Climbing the Rating Ladder against 1800s might be my favorite type of JB video: opponents are strong enough to get into the strategy of the game, but John outclasses them and explains along the way. Thanks for keeping up the great content John!
Agreed, but this video is also proof that no one is immune from blunders! :) Chess is BRUTAL. One second the game is reasonably close and the next, it's completely over.
Really thankful for this longer games, helps me understand what's going on with every move. I actually end reviewing these vids several times so they get stuck in my head 😂
John I really appreciate how you articulate your thought process. You seem like such a levelheaded common sense guy. I like your style bro …keep up the good work!
Hey John! I’m really glad you played an Alapin. My buddy and I swear by it and are trying to create a movement behind it like team scandi! Down goes the Sicilian!
Great video John. The D takes C5 move I think was the critical move in the game. For players like me (1400 ish), the middle game is the hardest. But I think watching you consider those candidate moves (castle / bishop E3) and talking yourself out of / into one is something lower rated players can learn to improve our game. (Btw I would have castled [the move before] because the black queen looked imposing, without considering starting an initiative like you did there with the knight). And at the end that bishop B5 check idea is what won you the game (when black blundered his knight on C6).
really nice game and thanks for sharing this with us John. I am exploring at the moment the Alapin. couple of days ago I played over the board in classical time format ( chessclub vs chessclub ) the same opening, but I made an error with the bishop C4 move. There was a fork tactic in the air, knight takes E4 on move 7 and was still there on move 8. If I capture the knight then I lose a piece with d6-d5 but lucky for me, my opponent didn't saw it he said after the game. Im rating 1543 and my opponent was rating 1566. Just to show the game for amateur level purpose here are the moves what have been played in my game. ( I didnt play so good but managed it to win; with my last move my opponent resigned because the knight on H5 was lost: 1. e4 c5 2. c3 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Bc4 Nc6 5. O-O d6 6. h3 Nf6 7. Re1 O-O 8. d4 b6 9. Nbd2 Nd7 10. Nf1 Bb7 11. Be3 Qc7 12. Bb3 Na5 13. Bc2 Nc4 14. Bc1 Nf6 15. Ng3 Rad8 16. b3 Na5 17. Bb2 Bc8 18. Rc1 Bh6 19. Rb1 b5 20. Qe2 a6 21. Bc1 Bg7 22. Be3 Nc6 23. Rbd1 cxd4 24. cxd4 d5 25. e5 Ne8 26. Qd2 f6 27. Bh6 e6 28. Bxg7 Qxg7 29. h4 f5 30. h5 f4 31. Nf1 g5 32. Qd3 Nb4 33. Qd2 Nxc2 34. Qxc2 Bb7 35. Rc1 Rd7 36. Qc5 Qh6 37. Qb6 Rff7 38. Rc3 Ng7 39. Rec1 Nxh5 40. Rc7 Qg7 41. Rxd7 Rxd7 42. Qxe6+ Kf8 43. Qg4 1-0 I love your content and way of explaining even after the game with your analyzes. Keep up your great vids, chess and work. Cheers from the Netherlands!
I "chose" the alapin as my response to the sicillian because it seems much less dense/explored at my level. Would love to see that alapin video you briefly mentioned!
@John, would you ever be willing to do a new Chess Fundamentals explaining how to use space (or maybe play around spatial disadvantages?) I know you have a CTRL about space management but I'd love to hear a full explanation on all of your ideas about space. Also potentially helpful would be a video explaining how to do analysis of one's games. I find that when I sit down to review mine, I don't get or retain a whole lot out of it and I wonder if I'm doing it wrong. As always thanks for your vids!
Thank you for your CTRL games, I think they’re the best instructional content out there, hearing you think through the games out loud. Inspires me to construct a similar self/talk when I play. Still blunder :) But thanks!
I may be in the minority here but I definitely enjoy more the videos where John plays titled Tuesday, or plays people above his ELO. Seeing him play people always lower rated than him is like reading the same book over and over again, the opponent just has no chance. Is there anyway John that you could upload more videos of you playing stronger players? Or better yet, games where you potentially play a great game but still lose. I feel like they would be much more instructive and reflective. Thank you for your amazing content throughout the year, it’s helped me more than you can imagine
I’d be interested in seeing a video with the Delayed Alapin where white plays Nf3 before c3. I used to play c3 first but saw Aman suggesting Nf3 first in the chessbrah Building habits series so I’ve been trying that. Often the lines transpose but each version has its own unique traps as well. Would love to hear your thought process on how to pick one or the other!
Same thing happened to me the other day, was playing a good opponent, enjoying the ideas and they blundered a bishop... I was disappointed we didn't play it out, should just be happy with the 'W'!!
Your poor opponent. We've all given up games in moments of blindness like that, but I'd be especially mad at myself if I did it after getting the chance to play an IM.
Nice video. I may start playing the Alapin, as I often run into tricky problems against it. By the way, if you ever accidently click into the Masters' games, the page opens in a new tab, which you can just safely close - at least that how it behaves on my computer...
Hey John - great video and loving the new vids you've been putting out. I may be late to the party on this but would you be able to play a Smith-Morra sometime? I really like the S-M because I feel like it's very easy to learn if you're an E4 Italian player since in most situations you develop just as you would in the Italian (Knight usually goes out to F3 while the Bishop goes out to C4).
I'm not very advanced so my preferences don't mean a lot tbh, but I personally find playing in the structures I usually get in the Alapin quite comfortable to play
At 6.19 why didn't you capture the bishop with the knight giving a check and then if Queen capture knight you recapture with pawn creating a passed pawmn
Hello, why don't you continue with what was your original plan Nb5+Nc7 with check, however i see that Bd6 could take Nc7 so it's better if you don't play this move..sorry my bad
@@milankotevski1663 Well, I am an amateur (in the true sense of the word). But I also believe that most people would agree that there are openings that are less exciting than others, e.g. Berlin, exchange Slav. And think that the Open Sicilian is exciting.
“Hope is not a strategy.” is something I really need to accept when playing and not rely on opponent not seeing my plan.
Climbing the Rating Ladder against 1800s might be my favorite type of JB video: opponents are strong enough to get into the strategy of the game, but John outclasses them and explains along the way. Thanks for keeping up the great content John!
Agreed, but this video is also proof that no one is immune from blunders! :)
Chess is BRUTAL. One second the game is reasonably close and the next, it's completely over.
well put, absolutely agree, it's a rare combo of this and few ppl doing this kind of analysis
Yep!
Watching an IM play chess is like watching your teacher do calculus. Makes perfect sense when they do it but then at the test you're like "F@#$!"
Really thankful for this longer games, helps me understand what's going on with every move. I actually end reviewing these vids several times so they get stuck in my head 😂
Man that's awesome to hear! Let me know if you ever have any questions. Thanks for watching.
John, loving the renewed commitment to RUclips longish form videos! Please keep it up!
John I really appreciate how you articulate your thought process. You seem like such a levelheaded common sense guy. I like your style bro …keep up the good work!
Hey John! I’m really glad you played an Alapin. My buddy and I swear by it and are trying to create a movement behind it like team scandi! Down goes the Sicilian!
Beautiful timing thank you for all this amazing content I greatly appreciate it
By far the best chess content on youtube. I love listening to your thought process
it's always a pleasure to experience the game through your eyes, especially the joy you take in its intricacies
Great video John. The D takes C5 move I think was the critical move in the game. For players like me (1400 ish), the middle game is the hardest. But I think watching you consider those candidate moves (castle / bishop E3) and talking yourself out of / into one is something lower rated players can learn to improve our game. (Btw I would have castled [the move before] because the black queen looked imposing, without considering starting an initiative like you did there with the knight). And at the end that bishop B5 check idea is what won you the game (when black blundered his knight on C6).
Watching your new videos every couple days with my lunch is a joy. Thank you again for the instructive and very watchable content!
"Hope is not a strategy" such a good quote to keep in mind
always excited to see CTRL in the sub box!
Bit of a shocking blunder from an 1800 there.
really nice game and thanks for sharing this with us John. I am exploring at the moment the Alapin.
couple of days ago I played over the board in classical time format ( chessclub vs chessclub ) the same opening, but I made an error with the bishop C4 move. There was a fork tactic in the air, knight takes E4 on move 7 and was still there on move 8. If I capture the knight then I lose a piece with d6-d5 but lucky for me, my opponent didn't saw it he said after the game. Im rating 1543 and my opponent was rating 1566. Just to show the game for amateur level purpose here are the moves what have been played in my game. ( I didnt play so good but managed it to win; with my last move my opponent resigned because the knight on H5 was lost:
1. e4 c5 2. c3 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Bc4 Nc6 5. O-O d6 6. h3 Nf6 7. Re1 O-O 8. d4 b6
9. Nbd2 Nd7 10. Nf1 Bb7 11. Be3 Qc7 12. Bb3 Na5 13. Bc2 Nc4 14. Bc1 Nf6 15. Ng3
Rad8 16. b3 Na5 17. Bb2 Bc8 18. Rc1 Bh6 19. Rb1 b5 20. Qe2 a6 21. Bc1 Bg7 22.
Be3 Nc6 23. Rbd1 cxd4 24. cxd4 d5 25. e5 Ne8 26. Qd2 f6 27. Bh6 e6 28. Bxg7
Qxg7 29. h4 f5 30. h5 f4 31. Nf1 g5 32. Qd3 Nb4 33. Qd2 Nxc2 34. Qxc2 Bb7 35.
Rc1 Rd7 36. Qc5 Qh6 37. Qb6 Rff7 38. Rc3 Ng7 39. Rec1 Nxh5 40. Rc7 Qg7 41. Rxd7
Rxd7 42. Qxe6+ Kf8 43. Qg4 1-0
I love your content and way of explaining even after the game with your analyzes. Keep up your great vids, chess and work. Cheers from the Netherlands!
Never got to vote, but I would have asked for the alipin. Perfect! Thanks for the content!
I "chose" the alapin as my response to the sicillian because it seems much less dense/explored at my level. Would love to see that alapin video you briefly mentioned!
@John, would you ever be willing to do a new Chess Fundamentals explaining how to use space (or maybe play around spatial disadvantages?) I know you have a CTRL about space management but I'd love to hear a full explanation on all of your ideas about space.
Also potentially helpful would be a video explaining how to do analysis of one's games. I find that when I sit down to review mine, I don't get or retain a whole lot out of it and I wonder if I'm doing it wrong.
As always thanks for your vids!
Thank you for your CTRL games, I think they’re the best instructional content out there, hearing you think through the games out loud. Inspires me to construct a similar self/talk when I play. Still blunder :) But thanks!
I may be in the minority here but I definitely enjoy more the videos where John plays titled Tuesday, or plays people above his ELO. Seeing him play people always lower rated than him is like reading the same book over and over again, the opponent just has no chance. Is there anyway John that you could upload more videos of you playing stronger players? Or better yet, games where you potentially play a great game but still lose. I feel like they would be much more instructive and reflective. Thank you for your amazing content throughout the year, it’s helped me more than you can imagine
Now I (1350) want to go take down some 1800s! John makes it look so easy.
Great video! love this series
Thanks for the game, I love seeing the Alapin played on a master level
thank you for explaining this opening
I’d be interested in seeing a video with the Delayed Alapin where white plays Nf3 before c3. I used to play c3 first but saw Aman suggesting Nf3 first in the chessbrah Building habits series so I’ve been trying that. Often the lines transpose but each version has its own unique traps as well. Would love to hear your thought process on how to pick one or the other!
ALL the Magnus/ JB stuff is all-time RUclips TOP 10
Thanks for the new video.
“Hope is not a strategy” needs to be on some Merch lol
Another instructive upload
Hey John. Great Content as always.
I started with the Alapin and the delayed Alapin. Good opening that I should probably revisit.
Love your content, John.
Same thing happened to me the other day, was playing a good opponent, enjoying the ideas and they blundered a bishop... I was disappointed we didn't play it out, should just be happy with the 'W'!!
I don't think I've ever tried the Alapin. I'll have to look at it some more.
Love these videos. Helps me learn how to think while I’m playing.
Your poor opponent. We've all given up games in moments of blindness like that, but I'd be especially mad at myself if I did it after getting the chance to play an IM.
Nice video. I may start playing the Alapin, as I often run into tricky problems against it. By the way, if you ever accidently click into the Masters' games, the page opens in a new tab, which you can just safely close - at least that how it behaves on my computer...
Climbing the rating ladder is an amazing series! These are so helpful!
Any news on a road to GM series yet? 😉
Hey John - great video and loving the new vids you've been putting out.
I may be late to the party on this but would you be able to play a Smith-Morra sometime? I really like the S-M because I feel like it's very easy to learn if you're an E4 Italian player since in most situations you develop just as you would in the Italian (Knight usually goes out to F3 while the Bishop goes out to C4).
22:55 Jon, would love to know more about playing with the IQP. Why do some people look forward to playing with it?
Cuz you have more space and can use the squares that the pawn controls.
Go to youtube and search "Ben Finegold IQP"
I HAVE NOT WATCHED YOU IN A LONG TIME
I'm not very advanced so my preferences don't mean a lot tbh, but I personally find playing in the structures I usually get in the Alapin quite comfortable to play
Hey john is your camera out of focus, image is a bit fuzzy. Good opening and analysis.
LET'S GO ALAPIN
At 6.19 why didn't you capture the bishop with the knight giving a check and then if Queen capture knight you recapture with pawn creating a passed pawmn
After Black captures on d1, I'm in check :)
Hello, why don't you continue with what was your original plan Nb5+Nc7 with check, however i see that Bd6 could take Nc7 so it's better if you don't play this move..sorry my bad
I MISS YOUR CHANNEL VERY MUCH JOHN 💯😎🔥💙
YES SIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope is not a strategy... Definitely for me. About to get a workout in... Not for me
Thank ewe
Don't suggest the Alapin, John. People don't play into the open sicilian enough as it is. The last thing we need is you endorsing it. 😅
4:58 Qa4 anyone?
It's an idea, though it's not immediately clear to me what we're doing after ...0-0 or ...Nbd7.
to last longer dont play theory or enter strong players lair with no hope
🙂👍🏼
the Alapin Sicilian - also known as "not wanting a game of chess"
I don't really follow the logic of the Alapin, if someone is a 1. e4 player, why don't you want to have fun? Play the London if you hate chess.
We play the Alapin precisely because we know people like you hate it
@@hansgruber9093 Haha, I knew it!
There are no boring openings in chess. That silly notion resides only in amateur's minds.
@@milankotevski1663 Well, I am an amateur (in the true sense of the word). But I also believe that most people would agree that there are openings that are less exciting than others, e.g. Berlin, exchange Slav. And think that the Open Sicilian is exciting.