Chess forum by Grandmasters

King's Gambit?

Does anyone have a good resource for learning the king's gambit? The scotch is nice and all, but I think the king's gambit looks fun and crazy. So far, all i've found are clickbait youtube videos with little value. Y'all got anything?

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Never understood this....

Aren't I risking getting fried livered here?

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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.

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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

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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

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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,

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🙂

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😀

Jab - Right Hook Mate[Training]

Hi, currently the session is like this.

 

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And the entire long-castled king secction has the same problem.
 

Hey Jose, 
 

I was just informed that the issue should already be fixed.

Thanks again for helping 🙂

How do you study Opening?, What software, apps or techniques do you use?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to improve my opening repertoire and would love to hear how others approach studying openings. Do you use any specific software, apps, or techniques that help you? I'm curious about the tools and methods that work best for building a solid understanding and preparing for various opening lines. Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

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Hi,

I use Lichess to play and mostly its platform to study (opening explorer, or Lichess studies).

As I use Linux, for opening PGNs locally I use ‘scid’ (an open source, cross-platform alternative for Chessbase).

About methods: I use the bold-unbold technique, and whatever the opening courses here recommend (much practice, watching model games, etc.).

Hi,

writing plans etc with diffrent moves and plans i use chessbase.

For only training purposes since short time i use chessbook. Works for me.

When studying openings, it's important to find the right tools and techniques that work best for your learning style. Many chess players use software or apps that provide a vast database of opening variations along with analysis and recommendations. One popular approach is to use specialized chess apps that allow you to review games, explore opening lines, and understand different strategic ideas. Programs like ChessBase or online platforms with integrated analysis engines can help you practice and memorize openings efficiently. These tools also help with identifying common traps and mistakes within various opening lines, which is crucial for mastering them.

If you're building a chess-related app or looking to create a tool to track and analyze your openings, consider using technologies like Flutter, which enables cross-platform app development. For more about Flutter app development, you can read more here. Flutter’s flexibility makes it an excellent choice for developing applications with interactive features, ideal for building chess apps where users can study and practice openings.

😀

There are many different ways to study chess openings. Here are a few tips:

   Start with the basics. Make sure you understand the basic principles of chess strategy, such as pawn structure, piece activity, and king safety.
   Focus on a few openings. Don't try to learn too many openings at once. Choose a few openings that you like and focus on learning them well.
   Use chess software. There are many great chess software programs that can help you study openings. These programs can provide you with annotated games, training exercises, and opening databases.
   Play lots of games. The best way to learn chess openings is to play lots of games. This will help you to see how the openings are played in practice and to develop your own style.
   Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different opening lines. This is the best way to find the openings that work best for you.

Here are some specific resources that you might find helpful:

   Chessable: This is a great website and app for learning chess openings. It has a variety of courses and training exercises that can help you improve your opening skills.
   Chess.com: This is a popular chess website that offers a variety of resources, including opening databases, training exercises, and live chess games.
   Lichess: This is another popular chess website that offers a variety of resources, including opening databases, training exercises, and live chess games.

I hope this helps!
 

Hi!

There is a Chessmood blog called The Most Affective Way to Create Chess PGN Files that may help you… also if you want to read  more blogs on opening, you could go to blogs and select  openings… you can also practice your openings with your training partner 😎

You should find an expert in the oppening and study his games for example Kramnik in the catalan or Fischer in the kings indian.

Then you will know the strategic ideas and memorizing will no be a problem becauuse you understand the moves!

Anti Sicilian 2..Nc6 3..g6

Hi there,

i just prep for an opponent and will face probably anti sicilian with 2..Nc6 and 3..g6.

Did i miss the theory part anywhere in the course?

I can only find some games in the instructive games parts to the opening.

Thank you for the help.

Fred

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Hi Fred,

it's mentioned here:

https://chessmood.com/course/sicilian-defence-part-2/episode/781

In short: When the opponent allows us, we will take on c6 and have a good version

of the Rossolimo. That's because we will play f4 before Nf3.

Hey Guys,

I see the question is resolve, Thomas thanks for your help 🙂

Brave-browser

Brave-browser

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😱⁉️

Here is some general information about Brave browser:

• Brave is a free and open-source web browser that is focused on privacy and security.
• It is based on the Chromium open-source project, which is also the basis for Google Chrome.
• Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, which can make browsing faster and more private.
• It also includes a built-in VPN and ad blocker.
• Brave is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

But why are you asking out of chess questions? This is a chess website.

A line in French 1e4, e6 2. d4, d5 3. Nc3 Nf6, 4. e5, Ng8 5. Be3, Ne7 6.f4 Nf5, 7.Bf2

Good morning

Recently I played a game in OTB tournament which went in the line 
1e4, e6 2. d4, d5 3. Nc3 Nf6, 4. e5, Ng8 5. Be3, Ne7 6.f4 Nf5, 7.Bf2. 
In the simplified opening course it's mentioned that when white play Be3 black should play Ng8-e7-f5 to make bishop stop defending c5. However my opponent played f4, which creates a square on f2 for the bishop. After that I struggled to play the position. There  are a few options:
- to play c5 straight away and hope that after dxc5 black is able to get the pawn back with Ne7
- to play h5 preventing g5 and maybe later preparing c5
- to play Ne7 and then c5, but what after g5
I think the most logical is h5 to keep a great knight on f5, but then after Bd3 it's a very tough choice: retreat with the knight to e7, play g6 to recapture the knight with the g pawn weakening the kingside or to play some other move allowing Bxf5 destroying black's pawn structure.
In the game I mentioned earlier I made several mistakes in the opening, got very passive position and by miracle I saved a draw in the endgame against lower rated player. 

I would like to avoid such situations in future so I ask what plan should I make when opponent combines Be3 with f4 and Bf2?

Thank You for all answers.

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I add the image of the position after Bf2 to make it easier to analyze.

*Sorry when I wrote about preparing c5 or recapturing on c5 I was thinking about Nd7 not Ne7, but I can't edit the question now

interesting question. i would've played 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Ng8 5. Be3 c5 6. dxc5 Nc6 7. Nf3 Nge7 

🙂

The position you describe is a common one in the Sicilian Defense, also known as the Dragon Variation. It can be tricky to play, as both sides have a number of options.

Here are some general tips for playing this position:

    -Be patient. Don't try to force things too much. Take your time and assess the position carefully.
   -Pay attention to the pawn structure. The pawn structure is important in this position. Try to keep your pawns active and connected.
   -Be aware of your opponent's threats. Your opponent may be looking to attack your weak squares or open up lines for their pieces. Be prepared to defend yourself.
   -Don't be afraid to trade pieces. Trading pieces can sometimes simplify the position and make it easier to play.

Here are some specific suggestions for playing against the Be3-f4-Bf2 variation:

   -Consider playing c5. This move can be a good way to break up the pawn structure and create attacking opportunities.
   -Try to keep your knight on f5. This knight is a powerful piece and can be used to control the center and attack your opponent's weak squares.
   -Be careful about playing g5. This move can open up your kingside and make it vulnerable to attack.
   -Be prepared to defend your bishop on f2. This bishop is important for your pawn structure and attacking game.

I hope this helps!

never scheduled call what should i do

😀

i did want to call with one of the GMs but i am too nervous to do that because thats once a lifetime things so i never do that before i dont know when i should and if someone can tell me or help please do that

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Dear Happy Rabbit,

There is no need to be nervous 🙂

here is the link how to schedule a call https://chessmood.com/event/1-1-call-with-new-pro-members 

You can find available options in the page of events—> 1-1 Calls 🇮

I am the one who will make a call with you and I will do my best to make your experience as good as possible 🫡😁

i think if you do it  , they will help you for what you need at the moment . i understand your struggle as I have a tendency to think like you too… i waited a month before doing it but I was glad I did it after . Unless I misunderstood , we have an opportunity of a 15 min call during this thanks giving event . You could start with this as it s a 2 days only window only so far .

anti sicilian (part 2 ) 5. 5..e6

so in 5. 5...e6?! at 01:00 ( one minute) avetik says the only move is d6 but what about Qc7 

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ChessMood meetup in SG?

Hi, this is Elinore from Eastwood City Chess community in the Philippines! We are huge ChessMood fans and promote ChessMood heavily in our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/EastwoodCityChess/

Wondering if there's any ChessMood meetups happening during the World Chess Championship in SG. We will be in SG from Nov 23 to Nov 30! Happy to meet other ChessMood family members and/or happy to organize a ChessMood meetup 😅

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hello chessmood brother. you should email [email protected] to know if there is an official meetup. 👍

Looks like there is no official ChessMood SG meetup 😟

If anyone else will be in SG between those dates and would like to hangout, let us know! We are bringing a bunch of chess sets and will most likely be playing games for fun around the city! We also know some really good places to eat at and hang around 😋

We will be posting photos from SG during the World Chess Championship on our Facebook page!

Not improving...

Hello, I'm sadly encountering a big plateau for a long time now and I need some help… I'm doing several puzzle streaks a day in Lichess, doing again and again the tactic's Ninja quizzes, and looking at Chessmood's model games. Moreover I'm playing around 6 blitz games a day, but nothing to do, I'm on a plateau.

Should I try to change openings for advanced ones?

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You have to follow your own heart, but every time I think about switching openings because I'm not happy with my game, I ask myself: “Am I losing games because of the opening?”  The answer is always a hard no. I'm losing because of poor board vision, or weak tactics, or just getting outplayed.

For me, I am trying to focus on finding the joy of chess and to avoid developing a negative attitude because I'm not performing at the level I want to. 

If you haven't read blog by Avetik, “A Secret Method for Handling  Tough Positions and Bad Moods”, then please read it: https://chessmood.com/blog/a-secret-weapon-for-handling-tough-positions-and-bad-moods

I just read it yesterday and it helped me a lot. I'm trying to learn to straighten my back and smile when I am having troubles over the board. It might help you!

Good luck!
Jeff

Hey Luc,

Can you please tell little more details?
How long is it going on?
Are you blundering a lot?
Are you playing in good conditions?
Training with a good focus and concentration?

If you can tell little more details, would be happy to advise what to do :-)

2000 elo in rapid on chesscom , finally !

After a year and a half with chessmood , I finally got the 2000 rapid badge on chesscom ! My successes did not happen as rapidly as others but I kept my faith in the chessmood openings ( except for very few lines ) . I got really close last year after finishing the ninja tactics course but my emotion management was a weakness during games. I followed the advices of GM Avetik and went on reading some Ryan holiday books : «   Discipline is destiny  »   and « Ego is the enemy «   .  I played often and analyzed most of them . I also used the new AI coach which is helping me pointing out my recurent mistakes . I m doing some tactics exercices everyday and some physical exercices regularly . I also took the next level training of GM Noel Studer this spring . Thank you chessmood for helping me Improved at 58 yrs old ! Next step is getting 2000 otb ! 
 

Here is the link of my decisive game to get to 2000 . Not perfect but I m starting to win more regularly with the Dutch ! 
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/123909018495?tab=review

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Congratulations!
I wish you all the luck in getting to 2000 FIDE!

Congratulations, Denis.  

That is a fantastic achievement - I think, based on a video I watched recently, that a 2,000 rating puts you in the top 1% of players! 😎

Awesome!  Did you achieve this with French and Dutch courses?

Congrats! - Improving at 58 years old is very inspiring for a lot of people.
Nice use of the White and Blackmood repertoires! Kinda shows how solid these are, even at that levels.
Wish the best on your 2000 otb goal!

I'm curious approximately hour many hours per day did you average on chess?  Also, I'm assuming you followed the study play fix method?

Felicitations!!
That's great! I hope to get there too at some point.

nice game too, extracting the king from his castle to kill him in the middle of the board.

Hi again!  I'm also curious about Noel's course.  What was your experience with that?

IQP

Do we have a course covering how to play IQP positions? Specifically, attacking when you have the IQP in a favourable version. Beyond just the simple ideas one usually sees (black wants to control d5 to blockade the pawn, white wants to push d5 or attack using e5 outpost) - e.g. how to understand when pushing d5 is actually good vs just liquidating to a draw. I thought “Attack like a viking” might have a section on it, but am not seeing it there.

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There are a few games in the commented classical course covering IQP structures

To follow up, here is a position from one of my games. In this position the engine suggests 18…Rae8, which is not the sort of move players at my level (~1950) tend to play. My opponent played 18…Rfe8, aiming to discourage me from pushing d5 and opening the e file, and I had completely the wrong reaction. My thinking was “he is countering d5, let's switch to the other plan” and I played 19.Bc2. Then after 19…g6 the position was equal. After studying with the engine I now know my thinking should have been “undefending f7 must be wrong, let's rip open the diagonal”.  After 19.d5! ed 20. Bxd5! black is in trouble due to the weakness of f7 and the lack of co-ordination of the black pieces (in particular the d7 bishop being loose). E.g. if 20…Bf6 21.Bxf7+ white wins a pawn while maintaining the initiative. The same if 20…Rad8: white can increase the pressure with 21.Rfe1, or simply go ahead with 21.Bxf7+! 22.Kxf7 Rxd7! Rxd7 23.Qf5+. Or even if 20…Rf8 (admitting the mistake): Bxf7+!

In the initial position, if black plays 18…Rad8, 19. d5 is again correct, and white has initiative after 19…ed 20.Nxd5, e.g. 20…Rde8 21.Nc7 Rd8 22.Rxd7! Rxd7 23.Ne6! Or: 20…Rfe8 21.Nxe7+ Rxe7 22.Bxf7+!  Rxf7 23.Ng5.

This all makes a lot of sense when analyzing with the engine, but I would love to be able to find such moves over the board.