 c5
45. Ra7 a5 46. Rb7 c4 47. Rxb5 c3 48. bxc3 Bxc3
49. Rc5 Bb4 50. Rh5 Kg7 51. Rxh4 Kf6 52. Kh2 Ke5
53. Kg3 Kd5 54. Kf4 Kd4 55. Kg3+ Kc3 56. Rh8 a4
57. Rc8+ Kb3 58. Kf4 a3 59. Ke3 a2 60. Ra8 Kb2
61. Kd3 a1=Q 62. Rxa1 Kxa1 63. Kc2 Ka2 64. Kd3 Kb3
65. Ke3 Kc2 66. Kf4 Kd1 67. Kg3 Ke1 68. Kg4 Kxf2
69. Kh3 Kg1 70. Kg3 f2 71. Kh3 f1=Q+ 72. Kg3 Qf5
73. Kh4 Qg6 74. Kh3 Kf2 75. Kh4 Kf3 76. Kh3 Qg3#

Applying basics of positional play into practice in my training games sessions

https://lichess.org/VmKb3tjHoEE0

Here is a game I played with Scotch.

- This was one of the "good variations" where Black castles queenside and doesn't castle into White's attack.

-This was a 30-0 classical game in an online tournament.

Here is another game from the same online tournament, except this time I played against a higher-rated player than last time.  It's an Accelerated Dragon. I took all his pawns at the end :) .

Imp. of knowing opening. He missed Nge7 then I play imp. Bb3 not allowing any d5 and I will follow up with e5 after d5. then Be3 Bf2 and Bh4, But he forgot e5 is a blunder and I won.

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5504621603

ups and down and finally won

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5504539641

Sicilian Defense - Najdorf 

Attacks and counterattacks in scotch

https://lichess.org/EBafvwuyZLZU

SLP win 

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5507634115

Lost this one but I loved the concepts of dynamic. Applying basics here. Line of Bxd6 acc. to engine is lost for me but I loved to apply Nx6 concepts here

https://lichess.org/RCri8dn0/white#57

Caro-Kann 45m+45s game.  Used chessmood opening. Got advantage and won. Was a bit lucky as both myself and oponent have missed the intermediate Ng8 move, that would lead to drawish ending. 

My first ever Benko gambit:

https://lichess.org/vmx3KqgNm2er

Crushed Sicilian Sidelines

https://lichess.org/l4VOncFsFCEt

https://lichess.org/uApm1hddZCe4

Cool Finish!

Openings violation then win

https://lichess.org/5dH5rmCYbS8C

Demolished him with Kan

https://lichess.org/zXfID39RMBbn

My fav. Carlsbad Str. and I won

https://lichess.org/ui6d7PdIlPBT

Punish your opponents mistakes!

https://www.chess.com/a/2Kit4CmotZwLa

Hello Chessmood! I played a very good attacking game this month with king hunt involving a queen Sacrifice! This was a team match and I had days to prepare for my opponent but still this is a beautiful sacrifice!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5399112890

Total domination with GP

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5512477425

Greek Gift!!!

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5512465704

Yeah the combination of Nxg6 was not sound but black had to find only move to save his game  and get a winning advantage so I went for that in blitz. I missed his resource of fxg6 then Kh8 but still I am glad my intuition is improving now a days and once I will see more and more classics I will learn how to find opponent's resources well

https://www.chess.com/live/game/5512484398

Anti-Sicilian

https://lichess.org/8NkzfdwP

Beating the Petroff

Crushing attack against Black lonely king..

Chessmood Grand Prix!

A win against one of the best player from IRAN

Anti-Sicilian

I play White: https://lichess.org/CmF48vgylPo1

A win with the Chessmood Caro Kann!

Caro-Kann! 

I play Black: https://lichess.org/fonbwLUSUmyq

Rook endgame:

I play Black: https://lichess.org/jTljISBAo8bj

https://lichess.org/PWkAsGzT

Winning with the French (sorry no accelerated Dragon yet) in 23 move against the Tarrasch (and an IM).

Simple Chess:

Beating The Morra Gambit: 

I play Black: https://lichess.org/6wENevBM/black

French Advanced: 

I play White: https://lichess.org/DaheO5hP

Hello ChessMood Family! 
We are very excited to see, that each month the quality of the games are becoming better and better. 
Thanks for all the games you've posted! 

The 5th prize goes to @Abhi_yadav for his crushing the Caro Kann. 

The 4th prize goes to @Karl_Strohmaier for crushing the Scandinavian with his nice Nc6! 

The 3rd prize goes to @Ash_Pv for his brilliant game with Modern Maroczy.  The two breakthroughs d5 and b5 and the conversation of  2 bishops advantage was very nice.  The game will be added in the "model games" section of the course. 
(Here is the link: https://lichess.org/mzo41NxE/black#79) 

The 2nd prize goes to @Jaylen_Lenear for his nice positional game which he finished with two knight sacrifices. 

And the winner of this month becomes @Keok_Woltek who sacrificed almost all his pieces :) 

The guy who improved the most, comparing to the previous month is @Aayush_Shirodkar! 
For which he gets 50k. 

Congratulations, winners and everyone who raised their rating improved their game, or enjoyed playing chess this month! 

See you in the next month's competition. 

Scotch move order: 6.Nc3 vs 6.Qe2

Hi, in the Scotch course after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 ed 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nb3 Bb6 the recommendation is 6.Nc3 and then the main line is 6…Nf6 with theory to learn. I saw a suggestion on the internet to play 6.Qe2 instead: now if 6…d6 or 6…Ne7 then 7.Nc3 transposes to the course, and according to the engine 6…Nf6 7.e5 gives advantage for white. Is there a reason not to play this move order?

Replies

Actually the resulting position after 7. E5 are not so good for us.

It is so really complicated, and it is much easier to play the main line for us.

SLP skills!

Pulled this off with two bishops bearing down on me!

https://www.chess.com/game/120656305496

Replies

one question in the french Attack

in 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bd7 4. Nf3 a6 5. Bd3 Bb5 6. O-O   should we take opponents bishop as the cours say or wait and let our opponent take like in the model games?

Replies

Well the opponent has already indicated they are not taking. We should take at some point, otherwise they may eventually tuck the bishop away on c2. And there doesn’t seem to be a good reason not to take immediately. After that, we continue the normal plan with c5, Nc6, and (if their bishop is covering h6) cd, Ne7, Nf5.

Tactic puzzle

Here's a nice tactic I got to play over the board yesterday. There's only six legal moves for White; can you choose the correct one?

(This is your spoiler warning, in case people want to discuss moves in the comments below)

Replies

I'll take a shot 😀

• * Both Qd2 and Bd2 successfully block the check and threaten to take black's queen but they don't address the potential loss of our knight on b5
• * Ke2 seems pretty bad as black gets to take the knight on b5 and, as it's with check again, possibly looking to also capture the pawn on b2
• * b4 temporarily blocks the check but Qxb4+ puts us back in the same situation (king in check and b5 knight under threat) but a pawn down
• * Nd2 blocks the check but does not rescue the b5 knight
• * Ne3 seems the best option - blocks the check (and defended by the pawn on b2) and prevents the knight from being captured

That seems too easy so I'll wait to see what I've missed 😉 ….

b4!! looks like it works. The queen has 4 squares. If it goes to a6 or b6or goes back to d8 then Nc7 and the rook is trapped and If Qxb4 then Bd2 and the queen is trapped. 

This is a great puzzle. Thanks for posting!

1.b4 will be a good move I think as 1…Qxb4+ will lead to 2.Bd2 trapping the Queen and if Black goes 1…Qd8 then 2.Bc7 followed by Nd6 and the Queen will be trapped. Then only remaining is 1…Qa6 and 1…Qb6. In both the cases 2.Nc7 trapping the Rook will be a good option and White shall be winning. 

New article: How I Used the "Battleship" Method to Meet More Girls and Improve My Chess

It's lonely when you can't go out on dates with girls.

It's frustrating when your chess game isn't improving.

But there's one classic method to transform both your love life and your chess skills.😉

No extra talent needed. Just a bit of strategy. 

Discover how here:

https://chessmood.com/blog/battleship-method

Replies

To Meet More Girls… 😏😂

Time to try out this method now for both reasons mentioned in the title lol 😂

Hi Avo I'm attacking  you and chessmood courses for a long time now……
hitting the opponent's pieces  during my game

😂

Cheers 

Was the part about meeting girls necessary? Can we not have a break from everything being sexual?

love the post bro!

Interesting idea about dating :) 
Though from my experience delaying never really worked. When it's too long, 2 weeks for instance, it cann't be nothing more than just a friendship in the future. Keep telling it one of my friends :)

benko gambit

I just faced this line in an online game and was wondering what the best continuation is here for black? (I don't seem to have anything in my pgn file)

https://lichess.org/study/3tQJPirX/UDWjH6Lw

Thanks, Samuel

Replies

Its a good move for white, but we also have several ideas such as for example the usual Qa5-Nbd7-Rfb8 or using Avetik's Idea with Na6-Qb6-Nc7-Nb5 exchanging the strong knight on c3. Basically white played Nge2 so that if the c3 knight is exchanged the other knight on e2 can hop there.

A model game in this variation: https://lichess.org/6BoVCU2K#31

Hey Samuel and AK Chess.

This Nge2 is not a challenging move, and I can see AK Chess (thank you) shared a very decent game, showing how to play against it :-) 

GMC Hohvannes Analyzed Games Vol 2

Out of all the analyzed games presented by various Gms, Hohvanne's ( and Avo's) are definitely the BEST, analyzed in a way to offer maximum benefits. I'm on my 3rd time watching and learning from their games.

Can we please get a Volume 2 section from either one of them with maybe an additional 10 games? It would be MUCH appreciated!

Losing games are fine too and probably just as beneficial!

Thank you in advance!

Replies

Dear Ovi,

Thanks as always for your very nice words :-)

As you know we are working on many different courses, but might have what you are asking about in future.

Thank you so much!

How many games have you played?

Recently I've started looking at the profile of my opponents after our game finishes.  I'm amazed by the variation in the number of games played.

The number of games that I've played on Chess.com so far is … 314!  (I know, that's not many.  No doubt some of you get through that many in a weekend!).  Some of my opponents have played tens of thousands of games.

So, my question is, how many games in total have you played (feel free to amalgamate if you play on multiple platforms)?   

Replies

I started my chesscom account in 2013 and I have 10 800 games played ! Half are blitz , 10 % rapid , rest is bullet which is too much … 2300 problems , on lichess 800 games played but 2000 problems . I prefer lichess for tactics especially since my last coach asked me to do the 4-3-2-1 Methot everyday. It’s 4 puzzles that you set at -600 , 3 at -300 , 2 normal and 1 +300 .  

How is your number of games so low yet i saw you here in this forum since a long time ago

Anyway to answer your question i have 4,646 rapid + blitz game 

And bullet is 2,529

( i combined chess.com and lichess numbers since i switched from cc to lichess )

In my old account I played around 5000 games (I am only including rapid+blitz+classical) and in my new account around 400 games (rapid+blitz+classical) 

I have played about 6500 games on lichess,Rajat_2011 is the id