In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a 10+5 game against a player rated 1812 on Chess.com. The Dzindzi-Indian Defense, also known as the Beefeater, is a truly unique line reached via the … [Read more...] about The Dzindzi-Indian Defense, aka the “Beefeater” | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. 1812
John Bartholomew
One Mistake in the Smith-Morra Gambit can be Fatal | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. 1966
In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a 10+0 game against a player rated 1966 on Chess.com. The Smith-Morra Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3) is a sound gambit, and it may especially appeal to … [Read more...] about One Mistake in the Smith-Morra Gambit can be Fatal | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. 1966
There’s Increment, Right? | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. 1830
In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a 10+0 game against a player rated 1830 on Chess.com. Against the flexible 1.Nf3, Black has many acceptable ways to react: 1....Nf6, 1...d5, 1...c5, … [Read more...] about There’s Increment, Right? | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. 1830
Brawling with a World Junior Champion | Using the Clock as a Weapon #48
My goals in this series are to 1) stay even or ahead of my opponents on the clock, and 2) trust my decision-making. Follow along as I try to avoid perfectionist tendencies and apply pressure with the ultimate equalizer in competitive chess: the clock! #Chess #BlitzChess #ClockAsAWeapon Support the channel: https://streamlabs.com/johnbartholomew or via PayPal: … [Read more...] about Brawling with a World Junior Champion | Using the Clock as a Weapon #48
Strong 2700+ IM vs. Elite 3100+ GM
Daniel Naroditsky is one of the best online blitz players in the world, as evidenced by his ascent to the #1 blitz spot of 3249 on Chess.com on May 8, 2023. Danya also happens to be a friend of mine, and I was fortunate to record this game that we played a day after he achieved that feat! On the occasions I'm able to play opponents at this level, I always take note of their … [Read more...] about Strong 2700+ IM vs. Elite 3100+ GM
