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John Bartholomew

Pawns Pushing Pieces | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. yash1094 (1522)

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 pair of 5+5 games against a player rated 1522 on Chess.com. In both games, the relationship between with pieces and pawns takes center stage. #Chess … [Read more...] about Pawns Pushing Pieces | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. yash1094 (1522)

Knights Belong on Stable Squares | Using the Clock as a Weapon #39

My first "Clock as a Weapon" video in the new year! This was a fun session where I even got to play the "Stop Light Attack" (6.Rg1) in the Najdorf Sicilian against a GM. 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 … [Read more...] about Knights Belong on Stable Squares | Using the Clock as a Weapon #39

Breaking Your Narratives & Calmly Assessing Threats

In this 3+0 blitz game from my Twitch stream on Jan. 1, 2021, I play my "old reliable" Scandinavian Defense against my opponent's 1.e4. My opponent, IM Sammed Shete, overextends his b-pawn in the middlegame, but lifts a rook on move 20, indicating that he may head-hunt my king. It's important to stay calm in such situations and determine if your opponent's threats are real or … [Read more...] about Breaking Your Narratives & Calmly Assessing Threats