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+5 game against a player rated 2274 on Chess.com. The Alapin Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.c3) is a phenomenal practical weapon I’ve often played and recommended on this channel, and here I face it from the other side of the board. I opt for a principled line in the 2…Nf6 variation whereby Black angles for a quick …Nd5-b4 in search of a favorable queen trade, but this results in my opponent establishing a strong bishop on c4. After some though, I dare my opponent to take a pawn on b7, reckoning that I have counterplay based on my knight trapping the enemy rook in the corner. To my surprise, White is unfazed by this development, and continues blitzing moves off!
Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/90732517227
Support the channel: https://streamlabs.com/johnbartholomew or via PayPal: https://t.co/VBFOLJHt2m
Follow me on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/johnbartholomew
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fins0905
Add me as a friend on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/member/fins0905?ref_id=1761842
My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/100-endgames-you-must-know/course/5193/?ref=jbrl
My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/the-london-system-essential-theory/course/15820/?ref=jbrl
The Checkmate Patterns Manual (with CraftyRaf): https://www.chessable.com/the-checkmate-patterns-manual/course/17841/
My Scandinavian Course (1.e4 d5) on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/book/im-john-bartholomews-scandinavian/79/?ref=jbrl
I offer private online chess lessons. Navigate to my “About” section, and then click on “For business inquiries” to reveal my email address.
Recommended chess books and equipment:
1950 Dubrovnik reproduction set (Bobby Fischer’s favorite!) on Chess Bazaar: https://www.chessbazaar.com/the-repro… You can use coupon code JOHN30 for 30% off!
Wood board: https://amzn.to/2H9iATl
Tune Your Chess Tactics Antenna: https://amzn.to/2xJ2auH
Amateur to IM: https://amzn.to/2Dph3IG
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal: https://amzn.to/2zq741X
;
