Durarbayli's Blog

"How can I improve my chess?"

2026-06-01T09:53:14.151Z

I hate this question because the answer is simple: get a chess coach and follow their advice. Not working? Get a different one and follow their advice. Repeat until you get good results. And before I forget, stop asking online how to improve your chess.

ChessEver Desktop Beta

2026-05-25T15:56:52.161Z

Today, we are releasing ChessEver Desktop beta.

People Will Pay to Watch Chess Games

2026-03-16T12:58:32.084Z

It sounds ridiculous at first since all chess games are free. Actually, it's not unusual at all. People all the time pay for a better experience. Listening to music is free too. Yet people pay for Spotify.

ChessEver – A Mobile App for Following Live Chess Tournaments

2026-01-17T11:36:10.606Z

I’ve been working on ChessEver, a mobile app built specifically for following live chess tournaments on your phone.

How analyzing my own games without an engine helped me improve.

2026-05-17T15:00:57.2Z

Analyzing your own games with/without an engine is one of the best ways to improve. I would prioritize recent games. Old games may tell you what you misunderstood, but not always what is holding you back now.

What Is Your Worst Blunder?

2026-03-26T17:15:04.408Z

The chess world was surprised to see a Grandmaster blundering mate in one in an advantageous position. This is a very rare occasion. GMs, as all humans, can and do make incredibly big blunders, but it is not often you see a mate-in-one blunder in classical chess.

Lichess is Being Politicized

2023-07-17T12:19:35.317Z

“Free chess, for EVERYONE, forever."

The Gray Area of Chess: Unintentional Distractions by Opponent

2023-03-20T13:17:56.722Z

Chess is often considered a stressful game, and many players can attest to this fact. However, the scope of the stress involved, especially at a high-level game, is often not grasped by the public.

Am I a “Chess Tourist”?

2022-12-24T19:55:57.758Z

I am currently ranked the 177th chess player in the world with a rating of 2612, and two days ago participated in a very strong IX Chessable Sunway Chess Festival. I started out as the 20th seat, ended up with 5th place, and improved my world ranking. Overall, you could call it a successful tournament for me chess-wise. What about financially?

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 15

2022-06-11T19:52:16.427Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 15!

Game of the Week XXII-Maghsoodloo,Parham (2701) - Adams,Michael (2698)

2022-06-06T18:48:46.939Z

“Why is the position getting worse with every move even though the opponent isn’t doing anything extraordinary?”

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 14

2022-06-04T19:28:32.741Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 14!

Game of the Week XXI-Daggupati,Balaji (2486) - Brodsky,David (2484)

2022-05-30T07:00:37.612Z

In the good ol’ days of the Romantic Era of chess, winning with a beautiful ending was a common end goal.

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 13

2022-05-28T14:41:07.562Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 13!

Game of the Week XX- Wojtaszek,Radoslaw (2696) - Piorun,Kacper (2635)

2022-05-24T07:48:50.324Z

Why is the role of the center so important in chess?

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 12

2022-05-21T16:21:58.38Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 12!

Game of the Week XIX-Vachier-Lagrave,Maxime (2750) - Aronian,Levon (2765)

2022-05-17T18:18:28.867Z

“Centralization of the king in the endgame is hardly ever incorrect. It can only be inopportune.” - from Endgame Strategy by Shereshevsky

Game of the Week XVIII- So,Wesley (2766) - Mamedyarov,Shakhriyar (2770)

2022-05-15T19:47:03.705Z

A ruined pawn structure around the king is a recipe for getting mated in the middle game.

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 11

2022-05-14T08:46:59.791Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 11!

Game of the Week XVII- Caruana,Fabiano (2792) - Dominguez Perez,Leinier (2752)

2022-05-10T02:40:00.815Z

During Chess.com’s coverage of the FIDE World Championship, Caruana said that he likes to go against the engine’s will in his opening preparation.

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 10

2022-05-07T14:09:31.157Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 10!

Game of the Week XVI-Mastrovasilis,Dimitrios (2618) - Fier,Alexandr (2583)

2022-04-30T19:03:15.602Z

How do blunders happen in strong players’ games?

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 9

2022-04-29T17:12:23.511Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 9!

TragiCombination Interactive Study Part 8

2022-04-22T13:00:55.016Z

Welcome to the Interactive TragiCombination part 8!