John Bartholomew

I'm back with a new webcam, a new board layout (still on the fence about this one!), but my usual coffee in hand! :) This video features a sharp game with a fellow content creator, IM Andras Toth. 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 … [Read more...] about New Camera, Same Starbucks | Using the Clock as a Weapon #40

At the end of my Twitch stream on Mar. 11, 2021, I fielded some opening requests from chat. The Englund Gambit (1.d4 e5) was a top suggestion, so I decided to give it a whirl. Little did I know I'd be making 10 consecutive pawn moves to start the game! 😁 Review this game on lichess.org: https://lichess.org/D4AzNvCw Support the channel: … [Read more...] about The “Flying V” Pawn Immortal

In this 10+0 rapid game from my Twitch stream on March 4, 2021, a 2N vs. R imbalance occurs. With pawns on both sides of the board, I try my best to push for the win with the pony pair, but my crafty opponent throws up many roadblocks with his rook. As usual, coordination is 🔑 here! Review this game on lichess.org: https://lichess.org/R1xvfueG7tih Support the … [Read more...] about Two Knights, or Active Rook?

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Lao Tzu When ahead in material, your "default mode" ought to be to simplify and win an ending due to the fruits of your labor. Making decisions can be a lot easier when you keep this framework in mind, as I demonstrate in this 10+0 rapid game from my Twitch stream on Mar. 2, 2021. Review this game on lichess.org: … [Read more...] about The Joy of Simplicity

In this game from my Twitch stream on Feb. 20, 2021, I played into the razor-sharp Møller Attack (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nc3). This line is considered better for Black with correct play, but the second player may have to navigate a tactical minefield to prove it. My lower-rated opponent plays precise and spirited chess, and even pushes for … [Read more...] about Mayhem in the Møller Attack!