Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Grandmaster Axel Smith

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Abtectous wrote:
if my toast was stuck in the toaster because I ripped it in half before placing it in (not saying this is a current problem I have), would a fork be an effective way of removing it?

Yeah, almost everyday I get bread stuck in the toaster and I often use a fork (but after disconnecting electricity). The reason is that I use bread that's to thick for the toaster...

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theapplause2 wrote:

how do i analyse grandmaster games such that i actually learn something from them

Don't do it, learn from other's analysis instead. Or focus on other parts of the game.

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GloBe-TROll wrote:
What are the win rates for a 10 year old kid playing alekhines and scholars mate? (Asking for a younger brother)

31,4 % (answering for an older sister)

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vamsim7 wrote:

d4 better

For the moment I prefer 1.c4 to avoid many of Black's most irritating replies against 1.d4 ...

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ChessManiac2012 wrote:

How to improve my rating from 2000 to 2200 in only a year (USCF)

Why such a high goal? Chess improvement normally takes more time.

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Abtectous wrote:
Is chess the best thing since sliced bread?

Isn't bread tastier if you slice it yourself?

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stalemate_in_ten wrote:

What is your favorite part of the body and why?

No comments.

StandStarter

How are you able to pump out so many answers at such a fast pace?

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BunWithGun6392 wrote:

I feel bad for you answering ALL these questions.

They told me that I can choose which questions to answer, but they didn't say for how long I should continue happy.png

I started by everyone, but realized after a while that there will not be time. Soon it has been four hours, and it's time to pick up the kids from school and pre-school.

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SAAD_THE_G wrote:

Hi GM Alex Smith.

1) How do I see tactics better in rapid games ?

I am pretty ok with 3 min blitz (with peak elo of 1142) but stuck at 900 in rapid. How can I improve in long time format ?

2) How to control Chess tilt ?

Yesterday i was playing a 1170 blitz 3 min and was winning (+7.0 on eval bar), but somehow he managed to get a draw. And because I was pissed off so bad from that game, I went on to lose 5 more games in similar fashion. So how do I get over tilt ?

Pls reply. It means a lot for me.

Thanks a Lot GM 😊

1. Do you use the extra time you get or do you play too quickly?
2. Take a pause between blitz games to review your mistakes, learn from the opening. That may also help avoiding to tilt.

radhey_krishna1

Could you suggest how could I reach 2000 FIDE till Jan 2026, I am 1600 FIDE currently

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TheTrueUgospel wrote:

Hello Mr Alex and @AyelenChess.

I wanted to know how to improve positional play? Like I know about concept like doubled pawns, isolated pawns and good and bad pieces, but I want to know how to be efficient at it?

Also how can I reduce my stress levels, sometimes when I play, I get stressed and blunder, what advice would you give?

1. Just continue, there's no shortcut. Play tournament, ask stronger opponents to go through the games afterwards. Very few decline (at least from my experience).
2. I have no good advice. Avoid time trouble. Maybe take a short pause from time to time? Remind you of a mantra that it can't be worse than losing, and that's not the end of the world. Be satisfied with the good moves you have already made.

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Nashontado wrote:

what happens with the brain..somedays i am beating 1400 players and moving up then other days am humbled by 1000 players and end up losing over 100 points in a day?

If you can identify those days, avoid playing on them!
Nice with a comment from Kenya, shout-out to S:t Patricks in Iten with a lot of aspiring chess players.

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DinolandARK13 wrote:

How d o you get your mind ready for another game after finishing one game ?

During tournaments I think it's wise to avoid analyzing the previous game, save your energy for the next (and some preparation). I never check my games with an engine during a tournament.

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tkgfuturestar32 wrote:

Which is the easiest opening to memorize or learn?

The bad ones are easiest to learn. The better, the more complex. It's a trade-off where I think that the Scandinavian with 2...Nf6 is in a good place: not too bad, not too much to know.

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HNO_CP wrote:

How i can learn Endgame with woodpecker ?

Wait until 2026!

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Guneet_Kaur_13 wrote:

During the opening you're supposed to develop your pieces but if your opponents piece (like a pawn) does not have any defence should you capture it or continue with developing your pieces?

I have heard a rule of thumb that in the opening, three tempi = 1 pawn. It very much depends on the position, but normally, it should be best to capture.

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joehodes wrote:

Why do u think the woodpecker method is so helpful?

It is a way to get you to think very intensively. Harder effort -> more improvement.

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IdyllicChess wrote:

Hi Grandmaster Alex,why do you think I should play OTB chess if my rating is 1700 blitz online.This my only and most important question to you.

It is more enjoyable to meet the opponent - my only and most important answer!

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ErmAkshully wrote:

How do I hire a hypnotist to mark my opponent bad?

Google: "12 Best freelance hypnotherapists for hire in February 2025".

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