Traveling nonstop for eleven months, walking eight days by the Narmada River with no phone or money — this is a small part of Sagar Shah’s journey.

In this talk with GM Avetik, he speaks about the books that opened new paths for him, the balance between love and discipline, and Magnus Carlsen’s unique approach.

He also shares how ChessBase India became a spiritual journey, why he created the Temple of Chess, and how the HelpChess Trust is helping young, talented chess players.

It is a personal and spiritual conversation with deep reflections on growth, meaning, and living fully.

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https://chessmood.com/course/opening-principles

https://chessmood.com/course/avetik-grigoryan-best-games

https://chessmood.com/course/gabuzyan-best-games

At ChessMood, you learn chess from Grandmasters only!

Be a part of an amazing chess community that actually wants to see your growth.

Become a PRO Member to get:

📹 Unlimited Access to our Opening, Middlegame, and Endgame courses

🎙️ Live Streams

🖥️ Webinars and Interactive Lessons

🗣️ Answered by GM’s in our forum

📁 PGN’s

👉 Find out more about becoming a PRO Member – https://chessmood.com/become-a-pro

From reaching a 2700 rating and being among the world’s top 20 players, to helping both Vladimir Kramnik and Magnus Carlsen in World Championship matches… From classic board preparation to modern engine work — our guest is GM Laurent Fressinet.

In this honest conversation with GM Avetik, he opens up about:

– Working with legends like Kramnik and Carlsen

– The emotional and mental challenges of elite chess

– Insightful stories from the World Championship matches

– Why he stopped chasing 2700 and embraced coaching

– The evolution of chess: Why modern chess is all about speed

– Honest thoughts on Chess960, team leadership, and Magnus’ mindset

This episode is full of behind-the-scenes moments and takeaways from someone who’s lived every phase of a chess career.

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Get three free courses:

https://chessmood.com/course/opening-principles

https://chessmood.com/course/avetik-grigoryan-best-games

https://chessmood.com/course/gabuzyan-best-games

At ChessMood, you learn chess from Grandmasters only!

Be a part of an amazing chess community that actually wants to see your growth.

Become a PRO Member to get:

📹 Unlimited Access to our Opening, Middlegame, and Endgame courses

🎙️ Live Streams

🖥️ Webinars and Interactive Lessons

🗣️ Answered by GM’s in our forum

📁 PGN’s

👉 Find out more about becoming a PRO Member – https://chessmood.com/become-a-pro

In this raw and powerful conversation, GM Levon Aronian opens up about the truths he avoided — and the price he paid for it.

From missing his chance at the World Championship to learning the hard lessons about discipline, ambition, and self-awareness, Levon shares insights few Grandmasters ever admit publicly.

You’ll hear about his journey through crisis and reinvention, why real growth begins with brutal honesty, and how facing the truth — not running from it — shaped his life both on and off the chessboard.

A rare and vulnerable glimpse into the mindset of one of chess’s most beloved legends.

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Get three free courses:

https://chessmood.com/course/opening-principles

https://chessmood.com/course/avetik-grigoryan-best-games

https://chessmood.com/course/gabuzyan-best-games

At ChessMood, you learn chess from Grandmasters only!

Be a part of an amazing chess community that actually wants to see your growth.

Become a PRO Member to get:

📹 Unlimited Access to our Opening, Middlegame, and Endgame courses

🎙️ Live Streams

🖥️ Webinars and Interactive Lessons

🗣️ Answered by GM’s in our forum

📁 PGN’s

👉 Find out more about becoming a PRO Member – https://chessmood.com/become-a-pro