https://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blogAvetik_ChessMood's Blog2026-04-11T13:52:20.922Zhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/stop-chasing-rating-points-and-titles-do-this-first/LYugIn4K2026-04-11T13:52:20.922Z2026-04-11T13:52:20.922ZStop Chasing Rating Points and Titles. Do This First<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=p9ctivUOgQJS.webp&w=880&sig=a3db7dc9b4b725d4fb683cedca797862cee698c3" /><br />A lesson from Dr. Rao Srikumar that will change how you think about chess, work, and life.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/37-lessons-from-chess-that-shaped-my-life/qIyiqC3Y2026-01-27T15:28:28.713Z2026-01-27T15:28:28.713Z37 Lessons from Chess that Shaped My Life<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=kmjuFJSxTrK_.webp&w=880&sig=9217108644e7039546cfaf8fdeff01a81e34c92e" /><br />A personal reflection on 37 lessons chess taught me about life, growth, and choosing better moves.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/how-to-improve-chess-if-you-only-have-one-hour-a-day-the-4-principles/ve5yHARK2025-12-23T08:44:10.199Z2025-12-23T08:44:10.199ZHow to Improve Chess If You Only Have One Hour a Day | The 4 Principles<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=SBCrWCT4nhbm.webp&w=880&sig=2b908f51deca9a319cf295df6256e889125cd66f" /><br />Little time for chess? Here are the 4 principles to squeeze maximum value from your training.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/the-only-rating-that-really-matters/QmPUgnmH2025-10-09T10:27:50.444Z2025-10-09T10:27:50.444ZThe Only Rating That Really Matters<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:QmPUgnmH:u9szWpte.webp&w=880&sig=33f823b7135da3e9ae487b421bda4913a37ce3d2" /><br />You know your chess rating. But do you know the one that actually matters? It’s not on Lichess. It’s not on Fide. But it decides everythingGM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/the-biggest-roadblock-to-chess-improvement/4T721a172025-09-11T12:37:45.357Z2025-09-11T12:37:45.357ZThe Biggest Roadblock to Chess Improvement<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:4T721a17:NBODP93Q.webp&w=880&sig=b938e7c59535459b9802ab1bc3af66fc4e023e41" /><br />What keeps you growing isn’t what you know. It’s the “I don’t knows” you carry. A lesson from Metallica, chess, and beyond.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/the-magic-of-doing-the-right-thing/eTyHwglu2025-09-04T07:04:56.769Z2025-09-04T07:04:56.769ZThe Magic of Doing the Right Thing<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:eTyHwglu:LthMmeMh.webp&w=880&sig=b2f26bcfed7f8d8e5fe9cb356dd1d31317474dd3" /><br />Do This... and Watch the Magic HappenGM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/why-pushing-harder-might-be-holding-you-back/DAJ1ptq12025-05-30T14:20:26.483Z2025-05-30T14:20:26.483ZWhy Pushing Harder Might Be Holding You Back<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:DAJ1ptq1:X4iFmSzN.webp&w=880&sig=dea54640ec56669798f9e91ff39a0e8f4d7a08c1" /><br />You’re working hard. Staying disciplined. But still stuck? This article explores why more effort isn’t always the answer, and what to do instead.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/10-insights-from-levon-aronian/sHxGsIgA2025-05-08T11:43:29.703Z2025-05-08T11:43:29.703Z10 Insights from Levon Aronian<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:sHxGsIgA:pmClKIhH.webp&w=880&sig=a3d44c4a00eb80a4b3cb530f267d8dbb10ae691a" /><br />10 insights from Levon Aronian, about joy, pain, reinvention, growth and dreams.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/alfave-the-practice-that-helped-me-rise-again/iz8soSUI2025-04-24T13:10:07.405Z2025-04-24T13:10:07.405ZALFAVE: The Practice That Helped Me Rise Again<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:iz8soSUI:cAHIJUPa.webp&w=880&sig=b8ba4b4bc9425bb32aab7caf279518e1a71e6957" /><br />ALFAVE isn’t about doing more — it’s about showing up differently. And it might help you to turn the breakdown into breakthrough.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/how-the-small-trips-you-take-shape-your-life-and-chess/VBVwbbaJ2025-04-11T10:20:34.629Z2025-04-11T10:20:34.629ZHow the Small Trips You Take Shape Your Life and Chess<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:VBVwbbaJ:EQxIPb5w.webp&w=880&sig=efc3082cdf375e27aa1a58337c0fd549f08707c7" /><br />Learn how being conscious of your choices can lead to greater growth, clarity, and success, one trip at a time.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/is-this-really-bad-or-just-unfinished/FwO7VkQi2025-03-27T10:18:50.171Z2025-03-27T10:18:50.171ZIs This Really Bad... Or Just Unfinished?<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:FwO7VkQi:oqRVWEBn.webp&w=880&sig=bd97f878dc1c5ddfd1273a90fb006dc809a48c13" /><br />A small mindset shift that can change how you see failure, setbacks, and even your worst days.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-build-your-opening-repertoire/j6cWGx9N2025-02-15T14:29:14.602Z2025-02-15T14:29:14.602ZThe Right (and Wrong) Way to Build Your Opening Repertoire<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:j6cWGx9N:I0YxBjSy.webp&w=880&sig=a40960f0b21f063fffc247903fdfecc9221c5f36" /><br />Here’s how to build your opening repertoire smartly and avoid 5 common mistakes.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/36-lessons-i-took-from-chess-to-my-life/VTCfxfXS2025-01-30T11:09:56.339Z2025-01-30T11:09:56.339Z36 Lessons I Took from Chess to My Life<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:VTCfxfXS:GTcOfh1L.webp&w=880&sig=eba292ed8964b74af6dc4f97f6f5682c26490cdd" /><br />From the chessboard to real life — 36 lessons on thinking ahead, adapting, and playing your best game every day.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/10-things-to-give-up-to-enjoy-chess-fully/uOG3Gz3T2025-01-23T12:29:01.246Z2025-01-23T12:29:01.246Z10 Things to Give Up to Enjoy Chess Fully<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:uOG3Gz3T:Kmwn0Q2E.webp&w=880&sig=d5c566ca97d1a0dd203b18d9aae03ba8974530e7" /><br />Discover how embracing a lighter mindset can help you enjoy chess again and achieve better results.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/7q-method-your-roadmap-to-formulating-chess-plans-in-any-position/ni68MCzn2024-10-08T11:31:16.735Z2024-10-08T11:31:16.735Z7Q Method: Your Roadmap to Formulating Chess Plans in Any Position<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:ni68MCzn:rDR6oqxh.png&w=880&sig=7444deea5b0c194e11369365da16ca70c1099394" /><br />You'll never get stuck again, unsure of what plan to choose.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/golden-method-to-increase-online-rating-in-chess/YqoZ5hUM2024-07-21T07:12:40.316Z2024-07-21T07:12:40.316ZGolden Method to Increase Online Rating in Chess<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:YqoZ5hUM:AkvxJvb0.jpg&w=880&sig=f6d04756333c4cb7e96bd59f5d7a4286b84b3ef9" /><br />Anyone can use this stupidly simple but highly effective method to raise their online rating.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/the-secret-to-lasting-love-for-chess/gvoomnBH2024-04-16T15:53:26.071Z2024-04-16T15:53:26.071ZThe secret to lasting love for chess<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:gvoomnBH:wbwzqL0W.jpg&w=880&sig=6d8b7b49c7ce19188b2430a337183adf013c71b9" /><br />Why do passionate players lose their love for chess and quit? How to keep loving chess, despite the painful defeats? GM Avetik reveals the secrets here...GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/9-rules-you-need-to-know-to-win-won-games/AL7sLfgP2024-02-22T14:32:11.576Z2024-02-22T14:32:11.576Z9 Rules You NEED to Know to Win Won Games<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:AL7sLfgP:emOIHu9V.jpg&w=880&sig=eaf96d0bdaf4d6a30e0c91721bbf8136d38474d2" /><br />Getting a winning position isn't enough; you must also convert it. GM Avetik shares 9 must-know rules every strong player uses to win a winning game.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/endgame-roadmap-9-strategies-on-how-to-play-chess-endgames/ZWF6WHGJ2024-02-06T13:02:39.834Z2024-02-06T13:02:39.834ZEndgame roadmap: 9 strategies on how to play chess endgames<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:ZWF6WHGJ:9spJY6zD.png&w=880&sig=62ab5b54b8e9ad9f108596a3cb010f76e8e97e31" /><br />Do you struggle in endgames? GM Avetik Grigoryan shares his compass with 9 chess endgame strategies that’ll helped an improver raise 100 points!GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/chess-time-controls-which-is-best-suited-to-you/Uy1oTrur2023-08-22T13:01:17.818Z2023-08-22T13:01:17.818ZChess Time Controls: Which is Best Suited to You?<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:Uy1oTrur:m35cdxPr.png&w=880&sig=5efc81abf403b4ad011f980afa7275ed1ab0bd13" /><br />What time control to choose in chess?GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/grandmaster-guide-to-learn-and-improve-chess-tactics/OWiLGU7I2023-07-20T17:34:45.677Z2023-07-20T17:34:45.677ZGrandmaster Guide to learn and improve chess tactics<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:OWiLGU7I:SwcS14sf.png&w=880&sig=2bfaee03d9dc0f7758dca90f5791016917f3cc88" /><br />99.9% of players choose the wrong approach and fail when it comes to learning and improving chess tactics. Discover what the 0.1% do differently.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/the-complete-checkmate-patterns-list-with-examples/g3A73qZq2023-07-02T05:31:08.22Z2023-07-02T05:31:08.22ZThe Complete Checkmate Patterns List (with examples)<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:g3A73qZq:ZcgR1DxX.png&w=880&sig=33246edd12d0bf676052c60babc10c2c96092bf2" /><br />Discover 37 important checkmating patterns, each explained with a practical example.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/how-to-stop-blunders-the-ultimate-grandmaster-guide/jLKzBmft2023-05-06T13:51:42.231Z2023-05-06T13:51:42.231ZHow to Stop Blunders: The Ultimate Grandmaster Guide<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=avetik_chessmood:ublog:jLKzBmft:EvlTBtyK.png&w=880&sig=9ea5647113e8c04aa85c3a32862e3c4a4981d1ad" /><br />Uncover the reasons why blunders happen and learn practical strategies to reduce them.GM Avetik_ChessMoodhttps://lichess.org/@/Avetik_ChessMood/blog/talent-hard-work-or-the-story-of-ray-robson/d7JM4YLf2023-10-25T14:34:05.164Z2023-10-25T14:34:05.164ZTalent, hard work, or...? The story of Ray Robson<img class="ublog-post-image" width="880" height="550" src="https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=GVKMlnxlwJiL.webp&w=880&sig=9b5aa86ed00ed307898a1ccc66a97a4f1884e8b4" /><br />It’s not about winning at all costs. Society lies to you.GM Avetik_ChessMood