Lt-Aitor wrote:
How to improve Openings, Mid-Game & Endgame Knowledge.
First tell me how to improve my writing, speaking and listening ...
I think the question is too broad, work on your chess!
Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Grandmaster Axel Smith
Sort:
Feb 7, 2025
0
#302
Feb 7, 2025
0
#303
chodolara wrote:
Do GMs play against (high rated) bots or engines as an exercise?
I can't' answer for anyone else. Last time I played against an engine was in 2018, only a few blitz games.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#304
Vansh1705 wrote:
I struggle with openings, like i am not able to remember all variants and stuff. Any way to do it more efficiently, if so please tell?
A friend asked a world champion of memory about keys to remember opening moves. He answered that the best way is probably understanding, to really grasp why you should do that move. Better to learn not too many moves in that way than trying to learn everything just by memory.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#305
MrArnavParashar wrote:
Hello sir, What to do in closed positions and in blitz
1) Find your desired pawn lever and develop your pieces accordingly
2) Play fast!
Feb 7, 2025
0
#306
Sans1600 wrote:
I would like to know more opening things, as it is what I need to improve. But, On a more personal (and still chess-related) note, what is one of the better Silican openings along the main line?
Najdorf is considered the best one, but I think most are playable. Personally I like the Cobra (2...e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Ndb5 Bc5)
Feb 7, 2025
0
#307
Rohan_Dubey1511 wrote:
Hi, can you tell me what should I make strong first, endgame or middle game
Middlegame. Endgames comes with experience.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#309
echecetmatorg wrote:
How have you got the idea of creating this book on chessable?
Not my idea. Woodpecker was a physical book, and I was asked if I wanted to record it for Chessable.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#310
StandStarter wrote:
Hello, GM Alex
How have you learned from your mistakes in the past? I struggle with hanging pieces and not having decent foresight in moves, and I keep making the same mistakes... how do I internalize these mistakes and make sure to, when moving forward, not make them again? How did you do it?
I made sure to carefully blundercheck for a few tournaments. Then it became automatic and I had to spend less energy and time on it.
(I still blunder sometimes though!)
Feb 7, 2025
0
#311
ElGhali-Ahmed wrote:
Good evening, GM.
Can you suggest me a good study plan for 2h/day at 1200 rapid rating .
It depends on what you like. Puzzles for as long as you have energy to be 100 % focused. Playing a little and reviewing the games afterwards. Work with a chess book.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#312
Kurospiral wrote:
How to spot tactics in a rea game? Because with tactics engines one knows there is a tactic.
Look for undefended pieces is a good start.
When you calculate, go through all the checks, captures ... and see if there's any follow-up moves.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#313
Bajtokles wrote:
Is it worth trying to become GM being 2100 on rapid chess.com at the age of 18?
As a comparison I had elo 2137 when I turned 18.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#314
SophisticatedSCL wrote:
how can i become a titled player being a 2000 elo on chess.com right now? the diffenrence between my play and a nm or cm isnt too far off , i even defeat some of them sometimes both online and i give them good competition even otb in india, but then i also lose to some 1700 fides and all so how to i get to that level in a year or so? i think i would be able to achieve that because i got from to 2000 in just 2 years and now aiming to become a cm in another 2 years.
If your improvement hasn't stopped, then just continue.
Otherwise maybe you have to try to play better. I know it sounds like a very empty advice, but to spend more time for each move, be less shallow, well it could help to take the next step. But in the short run it also risks ending up in time trouble and some unnecessary losses, so afterwards you have to deal with that problem. Does it make sense?
Feb 7, 2025
0
#315
Would you recommend being a coach for low rated players in an effort to increase your rating and help others do the same simultaneously?
Feb 7, 2025
0
#316
GM-Dimitrios-M wrote:
Dear,
GM Axel Smith
Could you help improve my skills?
Thanks!
Kind regards,
@GM-Dimitrios-M
Note:I'm not a GM.I don't know why I chose this username.
Hi, sorry, but I don't have any students.
Feb 7, 2025
0
#317
BishopBandos wrote:
Hi Axel! I know they say it's never too late to start something new, however sometimes old habits are hard to break, especially in practicality. Would the woodpecker method help primarily with developing new habits that can overwrite those innate, or subconscious, choices we make at the chess table?
Thanks for a positive question, that something is hard doesn't mean that it's impossible 
I don't think the intent of the Woodpecker method is to overwrite what you already do, it is to improve your pattern recognition and to find moves faster when you calculate.
What do you think is the difference between a GM thinking and an average fide rated player thinking in a Middlegame what are some major points.
Thank you so much GM Axel Smith , big fan of your books!
Feb 7, 2025
0
#319
MuhammedKanal_13 wrote:
How do you memorize chess games? Is there any spesific method? It's impressing to see people play blindfolded chess or call a game from a couple years ago.
I would be very happy to know, so could tell my wife, who is a strong player (elo 2200) but can't remember her games (or use a chess board without coordinates).
What is your checklist to come up with candidate moves where there are no tactics?
1) What pawn levers do I want to achieve?
2) Which piece to improve?
3) What's the main aspect of the position? (weak square, controlling a passed pawn ...)