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 1819 on Chess.com. As explained extensively in previous CTRL videos (“Why the Alapin Sicilian is an Ideal Weapon” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SaVsjpF0I8 and “Alapin Your Business” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxOss4AWxiE), the Alapin Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.c3) is an excellent, easy-to-play line where White seeks to play d2-d4 and recapture with the c-pawn, creating the powerful d4+e4 duo. Black should immediately counterattack with 2…Nf6 or 2…d5, but at amateur level, you’ll more like see inferior options like 2…Nc6, 2…d6, or 2…e6.
Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/80782831463
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