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 5+5 game against a player rated 1368 on Chess.com. My opponent keeps the central tension against the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5) and establishes a … [Read more...] about Counting & Undefended Pieces | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. freddi88 (1368)
John Bartholomew
Viennese Architecture | Standard Chess #284 (Vienna Game)
The Vienna Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3) is a potential options for players who want a King's Gambit experience without exorbitant risk. In this game, my opponent invites a typical Bc4xf7+ tactic, and I translate this advantage into a dangerous e+f pawn duo in the middlegame. Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/live/game/3769856284?ref_id=1761842 Support the channel: … [Read more...] about Viennese Architecture | Standard Chess #284 (Vienna Game)
Extended LIVE Session (Part 3) | Using the Clock as a Weapon #16
The third and final part of a 3-hour extended, live "Clock as a Weapon" session I streamed on my Twitch channel (twitch.tv/johnbartholomew) on May 30, 2019. Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKuIHy0260M Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILKqRjTRZtY Support the channel: https://streamlabs.com/johnbartholomew or via PayPal: https://t.co/VBFOLJHt2m Follow me on … [Read more...] about Extended LIVE Session (Part 3) | Using the Clock as a Weapon #16
Follow Your Forcing Moves
"Forcing moves" are moves that best allow you to predict the future course of the game: chess, captures, and major threats. In this example from a game I played against Hugh Ditmas (FIDE: 2018) at the 2016 London Chess Classic FIDE Open, failing to take my forcing moves to their natural conclusion prevented me from finding a game-deciding tactic. Support the channel: … [Read more...] about Follow Your Forcing Moves
In Desperate Positions, Attack | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. River137 (1731)
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 5+5 game against a player rated 1731 on Chess.com. Working against the London System, I quickly nab the bishop pair with ...Nf6-h5. My opponent responds … [Read more...] about In Desperate Positions, Attack | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. River137 (1731)
