Fork avoidance blunder

Hi all,

In this game, I've allowed my opponent to get a pawn onto the 6th rank (e6) and it's supported by a knight on f4: https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/daily/676145511?tab=review&move=28

Now, if I capture with f7xe6 my opponent's next move is almost certainly going to be Nxe6 forking my queen on d8 and rook on f8.  I didn't want to lose either so I decided against this move.

Instead, I decided to move one of the potential target pieces so that I avoid the fork.  I opt for Qe7.  Well, Stockfish really doesn't like this!  I get a snarky comment about losing a pawn and I go from being 1.6 up on the evaluation bar to 2.1 down.

Somebody, please enlighten me.  How should I have proceeded after White's e6 move? 😎

Thanks 

Replies

Nope, you can figure this one out own your own. Taking the pawn is fine. After the moves 

15.e6     fxe6 

16.Nxe6

how does Black avoid losing material? Both the queen and rook are attacked, so it will take more than one move to save the both of them.

Sorry to answer with a question, but I really think you can get this

Sicilian 2...d6 line

Hi,

What to do within repertoire if black plays immediate  3…a6 after our 3.f4

Thanks,

Bs

Replies

Hello. I personally prefer to play these positions with black, but I can tell you that the most annoying move after 1. e4 c5, 2. Nc3 d6 3. f4 a6 is just the simple development with either Nf3 or Be2. 3…a6 is a pretty useless move in these systems. I don't know if you know why is it necessary to play a6 in openings like the Najdorf. If you don't play it either Nb5 or Bb5 will come at some point. But here Nb5 would be useless so, just develop normally. I hope it helps. :)

You should transpose to the repertoire https://chessmood.com/course/4-anti-sicilian-with-nc3-part-4

Most of the times you will get the same position or very similar. We recommend to fianchetto the Bishop to g2 in these setups.

Check the course and may the Chessmood force be with you😄. 

How to deal with tilt?

Hi there!

I'm David from Romania and I'm rated around 1600 FIDE. After being on my peak two months ago and winning my city's championship I started falling back. Now I'm on a huge tilt. Between 26-28 July I will have a very strong classical tourney. Any suggestions what to do with my tilt?

Replies

Hi David,

Take a look at the ChessMood article here: https://chessmood.com/blog/5-crucial-steps-to-stop-bad-results-in-chess

You've already started with Step 1 by acknowledging that there is a problem.  Read the rest of the article for tips on how to resolve the problem.

Good luck!  Let us know how you get on.

How to create a Lichess Nickname for GM simul

ChessMood occasionally hosts GM simul events, and I am interested in participating. The upcoming event on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, will be held on Lichess. My primary question is how to create a nickname with "_ChessMood" on Lichess.

Currently, Lichess does not allow users to change their usernames, except for capitalization adjustments. Due to this restriction, I am unsure how to incorporate "_ChessMood" into my username. Am I overlooking something? Is there a different section on Lichess where a nickname can be added? Creating a new account to achieve this is not an option, as Lichess prohibits users from having multiple accounts.

My main question is: How can I add "_ChessMood" to my existing Lichess account?

Additionally, though less critical, do you ever host events on Chess.com instead of Lichess?

Replies

I think there is a way better solution for this than creating additional users.

When creating a simul, the organizer (the Chessmood GM) can choose to only allow participants that are members of a certain team. In other words - when Chessmood set up the simul, set it up to allow only members of Chessmood PRO team on lichess. 

Chessmood PRO team members are checked before being let into the team, and presuming CM also remove members when their PRO membership expires this would be problem solved once and for all without the need for any additional users.

PS! GIven that anyone (CM member or not) can create a username with _Chessmood ending, the existing solution is not so bulletproof either.

Could someone knowledgeable, preferably ChessMood Staff, please assist me in understanding how to set up a nickname on Lichess? Thank you in advance for your help.

Miss of the day

Hi all,

Well, I missed a golden opportunity to finish off my opponent here (White to play).  I'm hoping that by publicly admitting to it I'll shame myself into not missing it the next time it arises (no guarantee, of course, but it might 😉 )

Replies

No problem, I didn't see Ne7+ followed by Queen h7 at first as well 😉! Guess I have to practice tactics too… 😀

I’m embarrassed to say how long i thought about it before Ne7+ made me smile (Clearance, Tactic Ninjas!).

:)

It's okay that you missed the tactic bro. The key is to keep practicing and gain more experience to become a better player. The truth about success is the chess players at the top failed more times than most players have even tried… Think about Michael Jordan. He stated he missed more game winning shots than anyone, but he also made more game winning shots than anyone. So failure is part of the game on the road to success. At least you are playing and working on getting better. Continue to learn from your mistakes and eventually you won't make those mistakes anymore. Just don't keep repeating them :) 

That one in particulary is not easy to find!

For me especially since ‘it seems’ that with Qe7 Black will be able to escape. Additionally the fact that whites position is so nice already…

Dont worry! With admitting this, you are building up your tactical intuition, so next time, it might ring and tell you that there might be a tactic! And voila!

Grand Prix against 2. ...Nc6.

Hi ChessMood Family!

I recently watched the WhiteMood course and stumbled upon the Sicilian sector. I play the Sicilian myself as Black and so I was surprised to see a critical line missing: “1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5.Bc4 e6!” In the course, only 5. …d6 is given. Am I wrong about this beig a critical line or did they forget to include it? 

Thanks to everyone who can help me, Marius. 

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

Replies

Hi Marius,

you are completely right!

It is a critical, rather good line for Black.

That is the exact reason, why ChessMood recommends 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bb5.

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

Question for our coaches...

🤔

Hi,

Sometimes Black after 1.e4 e6 ; 2.d4 doesn't enter a french with 2…d5 but go for 2…c5 .  Andrew Soltis has many years ago written a little book entitled “Franco Benoni” with a small chapter about that variation but more oriented towards Black.

How should W continue ?

It would be great to know ChessMood coaches recommendation .

Many thanks

Replies

Hi Jean-Marie!

Sorry for the delay, we go d5 and play a very good benoni for White. Please look at this thread for reference.

https://chessmood.com/forum/pro-channel/best-response-to-2-c5-after-1e6-2453

ChessMood streams

when are the chessmood streams ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????/

Replies

https://chessmood.com/events

You have to be a PRO Member to have access to the streams though.

How to improve in chess

Hi everyone,

how can i improve in chess specifically i am getting struck in middle game and end game.

It can be useful to other players too.

Replies

You should start by seeing some of the rating booster courses like 7Q Method , Endgame Roadmap , Tactic ninja ,etc

You just have to improve your tactical vision and point of view

I recommend you to read these blogs and the study plans according to your level.
https://chessmood.com/blog/how-to-get-better-at-chess

https://chessmood.com/chess-study-plans
Also, can you be more specific on how do you get stuck at middlegames? Is it tactics? Trouble defending/attacking? Maybe calculation errors?

https://chessmood.com/course/tactic-ninja

https://chessmood.com/course/chess-attack

https://chessmood.com/course/spartan-shield

https://chessmood.com/course/calculation

Advanced versions of Defense and Attack courses are in the middlegame mastery section.

Meanwhile, this course teaches you on how to play during endgames. 
https://chessmood.com/course/chess-endgame-roadmap

If you're having problems on theoretical endgames (lucena, philidor, QvR endgames), this course will be for you.
https://chessmood.com/course/endgames-you-must-know

Advanced endgame theory are on the endgame mastery course sections.

💪💪

Hi, I will say my favorite book called Bobby Fischer teaches chess book. It is for beginners, and it has problems to draw arrow and show or tick the correct answer. when you scroll down it will show the solutions.

hope you find this book useful.   

I agree with Ben Tan, you should do the endgame roadmap and you should also scroll down to the Middlegame Mastery in which the Chessmood coaches give you training in various aspects.

accelerated dragon

What is the best continue for this sir?

Where can i saw a games with this variation?

Looking forward for any suggestion..

thank you so much..

Replies

The suggestion in the course is d5 opening the centre

How to play as white vs hippopotamus defense

Hello everyone 

While playing some rapid games to at chess club some played a weird defense as black. When I asked him about it after the game he said it is  called the hippopotamus defense. I looked it up and it was played in a world championship match by Spassky! Does anyone know how to play against this as white? Is it covered somewhere in our chessmood.com courses? Please help. 

Replies

It is covered in section 13 of Whitemood Starter course

https://chessmood.com/course/whitemood-openings

The power of the e4 opening ...

The power of the e4 opening should never be underestimated 😲:

https://www.chess.com/game/daily/676145499

I can only assume, given that this is the first round of a tournament game, that my opponent has looked at the vast gulf between my rating level and his own and has decided to give me a headstart!

Replies

The same thing happened to Bobby Fischer himself. His opponent wasn't going to arrive, so Fischer actually deviated from his typical “best by test” e4, and the game concluded 1.c4 1-0
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1335872 

Philidor doubt.

Hello chessmood family, I have question as to how to continue if your opponent plays the following line.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7 6. g3 O-O 7. Bg2 Re8 8. O-O Bf8 9. h3 Na6

During the game I played 10.g4 as I was uncomfortable with playing my rook to e1. Though eventually I had to play 11.Re1 after Nc5 and was confused as to how I should respond to c6 d5 plan opening the center.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

Dear Pranav,

After 10.Re1 Nc5 super many moves for White lead to a pleasant advantage as white has more space in the center.

There is 11.b4, 11.g4, 11.Bf4, 11.Nb3 - just the position is better and any of these choices is good.

Question about Dutch vs a3 and Bg5

Hi all

In the Blackmood video (Dutch vs Normal Development, White plays a3), there is the following variation and idea:  

1. d4 e6 2. c4 f5 3. a3 Nf6 4. Nf3 b6 5. Nc3 Bb7 6. Bg5 h6 7. Bxf6 Qxf6 8. e3 d6 9. Be2 Nd7 10. O-O g5,  planning …Be7 and …O-O

But I notice that after 8…d6 9. Qa4+ is very annoying.  Do you have any thoughts on this?  I have tried a few ways to shift the move order but the d6/Nd7 structure seems hard to obtain, and Qa4 is often annoying.

Engine-mining suggests that a good plan might be instead 8…g5 already (preventing an easy Be2), and if 9. Ne5 then 9…h5.  Knight may need to come to Nc6 instead if d6 cannot safely be played.  Appreciate any thoughts.

Replies

Dear Ben,

I checked the position.
Here is the thing -  we recommend this opening at the U2000 level and our main logic is practical preparation. I have never seen player U2000 be prepared in a rare line with a move like Qa4 :-) 

However, if you want to avoid that, my recommendation as well as the engine one is to play 8…g5 for Black with interesting ideas on the Kingside.

Thanks for the question and good luck!

Correspondence games

Where do you stand on correspondence games?

Stay away from them, casual, serious, … ?

In my case, I don't always have time for rapid/standard live games. Would a few moves on correspondence games be a good alternative?

It basicly is a puzzle each time altho it is more random then like tactic ninja.

Analyzing comes way later as the games take longer, I know. But as I do want to get stronger and I do play live games I just don't always have the time.

Are correspondence games really that bad?

I thought about having 10 games going and make 1 move on each every day.

Replies

Hi Gabriel,

If they work for you, and it sounds as though they would, then I say ‘Go for it!’.  At least you still get to play some chess that way.

chessbook.com ?

Hey,

has anyone tried chessbook.com?

Looks like it might be a nice way to practice ChessMood openings but I’m not really navigating the site very efficiently.

Comments? Suggestions? Advice?

Replies

First it's nice but it's not free past 100 moves i think? It also uses lichess data base to review the moves. I do think that it's decent but i prefer lichess study as a free alternative or just chessbase if you want to buy a software for opening preparation. 

Another point is that these types of software (including chessable) teach memorisation of openings rather than understanding. I would follow the advice of our teachers on this site and play your openings, learn from your mistakes and gradually build your repertoire on Lichess studies/ chessbase. It takes time, entails plentiful losses but is probably the best way to learn your opening, long term. Good luck!

Thx for the responses!

I’m definitely all in when it comes to the CM 
“understanding the moves” approach to openings, time and ”plentiful losses” for sure.

Why not, eh?

Increase in Forum Ad Posts.

Recently (especially as of right now) I’ve noticed a lot of ads in forums.

For example somebody posting an ad in a 5 year old forum.

Im assuming that this is not intentional and these people will face some punishment?

Replies

Hi Armandas, 

Yes, we check all the posts carefully, sometimes due to different time zones, it can take a moment though.

Every time someone posts an add in our forum, or does not behave appropiately, the post is deleted by one of us and we ban the user IP for life. 

It's the only thing that we can do.

Article: How Grandmasters Memorize Opening Variations

Replies

The first question that needs asking is how do we remember? This needs to be considered.

Why do we remember our own phone number over say the number of our best friend (because we often repeat ours to others, and we autodial the friends number - before mobiles I could remember friends numbers). Repetition is one aspect.

Why do we remember what we were doing when someone very famous died in tragic circumstances (Kennedy assassination or Princess Diana for example) but we can't remember what we had for dinner last Tuesday - novelty, emotional content, standing out from other events.

When we can't remember where we left our keys, but work out where they are because of what we were doing when we last had them - reasoning

When we're completely unaware of a song we once heard many times, but someone hums the tune or mentions a lyric, and suddenly it's back, including where you were and what you were doing when you heard this song 20 years ago - association. Smell is very powerful in this aspect and can bring back a flood of memories.

Our memory is associative. Put simply, a key unlocks a memory. If the key is unique, and strongly associated to the memory, you will often remember (I can remember what I ordered last time I went out for dinner Friday, as well as a few weeks ago the previous time, but not what I ate on Sunday). The more keys to a memory the more likely any one of them will help you remember it.

The problem with chess, and one for non-professionals is that positions look similar. The flow is linear (I go here, they go there) and positions are slowly transformed. Not every move can be ascribed a reason that is very memorable, and even if so, many others will look like the same reason can be applied. Often several moves look good, but only one leads to positions studied. Sometimes these other moves are deep mistakes. The d6 anti-Sicilian is a problem with both its sharp nature and branching. Professionals have the advantage that more of their brain will be wired to recognise chess positions, and connections are stronger because they spend more time with chess positions. I can't tell similar looking cats apart, but I bet vets can. I struggle with names because I don't meet often and work in such an environment that names are important, yet teachers can remember all the pupils in several classes they take.

Understanding the moves is undoubtedly the most important piece (even if you did remember the move, what is it doing?), but this is still memory and memorisation. Here it is using reasoning as a key to find it. If you forget the reasoning, you may or may not be able to work it out from scratch. No one is going to tell you that you learnt a reason on this move. Not all moves have reasons, some moves are natural, fashion, the right move because others are bad and so on. Perhaps that's not such a problem for a GM who will also use their more developed chess skill and intuition to find the correct move (or at least dismiss some of the candidate moves), but it's a big problem for club players.

What's described by playing many games with a training partner is repetition (as well as active learning) which is a key aspect of memorisation. However when you stop repeating, things fade, and for anyone who has tried the chessable approach will know this problem as well as the overburden of workload. You can't just spend all your time repeating memorising openings, and you still make mistakes. Sometimes there is a lot to be said about cramming before a game if your opponent plays a specific line. It's short term, but it does the job.

Another memory difference between professionals and amateurs is chunking, in which a famous experiment showed that strong players can reconstruct chess positions better than lower rated players. However if a random position is set up, they didn't perform better. Thus the idea of chunking (having fewer bits of information to remember by being familiar with pawn structure and king positions for example) was seen as the explanation. Add in more experience, superior knowledge a master will have less they need to remember (compensated by them learning more difficult openings).

I get the idea of the article though that just trying to repeat the lines again and again, rewatching videos, or worse playing through them once and assuming that's it before looking for the next shiny thing isn't enough.

I don't yet have an answer, but aside from the article's suggestions, I would add:

reduction (reduce the load down to a few critical positions which can be repeated or other tricks used, leaving out all that you can find over the board). Less information is better. Use flashcards to repeat.

Cross referencing - often moves are chosen to keep similar positions to other openings we know, and the ideas will also be similar)

Frequency/application (study games from those openings so you see the position often in other contexts than your opening pgn)

Patterns and the rule of 3 (we take notice of things that form patterns or repeat, and 3 times or more is an indicator of a pattern). Especially if it's slightly different (a variant on play it as Black is flip the board left for right, the positions look different, and sometimes new things are seen).

and if all else fails, mnemonic devices (sparingly).

The more things you do, the more likely one will succeed when you need it. Just don't be like the guy that tried to remember all the lines of Understanding the Chess Openings using mnemonics, because even if he pulled it off for all 200 or so variations (theoretically possible but difficult as well as to maintain and time consuming), it probably wouldn't be a lot of use practically. Sometimes it's just confidence we've done all we can and we'll play good chess at the board.

The problem of repertoire is that every student is different. I remember a Kramnik quote where he says that he was convinced that the way one plays reflects his character so one should choose (perhaps with the help of a coach) the openings where he feels more confortable.

About Chessable my favourite course is GM So explaining how he outplayed Magnus in the 960 WC (I am refering to his thought process). I think 960 is a great tool for learning. At the end what you do? Looking for weak squares in yours and your opponents camp. Finding good diagonals for your bishops, nice outpost for your knights, the pawn structure (few islands but that offer some open files for your rooks) and what is of most importance, grab space. So in 960 we must think about development just like in standard chess, but beginning in move one instead of move 10 or 20.

I remember when I started with 960 like most of my unexperienced opponents, we started to play the pawns to open diagonals for our Queen and Bishops, but as we swimmed in unknown waters we moved the pawns only 1 square ahead. Then I asked myself why I move 1 square when in standard chess normally we move 2. So I started to move 2 and grab space from my opponents and began winning many games.

Hey ChessMood family and coaches! I was just wondering if this idea (to start ChessMood events where Black starts the game, play these against chessmood family,etc.) was going to be implemented soon because I have been searching for it but I couldn't find them yeah 😅😅

Free Chess Database for training...

Very good free training database chess software

http://scid.sourceforge.net/ you can also get pgn files from 

http://theweekinchess.com/twic and also 

https://chess-db.com/public/index.jsp 

To start your own personal databases. I bought chess king and got Houdini 5 pro and a lot of games I exported from chess kings database for cheap. Just one word of caution the engine works in scid but if you upgrade to chessbase they won’t let you use engine from any place that’s not part of their software so when I upgraded to chessbase I had to keep scid to use my Houdini 5Pro.

Replies

Thanks Brad

Thanks Brad! 

I did it again!

Hi, dear chessmood family! 

I did it again, I managed to finish in first position in the over-50 section of a province tournament. And my 11 yo son finished on 3rd position in the general classification of the same competition! A perfect day for both of us! I'm very proud of my son, indeed.

And all thanks to the whitemood and blackmood repertoires and other important courses. I'm starting to feel the results, and that all the hours dedicated to study the outstanding CM courses are paying off! 

T H A K S !!!

Replies

Many congratulations to you and your son.  👏

It's a great feeling when things begin to come together and reward your efforts, isn't it?

Congrats! That's amazing being in the podium with your son. Enjoying your chess journey is really important and you're following this path with your son.