I was wrong Dereque Kelley is indeed Krishna Prem. Mr. Kelley I want you to know I am taking your lessons into my second tournament. I hope I have learned enough that I don't get massacred like I did in my first tournament. Many thanks for all you do
Whoa. And I mean wow! This is one of the most excellent explanations for the Ruy Lopez opening. Also, I would like to commend your superb analysis on its different variations. Again, thanks alot! It really made an impact on my Chess gameplay!
Thanks for the question! Actually I went past this point entirely too quickly :( Check out the video Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game where instead of racing past this point...I dwelled on it! Essentialy, though, White gets good play after 6.d4! but the topic is a little more interesting than that.
I am new to this channel and I have to say that there is nobody else on RUclips that explains chess openings in such a good and relaxing way. Thank you very much!
@Timmy621& Kumar Mukund Instead after 5...Nxe4 6.d4 Black generally plays 6...b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 returning the pawn and attempting to prove that the knight's advanced placement on e4 is a plus rather than a demerit. (It is possible that the knight is unstable on this square and can be forced to move for example after Nbd2). In general these positions have a good reputation for White since the backwards c-pawn and unstable position of the e4-knight give him some positional advantages. A breathtaking game from this line is Kasparov-Anand World Championship, Round 10 1995 - find this game if you can!
Three months after watching this video, I now thank you for helping chalk up at least two more wins per 10 games played. The Spanish variation really works! Thank you very much.
I always recommend Mr Kellys' videos for my students of all levels. He is so good at his pedagogy! The videos are so well structured and designed, and his speech and diction are perfectly clear without thick distracting foreign accents! GREAT WORK!
Good question, there are variations in which Black does play ...Bc5 such as the Classical Variation (3...Bc5 right away) or Moller and Archangel Variations where Black first plays ...a6 and often ...b5 before playing ...Bc5. In each of these cases though, the bishop tends to lose a tempo to d2-d4 and also has trouble maneuvering his queenside pawns. Many variations depend on an eventual ...c5 or ...c6 push (often along with ...b5) by Black but this is harder to achieve in ...Bc5 setups.
Have to congratulate you for having the best chess beginner videos on youtube! Most seasoned chess players arent able to go back and understand what chess looks like for someone whos new to it and take many things for granted which a beginner hasnt yet wrapped his head around, very good and detailed explanation, im finally beginning to understand the mindset of chess openings and the most important squares to look out for! I havent checked many of your videos yet but i think for someone like myself who just begins to find interest in chess a video detailing the various agressive and defensive potentials in early game would be great. Something like pointing out which squares are easily attackable by which piece and some simple two or three move attacks, like both queenside knight and kingside bishop being able to defend the e4 square rather quickly or knights being able to quickly block pawn advances without looking at specific openings. More a video about general square strength in the opening position so we the new players get an idea of what the board looks like on a deeper level (not all squares are equal :P). Im getting the feeling that its quite possible to apply a scale to each square detailing how easily attackable and defendable it is.
Glad to hear you've found the videos helpful :) 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 is known as the Petrov Defense. The standard replies are either 3.Nxe5 or 3.d4. Your move 3.Bb5 would not be so effective if I were Black I'd simply play 3...c6 and later I'd probably be in a good position to play ...d5 or even take on e4.
(1/2) You could think of 3...a6 as prophylaxis against an early d2-d4 by White. This is a nice way of thinking about it since against both 3...d6 (as you are suggesting) and the popular Berlin with 3...Nf6, White does in fact take advantage of his opportunity to gain space and stress Black's center with d2-d4.
Good question! When you're just starting out focus on learning the fundamental principles behind the opening (develop pieces quickly, control the center, etc.) and practice them in your games. Reuben Fine's "The Ideas Behind the Chess Openings" is a good starting point. As you acquire some practice and learn about the openings, if one strikes your eye for any reason, consider studying it with a book or any other tools you might have. You can do this for either White or Black -Dereque
Derek these videos are absolutely brilliant, I love how you explain the reasons behind moves, and your the first to really sell they ruy Lopez to me! These ate by far the best chess videos on youtube! Thank you so much for uploading and please keep it up!
Hmm, interesting question. I checked this out only briefly but it appears White can simply play 5.c3! followed by d2-d4. This removes the plan of Black being able to push the bishop to b3 where it often has to spend a tempo later repositioning itself to c2 - a tempo which Black often relies upon to make his strategies work in the main lines. Hope this helps
Hmm...it depends at which moment you're referring to. ...h6 is an idea in the Ruy Lopez, but Black normally plays it only when Bg5 is a real strategic threat. Otherwise, he runs a risk of falling behind in the fight for the center -Dereque
Actually, he is showing the main line. But I'm curious why both players seem to ignore Black's attack on the e4 Pawn. After 5. 0-0 Black may take the Pawn with 5. ...Nxe4 where White normally continues with 6 d4. Black usually plays 6. ... b4 here and after 7. Bb3 Black plays d5 - taking the Pawn at this point is considered inferior. Those are the common lines - but I do not understand them!
@funnymadman4 ...In the case which you're describing (after 3...d6) White can cope with losing the bishop pair, but could also avoid losing the bishop pair either through 4.d4! or 4.c3!? with an initiative. Thank you for the question!
Great question! If Black plays 8...Bg4 it will probably turn out to be a bit premature because White has not already committed himself to playing d2-d4. Black doesn't want to exchange this bishop but it frequently gets harrassed after this now as White will play h2-h3, d2-d3, nb1-d2-f1-g3 and sooner or later Black's bishop move will end up being a waste of time. Black is not eager to exchange the bishop since this is an important minor piece -Dereque
Great video, you just helped me improve my spanish opening, I've been playing it for about 2 months now, and you showed some different moves to make. A rookie like myself needs all the help I can get, thanks!
I completely agree with you on the weakness of the e5 pawn - that pawn, I've found, can be a pain in my rear against somebody who knows black's side of the Spanish (or maybe I just don't know it well enough myself - the only opening I've studied in depth is the Sicilian Dragon). And yeah, I forgot to mention Black's inability to castle in the Berlin, something I'm definitely a fan of as White. Thank you so much for your well-thought-out (and quick!) replies to my questions!
(1/2) Thank you jorel! I will also add that 5...Nxe4 is possible and has enjoyed some phases of popularity at the top levels but normally Black goes for 5...Be7. After 5...Nxe4 (which is known as the "Open Ruy Lopez" or "Open Spanish") White is able to recover the pawn in the main line which runs: 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6.The resultant position offers Black some difficulties. The knight on e4 is not as stable as it appears (for example it often moves again after 9.Nbd2) representing a loss of
@funnymadman4 Really great question! You can almost look at the Ruy Lopez as an attempt to force Black to play ...d6. As soon as you get this move out of Black you've forced him to take on a moderate space disadvantage. (See the moment around 3:30 in the video where I described this).
just love your videos...a lot of videos don't put as much focus on the reasoning and thought patterns...its like you are giving us the thinking out loud point of view which is awesome...most videos say they will give that then get lost in the variation and forget the beginner like myself would still need basic explanations and reasoning along the way...thank you so much!
...Bg4 is mostly a nice idea if White plays d2-d4 prematurely (without first playing h2-h3). In this case, the threat to capture on f3 directly weakens White's center and forces him to disrupt the central situation. If played preamturely (say after c2-c3), White can take this into account and delay d2-d3 chasing the bishop while unfolding his own development. One way to do this is to play d2-d3!, Nb1-d2-f1-g3, and -then- h3 when Black will lose time retreating the bishop. -Dereque
Very informative, when I started learning about Ruy Lopez in other RUclips videos, I get confused of what is actually the goal of white, so I just kind of memorize it, which is very ineffective because you would just eventually forget it. But this made me understood the concept behind this opening. Now I know how to play with the Ruy Lopez nicely and not panic when the opponent doesn't follow the variation. Keep up the good work
Your Insight and explaining of the opening and the ideas behind each and every move are awesome. Ive been in search of a video that doesn't just have pieces on some board with quick explanations. Thank you for the vid's and please keep up the amazing work. This will surely help me expand my opening knowledge and hopefully get me past 1600 and maintain a good level of play. Thanks again
Hi Chris! I have not created ways for the channel to be supported except for our apps for iPhone and Android that are available at chessopenings.com/apps and my private lessons which you can learn more about at chessopenings.com/lessons ! :) Thank you for the inquiry, I really appreciate it! :)
After Bb5, Black can play the Classical Defence in which he moves ...Bc4. White then follows through with the exchange and gains the pawn. However, Black can go ...Qg5 attacking the knight and the g2 pawn. I've checkmated many times before because the bishop is already in position.
Good question! Practice and theory suggest that Black should have no issues gaining an acceptable position and that the bishop pair ends up being worth more than the crippled queenside pawns. My own practice with Black has been wonderful against 4.Bxc6 so much so that I sometimes internally joke with myself that I already have the advantage (with Black!) after 4.Bxc6 :-) Yet it certainly cuts down on theory for White and leads to interesting positions. And Fischer tried it sometimes! -D
This video was really good and concise. I have a question tho. After the starting moves : 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Why doesn't black simply play b5 as a response immediately, further moving the bishop, gaining a tempo, and preventing it from creating any problems in the future. In the video, black eventually plays this move, but I don't understand why it isn't played immediately. Can anyone help me?
If Black neglects to play ...Nf6 quickly enough, then White may be able to play d2-d4 sooner than in other cases, not even needing to play c2-c3 as a way of preparing it. 4....b5 5.Bb3 Na5 6.O-O d6 7.d4 is good for White, 4...b5 5.Bb3 Be7 6.d4 is good for White, 4...b5 5.Bb3 Bc5 6.c3! White has not needed to spend time on O-O and Re1 because of the lack of ...Nf6, now d4 is coming quickly, 4...b5 5.Bb3 Nf6 6.O-O Bc5 is a well-known position but not necessarily the best handling of the Ruy Lopez for Black. This is kind of a complex answer and I have not done a great job of explaining why the given positions are good, but hopefully this helps a bit ... There is really no hurry for Black to play ...b5 until the threat to capture on c6 followed by capturing on e5 becomes real. After White castles and plays Re1 (4...Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1) only now is it necessary to play ...b5 to prevent Bxc6 and Nxe5 since White has adequate defense for both g2 and e4 after O-O and Re1 and so the pawn on e5 is finally really in danger of being captured.... hope this helps!! :)
Thank you! Can you clarify the notation? (I believe you mean Ba4 , ...Nf6 and then O-O whereupon you may be asking about the pawn on e4?) If this is the case, try the video Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game where this is discussed in detail! Otherwise - please clarify?
I personally find your videos friendlier than those with disembodied voices. I'm 25, I've known how the pieces move for years, but only recently I began to learn about openings (and their principles), piece value, tactics, etc. I hope it's not too late for me.
It's great that you notice this possibility! Usually this kind of exchange (two minor pieces for a rook and pawn) is not undertaken unless the side exchanging the two minor pieces has a clear justification for doing so. Especially in the middlegame, a rook has limited influence over the position whereas two minor pieces are able to create threats much more easily. This equation shifts in the endgame when the rook acquires more power but in general this exchange on f7 is not a good idea. -Dereque
You caught me! Since I often film early in the morning, there can be sudden loss of daylight in the video if a segment which appears later in the video was filmed earlier in the morning (before the sun had risen) before the other segment(s). I doubted anyone would notice, but you have to admit it makes the videos more fun! :)
Love the way you present the openings, you prefer to give solid ideas and strategies instead of mentioning infinite variations and deviations which is done by many books and generally confuses us. It would be really nice of you if you consider making some more videos like this each on Breyer ,Zaitsev ,Smyslov and Chirogin in the Closed Ruy Lopez. Thank You!!
@Timmy621: (1/2) Good question! Actually after 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 (The Open Spanish) Black's most common method of play is 6...b5 7.Bb3 d5 rather than 6...exd4. After 6...exd4 White gets an advantage after a long forcing variation: 7.Re1 d5 8.Nxd4 Bd6! (only move, 8...Bd7? 9.f3 +- for example) 9.Nxc6 Bxh2+! 10.Kh1! Qh4 11.Rxe4! dxe4 12.Qd8+! Qxd8 13.Nxd8 Kxd8 14.Kxh2 Be6 += when White's two minor pieces and the exposure of Black's king are known to be somewhat more than adequate compensation for the rook and two pawns. I've played at least a couple blitz games on the Black side though and still found the positions interesting.
(2/3) However, the advanced position of the e5-pawn is a serious demerit for White over the Spanish Exchange which serves to alleviate many of the disadvantages Black has in his position.
at 3:50 : why does black play d6 after b5? I thought, that d6 is bad for black, because he is losing a tempo if he wants to threaten d5xe4. After he played b5, his e5 pawn is save(?).
Hey Dereque, just want to let you know that your videos are spectacular, extremely informative and easy to listen to! Great job, I appreciate it a lot.
Thank you for the kind words and the question! The board being used was given to me by grandmother many years ago and I'm not sure anymore where it can be found :( But to train - I use the computer! :) It's great to hear that you replaced some of your playing with some studying :) Much fun lies ahead! -Dereque
You have a natural talent for teaching. You should do some gambits analysis, maybe danish gambit declined after sacrifacing 2 pawns or some variation on latvian gambit or Smith Morra gambit.
(1/2) Ah! First, speaking of relative merit: many more top players handling the White pieces are willing to play the position which arises in the Berlin involving the exchange of queens on d8 than are willing to play the Spanish Exchange. Black has incurred a loss of time in making four moves with the remaining knight, and the king's exposure may result in additional difficulties for Black including the possibility of direct attack against the King or further loss of time.
Your presentation is very conducive to assisting a novice player in learning about the openings! This has always been my gripe with chess: if a novice player faces one knowledgeable with openings he loses valuable time in musing over openings, risking a blunter, while his opponent just follows tried-and-true textbook moves. Thanks again for the videos!
In addition to checking out TroyTastical's reply which is quite good, also check the video on Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game posted some time after this video. This video contains some discussion of this point. Thank you for the question and @TroyTastical: Thank you too! -Dereque
Cool vid, someone mentioned below that they would like to see some gambits analysis, and you asked if defending or attacking. I personally would like to see how to successfully attack with a Smith Mora Gambit, when I've played it I've struggled to make it work. Cheers.
This is such a complex subject that I'm thinking about devoting an entire video to it. Nevertheless, I believe we've provided some commentary on this below throughout the comments :)
8:04 what if instead of g3, white goes h3. What would black do after that? should black sacrifice his light-squared bishop and take the pawn on h3 to weaken white's king side? what is the ideal move after h3?
2:43, why does black not take white's central pawn with the knight? I cannot see any reason why black would not do this or if there is any comeback for white after he does do this. Please elaborate
I am pasting a reply left some months ago. (1/2) 5...Nxe4 is possible and has enjoyed some phases of popularity at the top levels but normally Black goes for 5...Be7. After 5...Nxe4 (which is known as the "Open Ruy Lopez" or "Open Spanish") White is able to recover the pawn in the main line which runs: 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6.The resultant position offers Black some difficulties. The knight on e4 is not as stable as it appears (for example it often moves again after 9.Nbd2) representing a loss of
Awesome vids. In depth logic really helps. Question, though. You show D7 pawn taking the bishop. I understand that it frees the queen, but I had always been taught move pawns to the center so I capture with b7 pawn. Is my understanding archaic?
Love your videos ... I have been taking knight to disrupt blacks pawn structure .. against a player who is just a bit stronger than me... and now I can see the error of my ways .... especially seeing from your videos he is playing book moves especially bishop E7
Thank you so much for these videos! The Ruy Lopez is one of my favorite openings as White, as it is straightforward. I highly recommend it to all beginners.
sorry got cut off. ... before Re1 but white has no trouble equalizing or retreating the knight, and then blowing open the center w/ ideas like the c3/d4 pawn break with help from the knight queen and rook,and the re-route of the queenside knight
Thank you! My question to this response is: doesn't the Berlin defense often lead to black having the bishop pair and crippled queenside pawns as well? What's the major difference between the Berlin defense and the exchange variation? Is it mainly the queenless middle game that comes from the Berlin?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Some of the best instructional videos on the whole web.
+Melvyn Gingell Sweet!! Thank you! :)
I like your your bright style of teaching, your presentation and lack of cheesy opening music. You have a new student. :)
Welcome and thank you!
His style of teaching is as bright as his head haha
My words are the same!!
The Ancient Gamer cool
I was wrong Dereque Kelley is indeed Krishna Prem. Mr. Kelley I want you to know I am taking your lessons into my second tournament. I hope I have learned enough that I don't get massacred like I did in my first tournament.
Many thanks for all you do
Thank you! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. A technical genius worked with me to create the tools to create the diagrams!
I will keep going! Thank you for the encouragement :) -Dereque
Dereque Kelley Great summary of Spanish! I've seen some terrible ones, so realise explaining to beginners is not eady.
Theres a better move than playing your bishop on black
@Ashutosh Rai I took a sanyassin vow, so yes I do go by Krishan now! :)
mr kelly you are an amazing teacher and presenter your videos are a pleasure to watch. Your teaching style so clear and concise! thanks!!:)
Gracias! :)
11 years ago no way!!! Talk about being ahead of your times in terms of video quality
Whoa. And I mean wow!
This is one of the most excellent explanations for the Ruy Lopez opening. Also, I would like to commend your superb analysis on its different variations. Again, thanks alot! It really made an impact on my Chess gameplay!
Thank you :)
Thanks for the question! Actually I went past this point entirely too quickly :( Check out the video Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game where instead of racing past this point...I dwelled on it! Essentialy, though, White gets good play after 6.d4! but the topic is a little more interesting than that.
I am new to this channel and I have to say that there is nobody else on RUclips that explains chess openings in such a good and relaxing way. Thank you very much!
Hello and welcome! Thank you so much I really appreciate this! :)
@Timmy621& Kumar Mukund Instead after 5...Nxe4 6.d4 Black generally plays 6...b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 returning the pawn and attempting to prove that the knight's advanced placement on e4 is a plus rather than a demerit. (It is possible that the knight is unstable on this square and can be forced to move for example after Nbd2). In general these positions have a good reputation for White since the backwards c-pawn and unstable position of the e4-knight give him some positional advantages. A breathtaking game from this line is Kasparov-Anand World Championship, Round 10 1995 - find this game if you can!
Hello Dereque.Sorry to bother you.Can you tell me what is your advice if after 4.Ba4 black plays d6?Thanks
Three months after watching this video, I now thank you for helping chalk up at least two more wins per 10 games played. The Spanish variation really works! Thank you very much.
clear and quick dialogue. Very easy to understand you. Nice setting. You have another new student.
Awesome!! Great!! So fantastic to hear! And also don't hesitate to check out my private lessons on chessopenings.com!
I’m a complete beginner. Could someone explain why white should castle @ 2:44 ?
Wouldn’t that allow the knight take the e4 pawn?
I always recommend Mr Kellys' videos for my students of all levels. He is so good at his pedagogy! The videos are so well structured and designed, and his speech and diction are perfectly clear without thick distracting foreign accents! GREAT WORK!
Thank you so much Chris, I greatly appreciate this! Very kind of you! :)
Good question, there are variations in which Black does play ...Bc5 such as the Classical Variation (3...Bc5 right away) or Moller and Archangel Variations where Black first plays ...a6 and often ...b5 before playing ...Bc5. In each of these cases though, the bishop tends to lose a tempo to d2-d4 and also has trouble maneuvering his queenside pawns. Many variations depend on an eventual ...c5 or ...c6 push (often along with ...b5) by Black but this is harder to achieve in ...Bc5 setups.
You are such an engaging instructor. The videos dive much deeper than most. Love the consistency of the format!
Thanks so much!!
Have to congratulate you for having the best chess beginner videos on youtube! Most seasoned chess players arent able to go back and understand what chess looks like for someone whos new to it and take many things for granted which a beginner hasnt yet wrapped his head around, very good and detailed explanation, im finally beginning to understand the mindset of chess openings and the most important squares to look out for!
I havent checked many of your videos yet but i think for someone like myself who just begins to find interest in chess a video detailing the various agressive and defensive potentials in early game would be great. Something like pointing out which squares are easily attackable by which piece and some simple two or three move attacks, like both queenside knight and kingside bishop being able to defend the e4 square rather quickly or knights being able to quickly block pawn advances without looking at specific openings. More a video about general square strength in the opening position so we the new players get an idea of what the board looks like on a deeper level (not all squares are equal :P).
Im getting the feeling that its quite possible to apply a scale to each square detailing how easily attackable and defendable it is.
Very excellent words and feedback! Thank you so much!!! :)
Glad to hear you've found the videos helpful :) 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 is known as the Petrov Defense. The standard replies are either 3.Nxe5 or 3.d4. Your move 3.Bb5 would not be so effective if I were Black I'd simply play 3...c6 and later I'd probably be in a good position to play ...d5 or even take on e4.
The best one who explain openings👍🏁
You guys are the best
This is the best presentation of teaching chess that I’ve seen. I’m sorry that it took a pandemic for me to find you I hope you post more
I'm planning on posting more, thank you!! :)
(1/2) You could think of 3...a6 as prophylaxis against an early d2-d4 by White. This is a nice way of thinking about it since against both 3...d6 (as you are suggesting) and the popular Berlin with 3...Nf6, White does in fact take advantage of his opportunity to gain space and stress Black's center with d2-d4.
Good question! When you're just starting out focus on learning the fundamental principles behind the opening (develop pieces quickly, control the center, etc.) and practice them in your games. Reuben Fine's "The Ideas Behind the Chess Openings" is a good starting point. As you acquire some practice and learn about the openings, if one strikes your eye for any reason, consider studying it with a book or any other tools you might have. You can do this for either White or Black -Dereque
I’m here 8 years later because of Queens Gambit...wonderful video, very clear and informative
Derek these videos are absolutely brilliant, I love how you explain the reasons behind moves, and your the first to really sell they ruy Lopez to me! These ate by far the best chess videos on youtube! Thank you so much for uploading and please keep it up!
Hmm, interesting question. I checked this out only briefly but it appears White can simply play 5.c3! followed by d2-d4. This removes the plan of Black being able to push the bishop to b3 where it often has to spend a tempo later repositioning itself to c2 - a tempo which Black often relies upon to make his strategies work in the main lines. Hope this helps
Hmm...it depends at which moment you're referring to. ...h6 is an idea in the Ruy Lopez, but Black normally plays it only when Bg5 is a real strategic threat. Otherwise, he runs a risk of falling behind in the fight for the center -Dereque
Brilliant and beautifully well explained. This guy is my new favourite teacher.
#ruysc 👍
Actually, he is showing the main line. But I'm curious why both players seem to ignore Black's attack on the e4 Pawn. After 5. 0-0 Black may take the Pawn with 5. ...Nxe4 where White normally continues with 6 d4. Black usually plays 6. ... b4 here and after 7. Bb3 Black plays d5 - taking the Pawn at this point is considered inferior.
Those are the common lines - but I do not understand them!
@funnymadman4 ...In the case which you're describing (after 3...d6) White can cope with losing the bishop pair, but could also avoid losing the bishop pair either through 4.d4! or 4.c3!? with an initiative. Thank you for the question!
Gifted teacher and fantastic series of videos. So valuable and well done.
i have watched your videos for years thank you for the contributions you have made to chess and the enthusiast
Thank you!! :)
Great question! If Black plays 8...Bg4 it will probably turn out to be a bit premature because White has not already committed himself to playing d2-d4. Black doesn't want to exchange this bishop but it frequently gets harrassed after this now as White will play h2-h3, d2-d3, nb1-d2-f1-g3 and sooner or later Black's bishop move will end up being a waste of time. Black is not eager to exchange the bishop since this is an important minor piece -Dereque
Great video, you just helped me improve my spanish opening, I've been playing it for about 2 months now, and you showed some different moves to make. A rookie like myself needs all the help I can get, thanks!
+king tey Excellent, best of luck!!
I completely agree with you on the weakness of the e5 pawn - that pawn, I've found, can be a pain in my rear against somebody who knows black's side of the Spanish (or maybe I just don't know it well enough myself - the only opening I've studied in depth is the Sicilian Dragon). And yeah, I forgot to mention Black's inability to castle in the Berlin, something I'm definitely a fan of as White. Thank you so much for your well-thought-out (and quick!) replies to my questions!
You have a very good explanation about the position and main idea behind the opening. Extraordinary video.
Glad you found it instructive, yes! there is a video on the Stonewall
(1/2) Thank you jorel! I will also add that 5...Nxe4 is possible and has enjoyed some phases of popularity at the top levels but normally Black goes for 5...Be7. After 5...Nxe4 (which is known as the "Open Ruy Lopez" or "Open Spanish") White is able to recover the pawn in the main line which runs: 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6.The resultant position offers Black some difficulties. The knight on e4 is not as stable as it appears (for example it often moves again after 9.Nbd2) representing a loss of
@funnymadman4 Really great question! You can almost look at the Ruy Lopez as an attempt to force Black to play ...d6. As soon as you get this move out of Black you've forced him to take on a moderate space disadvantage. (See the moment around 3:30 in the video where I described this).
What stops black from playing bishop to g4 instead of castling? any advanages to this?
just love your videos...a lot of videos don't put as much focus on the reasoning and thought patterns...its like you are giving us the thinking out loud point of view which is awesome...most videos say they will give that then get lost in the variation and forget the beginner like myself would still need basic explanations and reasoning along the way...thank you so much!
...Bg4 is mostly a nice idea if White plays d2-d4 prematurely (without first playing h2-h3). In this case, the threat to capture on f3 directly weakens White's center and forces him to disrupt the central situation. If played preamturely (say after c2-c3), White can take this into account and delay d2-d3 chasing the bishop while unfolding his own development. One way to do this is to play d2-d3!, Nb1-d2-f1-g3, and -then- h3 when Black will lose time retreating the bishop. -Dereque
Very informative, when I started learning about Ruy Lopez in other RUclips videos, I get confused of what is actually the goal of white, so I just kind of memorize it, which is very ineffective because you would just eventually forget it. But this made me understood the concept behind this opening. Now I know how to play with the Ruy Lopez nicely and not panic when the opponent doesn't follow the variation. Keep up the good work
Very good Daniel! This is great to hear!!
This was so instructive and fun! I learned more than just the opening from this! Thank you so much!
I'm really glad to hear this! Thank you!! :)
Fantastic video. Big thanks and love from UK. I will definitely be playing more Rui Lopez openings as a result. Cheers.
That's probably the best introduction for Ruy Lopez I hv come across. Thank you.
Your Insight and explaining of the opening and the ideas behind each and every move are awesome. Ive been in search of a video that doesn't just have pieces on some board with quick explanations. Thank you for the vid's and please keep up the amazing work. This will surely help me expand my opening knowledge and hopefully get me past 1600 and maintain a good level of play. Thanks again
Mr Kelley, @ 4:03 If Bg4 is such an important move, shouldn't black play it first before castling?
It's a good question! See the reply to dashwood123 (a year ago, you may need to click for more comments)
Dereque Kelley Worth the extra work lol, thx! The Spanish is so complex, I'm only realizing how important the move order truly is!
The most consistently clear explanations on the internet! How do we support your channel?
Hi Chris! I have not created ways for the channel to be supported except for our apps for iPhone and Android that are available at chessopenings.com/apps and my private lessons which you can learn more about at chessopenings.com/lessons ! :) Thank you for the inquiry, I really appreciate it! :)
My best chess teacher. Unlike all others, u explain to the minutest detail. My chess game has improved in a few days. This is your calling.
Thank you so much for saying this, I really appreciate it!
Thank you for watching, stopping by, and leaving a kind word! --Dereque
Thanks Dereque Kelley, for explain Ruy Lopez, Spannish opening, and others variations.
Bravo Kelley ! You teach the openings with a very interesting way .
Thank you, much appreciated! :)
After Bb5, Black can play the Classical Defence in which he moves ...Bc4. White then follows through with the exchange and gains the pawn. However, Black can go ...Qg5 attacking the knight and the g2 pawn. I've checkmated many times before because the bishop is already in position.
Good question! Practice and theory suggest that Black should have no issues gaining an acceptable position and that the bishop pair ends up being worth more than the crippled queenside pawns. My own practice with Black has been wonderful against 4.Bxc6 so much so that I sometimes internally joke with myself that I already have the advantage (with Black!) after 4.Bxc6 :-) Yet it certainly cuts down on theory for White and leads to interesting positions. And Fischer tried it sometimes! -D
I have a question, at 4:00 after D6, why is C3 played, and not H3 immediately? The bishop pin on G4 murders me!
This video was really good and concise. I have a question tho. After the starting moves : 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4
Why doesn't black simply play b5 as a response immediately, further moving the bishop, gaining a tempo, and preventing it from creating any problems in the future. In the video, black eventually plays this move, but I don't understand why it isn't played immediately. Can anyone help me?
If Black neglects to play ...Nf6 quickly enough, then White may be able to play d2-d4 sooner than in other cases, not even needing to play c2-c3 as a way of preparing it. 4....b5 5.Bb3 Na5 6.O-O d6 7.d4 is good for White, 4...b5 5.Bb3 Be7 6.d4 is good for White, 4...b5 5.Bb3 Bc5 6.c3! White has not needed to spend time on O-O and Re1 because of the lack of ...Nf6, now d4 is coming quickly, 4...b5 5.Bb3 Nf6 6.O-O Bc5 is a well-known position but not necessarily the best handling of the Ruy Lopez for Black. This is kind of a complex answer and I have not done a great job of explaining why the given positions are good, but hopefully this helps a bit ... There is really no hurry for Black to play ...b5 until the threat to capture on c6 followed by capturing on e5 becomes real. After White castles and plays Re1 (4...Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1) only now is it necessary to play ...b5 to prevent Bxc6 and Nxe5 since White has adequate defense for both g2 and e4 after O-O and Re1 and so the pawn on e5 is finally really in danger of being captured.... hope this helps!! :)
Dereque Kelley Holy shit! that's an even better response than I had expected XD thanks dude, appreciate it
You bet, thank you! :)
At 2:40 why would black go bishop e7 instead of taking the pawn with the knight?
Thank you! Can you clarify the notation? (I believe you mean Ba4 , ...Nf6 and then O-O whereupon you may be asking about the pawn on e4?) If this is the case, try the video Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game where this is discussed in detail! Otherwise - please clarify?
One of the best video on Ruy Lopez opening.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate this! :)
I personally find your videos friendlier than those with disembodied voices.
I'm 25, I've known how the pieces move for years, but only recently I began to learn about openings (and their principles), piece value, tactics, etc. I hope it's not too late for me.
Very good and professional videos. I like how it feels more personal when we actually see the person moving the pieces.
+99altiar Great to hear, thank you!!
It's great that you notice this possibility! Usually this kind of exchange (two minor pieces for a rook and pawn) is not undertaken unless the side exchanging the two minor pieces has a clear justification for doing so. Especially in the middlegame, a rook has limited influence over the position whereas two minor pieces are able to create threats much more easily. This equation shifts in the endgame when the rook acquires more power but in general this exchange on f7 is not a good idea. -Dereque
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
You caught me! Since I often film early in the morning, there can be sudden loss of daylight in the video if a segment which appears later in the video was filmed earlier in the morning (before the sun had risen) before the other segment(s). I doubted anyone would notice, but you have to admit it makes the videos more fun! :)
You bet! Glad you're finding the videos helpful :)
Love the way you present the openings, you prefer to give solid ideas and strategies instead of mentioning infinite variations and deviations which is done by many books and generally confuses us. It would be really nice of you if you consider making some more videos like this each on Breyer ,Zaitsev ,Smyslov and Chirogin in the Closed Ruy Lopez. Thank You!!
+Bodhisatwa Chatterjee Great suggestion, thank you for the kind words!
@Timmy621: (1/2) Good question! Actually after 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 (The Open Spanish) Black's most common method of play is 6...b5 7.Bb3 d5 rather than 6...exd4. After 6...exd4 White gets an advantage after a long forcing variation: 7.Re1 d5 8.Nxd4 Bd6! (only move, 8...Bd7? 9.f3 +- for example) 9.Nxc6 Bxh2+! 10.Kh1! Qh4 11.Rxe4! dxe4 12.Qd8+! Qxd8 13.Nxd8 Kxd8 14.Kxh2 Be6 += when White's two minor pieces and the exposure of Black's king are known to be somewhat more than adequate compensation for the rook and two pawns. I've played at least a couple blitz games on the Black side though and still found the positions interesting.
+Dereque Kelley are you still making video because i was hoping you make a video of yeti defense i think it called
(2/3) However, the advanced position of the e5-pawn is a serious demerit for White over the Spanish Exchange which serves to alleviate many of the disadvantages Black has in his position.
2:45 why black plays bishop e7 and doesn't capture the pawn on e4 with his horse? It's a free piece.
at 3:50 : why does black play d6 after b5? I thought, that d6 is bad for black, because he is losing a tempo if he wants to threaten d5xe4. After he played b5, his e5 pawn is save(?).
Great Video ! Can you maybe make a video about the zaitsev variation? Because in the Internet you can find not much Information about that.
That is such a complex variation, I'd love to do a video about it sometime and soon! :)
Hey Dereque, just want to let you know that your videos are spectacular, extremely informative and easy to listen to! Great job, I appreciate it a lot.
I enjoy your excellent communication skills. You make it all so clear.
Could you make another video showing us the Giuoco Piano?
Thank you for the kind words and the question! The board being used was given to me by grandmother many years ago and I'm not sure anymore where it can be found :( But to train - I use the computer! :) It's great to hear that you replaced some of your playing with some studying :) Much fun lies ahead! -Dereque
You have a natural talent for teaching. You should do some gambits analysis, maybe danish gambit declined after sacrifacing 2 pawns or some variation on latvian gambit or Smith Morra gambit.
(1/2) Ah! First, speaking of relative merit: many more top players handling the White pieces are willing to play the position which arises in the Berlin involving the exchange of queens on d8 than are willing to play the Spanish Exchange. Black has incurred a loss of time in making four moves with the remaining knight, and the king's exposure may result in additional difficulties for Black including the possibility of direct attack against the King or further loss of time.
thanks for the help sir kelley, hope you have more videos
that can help beginners in the openings
Probably dumb question but at around 2:40, why didn't the black knight take the white pawn (e4)?
Your presentation is very conducive to assisting a novice player in learning about the openings! This has always been my gripe with chess: if a novice player faces one knowledgeable with openings he loses valuable time in musing over openings, risking a blunter, while his opponent just follows tried-and-true textbook moves.
Thanks again for the videos!
In addition to checking out TroyTastical's reply which is quite good, also check the video on Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game posted some time after this video. This video contains some discussion of this point. Thank you for the question and @TroyTastical: Thank you too! -Dereque
Cool vid, someone mentioned below that they would like to see some gambits analysis, and you asked if defending or attacking. I personally would like to see how to successfully attack with a Smith Mora Gambit, when I've played it I've struggled to make it work. Cheers.
2:47
why black doesn't play Nxe4 instead of bxe7?
This is such a complex subject that I'm thinking about devoting an entire video to it. Nevertheless, I believe we've provided some commentary on this below throughout the comments :)
Excellent Videos! Knowledgeable Instructor / excellent teaching style and covered key aspects! Great job!
You bet! :) Glad you're enjoying the videos
Dereque Kelley you are amazing
@vishy Thank for your kind remarks!
8:04 what if instead of g3, white goes h3. What would black do after that? should black sacrifice his light-squared bishop and take the pawn on h3 to weaken white's king side? what is the ideal move after h3?
h3 may be possible but it could also invite ...Bxh3 :) Thanks for asking and visiting our channel! :)
2:43, why does black not take white's central pawn with the knight? I cannot see any reason why black would not do this or if there is any comeback for white after he does do this. Please elaborate
I am pasting a reply left some months ago. (1/2) 5...Nxe4 is possible and has enjoyed some phases of popularity at the top levels but normally Black goes for 5...Be7. After 5...Nxe4 (which is known as the "Open Ruy Lopez" or "Open Spanish") White is able to recover the pawn in the main line which runs: 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6.The resultant position offers Black some difficulties. The knight on e4 is not as stable as it appears (for example it often moves again after 9.Nbd2) representing a loss of
Why did black castle before h3 by white, why wouldn't the black pin the knight first and castle later?
2:43 why not black use knight to capture pawn on E4 then castle, instead of castling first
This has been answered many many times in the comments...search below!
the computer eat E4 not so stupid...lol
Awesome vids. In depth logic really helps. Question, though. You show D7 pawn taking the bishop. I understand that it frees the queen, but I had always been taught move pawns to the center so I capture with b7 pawn. Is my understanding archaic?
Love your videos ... I have been taking knight to disrupt blacks pawn structure .. against a player who is just a bit stronger than me... and now I can see the error of my ways .... especially seeing from your videos he is playing book moves especially bishop E7
Very good, this is great to hear! :)
On 3:38, what would White do if black were to play d7-d5?
+alen biz I'm a just begginer, but if black plays plays 7...d5 then it seems that white can win a pawn with 8.exd5 Nxd5 9.Nxe5.
Again, an incredibly clear, concise and effective video ! Thank you so much ! I'm a fan !
Thanks so much!! :)
Thank you so much for these videos! The Ruy Lopez is one of my favorite openings as White, as it is straightforward. I highly recommend it to all beginners.
Please see the video Ruy Lopez vs. Italian Game for a discussion about the attack on e4! -Dereque
sorry got cut off. ... before Re1 but white has no trouble equalizing or retreating the knight, and then blowing open the center w/ ideas like the c3/d4 pawn break with help from the knight queen and rook,and the re-route of the queenside knight
Can you please upload a video about that variation when black atacks with pawn and a bishop on the h file?
Thank you! My question to this response is: doesn't the Berlin defense often lead to black having the bishop pair and crippled queenside pawns as well? What's the major difference between the Berlin defense and the exchange variation? Is it mainly the queenless middle game that comes from the Berlin?
Excellent and clear demonstration, thanks for sharing it.
Thank you so much, I super appreciate this!! :)