GABUZYAN_CHESSMOOD's Blog

The Rating Obsession: Why It’s Ruining Your Progress

2025-05-22T12:01:33.479Z

Obsessing over rating is one of the biggest mistakes chess players make. In this article, GM Gabuzyan reveals why rating anxiety is silently killing your progress — and what to focus on instead to truly improve.

Why Being Amateur Might Be Better Than Being Grandmaster

2024-12-21T05:49:40.2Z

Discover the hidden advantages of being an amateur chess player compared to professionals, and learn how to enjoy the game without the stress of a competitive career.

How Being Rich Almost Killed My Chess Career

2024-11-20T08:49:00.173Z

GM Gabuzyan shares how having an easy life almost stopped his chess career. But a wake-up call pushed him to work harder and become the youngest Grandmaster in Armenia.

How to Play Good Chess When Everything Else Goes Bad

2024-02-06T14:39:53.908Z

I am not a guru of this topic, but I'll share with you how I did it.

5 Reasons to Play Sicilian Defense for Black

2023-11-17T11:27:52.356Z

GM Gabuzyan shares why the Sicilian is so popular, practical and one of the favorite weapons of some of the world's best players.

Theoretical Pawn Endgames - All You Need to Know U2000 Level

2023-11-07T07:18:01.368Z

What are the most important King and pawn endgame positions that you must know?

Open Files: How to Exploit them

2023-10-06T05:37:25.343Z

It’s said that “Rooks belong on open files” – but actually there’s a lot more to it! See GM Gabuzyan teach the key concepts and ideas behind using open files.

Exchange, Distract, Destroy! The 3 Principles of Attack in Chess

2023-09-02T11:32:55.862Z

Learn 3 important attacking principles in chess to override the opponent's defenses and finish off the game.

Weak Squares in Chess: Everything you need to know!

2023-08-15T13:21:46.329Z

Getting better at exploiting weak squares improves your ability to win equal-looking positions. This guide covers all you should know about weak squares!

Why You Should Reject Draw Offers

2023-07-29T07:46:38.394Z

Why You Should Reject Draw Offers?

How to Improve the Quality of Your Chess Training

2023-07-23T14:24:12.295Z

Optimize your chess training plan with this system shared by GM Gabuzyan. Understand the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

The Pin Tactic in Chess Explained by a Grandmaster [For Beginners]

2023-07-18T09:53:45.464Z

Everything about the pin tactic: from what it is, how it works to how to get out of it and more!

The Art of Trading Pieces in Chess

2023-07-06T10:38:16.261Z

Which pieces do we need to trade and which ones to keep? Follow the tips GM Gabuzyan shares related to exchanges in this article.

Theoretical Rook Endgames - All you Need to Know U2000 Level

2023-06-28T12:36:52.563Z

What are the most important Rook endgame concepts that players below 2000 rating should know? GM Gabuzyan shares what they are in this article.

The Fork Tactic in Chess Explained

2023-05-30T15:16:39.961Z

Everything about the fork tactic: from what it is, how to get better at noticing it, what to do when you get forked, and more!

The Tournament’s Not Over, Until It’s Over

2023-05-28T06:32:26.642Z

GM Gabuzyan shares the important lessons he learned by winning the Armenian National Championship despite being in the last place after the 5th round.

The Skewer Tactic explained by a Grandmaster!

2023-03-29T13:20:33.314Z

Everything about the skewer tactic: from what it is, how it works to how to get out of it, and more!

Rook vs Pawn Endgames: 8 Must-Know Concepts

2023-03-09T05:52:33.578Z

GM Gabuzyan shares the 8 most important concepts of Rook vs pawn endgames such as shouldering, outflanking, anchoring!

How to Show NO MERCY to Your Opponents

2023-01-24T12:52:43.145Z

Being 'too kind' or lacking the ruthlessness to win could hold you back in a fight. Get tips on activating your inner “professional evil mode" and becoming a deadly fighter!

How To Win Chess Tournaments: 7 Key Principles

2023-01-17T05:41:03.002Z

After winning the Armenian Championship, GM Gabuzyan shares 7 key principles for winning chess tournaments, along with his story of the event.

The Spirit of Warrior

2023-01-04T05:38:26.175Z

Understand why fighting spirit is so important in chess and how do you develop it.

How to Use the Bishop Pair – 11 Key Concepts

2022-12-19T09:49:37.293Z

Are you too quick to exchange your bishop pair, or struggling to unleash their full power? GM Gabuzyan shows 11 techniques to use to your advantage!