John Bartholomew

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 2137 on Chess.com. The Alapin Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.c3) is an opening I recommend from the White side, and here I face it … [Read more...] about Chopping Down the Alapin Sicilian | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. 2137

Congratulations to Ashwath Kaushik! Check out this article about Ashwath and his recent achievements, as well as an interview with his father: https://www.attackingchess.com/how-did-8-year-old-ashwath-kaushik-beat-a-gm/ ♚ My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course ➡️ https://www.chessable.com/100-endgames-you-must-know/course/5193/ ♝ My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) … [Read more...] about How an 8 year-old Defeated a Chess Grandmaster

Alignment and pins are dangerous and underappreciated, and you should cultivate your vigilance for them both offensively and defensively. Sometimes, these themes can produce stunning, under-the-surface sequences! https://lichess.org/7lxPBw0k My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/100-endgames-you-must-know/course/5193/ My London System … [Read more...] about The Insidious Nature of Alignments & Pins

An instructive blitz game with some highly aesthetic lines in the analysis! https://lichess.org/Pz4wpdb0bWs0 My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/100-endgames-you-must-know/course/5193/ My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/the-london-system-essential-theory/course/15820/ The Checkmate Patterns … [Read more...] about Most Valuable Bishop

I will never pull this off again. https://lichess.org/1M8vzuGT My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/100-endgames-you-must-know/course/5193/ My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/the-london-system-essential-theory/course/15820/ The Checkmate Patterns Manual (with CraftyRaf): … [Read more...] about When Time Stood Still