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Chess forum by Grandmasters
The Grandmasters that join ChessMood
Hello, champions!
I would like to hear your opinion.
In the last 6 months we've created lots of material for middlegame and endgame courses, covering all (!) the topics!
However we'll not be able to record all that stuff very fast.
What do you think, whom I should invite to join ChessMood Grandmasters?
Whose recordings you've watched and you love how he explains the things?
Please share their names.
Thank you!
P.S
We're going to bring more and more value for our students.
Keep the COGRO!
Replies
Positional courses or videos:
Sir I strongly suggest to invite Vazubian Akobian and Yasser Seirawan. They both have tremendous knowledge of positional play and also have amazing teaching experience. I love to learn from both mentor's video. After Chessmood Mentors I only like these two players. The good thing about Yasser is the knoweldge of English openings because he committed many times that due to too much theory on 1.e4 he changed his plan and chose to play the move c4. I can say he is one of the experts of English openings and positional play. In case of Var. Akobian, he is superb in explaining different positional ideas and also he is expert in french like you are. So my vote goes for these two players. Or I can say these two players are best after chessmood.
Attacking Video lessons or ideas:
I think best for that is GM Maurice Ashley. He is not only a wonderful attacker but he also speaks with energy whenever he see any complicated lines or ideas. His energy goes down and down if you start showing him games of Karpov or Ulf hehehe. So for attacking video which require super energy in presentation I strongly love to see Ashley's lectures.
I am not following any endgame contents so I don't know who will be best for endgame presentation but in case of attacking and positional I shared what I think is best after Chessmood
We have to look for people with good mood and think a bit out of the box. We have to keep the essence of Cheesmood.
I also think that GM Max Illingworth could offer much to Chessmood, I know he's a pro member but maybe you could arrange some collaboration. He has enthusiasm and prepares his courses thoughtfully. His explanations are good and with good mood too. He almost made me buy his course on the Scandinavian with his nice speech! (Unfortunately I promised myself to play only Chessmood openings for a year at least! -Sorry Max!-) Ah! Max, if you read this please change the background of your videos, it will help for sure, better light too!
Also recently you shared an spectacular blog post from GM Vladimir Akopian, he was your teacher too. He authored just a few weeks ago the dvd: My Games With Chess Giants by GM Vladimir Akopian, and I had the chance to watch it. His experience is vast, he knows so much... I enjoyed the game explanations but it was too complicated sometimes for my level.
Another GM that I really like and he is one expert in the Scotch is Parimarjan Negi, he's actually studying and does not play competitions anymore, but maybe he could agree to do some collaboration, he's a good presenter too. I love his dvd on the Scotch (he only authored one dvd sadly).
And this is it. I gave my ideas. You should look for people honest and happy when speaking. Good luck Avetik sensei!
This is a great question!
The presenters of chess instruction I have enjoyed to watch is probably similar to many others here.
I first started watching IM John Bartholomew and GM Simon Williams (GingerGM). While both are great at helping their audience understand complex material, I think both have other projects they are involved in and may not want more on their plate. I would love to see either one be part of the ChessMood team, but I am not sure how realistic that would be.
Abhi made a suggestion I like as well! Var Akobian is also great at explaining complex ideas in a way us mortals can understand. Plus I am a little biased toward Var after you introduced him to our group while we were in St Louis last year!
I also agree with Edo, Gabuzyan is very good too! Plus he already knows all of our material!
I am sure whomever you choose to bring on to help with the ChessMood material will be an amazing choice, and I trust you will find the right person for the job!
I love how GM Daniel King explains chess. I have watched several of his courses in Chessbase.
I totally agree with Edo Tokyo that GM Hovhannes Gabuzyan's material is great, both his Sicilian courses and Streams.
Also it would be such a treat to hear from Vladimir Akopian's experience at the highest level.
Daniel Naroditzky is my favorite chess commentator. He has a very good way of explaining ideas and concepts.
His youtube channel is very high quality with a clear focus on improvement. So he'd fit to the chessmood brand.
I'm a huge fan of:
- GM Varuzhan Akobian (from St. Louis lectures)
- GM Melikset Khachiyan (from chess.com videos)
GM Simon Williams aka GINGER GM
Pepe Cuenca :D
My favorite live commentator is GM Ioannis Papaioannou. He is very passionate, focuses on the games and explains them incredibly well. I believe his main occupation is chess coach.
GM Farrukh Amonatov.
To add a couple of names not mentioned (yes I definitely support the Ginger GM if he was willing):
Ben Finegold - some entertaining and informative videos on YouTube
Chris Ward - long time UK junior coach, author of several books and entertaining commentator at Hastings
Jon Speelman - another UK author
John Nunn - another UK author especially known for endgame work
What about Elisabeth Paehtz?
GM Pepe Cuenca - favourite from Chess24, great energy and definitely has the right mood!!
Igor Smirnov, Davorin Kuljasevic, Mat Kolosowski, Robert Ris, Simon Williams for me
Noël Studer from Next Level Chess - seems that is already preparing for a closer co-operation.
I think gawain Jones would be a great addition to he honest.
I have his very old killer grand prix dvd as a supplement to chess mood and just bought his KID on chessable. Its a very good course which gives me a nice alternative to benko.
He is a good presenter his course is well worked of high quality and he likely the leading expert in grand prix so could add something of value there. Plus his style is very fighting chess trying to win as black and white. Then on top of this he is a near 2700 gm (2685 i think).
I'd add IM Toth (ChessCoach Andras) to the list of suggested invites. Watched some very good youtube videos and quite direct to the point with no messing about.
Grunfeld with e3 (East Indian Defence)
We get to this from the repertoire with 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. c4 O-O 5. Nc3 d5 - I'm assuming this is the preference of play given e3 isn't so critical in the Grunfeld (particularly as the B is still on c1), and playing other second/third moves doesn't assure us of a transposition to something already covered.
Edit: I'm going to look a bit more at this, although advice is welcome of course, as there is definitely a lot of crossover, so might be covered in a line or two rather than separate tutorials.
--
If so is there going to be any coverage of this, perhaps as a d4 miscellaneous section or perhaps a mini-course as given the number of games played from this position with strong players either side, it is perhaps deserving of that? There are a small number of plans, and plenty of scope for Black to outplay White so long as good development takes place.
--
Replies
Note that I've got a (weak) FM in a match tonight as Black and after Nf3 c5 several of his games end up in this line or similar.
Also note that some of this is covered in the English e3 d4 (section 6) but we have c5 in earlier which we don't in this move order, so can also get to it from 1. Nf3 c5. Would 4... c5? make sense. Note also that the streams have come into the Grunfeld 4 e3 twice via the route above rather than force an English.
Hi David,
In our English course as black side we have this position with pawn on c5 instead of d5 and black is doing well. You are welcome to find alternatives if you want to, just to let you know in the courses we get very nice positions for the black side.
Yes, I found this position in our repertoire analized in the English opening very deep.
I won although I was a queen down
Hi ,I played a game which was really interesting ,I was a queen down but I still won the game
link- chess.com/game/live/24125817129
Replies
Wow! Nice job!
So let that be a lesson to all that material isn't everything and needs to be considered against the position as is (dynamic factors, and static if the extra material wasn't so useful).
f3 in the Benko ?
Could not find anything on this in the Benko course. White does play d5 and after b5 plays f3. I just proceeded with the normal Benko set up but I'm unaware if this can be improved on.
Replies
Hi Keven, I guess I would more likely play like in the 4. Qc2 line (Section 5, video # 33. ff.) i.e. 4. ... b4 after 4. f3. In both cases, white prepares for e2-e4, but doing it with f3 white would lose a tempo if a later advance to f4 is wanted. And the pawn blocks the knight from going to f3.
However, it looks like the 4. ... bxc4 and 4. ... g6 are preferred in GM practice. Playing 4. ... g6 (normal Benko style) could transpose to Section 4, video #29 (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. f3 g6).
On the other hand, I don't see why we play 4. ... b4 after 4. Qc2 and why after 4. f3 black does not advance the b-pawn if white does not capture on b5.
Any idea?
Hi Keven
I agree here with Nils, f3 in all transpositions is mostly a loss of a time. I never faced this in a real game as long as I remember and I think it's not working that well for white.
The winners of September, 2021
Hello champions and future champions! Hello ChessMood family!
Thank you all for sharing your games! It was amazing to go through them and we’re really impressed by the way you all are playing!
Here are the winners...
The first prize goes to Le Minh Hoang Huynh for their beautiful checkmate in this game:
https://lichess.org/FE3apUDN/white#41
Yuma Okabe gets the second prize for this fantastic Grand Prix attack in the Pirc Defense:
https://lichess.org/YsDmDbVh/white#39
Aayush Shirodkar gets the 3rd prize for finishing off a beautiful attack after 13.Rxg7+!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/25116124409
The 4th prize goes to Bugayev Vladimir for this speedy finish in the Scotch Game:
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/25997459103
And the 5th prize goes to Ilja Haitin for playing this masterpiece in the Benko Gambit with a nice finishing touch:
https://www.chess.com/emboard?id=8416759
Congratulations to all of you! Thanks everyone for sharing your games! Keep the mood and keep the #COGRO every day.
Super excited to see your games for next month’s contest!
Replies
Thank You so much, Sir!
How I get the Moodcoin prizes, sir?
How to get better at chess for xxxx rating
Found a good series for this on youtube by IM Toth:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygec3Nazlzo
Some interesting points at the various levels, and covers the 1900-2100 lichess range where many of the plateau problems start. Worth a watch.
This is (IMO) what the rocket to 2400 rating events should focus more on - the players of that range and their typical mistakes and advice how to fix them, more than the games themselves. Possibly could be done as a timeout/highlight review after the games themselves (probably as a separate summary after a number of events) to prevent losing the flow.
Replies
I like this guy and his videos, too ("Chicas and chicos ...". I got aware of him through the perpetual chess podcast (like I got aware of ChessMood):
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/26/episode-211-im-andras-toth
Always take care for the centRE :-)
Lots of good advice in today's stream, thanks.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.e3 ... what do we play? what is our main idea and plans?
Hi everyone, I played against d4 (I was ready to play a Benko gambit, Marozcy structure) recently and my opponent play a move that confused me.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.e3 ... what do we play? what is our main idea and plans?
thanks for the help!!
Replies
Buon giorno Alessio!
Avetik is explaining the plan in the following video from the Benko course, please check it out to find out what we recommend.
Min 2, 15 sec.
https://chessmood.com/course/benko-gambit/episode/45
Hi Alessio,
On top pf previous response I will add that in English course for the black side we cover this pawn structures when white is playing with e3-d4, check that out as well, Good luck :-)
I have a doubt in the Scotch 4...Bb4+ which is in the passive moves section
Hello, I have attached a position below. In that position, 11.Qd2 is recommended by ChessMood. And, in the video about this line, Avetik sir said that 11.c4 is not recommended because 11...d5 complicates the matters. When I checked with the engine, the engine is showing +- after 11...d5! but I don't agree with engine's evaluation as practically it's very complicated lines. But, my doubt is that after 11.Qd2, why can't Black try 11...Re8, my idea behind 11...Re8 is that if we continue normally with 12.c4, Black can play 12...Nxe4 and try to complicate the lines. What I mean is that I think 11.c4 is lesser complicated than 11.Qd2 Re8 12.c4 Nxe4!. Please consider checking this line. Both lines look complicated but 11.Qd2 line looks more complicated. But, people won't usually play this line, so it is not a big issue.
Replies
Engine is also suggesting some crazy lines after 11.Qd2 Qe7 to get the d5 break. But, I am not asking them as a doubt as it is super hard for humans to find.
SP Sethuraman in his course recommends to play 11.c4 and he refutes 11...d5 in 7 moves.
Hi Sidhart,
Out of my knowloedge Nxe4 you are suggesting after Qd2 is not scary Since white is getting a comfortable game and compensation is not enough.
The best games of September, 2021, and the prizes
Hello ChessMood family, hello champions and future champions!
Welcome to the "Best games of September 2021" competition.
Under this post, we invite you to post the 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:
Jaylen Lenear
Vladimir Bugayev
Yuma Okabe
Karl Strohmaier
Paul Alejandro Cardones
Replies
The End Move!!!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/24343320387
Using Avetik's idea in a 3+0 game!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/24505837833
Got it from here:
https://chessmood.com/forum/main-channel/how-to-play-against-1b3
Haha
Tried & won benko & scotch as suggested by chessmood opening in 5 min. format
https://chess24.com/en/game/nmU6OkJYS3aPx8GG82PdeA
https://chess24.com/en/game/KafQ-SvvRGeUyPJzPZye9g
Not a perfect game, but I took advantage of the chance he gave me!
When your opponent plays something we dont know, just follow principles! And take advantage of their mistakes too hehe!
Pirc squeeze
https://lichess.org/n2hYPtaajqEN
This game was a total tragicomedy but I found an excellent trap on move 23...h5! to do SLP and to reach a winning position, I went on to play the stunning move (engine top move) 34...Nb4!!
https://lichess.org/1vJxtgLn/black#45
https://lichess.org/embed/1vJxtgLn#45?theme=auto&bg=auto
Sicilian Defense
https://lichess.org/S2uCa1qi/black#0
Sicilian Defense
https://lichess.org/hY8YbPYV/black#0
Good Game
https://lichess.org/YC3pEJD1EsCo
Opening went terrible but middlegame I outplayed. Happy to find Nxg2 but follow up was slight wrong. but it was fun
https://www.chess.com/game/live/24247604377
Really a nice win;
https://lichess.org/7wYz5ZQIWAMJ
Antisicilian fun game with lots of mistakes and missed tactics
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/24780765367?tab=report
Antisicilian attack
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/24783749485?tab=report
Win with CM Scotch against 2600 IM
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/24785568827
I enjoyed this game, even after I realized I missed a chance to pick up his rook. I didnt miss the chance to snag his knight though!
Piec defence
https://lichess.org/olmU8fzo#47
A good win
https://lichess.org/DoHa9qk8c34z
I could win this draw match
https://lichess.org/3a0h39XL4mV2
Now learning new openings. Here total domination in new theory
https://www.chess.com/game/live/24822650369
Strong Knight vs Bad Bishop
https://www.chess.com/live#g=24917475805
99% accuracy benko…probably going to get me banned from chess.com :)
https://www.chess.com/live/game/25021838217
Green_Keo vs shamatict123: B50 Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations • lichess.org
Not a perfect game, but won against a opponent +400 higher rated than me.
Slav Defense
https://lichess.org/rumM72hg/black#0
Queen's Gambit
https://lichess.org/3tqk8ixr/black#0
Scotch Game
https://lichess.org/JG5gShaQ/white#0
Caro-Kann Defense
https://lichess.org/8NtNzECU/white#3
A nice king walk by the end! https://www.chess.com/live#a=51952
Tal Mode!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/25116124409
CM French
https://lichess.org/Py6baqpF/white#53
CM Antisicilian
https://lichess.org/VZ8i7nQdtZeZ
CM Caro
https://lichess.org/ndmW1NqW/white#31
Antisicilian attack
https://lichess.org/Q87JOjKELZdU
CM French 19 moves
https://lichess.org/d4dN6m5O/white#0
CM Caro with 3 queens in the end :))
https://lichess.org/m9XfJP3YJdz0
CM French trap works well
https://lichess.org/uZcFH1d3/white#1
As i said last month, every time i play this CM Antisicilian variation i got a very interesting game, 18 moves...
https://lichess.org/2iomFT5P/white#1
Total positional domination in Caro Exchange
https://lichess.org/KNJSL187bCw4
Full initiative play
https://www.chess.com/game/live/25201336927
Wild scotch
https://lichess.org/aKNhBwKpq5dT
This weekend I played in strong rapid tournament in Tallinn "Remembering Paul Keres".
http://chess-results.com/tnr576814.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=11
I managed to start with 5 out of 5, winning 3 GMs in a row and 2 of them with Chessmood openings!
Round 3 against GM Daniel Fridman. Maroczy Bind. I sacrificed exchange with 18. ... Ng4, got full compensation on dark squares and later even an advantage. In time trouble position was simplified and became drawish. My opponent kept on playing and blundered a rook.
Round 4 against GM Aleksandr Volodin. Haven't managed to equalize with white after the opening but 30. f4!! saved the day :D
Round 5 against GM Kaido Kulaots. 8. ... Re8 in accelerated dragon in action. Won a pawn with 15. ... Nxe4! tactics and realized it smoothly.
Caro killed
Squeeze in Antisicilian
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/25390885727?tab=report
Game from Titled Tuesday. Qb6/Na6 idea in Benko mainline, premature e5 from White, small tactics in the end to finish off opponent.
Quick KO in London
https://www.chess.com/live#g=25464020099
Good Game!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/25518542391
Double sacrifice
https://lichess.org/T7gGYKSG/white
https://lichess.org/8Kp21hvYDJgGfull fire on board
English for black with small tactics in the end
https://lichess.org/TQHA5yWr/black#68
Benko against 2600 from today's bundesliga
https://lichess.org/8JL6zcEm1u2z
Caro quick win against 2400+
https://lichess.org/CV84B46wSw14
Lunati4ec vs Green_Keo: A08 Zukertort Opening: Grünfeld Reversed • lichess.org
Defeated another 2400+ rated opponent.
Win a nice game with a last move !!
https://chess24.com/en/game/HGnnyGiUQBiY0L8-rD1wOQ
https://lichess.org/nY71YmPJ/white#0
My games with White.
gp against pirc win
https://lichess.org/nWHxqZPO86U2
https://lichess.org/FE3apUDN/white
Another beautiful game.
Antisicilian attack
https://lichess.org/fD6JUzNLhDC3
Attack!
Crushed a real FIDE 2300 with Caro-Exchange. Caro is dead. Hence Proved!
https://lichess.org/fEMaeQtutrHE
His fide profile
https://ratings.fide.com/profile/4643038
Almost perfect French
https://lichess.org/GgNX2Cfi/white#55
Benko against FM, the end is embarrassing though :)
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/25999750695?tab=report
Scotch attack
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/25997459103
Positional domination
https://lichess.org/nFLMfvSgOKkI
https://lichess.org/Ch91GoZN/white
exchange sacrifice!!
super move Nce4!!!!!
https://lichess.org/YsDmDbVh/white#33
Alekhine against 2400
https://lichess.org/rZTrbbF4/white#0
Differnt move order from ChessMood Opening but similar attacking idea.
Risky piece sacrifice paid off.
A game against a much higher rated player that finished in a really cool endgame.
A good win in English Opening: Symmetrical Variation
https://lichess.org/76dxxwig1Aki
Antisicilian
https://lichess.org/vGLpSnjN/white#0
Fast demolition in CM french, just forgot that 12.Nc6 would be faster win
https://lichess.org/fO3WVSpB/white#0
Back in the ring for best game :-)
After 1. f4, I decided not to play my old repertoire (1. ... e5) but to play 1. ... c5 what could transpose into Sicilian and will lead to positions more typical for the ChessMood repertoire.
Playing normal moves in the opening lead to a middlegame in which I was able to outplay my opponent.
https://lichess.org/8OAsk4xN
Alekhine's Defense: https://chess24.com/en/game/I01yNC7NQy67N3-958HC_A
good game!
https://lichess.org/C8btJapx/white#30
Antisicilian against 2500
https://lichess.org/eN8fjWoS/white#83
Benko against 2400
https://lichess.org/uvLcvq0AXY8g
Perfect CM London
https://lichess.org/eOCNH96X/black#40
French attack
https://lichess.org/jjtp1xBD/white#37
Blundered the whole queen and still won :))
https://lichess.org/C6dxQEVz/white#73
The power of two bishops against FM
https://lichess.org/SejL6DOR/white#0
Benko, missed cool tactic in the end
https://lichess.org/Dr3YM4R6/black#64
CM Caro
https://lichess.org/kSadfAu9/white#91
very beautiful queen trap!
https://lichess.org/7UgsgXAf/white#21
Active play
https://www.chess.com/game/live/26546980611
Almost perfect game against Ponziani!
https://lichess.org/4SpC1HQd/black#47
win a nice game
https://lichess.org/bBGQqpoP1DTl
Played a few good games at Titled Tuesday today, in the first round won a GM with black
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/26587277225
In 3rd round, after, watching GM Gabuzyan stream :), won FM with CM French
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/26588473885
10th round Benko against FM
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/26593306143
Last round win in Scandinavian
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/26593907353
pretty nice endgame
https://www.chess.com/events/2021-italian-team-championship/02/Moncher_Stefano-Carnicelli_Valerio
the queen transfer
https://www.chess.com/events/2021-italian-team-championship/05/Marzano_Carlo-Carnicelli_Valerio
bishop pair
https://www.chess.com/events/2021-italian-team-championship/10/Carnicelli_Valerio-Manca_Federico
beautiful pieces attack in 1minutes!
https://lichess.org/7c88cv3F/white#0
A nice win
https://lichess.org/BuilATvGV8RS
Won a very nice game with move Rxd6!(move no.31) & Qxf7+! (move no.34) using CM scotch & my opponent left the game.
https://lichess.org/jBe4hmAWkalS
https://lichess.org/1nG6BOTnf3mD Moves 20-23 all forced moves to win and amazing rook sac to open up opponents king on move 22.
https://lichess.org/fHVEOzHNXCXS This was a blindfolded game that I played. (That is why low quality moves in the opening). But there is an amazing queen sac at the end, especially since I played it blindfolded. (I am playing in a different account than normal.)
An attack against the weak castle
https://www.chess.com/events/2021-italian-team-championship/09/Carnicelli_Valerio-Signorelli_Gaetano
super tactical game against FIDE2100!
https://lichess.org/Cgp8ywv7/white
Ending the month with a bang! When your opponent plays garbage in the opening, punish them!
Good games seem to come in bunches!
And another! I couldnt fully remember this line, but it is dangerous for our opponents even if we just remember some of the ideas!
https://lichess.org/Zvqi8eDi/black#36
Where can I test my memorization skills on the 3.Bd3 French line?
I have finished watching the course but I don't know where I can review it. Please help!
Replies
Just play some blitz games in case you did not find a study partner. Take a look at the articles in the blog on finding a study partner and analysing your blitz games.
If you didn't find a sparring partner I can help you tell your username in either lichess,chess.com . It would be a practice for me too
Is there a test?
The best games of August 2021 and the prizes
Hello ChessMood family, hello champions and future champions!
Welcome to the "Best games of August 2021" 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 July:
Abhi
Avinash
004
Paulius
Juknis
Vladimir
Bugayev
IIja
Haitin
Replies
A nice mate after white played 29.Kg2.
CheckCzech vs Green_Keo: Analysis board • lichess.org
Green_Keo vs Mubeenkhan: Analysis board • lichess.org
Nice moves that I saw before playing 11.Bxe7 , also my opponent couldn't take my bishop on d6 (move 15).
almost won against an IM just blundered in time trouble will i be able to show a losing game
Almost a model Caro-Kann game until I blundered the endgame due to time trouble. Ignore the endgame part, that was embarrassing :(
I was playing White.
A nice win
https://lichess.org/fiaOjepmXGoB
perfect mate
https://lichess.org/EMn8mAiQ/white#46
good piece development and mate
https://lichess.org/PaMjTNnWA0uL
positional game
https://lichess.org/h4GBSXgtAcm3
Perfect game!
https://lichess.org/nGPV5sfm/black#46
Good Phalanx,2bishops,and discovered check!
beautiful pieces!
https://lichess.org/JgQCdjvT/white#37
Killed him with Caro Exchange
Full fire on board
https://lichess.org/cgXGYO7i/white
Dominating with bishop pair
perfect game
https://lichess.org/sdxjNnAI/white
Nice Game
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22085978305
Carlsbad Model Game!!
Antisicilian against 2600 FM
https://lichess.org/aEqvII6W/white#105
Playing against f4 on titled tuesday
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/21749468613
https://lichess.org/UIcscPoF/white
Most brilliant game in my life
(Black) Ruy Lopez (lichess.org)
Lovely checkmate in Caro
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/22470541383?tab=report
King Postulate and Queen Sac!
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22473601301
Power of Initiative
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22474189487
I played these games at the World Youth Cup 2021 held online .
I won this game by a queen trap in the opening-
In the second game , I played good positional chess-
share.chessbase.com/SharedGames/share/?p=7JB5U2Yrags0d22b5pImqoSrgcqs+wuP3aCJJG/SF95BjJA02XSsVbNEnVBTifey
Learnt this concept from 45 Practical Methods to Gain Upper Hand in Chess
Technique 4th The ‘bishop cage’ after …Bxc3! b2xc3
I think due to Bc8 concept was not working but I might be wrong but I loved the game. In the end I made some inaccuracies but still I loved the game so much . Played game against opponent's DSB.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22586444965
Sir,
Where we can see these Games.
Caro kann win . King postulate and also fun positional battle.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22605659839
Benko
https://lichess.org/qVApfRvL/black#54
Almost perfect scotch
https://lichess.org/f5kUczd9/white#41
https://lichess.org/study/Z4KcORWj/KjoEvlnZ
Great game by Liem.
I sacrificed a rook against engine and won.
[Event "Blitz 4min+2sec"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2021.08.02"]
[Round "?"]
[White "John"]
[Black "Rated game"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "C54"]
[WhiteElo "1529"]
[BlackElo "2300"]
[Annotator "Dell"]
[PlyCount "61"]
[EventDate "2021.??.??"]
[EventType "blitz"]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 d5 7. Bb5 Ne4 8. cxd4
Bb6 9. Nc3 O-O 10. Be3 Bg4 11. h3 Bh5 12. Qc2 Bxf3 13. gxf3 Ng5 14. O-O-O Nxf3
15. Bxc6 bxc6 16. Qe2 Nh4 17. Rhg1 Nf5 18. Bg5 Qd7 19. Bf6 Kh8 20. Rxg7 Nxg7
21. Qh5 Rg8 22. Rg1 Qc8 23. Qh6 Qf8 24. Ne2 c5 25. Nf4 Ba5 26. Nh5 Bd2+ 27.
Kxd2 c4 28. Rxg7 Qb4+ 29. Kd1 Qa4+ 30. b3 Raf8 31. Rxh7# 1-0
The power of Initiative
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22854074427
I deviated from the Anish's Najdorf Course when I played Qa5
Knight + Queen
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22864194509
A nice win
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/22784416815
A nice win in today's chessmood tournament on chess.com
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/22869716407
Awesome Tactic
https://www.chess.com/game/live/22953739379
Game from RTU open 2nd round, Magnus sicilian opening
Every time i play this variation of CM Antisicilian i get a very interesting game
https://lichess.org/xN5pZVGV3PoC
A nice win
https://lichess.org/ikTZHpvVgPU1
https://lichess.org/8RPrN76z/black#73
Caro for black 100 % accuracy
https://lichess.org/bSHPmDkt/black#50
French 5 pieces in attack
https://lichess.org/387MjB1D/white#47
Antisicilian attack
https://lichess.org/6HTJNdFC/white#65
https://lichess.org/N9cLM9SJ/black#68
Caro attack
https://lichess.org/LwED6n9Q/white#97
French Defense
https://lichess.org/gdgmGvLs/white#0
Slav Defense
https://lichess.org/aDWjCzJv/black#0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/23266779741
Beating dumb lines!
Never Give Up
https://www.chess.com/game/live/23297449831
CM Antisicilian
https://lichess.org/h62RHARIuWVU
Another CM Anticisilian against 2400 player
https://lichess.org/msUIEvnEYhyZ
Fun scotch against 2400
https://lichess.org/4gIkPS6WImx2
Benko
https://lichess.org/RkyOe3FiDVGe
CM Scotch attack against 2400
https://lichess.org/93eguaBgV0WK
https://lichess.org/GcekViKTBNvT
Antisicilian against 2500+ IM
https://lichess.org/guN0tkfh2LXR
Attack in antisicilian against FM
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/23342986021?tab=report
https://lichess.org/vsQKN7UG/white#73
SLP without a piece against 2500
https://lichess.org/nbaZiyjDpLLM
CM French attack against 2500 player
https://lichess.org/xEiLQRe5l92D
I find it beautiful how i was able to deliver checkmate to my opponent in this game.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/23548232361?tab=analysis
Positional domination in french
Full fire on board. I did not remembered the line well but still it was fun
Win against a CM: https://www.chess.com/game/live/23579502425
Straightforward win against 2100. Nothing flashy but nice bishops at the end: https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/23638279127
French with a queen sac on move 31 that I saw coming on move 25: https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/23589016359
I won against NM on rapid with e4 c5 Nc3!
https://lichess.org/ZXgqeCoa/white
super sacrifice!!!
Sac was not fully justified but still I won
Anyways learning attacking so don't mind mistakes
SLP but confused why a GM have so low elo
https://www.chess.com/game/live/23683798561
Sicilian Defense
https://lichess.org/6eWaYCmY/black#0
Queen's Pawn Game
https://lichess.org/x7wVDJPo/white#0
Sicilian Defense
https://lichess.org/KU8A7a81/white#0
Scotch Game
https://lichess.org/6aq4FgaJ/white#0
Scotch Game
https://lichess.org/QSUvROj2/white#0
Dragon! https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/23746652995?tab=report
Attack!!
https://www.chess.com/game/daily/23773637845
https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/3BiNFeiaut
I am really proud of this game because I liked the way I played against a hanging pawn structure and made is vulnerable
https://www.chess.com/game/daily/22851684697
This was my first scotch game after learning from Chessmood
Scotch Game
https://lichess.org/jnOSdxUk/white#0
Sicilian Defense
https://lichess.org/ShtEpEz7/black#0
Hi
Caro attack for black
https://lichess.org/iIDAMFHiONyj
https://chessmicrobase.com/g/x0ysidbf a questionable sacrifice to beat a 1900 (online) rated player
https://chessmicrobase.com/g/6jginaj beating a chess computer in great Tal like fashion !
"a sacrifice that can be declined is not a sacrifice" - Jaylen Lenear
I lost this match on time but it's really a good game.
https://www.chess.com/game/live/24076647277
I won against a 2000 in chess.com I played positionally then i went attacking then i mouseslipped and blundered my queen but i still won the game
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/23897861721?tab=analysis
https://lichess.org/upedQD0MutgA
I have crushed the Sicilian , After seeing game between Stockfish 14 vs Stockfish 14 in you tube
https://www.chess.com/game/live/24160079183
English attack for black
https://lichess.org/sQpwLxHu/black#68
Sorry for posting a little late. In this game, I was White and played the Ba7 idea (Karpov - Unsicker 1-0) which was in Commented Classical Games Course.
Please consider my game as it was played in August.
https://lichess.org/NacFEl8C/black#54
Beautiful game with Black.
I got a game against the Sicilian and my opponent played properly and it was hard to win the game
What should I do? link of the game
https://tornelo.com/chess/orgs/asian-chess-federation/events/western-asia-youth-chess-championships-girls/games/1ad479a7-4bfe-4cfa-84bf-a8d4b2e5c6e3
Replies
As we talked in the stream yesterday, please post the game / position in the forum and we'll see how we can help, otherwise is impossible to see what was wrong...
Hello Sasmi,
I could see that you made at least 3 unnecessary moves that are not the best in the opening and allowed the opponent counter-play. In order to have a better understanding of the positions and the opening, please watch: Section 2 - Anti-Sicilian 2.Nc3, Part 1 (2...d6) of the course:
https://chessmood.com/course/1-starter-course-winning-with-white
And when you have finished and understood the move order and positions that you are going to get, if you still need more instructions, please watch the course:
https://chessmood.com/course/sicilian-defence-part-1
After that, please go back to your game, check it yourself and post here in this same post, what was wrong with your game. We can comment on that after you have done your homework. I am sure that you will find it out very fast after watching the courses!
Happy learning!!! Enjoy!!!
Classical Attacking Games Question
I am watching Avetik's great course called "Classical Attacking Games". I am watching the seventh video. This is the link: https://chessmood.com/course/classical-attacking-games/episode/2042. At 3:12, I was wondering why not f4. Even though it loses time, it stops black bishop from attacking h2. Thank you for reading (please answer).
Regards, Emils.
Replies
Well, you just have to watch the same video a little more since the move f4 and the corresponding explanation appears in the min 03:33...
Why Can't I Win?
I played an OTB tmt and I lost 3 games (among them are 1 IM and two 2200+ rated players- all were on my favourite board no. 4 ) In the first loss against a 2200+ rated player. It was a Maroczy Bind and the last position was complicated (though it was kind of my winning, or draw these two results seem the only possible because my king was open but still there were less attackers and i had an extra knight) and i blundered mate. The interesting point is that my time trouble started around in the middlegame around 20 secs when my opponent had 10 mins ( time control is 10m+10s) And then i had twenty seconds but my opponent had 30 secs and my position was clearly better! I felt glad now because Maroczy Bind is a tough opening to play for black especially against 2000+ rated players. Any way i lost.
In the second game i was forced to transpose into a Benoni (1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 g6 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.e3 Nf6 5.d4 0-0 6.d5 (please explain me where I went wrong)) though i must admit that i didn't lose because benoni is bad but i played in a wrong manner. I went for a pawn sacrifice with c4 only to know after that it is applicable only in e4+Nf3+Be2 system
In the third game i was a clear exchange up in the opening against an IM but I messed that one too. I was very happy to think that i will beat atleast one 2000+ rated player but i lost I had such an odd feeling that I was kind of squeezed in the game. After the game I asked him whether he intentionally sacrificed the exchange or not? His answer made me punch a wall. It was a blunder and thanks for giving me the point.
The common things in these games-
-all were played on board no. 4
-i had black in all games
- had time trouble in all games
Can anybody share their experiences with these? How you people have succeeded in overcoming this issue?
Replies
Learning a thinking system, like jeremy silman"s imbalances can help.
In the last game(when you were winning the exchange), you may have got a little overconfident and lost because of that.
Hi Khokan,
What do you think, if you played on a different board could it affect the result? Don't allow this kind of thing has a negative impact on your confidence.
Maybe playing a stronger opponent was a bit mentally difficult and if you check our blog section we have a nice article about this!
I shall admit that I too had similar experiences, although they were not limited to the board nor the color I had played. I have played on the top boards in many tournaments. I had an experience when I had battled hard and lost an equal endgame because of a simple blunder due to time trouble. My opponent lauded me for the defense I had played while I lost my chance for a podium finish in the State Open Championship.
Well, what I have indeed observed in many games, in my own and others is that the more higher rated players are able to better utilize their pieces. I have won many a games where I was down an exchange but managed to create so many complications that my opponent was unable to navigate through them and lost even though he was better.
Stop worrying about the fact that you lost to an IM, because in the end I hate to break it to you, he's an IM and you're not (yet) he has probably, seen through many more games than you have.
I was in a somewhat similar situation you are in. These are the things that my coach told me to do.
#1. Remove your emotion from your losses. Think of it as a game played by your student while you try to analyze the game. --- I noticed that you 'punched' a wall. The less emotional you are about your losses, the more creative you become. (Which would really help you in the long run at the cost of probably a few losses)
#2. Well, I also noticed that you are playing a symmetrical structure against the English. I couldn't deduce it, but I believe you are less of an attacking player and you love to play solidly. The benoni is quite a sharp opening. It's probably not your style which is another reason which adds to why you lost that game. (For me it was the other way around, I had to learn more of positional chess) I suggest you try to improve your attacking skills. I am not asking you to change your repertoire, no... But I believe learning that skill would go a long way.
#3. Do a few mental exercises. I would like to suggest two books in particular that I found really beneficial: Innercise ~ John Aasaraf, Think and Grow Rich ~ Napoleon Hill (The second one is a 100 year old classic; it's not about money at all. It's totally about how to achieve a mindset) I would request you to at least read the second book, even if you can't read the first.
#4. The higher rated players are much better in squeezing out wins in drawn positions than you are. I have crushed many a players in very equalish positions. I would suggest you watch (if possible) the Power Play titled "Squeeze" by Daniel King. Very instructive, really boosted my rating by 100 points. (Not kidding, around 80 actually.)
This is all I could say based on deductions from the things you said in your question. Anything else I say would probably be irrelevant or worse, take you on the wrong path. It would be more helpful for you if you could put in more details about your play the next time you ask a question.
Good Luck to your chess! Want to see you achieve your goals! Bye for now.
may be try changing ur openings coz one doesnt get good results if their openings doesnt suit them
Why?
Why aren't there any tournament with prizes?
Replies
Because things are not so easy always. At this moment, there are no tournaments with prices, maybe in the future they will be back. By the way I deleted your other post about moodcoins since you are already in contact with support trough email. This is a public forum, if you have trouble receiving emails, just write via https://chessmood.com/contact
List of (my) problems to solve
Just a brain dump of the study/play problems I'm trying to solve that don't have satisfying answers so far...
Blunders in 5 3 chess:
Sometimes missing the opponent's mistake because I wasn't looking and why I start missing stuff.
Forgetting to visualise the position if necessary before making moves to blunder check
Time management vs playing bad moves too quickly
Openings:
Being able to replay (part of) a line against a realistic opponent again and again until I understand it
Getting enough experience
Finding how to play the middlegames in specific openings when not enough good examples in the database (and tracking them down in the first place).
Remembering and recall
Studying games:
How many?
Which?
How to gain something from it?
What to be looking for.
Visualisation:
How to do it - very little beyond the obvious and keep at it (akin to the problem (but less understood) of why can't one draw, understand mathematics, speak new foreign languages fluently)
How much skill is required (i.e. how is it being used practically as opposed to blindfold chess)
Thinking process:
Very little good information on it - in the streams it's often mentioned as having good sight of board or intuition, but not (able to be) broken down on how to get it or how to train it during again (the levels of conscious/unconscious (in)competence). Much of the information is very general (study puzzles, studies, games, play a lot, analyse) requiring a lot of time which many people do not have.
Restudy/retaining:
What to note down?
How much to note down?
How much to revise and when.
Time:
How to condense study into 2 hours a day so it can co-exist with work
Replies
Very good questions that I also face. Here are some thoughts:
Blunders in 5 3 chess:
- stop using the engine at all.
- right mood, right moves
- not only train (easy) tactics (pattern recognition) but solve difficult exerercies (e.g. Panchonko book on middlegames or endgame studies)
Openings:
Have at least half of the time budget on practice (and not creating perfect pgn-files)
"Golden rules" on how to use blitz games to learn openings (cf. articles in the blog)
rapid games for a deeper analysis afterward (plan, understanding of the opening)
Studying games - What to be looking for.
- I had this questions regarding classical games and found it helpful to first have some kind of fundament first (in my case Panchenko on middlegame).
Visualisation:
- I have some occasions a week when I walk between 10 and 30 minutes. I try to remember and visualize positions during these walks.
Restudy/retaining:
- This was always my plan to (like the woodpecker method for tactics). I create nice pgn-files with the games covered in the courses and my books (middlegame and endgame, place bookmarks - all with the idea to later revisit these files. But to be honest - I never came to use them. So I now stop doing that (which is really hard for me).
I'll also add my own thoughts to the list - which is current thinking and very subject to change:
>Blunders in 5 3 chess:
> Sometimes missing the opponent's mistake because I wasn't looking and why I start missing stuff.
Loss of focus, particularly when under pressure or low time - I wrote about this before in why do we blunder (or similar). Unfortunately it's a human thing that we aren't built for long periods (even minutes) of focus and with limited attention span slip. Yes it can be trained, but I think it's more about initially going through a manual check process. Also perhaps being realistic that it might have been a horrid blunder, but if the position was also horrid, the better fix might be not to have got into that position in the first place (and diagnose the why there).
> Forgetting to visualise the position if necessary before making moves to blunder check
This is a real question, that do you even need to. Is just checking logically enough. Trying to visualise when it's at times almost impossible to see anything my be counter productive, and better to improve the visualisation ability, or just make sure to 'hallucinate' the moved pieces instead rather than just forgetting.
> Time management vs playing bad moves too quickly
A dilemma. The time management blog article was just too simple and state the obvious. Budgeting time, focus and not wasting time are all obvious, just some positions and levels of experience with a position call for more thought. Moving faster might not help because mistakes made elsewhere would have lead to a loss. The only solution is improvement, unless the trade off wants to be made in playing simpler or rote openings (KIA for example).
> Openings:
> Being able to replay (part of) a line against a realistic opponent again and again until I understand it
Other than having several training opponents my rating than are very pliant to my whims, the only solution is the engine. If you're going to play a repertoire of openings some are going to get played more than others and not when you want. Looking at engine solutions here, particularly with more human-like computers, but not something I've made strong breakthroughs in.
> Getting enough experience
Same issue.
>
Finding how to play the middlegames in specific openings when not
enough good examples in the database (and tracking them down in the
first place).
A real problem, and perhaps is a problem in playing a repertoire rather than playing what is popular and you learn by absorbing what the top guys are doing. The problem is the top guy's openings are now mostly inappropriate for non-master players, so study from older periods is the only way, even if lines are 'refuted'.
> Remembering and recall
I'm working on the notes based approach, but I did notices that it's also a process of active/passive learning. Ginger GM recently had a stream on openings improvements in 1975, and the Nc3 benko came up where Alburt got a bit of a kicking as Bf4 and Bc4 were discovered. This helped to reinforce that we capture on b5 and have to play g5 later, rather than try to play the position as the mainline which is what I think I was tending towards.
Studying games:
> How many?
Unanswered by anyone
> Which?
Masters, the problem is how many of each and also what things focus on. In my greatest predecessors, the period before Steinitz has 9 games, which is very little to dedicated to Anderssen and Morphy in particular. Nor is there much given to what we learned from Philidor and how for example we would use his ideas say on both sides of the hippo where appropriate supported pawn pushes is part of the play. Even say the also recommend Reti's masters of the chessboard, it seems to race through showing the highlights and often the same famous games (which themselves came out of other games and experience). You are almost left as having to go read through l'analyse (which is like pulling teeth with the notation) and trying to figure out where he's wrong, or accept all the things which are now incorrect. Even going to more reliable sources, Lasker and Nimzowitsch are wrong on several occasions and caught in their own dogma which allowed them to play good chess in their time, but now would be refuted out of hand. You need to be able to sort through what is good and what is now wrong (and why).
> How to gain something from it?
Study each game once in detail and never go back, find a set of games and learn them by heart and try to play like the masters that produced them? Take notes, learn from the notes, revisit later?
> What to be looking for.
Spending time learning the various lines of the king's gambit (Predecessors and many old texts) is pretty pointless. Yes there are some nice traps and bits which are worth knowing as well as trying to understand the material vs development balance, but coupled with bad analysis or computer(-like) analysis or just game fragment highlights makes it very difficult. Again this is the problem of learning by absorbing vs learning by focusing on something specific.
Visualisation:
> How to do it - very little beyond the obvious and keep at it (akin to
the problem (but less understood) of why can't one draw, understand
mathematics, speak new foreign languages fluently)
I'm very poor at it, because I'm not a visual thinking, I'm a logical thinker. Much of the training is little more than know the colour of squares, diagonals, exercises in head. As soon as it gets into the middlegame with less simple structures, or endgames with many possibility for long range pieces, it becomes almost impossible without memorising piece locations - which isn't really visualising.
> How much skill is required (i.e. how is it being used practically as opposed to blindfold chess)
Even simple question like, is it possible to become a master without being able to visualise isn't really answered. If visualisation is a skill that some players need to have, but others don't then I should focus more on the logical aspect where I am stronger. However it's unclear whether lack of visualisation is an almost definite roadblock to becoming strong as would be not being able to logically evaluate a problem including all possible edge cases be almost insurmountable roadblock to becoming a programmer.
Thinking process:
>
Very little good information on it - in the streams it's often
mentioned as having good sight of board or intuition, but not (able to
be) broken down on how to get it or how to train it during again (the
levels of conscious/unconscious (in)competence). Much of the information
is very general (study puzzles, studies, games, play a lot, analyse)
requiring a lot of time which many people do not have.
There are a few sources out there, I've yet to encounter one for a blitz speed game. There is mention about blunder checks, looking at the opponent's move, positional and tactical evaluations (of various complexities), but there isn't really a just do this for an sub-2000 player playing blitz. An maybe the real answer for blitz is it needs to be internalised from doing the process with longer time controls so it's unconscious by then.
Restudy/retaining:
> What to note down?
I suggest new ideas, interesting ideas, things you missed, critical moments, things you must know.
> How much to note down?
Keep it simple and short. Less is more which decreases review time and focuses just on what you want to recall.
> How much to revise and when.
Just that which doesn't seem internalised (avoid focusing on what you do know), regular intervals / spaced learning if possible. Don't be afraid to discard that which has become useless or internalised to keep it manageable.
Again the real answer might be note very little down and absorb it all by active learning over a lot of time.
Time:
> How to condense study into 2 hours a day so it can co-exist with work
The problem. It was wonderful to hear of the eat, drink and sleep chess improvement in the recent interview, that just isn't practical except for up and coming budding world champions and the retired.
what is your opinion about the Novikova variation
What is your opinion about the Novikova variation
1 e4-e6 2 d4-d5 3Nd2-Nc6 4 Nf3 g5
Replies
Looks like a mouse slip. :)
Hi Franck,
I think it's not a great line for black as after Bb5 white get's the e5 square for the knight. We will not close the position with the e5 move as g5 is weakening opponents' kingside pawn structure.
White can castle and start a game through central lines probably with an exd5 move at a good spot.
Shouldn't this be a good Benko?
Lately there has been a recent trend at the highest level to play the following line, primarily as an Anti Grunfeld weapon it would seem [1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.h4] But I'm left wondering why this doesn't simply allow a promising transposition to the Benko Gambit after [3...c5 4.d5 b5!]
What am I missing?
Replies
The differences are in a normal benko the black pawn is on g7 and the white pawn is on h2 in this variation 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 but in this variation, the pawns structure is a little different in this variation 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. h4 c5 4. d5 b5 so white may at sometimes try kingside attack like e3-Be2-h5 These are the main differences white gets some play in the kingside in this variation
So are you saying that the inclusion of 3.h4 is more useful than the inclusion of 2...g6.
yes Kevin D
That's an interesting assessment especially when one considers that in most games the pawn just sits on h4, and if it does advance any further, it is usually much later in the game. Meanwhile in the Benko we will follow up with g6 in 99% of the cases anyway.
I suspect that if the move-order with 3.h4 becomes truly popular, we will see Black countering in Benko style more and more. :)
Any more doubts in this kevin d??
Hi Kevin,
To be honest I think that including h5 and g6 moves favors to black and I have a feeling it's a nice version of Benko. Would prefer to play it for the black side at least :-)
Positional hierarchy
Hi all pro members,
The "tactical hierarchy" is pretty obvious. Queens are worth more than bishops so if you are deciding to take a queen or bishop and all other things are equal Take the queen. Which rook to take if forked usually the active one. My question is there a hierarchy for positional moves? So how do you know if control of a square or a knight out post is more important?
Thanks,
Marc
Replies
Hi Marc,
The question is interesting but up to my opinion, it strictly depends on the position. If it's a game with opposite side castles I will pay attention to the fastest attacking and aggressive moves. If pawn endgame, then who is promoting first, or if position when the opponent has a bad bishop how to prevent it from activity and million examples like this. In general, I would recommend evaluating the position, understand your ideas and motives. Only then figure out what is becoming the priority.
https://chessmood.com/blog/evaluate-chess-position this is a great article by GM @Noël_Studer and it can be helpful in this sense.
Very weak player
I am a very weak player who loves the game and wants desperately to improve. I've been studying tactics woth a tutor who recommended this forum to me (unfortunately I messed up and he didn't get the commission) and I feel as though my tactical ability has improved, but my actual playing is - terrible. I keep blundering, I have gaps in my knowledge of the opening. I've been trying to learn the Scotch opening here, but am struggling because the presenter talks very fast and the moves keep flying by on sidelines. When Ive actually had a chance to work out what he's saying the content makes good sense - he explains very well, but I'm worried that I am too weak to follow the full course if it's all going to be so swiftly presented.
Are all of the courses spoken at speed, and am I likely to improve my comprehension? Sometimes I feel very encouraged because my puzzle score has improved significantly since I started having lessons, but my online fide just keeps plummeting.
Replies
Hi Mary, welcome to the ChessMood family. Yes, coach Avetic is quite energetic and enthusiastic about what he is presenting in his videos. And quite fast, too. When I tried to follow his advice on how the study/memorize the openings - I more or less failed. And I won't call me a weak player (of course this is matter of perspective and some other PRO members will laugh out loud when they read this). So, I also have to pause the videos, go back - pause again etc
I think it might help a lot if there were an article on the openings, too - @Chessmood_Odysseus. In that way one will have a basic idea of what the opening is about (I like the introductions and reviews in the course a lot. But I am more a guy who grew up with books and a board. So watching videos to learn is not in my DNA).
By the way, did you have a look at the articles in the blog? They are really great!
And maybe try a course presented by coach Gabuzyan. He speaks a bit slower and gives you a bit more time to grasp the content. My favourite course is the happy pieces one.
Or try out this new series that started yesterday:
https://chessmood.com/event/rocket-to-2400-with-chessmood-openings
At least at the beginning it should be very instructive to see what mistakes weaker players make and how to win. And you will see the ChessMood openings in real games (especially used against players of lower level).
If cannot follow the event live - this is not a major deal. But try to do so.
It really helps to improve to feel the ChessMood spirit in such events!
It's on video, so you can pause it every now and then to think about it. There is no rush to get through all the material, plus I think if you are describing yourself as a weak player, and I would say this is true for sub-1500, you don't need to appreciate so much of the openings videos. Games are won and lost by blunders, usually big ones, at that level, that you can just play chess, stay alert to avoid making a blunder yourself, and just wait for the blunder to happen. As long as you stay out of sharp lines (this doesn't mean play passive, playing controlled aggressive setting problems for the opening is more likely to get them to blunder), and where memories and experience playing them over and over again count more than finding reasonable moves, any reasonable opening will do.
Just review the opening videos bit by bit (skip a lot of stuff, particularly later moves and focus more on the first few moves, critical moves and the model games), don't worry about taking in everything or too much at once, get yourself a training partner or play against a weak human-like computer (maia1 - 1100, maia5 - 1500 on lichess) starting from positions you want to train in, and gradually build up the repertoire. After you play, review the game and then go to the videos to learn more about the line you played.
I suspect the problem you have with the videos is not one of speed, but one of too much unfamiliar material you don't yet have the facilities to digest. The openings videos (except the beginners one) were intended for 1500 and above.
Hello Mary,
Welcome to ChessMood!
First of all no need to lose confidence :-)
If you are feeling that learning the whole opening course is difficult try to do the first 5-10 beginning moves and get playable positions.
In order to play better, we offer different middlegame courses. I will recommend you to start from happy pieces and cover the others as well. This will make you stronger and help to understand openings.
And I have good news for you. In the very near future we are going to have a lot of new material for beginner level, in the very very near future!
