The Symmetrical English (1.c4 c5 pawn structure with a number of branches) can lead to subtle strategic play or even open, tactical affairs. This game follows a main line wherein White executes a lengthy knight maneuver (Nf3-e1-c2-e3-d5) to play for long-term control of the d5-square. My opponent, Ben, plays well and looks for a counterattack when I leave two pieces undefended … [Read more...] about Blitz Chess #480: IM Bartholomew vs. FM JustKid (Symmetrical English)
John Bartholomew
Blitz Chess #479: GM Dhoine vs. IM Bartholomew (Caro-Kann Defense)
Reacting to the Caro-Kann, my Grandmaster opponent ventures the under-rated and awesomely-named Apocalypse Variation (3.exd4 cxd5 4.Ne5!?). An early tactical dilemma sets the tone for this game. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fins0905 Check out my Scandinavian Repertoire (1.e4 d5) on Chessable: … [Read more...] about Blitz Chess #479: GM Dhoine vs. IM Bartholomew (Caro-Kann Defense)
Chess Training Tip #3: Candidates and Move Orders
Are you confidently generating candidate moves in your games? Do you ever get locked in to certain move orders to the exclusion of other (better) options? In this video I use a straightforward example from an 1100-rated student's game to illustrate the importance of these concepts. Chess Training Tip #1: Open and Closed Lines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjlI8o_B4nc Chess … [Read more...] about Chess Training Tip #3: Candidates and Move Orders
Shadowing Hutch: Minority Attack and Undefended Pieces
The long-awaited collaboration with Shaun "Hutch" Hutchinson! Hutch is a popular streamer with 900,000+ YouTube subscribers and a keen interest in chess. Here I shadowed Hutch and provided my commentary as he played four games of 10+0 blitz on Chess.com. Hutch was not able to hear my comments during the game, but we analyzed briefly afterwards. Unfortunately I had audio issues … [Read more...] about Shadowing Hutch: Minority Attack and Undefended Pieces
Boston Meetup: IM John Bartholomew vs. Jake (2100 USCF)
On April 29, 2017, I organized a meetup with channel viewers in Boston, MA. Roughly 50 people showed up! We played blitz and chatted in Harvard Square for 4+ hours and enjoyed a sunny afternoon in the historic city. It was a great pleasure meet so many long-term channel viewers as well as many new chess enthusiasts. Thanks for coming out, Boston - I'll be back! This is a … [Read more...] about Boston Meetup: IM John Bartholomew vs. Jake (2100 USCF)
