Chess forum by Grandmasters

LAB

Hello, Chessmood team

When is the LAB going to be out. Thank you

Sincerely, Pawnbishop 

Replies

Hi Pawn Bishop,

Our team is working on this, but we can't provide any estimated dates.

Thank you.

In Memory of Daniel Naroditsky

For Danya ♥️
A legend, a teacher, a friend… 

We never got to record a course with him, so we made one for him.

10 of his best games. 
Free. Forever.

https://chessmood.com/course/daniel-naroditsky

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We will forever remmber danya 

When I look at the first commentated game, it reminds me of the game in
FIDE Open World Blitz Chess Championships 2024
Round 11 Between GMs
Ivanchuk, Vasyl & Naroditsky, Daniel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_evi2X-PY0c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpZKmaKvZro

Great character!

I greatly appreciate this series and tribute to Danya.  Thank-you for this.

Daily puzzle is not functioning

It seems there’s an issue with today’s daily puzzle. After making my move, the computer hasn't responded or made a subsequent move. I'm hoping this can be addressed soon. Thank you!. 

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Hi Saeid,
Thanks for letting us know about the issue. 
We have already fixed the puzzle. 
https://chessmood.com/daily-puzzle?recent_date=26.10.2025

french problem

In the blackmood openings, after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nc6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.e5 Nd7, what to do after strong Ng5!! move

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Based on your annotations, you are getting this position where White just loses the Knight after Qxg5
 

Scotch 4...Bc5 5.Nb3 Bb4+

5...Bb4+ is the most frequent move after 5...Bb6 and is recommended by GM Mikhalchishin in his "A practical repertoire against the Scotch" video course. How should we respond?

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5…Bb4+ is weaker than 5…Bb6 and White gets a good position after 6.c3, Be7, f4, d6, Bd3, Nf6, O-O. White has a strong center and some space advantage.

as I remember we don't have that move in the course right?

Hey! 
Good questions. 
There are different ways here. 
I've added on my list, will try to add material in the next month. 

tech problem

Are you guys having problems viewing the Maroczy Bind course on vimeo?

Replies

Hi Eli se,

Thanks for flagging this. Yes, you're not the only one. We've received reports that this is a general issue with our video provider (Vimeo) that is affecting users in certain countries, causing problems with viewing courses.

We are actively investigating it with Vimeo to get a permanent solution.

In the meantime, some users have found that using a VPN works as a temporary fix.

We'll post an update as soon as we know more. Thanks for your patience!

How to Study 8.h4 Scotch

Hello Chess Mood GM, I am 2000 Fide Rating Player, who have followed Chess Mood Scotch Repertoire for 5 years. Currently I have reach a plateau in my 8.h4 Scotch and I wish to seek for an advice. 

I have played the 8.h4 Scotch against player who rated from 2100 to IM. Some of the game I faced lines that are not cover in Chess Mood. Even if it's the line by Chess Mood, I still struggle with middlegame position. 

Most of the cases, I will have too many pawn moves, while black will have very fast development. As a result, my king will often get under danger, or my e5 pawn will fall after black play Re8. 

Hence I wish to seek some advice from Chess Mood GM on how should I work on this opening? What should I work on to understand the middlegame? How should I prepare lines that are not included in Chess Mood Course? Is there any courses or books I can refer to for this line? Is there a roadmap I should follow to understand this opening completely?

Appreciate the advice from Chess Mood GM, thanks for the effort and time to answer my question🙏 

Replies

Hey there,

H4 is a complex line for both sides. The key is to play, find mistakes, fix them, and repeat the cycle. That’s how real progress happens.

If you want to reach a higher level, some engine work is needed. 

We can’t include every move in the course - it would be 50 hours long.

Since you’re already facing IMs, going deeper with the engine and building your own notes is the right step.

 Over time, this work will pay off.

https://www.chessable.com/mayhem-in-the-scotch/course/259795/

Help

Everyone I see is 2000+ Fide but I can barely cross 1500 I am watching the courses but I often get very distracted can you please help me. #Chessmood family

Replies

Hello! I have some advice I'd like to share.

Well, basically, not everyone can reach high ratings right away and that’s completely fine. I have a 1600 FIDE rating myself, and I already appreciate that because progress in chess takes time. The truth is, improvement isn’t only about watching courses; It’s about how determined you are to improve. Not just by watching, but by truly understanding what you study. That’s my advice for you and everyone else.

If you often get distracted, try breaking your study time into smaller, focused sessions — even 20–30 minutes of full attention is better than hours of half-focus. Also, play slow games where you can think carefully, and after each one, analyze your mistakes and fix them. Remember: those 2000+ players also struggled once — they just kept going when things were slow. Stay patient, stay curious, and don’t compare your journey with others. Improvement will follow naturally if you keep showing up. :)

🧠 1. Understand What’s Really Holding You Back

From what you said:

You watch a lot of courses but get distracted — that means passive learning.

Your rating stagnation (around 1500 FIDE or online equivalent) is totally normal — it’s the “plateau zone.”

So the key is to shift from watching to active training.

♟️ 2. Focus on Active Learning (Stop Just Watching)

Here’s how you can make your ChessMood courses actually work for you:

Pause the video after every move and guess the next one.

Write down key ideas (not moves!) from each video.
Example: instead of “Nc3 is played,” write “In this structure, White wants to fight for e4.”

After finishing a course, play 10 games using only those ideas.

🧩 3. Use the 3x3 Rule (To Avoid Distraction)

Do short, focused training bursts:

3 study sessions × 30 minutes each per day is far better than one long, distracted binge.

In each session, do one topic only:

Morning: tactics (ChessMood Tactic Ninja or Lichess puzzles)

Afternoon: positional training (Course review)

Evening: analyze your own games (especially losses)

Set a timer and turn off notifications for those 30 mins.

📖 4. Game Review Method

After each game, review it like this:

Identify one critical mistake (not every inaccuracy).

Ask: “What was I thinking here?” (Your thought process matters more than the move.)

Try to find the correct move without the engine first.

Finally, check with engine + course ideas.

You’ll learn 10x faster doing this than watching a 3-hour video.

❤️ 5. Motivation & Focus Tricks

Before every study session, say:
🧩 “I’m training to become 1600 → 1700 → 1800. One step today.”
Small goals work.

Keep your phone out of sight.

If you feel restless, do 5 pushups or deep breaths — literally resets your focus.

🔥 6. Weekly Structure (Sample)

⚡ 7. Remember This

Improvement happens when you repeat ideas in your own games, not when you just watch them.

If you turn your study into small, active chunks, your concentration and rating will both rise faster than you expect.

i know that 1500 area is a very hard time, i havent gone out from it yet but my friend's who are 1600 and 1700 say me to not worry about the rating and when learning use your strength .
strength types are:
1.Quick memorization-here you can remember something is you merely see over it
2. Mid power-you can remember some and might need to repeat to remmember and learn others
3. hard work-repeating and digesting it is the only way.
so 1-see courses or sections(be interactive) and digest it with 2 or 3 games, 2 and 3-watch twice sections or courses(be interactive correct you mistakes of 1st time) and digest with 4 or 5 games

Wish me luck!

Tomorrow is my life's first rapid tournament and the day after blitz and i hope to get fide rating there like i did for classical. please give me luck!

Replies

Good luck! 
Show the right mood :-)

When do you play chess online?

Do you have a fixed time or number of games to play online or you play anytime?

I play in random manner and that cause me some rating drops.

My lichess blitz rating rises to 2130 sometimes but it drops back again to 2060 due to playing even in bedtime so I lack concentration.

Also Playing as you like makes me feel less focused during day.

So what is your style and how to solve this problem?

Replies

I'd recommend you to read our blog, the following 2 articles will be very useful for you:

https://chessmood.com/blog/golden-method-to-increase-rating-in-chess

https://chessmood.com/blog/raise-your-chess-rating-by-cutting-your-losses

I believe that what you are looking for is answered there...

I usually play a 15+10 game twice a week and a few 3+2 every day.

A certain amount of variability in your blitz rating is to be expected. As well as what was mentioned in the other replies, note the recommendations in the Blunder Proof course, e.g. https://chessmood.com/course/blunderproof/episode/4439 Another (possibly controversial) idea if you're not feeling fully alert: play a quick bullet game prior to a blitz session. You can even use lichess anonymous mode to avoid rating anxiety.

• Prioritize piece development: Quickly develop your pieces to control the center and increase pressure.
• Calculate variations quickly: Learn to visualize and evaluate positions rapidly.
• Use the clock effectively: Don't let the clock dictate your moves.
• Analyze your games: Review your time management to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Remember, practice is key. Try to incorporate these tips into your games and see how it improves your performance.

Play it in the best mood u have and when u start losing just stop playing it will affect rating

😀

same as Max Idk

How do you trade Moodcoins?

They asked this question 4 years ago…

My typical time to play chess is during the evenings after working, when I am interested in calming and challenging my brain. It is an excellent form of relaxation and, at the same time, sharpens my mind. In some cases, I even find time to get a quick game during lunch times. Balancing between hobbies and studies may be a challenge, but particularly for hectic students who may find themselves saying, I wish I could  pay someone to do my online class . Chess enables me to be focused and think strategically, both on the chessboard and in the real world.

6:00 IST time

Scotch Game Opening Confusion

There’s a line in the Scotch Game course that confuses me.

In the second section, “Section 1 – Rare and Passive Moves”, there’s a transposition that includes an extra tempo.

At 01:57, or in the move order (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bb4+ 5. c3 Bc5 6. Be3), shouldn’t there just be 6…Qf6? It seems to come from the move order (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3).

Even though the 4…Bb4 line has an extra tempo, I’m not sure what my next move and overall plan should be. I checked it with an engine, but I still can’t quite understand the positions — even though the evaluation looks favorable with the extra tempo.

I understand it’s a good position, but I’m having trouble grasping the ideas behind it.
I need help 😞🤦‍♂️

Replies

A tribute to Daniel (Danya) Naroditsky

The news of this young man's passing has rocked the chess world.

Avo and the chessmood family are wonderful educators and I have gained a great deal from studying in this space. For me, Naroditsky was also on that level - one of the best chess teachers and clearly a wonderful human being. I learned so much from him and the content he created. He has been a tremendous influence and I will greatly miss his teaching, his passion, his warmth and his presence in the online world.

I don't know if any others here were influenced by him, but I thought I would post this brief tribute in case any others wished to add their own words.

Replies

Absolutely, I second everything you said. Even my wife, who does not play chess, was gutted knowing she will no longer fall asleep listening to his voice. Such a sad, sad day.

I still can't believe,
I have known him from 10 years old.
Amazing person…

I was so shocked to see the news of Naroditsky's passing this morning. He has been an enormous influence on my game and the clarity and wit that he bought to his games and explanations will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A sad day, indeed.

Absolutely tragic.  I had watched his final speed run video just a day or two earlier.  Amazing person, player, teacher.

I cannot add anything to what the others have already said, so its just this from me:

Thank you Danya.

Thank you for the Speedruns, the Endgame videos, the Streams.

Thank you for helping so many people.

Goodbye.

Well said my friend, hes been a massive part of my chess jorney also. Lets hope his youtube videos live on and educate others for years to come.

Respect

My chessmood not working

When I open courses it just shows blank yesterday I learned and still work my internet is good but it wont open

Replies

It sounds really frustrating when the courses won’t load even though your internet is working fine. Sometimes, clearing cache or trying a different browser can fix the issue. If it still doesn’t work, the platform might be having technical problems. I’ve faced similar issues while searching for essay writing help, and it turned out to be a temporary glitch that resolved itself after a while.

Hi vimutti ch,

Thank you for reporting this. You are correct, there was a general issue yesterday with our video provider that affected users in some countries, which is why you were seeing a blank screen when opening courses.

The good news is that this issue has now been resolved. Could you please try again and let us know if it's working for you now?

Please let us know if you're still having trouble!

Daniel Naroditsky

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

He was a key member of the chess community, a lovely human being. He was kind to anyone and everyone he met. Its a great loss for the overall chess community. To put salt in the wound his last video was “you thought I was gone”.

Replies

chessmood coins

Whats the conversion from coins to dollars?

Replies

Hi Shaurya, the conversion rate is $1 = 1000 MoodCoins. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Dutch Defence Question

What do we do here? when the when the white knight is on d2 we cant play Ne4 because they would take right

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Simplified Black Mood Openings question

What do we do in this position? I couldnt find it in the simplified courses

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Here explained black's all ideas: 
https://chessmood.com/course/blackmood-openings/episode/3898

Are MoodCoins still valid to buy courses?

Hello, I wondered if it's still possible to buy courses with MoodCoins, as I don't see the button for it under the courses anymore. I am almost at 170k, and I would like to buy some courses with it if possible.

Replies

Hi Vincent, great question!

The reason you don't see the purchase buttons is that you have an active subscription plan. Since your plan already gives you full access to all the courses, the system hides the individual "buy" buttons to avoid confusion.

But to answer your question directly: Yes, MoodCoins are absolutely still valid for purchasing courses! The option is just hidden for you because you're already a member with full access.

Puzzles have better moves

I have been trying to use some of the puzzles for my own study.

In fact it was started from Bug Zone. 
Some puzzles I couldn’t calculate because I found better moves.

unfortunately the solution on the website are not correct. 
 This is one of those.

the chessmood.com solution is 

1. Rxb6 Qxb6
2. Nd5 Qc6
3. Ba4 Qxa4
4. Ne6+ Kh8
5. Qxh7+ Kxh7
6. Rh1#
   It is a mate in six but let’s review the answer. After Nd5 Queen can go to d8. 
   or even after Ba4 Queen can get exchanged with Night. It’s better than getting mated. 
7. Does anyone know why the puzzle answers are not the correct moves? It seems a bit of wishful thinking in calculation. 

Replies

Since we are looking at a puzzle, it is not possible for all the variations to be listed. Only 1 move for Black can be given. 

Then, your suggestion that there are better moves is a bit misleading. For example, if Black plays 2. … Qd8 as you suggest for an alternative line, then White will respond with 3. Ne7+ and Black has to give up the Queen to avoid a Mate-in-2.  After giving up the Queen, Black is completely losing.

When solving problems like this, I try to see the refutations of all the variations that can appear, BUT I understand that I have to give a good response to every move played by the computer.

Here is the the thing. After your lines, White is up a queen, the puzzle ends (White is ofc easily winning and from the perspective of the puzzle, it is no longer interesting). After Qxa4 let’s say, White still has to find the win. Qxa4 is the critical line and so that’s why it’s chosen (since white still has to demonstrate the win against these critical moves).

Hello everyone,

Guys, thanks for trying to provide the right explanations - I will try to summarize.
 

Dear Saeid, the thing is that in chess problems, if it's not a forcing checkmate, usually the goal is to reach a decisive advantage in the solution.
In this exact puzzle, to avoid a checkmate if Black sacrifices the Queen, the position is considered dead as they are down a queen.
For that reason, the puzzle is correct as the opponent either loses due to a lack of material or gets checkmated.
If you are enjoying puzzles where it's all forcing checkmates, there are lots of chess books that offer puzzles like mate in 1,2,3, and so on, and usually in that case, there are no escapes.

You would have been right if we said here White has a forcing checkmate, but in this puzzle, the side is trying to achieve a decisive advantage.

You are slightly misunderstanding how a chess puzzle works. Here are a few points which may help you -

• A puzzle is not required to give the strongest line for the opponent. For educational value, a puzzle usually gives the line which is most critical, or most illustrative. Your task is to find the strongest response to the moves the puzzle puts to you. This may involve calculating out a few variations.

• As has been pointed out, a puzzle does not have to result in checkmate. Most puzzles are about achieving a winning advantage, for instance through winning material, or checkmating the opponent. But sometimes, a puzzle can be about finding the only defence in a position, or the only move to equalise / save a draw. It is up to you to read the board, evaluate the position, and see what you are trying to achieve. In the example you give, if you find the right line you will either checkmate the enemy King, or win the Queen. Either way, this is a clear win for White.

• Checks are not the only kind of forcing move. In the example you give, Nd5 comes with tempo on the opponent's Queen. That is a forcing move since losing the Queen would inevitably result in a lost position for Black. It is something Black has to respond to, which is what is meant by a forcing move.

I don't love the Dutch - other options?

I have a hard time making the Dutch work, love the French but the Dutch inherently seems to carry more risk, and seems better suited for a player who has more of an attacking mindset.  

I'd like an opening that I can play against D4, where I can get a playable position to transition into the middle game with and feel like I have a solid foundation. I don't feel that with the Dutch. 

Looking for suggestions. 

Thank you, Charles

Replies

Hey Charles!

If you're looking for something more solid, you may enjoy the King's Indian. Personally, I haven't had much experience in it, so I can't offer any personal opinions, but it is considered my many to be one of the most solid defenses against d4. 💪

Happy Chessing!

Benko Gambit? For me it is not so risky as Dutch. It is for active players, but there is no king side attack. It is dynamic position where black dictates rules. Thou it is gambit line and some could be afraid of it.

I would not recommend King's Indian if you do not have attacking mindset. I believe Kint's Indian Defense is one of the most complex replyes on d4.

Hi Charles. 

I have also been considering moving away from the Dutch, or at least introducing another response to 1. d4 to my game. 

Whilst I do enjoy playing the Dutch, I've found my results are significantly less successful than when facing 1. e4, where I play the Accelerated Dragon Sicilian. 

My choice is going to be a simple classical d4, d5 game and then go for an approach with e6, Nf6, Be7 / Bd6, 0-0. This probably fits the bill nicely in terms of getting the solid foundation and playable position for the middle game that you are looking for.

Openings like the Benko, the Dutch and the KID are more complex and sharp, and can require more study. I don't think there's anything wrong with keeping it simple. It's a case of what suits you and your game. What helps me also is that I'm mainly a 1. d4 player with the White pieces so I'm familiar with a lot of these structures.

In my last over the board game against 1. d4 (I knew my opponent and he plays the London) I opened with d5 then Nf6, e6, Bd6 and got a perfectly fine position out of the opening. I went on to win, so its a successful start at least.

Best of luck to you!