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
John Bartholomew
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
Chess International Master Demonstrates his Keen Sense of Danger
It's always important to recognize and react to your opponent's threats in chess. Watch as I discuss how to approach this critical aspect of the game! Review this game on lichess.org: https://lichess.org/Ko9Qvp38LU0x Support the channel: https://streamlabs.com/johnbartholomew or via PayPal: https://t.co/VBFOLJHt2m Follow me on Twitch: … [Read more...] about Chess International Master Demonstrates his Keen Sense of Danger
Pawns Hinting at the Plan | Using the Clock as a Weapon #38
Merry Christmas! Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays :) 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: … [Read more...] about Pawns Hinting at the Plan | Using the Clock as a Weapon #38
Why Early Knight Jumps often Backfire | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. Leganes66 (1246)
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 game against a player rated 1246 on Chess.com. Out of a London system, I aim to seize the bishop pair. My opponent reacts with an h2-h4 … [Read more...] about Why Early Knight Jumps often Backfire | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. Leganes66 (1246)
