FM CheckRaiseMate's Blog
Why You Should Be A Control Freak
Understanding the underrated concept of control in chess
Understanding Risk in Chess
How this underrated concept can transform your game
Your rating's not going up. What now?
“I know so much more about chess than I used to, but my rating’s not going up!”
How Do You Stop Caring About Rating?
Everyone knows it's not healthy to obsess over your rating. But how do you stop?
How to Create a Study Plan
A simple strategy for getting organized with your chess routine
How to Learn an Opening in 2023: Part 2
Use practice games to improve your repertoire one move at a time, and spaced repetition to ensure yo…
How to Learn an Opening in 2023
Never forget your lines, feel confident going into the game, and spend less time on opening prep
Solitaire Chess
The most underrated way to work on strategy
The Best Way To Do Exercises
How to get the most bang for your buck when you solve puzzles
I Beat My All-Time-High Rating of 2716
Here's what I learned along the way
How To Deal With Tilt
Tilt takes many forms. How do you make sure it doesn't ruin your day?
Should You Have a Rating Goal?
A rating goal can be motivating, or demoralizing. How do you make it work for you?
Chess on Easy Mode
How to win without playing the best moves
Why Chess Books Don't Work
Books are the traditional way to pass on chess knowledge. How helpful are they really?
Three Things I'll Change For My Next Tournament
There are always things to improve on
I won!
All the ups and downs from my OTB tournament in Charlotte
How To Deal With Tournament Anxiety
When you're about to play an OTB tournament...
Reviewing My Games From A 15-minute Tournament
Key moments from an OTB tournament
My Chessable Course Is Out!
A full repertoire for White in 100 lines starting with 1. Nf3
Tournament Preparation Update
Things never go like you plan
Ratings Are Broken
According to statistician Jeff Sonas, lower rated players win more often than they're supposed to.
Chess is 99% taking pieces
The rest is details
Player Deep Dive: Ike Haxton
What happens when a poker champion takes on chess?