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 1499 on Chess.com. Facing the popular Caro-Kann Defense (1.e4 c6), I decide to play the Two Knights Variation (2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3), but quickly choose a suboptimal move-order (3…Bg4 4.exd5?!; instead, 4.h3 is more accurate). Despite my aggressive pawn intentions, my opponent is unperturbed and obtains a slightly better position by move 10. Both sides soon have to make tough decisions!
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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
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Life and Games of Mikhail Tal: https://amzn.to/2zq741X