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 with the Black pieces. Although 2…d5 and 2…d5 are the most theoretically sound ways to reply, in this case I opt for 2…g6, a line that may appeal to Accelerated Dragon/Hyperaccelerated Dragon players. The idea is that after a d2-d4 and …c5xd4, Black will only *then* counterattack in the center with …d7-d5. If White staggers their structure with e4-e5, Black may begin to “chop down the tree” by means of …Nb8-c6, …Bc8-g4fxf3, …Qd8-b6, and …Ng8-h6 or …e7-e6 and …Ng8-e7-f5. Tremendous pressure against the d-pawn could emerge, and Black’s bishop on g7 may even join the party with a well-timed …f7-f6.
Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/103510870791
♚ 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) Course ➡️ https://www.chessable.com/the-london-system-essential-theory/course/15820/
♜ The Checkmate Patterns Manual (with CraftyRaf) ➡️ https://www.chessable.com/the-checkmate-patterns-manual/course/17841/
♛ FREE 1.d4 Repertoire for White (1,000+ reviews, 4.7/5 avg. rating) ➡️ https://www.chessable.com/im-john-bartholomews-1-d4-repertoire-for-white/course/102/
♟️ Add me as a friend on Chess.com ➡️ https://www.chess.com/member/fins0905?ref_id=1761842
Disclaimer: If you purchase a course or membership via the above links, I will earn a commission. I only recommend courses and sites I use myself. Thank you for supporting my channel!
💜 Twitch ➡️ https://www.twitch.tv/johnbartholomew
❤️ Twitter/X ➡️ https://twitter.com/fins0905
💲 Support the channel ➡️ https://streamlabs.com/johnbartholomew or via PayPal: https://t.co/VBFOLJHt2m
📧 Business inquiries ➡️ [email protected]
;
