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 1367 on Chess.com. 1.e4 e5 is a tough nut for White to crack, as evidenced by AlphaZero quitting 1.e4 when playing against itself! 
In exchange for total soundness and respectability, Black must know various sharp tries for White, especially gambits like the Scotch Gambit, Evans Gambit, Danish Gambit, etc. Here I encounter the Mason Gambit, 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.0-0. Although I emerge up a pawn from the opening, my opponent plays tenaciously in the middlegame/endgame, and I’m soon faced with my old nemesis: the clock!
Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/78797991373
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My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/the-london-system-essential-theory/course/15820/?ref=jbrl
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My Scandinavian Course (1.e4 d5) on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/book/im-john-bartholomews-scandinavian/79/?ref=jbrl
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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
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after Johann played excellently.
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