ChessMood has received mixed reviews from users across different platforms. I know some of my friends argue that it offers valuable content that improves their chess skills, while others feel that the price does not match the value they received.
Some of them praised the comprehensive course content and the supportive community, while others criticized the lack of structure in the courses and the high price. I've always expressed satisfaction with the Tactics Ninja course and its ability to help improve beginners tactical skills.
However, it requires a significant time investment. There's also a comparison between ChessMood and Chessable and suggested that the former lacks the interactive learning approach that the latter provides.
Overall, the consensus seems to be that while ChessMood can be a useful tool for some, it might not be the best fit for everyone's learning style or budget. Let's dive into an in-depth review of this platform to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Understanding ChessMood
I have long been an enthusiast of the game of Chess, consistently seeking ways to improve my skills and broaden my understanding of the game's intricate strategies. In my quest for learning, I stumbled upon ChessMood, a platform that provides a comprehensive array of chess courses designed for players at different skill levels.
The courses covered everything from the basic opening moves to advanced endgame strategies, catering to the needs of beginners as well as seasoned players. Each course was video-based, making the learning experience interactive and engaging.
The instructors are all Grandmasters demonstrated the moves, explained the strategies and also shared their insights into the game, making it an enriching learning experience.
Recommended reading: If you're interested in learning how to play quick chess online with friends, check out this article.
Navigating the Platform
As an avid user of online learning platforms, I found that navigating through ChessMood could be a bit challenging at times. The courses were organized into sections based on the type of strategies they covered.
However, finding a specific course was not as straightforward as it could be. I had to manually scroll through the list of courses until I found the one I was looking for. The course page primarily displayed the title of the course, with minimal additional information on what the course covers or who the instructor is.
I felt that the user experience could be significantly improved by adding tags or categories to each course, providing a short description of what the course covers, and including the instructor's name. This would make it easier for learners to find the right course and also gain an understanding of what they can expect to learn from it before they start.
Course Structure and Content
ChessMood's courses constitute a comprehensive series of video lectures, each focusing on different aspects of the game of chess. Every lecture is centered around a specific topic and presents a unique perspective to understanding and strategizing the game.
The visible chessboard in the video interface is a significant tool used by GM Avetik Grigoryan to demonstrate various game scenarios and game fragments. It's comparable to a chalkboard used by a professor in a traditional classroom setting.
However, it's important to note that there's no available interactive board during the video lesson. As someone who used these courses, I remember wishing that I could access an interactive board and move the pieces around on my own as the video progressed, which unfortunately is not possible in the current interface.
Quality of Courses
Despite the lack of navigational and and an interactive board during the lesson, ChessMood courses are truly of high quality. The content of the courses is designed to offer an in-depth analysis of games and provide strategic tips to help improve your gameplay.
I recall how these courses helped me understand the various nuances of chess and equipped me with some great strategies that improved my game remarkably. However, it's worth mentioning that the video-only format of these courses may not be the best for concentrated chess studying.
This format inherently promotes passive learning, as opposed to active engagement. In my experience, I felt that the lack of interactive elements, like the ability to move chess pieces on the board during the lecture, made my learning a bit passive. However, the quality of analysis and strategic tips provided were still invaluable.
Recommended reading: If you want to know how to learn chess online, check out this article.
Size of the Course Library
In my experience with ChessMood, one of the noticeable factors was the size of their course library. This is an important aspect to consider when choosing a chess learning platform, as the variety and depth of courses available can significantly impact the learning experience.
In comparison to other platforms like Chessable, or ModernChess, I found that ChessMood's library was considerably smaller. This is not necessarily a negative point, as it could suggest that ChessMood focuses on quality over quantity. However, it does limit the options for users who are not 1.e4 players or Accelerated Dragon players.
If you're someone who plays a different game, or prefers to explore a variety of strategies and techniques, you might struggle to find a course that suits your needs on ChessMood.
Update: I've noticed that ChessMood frequently adds and updates new courses each month. This is a strong indication that the team is committed to producing quality chess lessons over time.
Pricing
The pricing model of ChessMood is another important aspect to consider. The platform operates on a subscription-based model, charging a monthly fee of $19.99. This gives you access to all of the courses on the website, which can be a cost-effective way to learn, especially if you plan on using the platform regularly.
However, one thing I noticed was that the prices for their individual courses were quite high. In my experience, buying them individually did not seem like the most economical way to use my money, especially when compared to the monthly subscription.
This was a bit disappointing, as it can limit the accessibility for users who might only be interested in one or two courses, or those who prefer not to commit to a monthly subscription. It's worth noting though, that the high prices reflect the quality of the courses – keep in mind that this is based on my experience as a member and something each user would need to evaluate for themselves.
Recommended reading: If you want know if there's a free chess learning platform online, read this article.
Other ChessMood Products
In addition to the structured learning courses, ChessMood offers more personalized and interactive learning opportunities. This includes 1-on-1 calls with grandmasters belonging to the ChessMood team, which I personally found to be incredibly enlightening.
Having the opportunity to discuss my chess strategies, moves, and areas of improvement with a grandmaster not only provided me with invaluable feedback, but also gave me insights I wouldn't have gained otherwise.
ChessMood also provides access to their regular streams, seminars, and webinars. These are usually led by grandmasters and focus on various aspects of the game. For example, I attended a webinar on endgame strategies that significantly improved my gameplay in that area.
I found the streams particularly helpful because I could see grandmasters play in real time, observe their thought processes, and ask questions. Also, The ChessMood Forum is a platform where members can interact, share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other. It is a supportive community that has helped me see the game from different perspectives and improved my understanding of the game.
Wrapping Up
Determining the value of ChessMood can be subjective and largely based on individual preferences and needs. In my experience, ChessMood offers a wealth of content at a very reasonable monthly subscription price. However, I also have to acknowledge certain limitations.
When it comes to the presentation, variety, and quality of the content, ChessMood might not be at the same level as some of its competitors. The content, although comprehensive, can sometimes be monotonous and lack diversity.
For instance, I found that some courses were more focused on theory than practical application, which didn't align well with my learning style. However, I also found some courses to be incredibly well-structured and useful. It's a mixed bag in this regard.
Whether ChessMood is worth it or not will depend on your personal chess learning needs and budget. It could be a great resource for some, while others might find better alternatives elsewhere. It is advisable to assess your chess learning goals, budget, and learning style before making a decision.
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