Through your standard series John, I was able to muster the courage to confront my grandpa after years of silence. Then, I remodeled my closet, applied to a helicopter flight academy, and helped a local raccoon family give birth underneath my porch. All thanks to your videos, John!
when I started watching your videos 2 days ago, I was 2699 Now I am 2701. Thank a lot you are always motivate me, you are the only reason I ever improved in chess
Love the longer time control games, John. I think you are the best channel on RUclips to watch whenever looking to improve your chess skills. In the last year I have moved from probably close to 1500 to roughly 1800. I have spent practically no time looking into openings so I feel watching your games and commentary has gotten me to where I am. Any chance you could find time to stream on lichess and play subscribers? Keep up the great work, and good luck on getting your GM norm!
from 1500 to 1800 in one year is very impressive, congratulation! and I absolutely agree that John's channel is the best for improvement. my #1 hero in chess is Simon Williams, but when I seriously want to get better I always turn to John Bartholomew
Yeah simon plays very forward, somewhat agressive chess , also sac some pieces if needed but its not my style still. I went from lower rating up to 1322 in 1 year and a half . I like to watch the longer games of john he can make chess look simple and logic . If i would play a 1400 player like patrick i would be sweating 😀
I love your videos, John! You have the best chess channel on RUclips. I'm a 1650 USCF player and it's funny because right before you mentioned playing f6, I was thinking to myself about how that would be a move a beginner would make. But, as usual, concrete calculations trump general principles. Double isolated pawns are usually terrible, but not so much in this particular case!
I went from 975 on lichess classical to 1244 in about a week or two partially thanks to your videos. I have been playing for about two to three months and people have said that I already play similar to a 1600. Thanks very much John!
thank you john, you are becoming the best chess teacher and communicator of the last decade. my rating went up from 1400 to 2000 on lichess, and I continue to improve thanks to you Greetings from Chile :) 🇨🇱
Love the time control! Like you said 25 is a lot like 15, but where you get a handful of moves where you can take a deepish think without giving away the game
Great video, extremely instructive. But I’m actually more eager to see Patrick’s video, see the differences in how a strong class player and a de facto GM approach the same game.
I was looking at g5 move for black around move 42, when it's supposedly a castle. It takes away pretty much all pawn moves from white and gives you an h6 if you want to loose a tempo in a zug-zwang. Thrilling ending to watch after the rook exchange though :) Nicely played!
Really liked this video as I play the Semi-Slav for black and love your discussion on the subtle points of the position. Good to know you also recommend the flexible Qc7 move recommended in Dreev's book. Back when you played the Semi-Slav did you opt for the Botvinnik or Moscow/Anti-Moscow? Given your solidity I would guess the Moscow but I'm curious if you've ever tried the Botvinnik OTB.
Glad you found it useful! I usually played 5...h6 or 5...Nbd7, and very rarely 5...dxc4. The Botvinnik Variation is fascinating but too sharp and theory intensive to make much sense as a main option, imo.
Awesome. Thanks for the reply. I opt for the h6 line personally. Theory on the Botvinnik is too intense for me. Starting theory on move 16 after Na4 or Rb1 is just too crazy for my taste.
I have a 38 inch curved monitor and put Chrome tabs on either side, synced this video with Patrick's version and played them together. VERY interesting!!
Wow what an excellent instructional video Minnesota Fins, these longer videos are worth their weight in gold. Living in the sticks like I do, I was wondering if all the air traffic in your neck of the woods bothers you, or have you become immune to it?
It's the first minute of your video - and you want to get your student out of book - isn't that kind of unfair because YOU ARE HIS BOOK? Or is he already that good that you have to worry? I#m very excited to look further... Thanx for all your videos!
On move 20, isn't Rc8 a good move for black? I realize that Stockfish says b4 is best but you talked about liking your queenside structure so I was wondering about this. Because if then white reinforces d4 with e3 (or Rd1) at the end of the day you can still give him a bad structure if after you do Bd4 and Rc1 to defend. That would leave you at -1.3 evaluation at move 23, which is the same as you got to at that point, *but* with a more active rook, less material on the board and a better structure. Would that be preferrable or just ok? Considering that Stockfish doesnt really give a damn about structure in its evaluation but we poor humans do :D
Hey John, I just competed in my first tournament in a few years. I finished with 3.5/6 and tied for fourth in a U1500 section. Do you have any advice on how to stop dwelling on an early loss? Thanks!
Thanks :) I occasionally make my own coffee, but I spend so much time at home (being self-employed online) that the coffee shop is my daily ritual to get out of the house.
At 1:00:17 how about a plan like Bd7, Rb8, Rb5, Ra5 trying to trap the knight like that ? Although I assume white could go Bc4 after Rb5 taking advantage of the blocked a4-e8 diagonal and after Ra5 defending the knight with b3. That would still win a pawn for black and I guess would be a similar position to what was actually played...
Suren Right now it doesn't interest me as much as playing and sharing my thought process. There are also a ton of channels that focus on quick analysis of famous games (entertainment, basically) and not so many that focus on the nuts-and-bolts of chess improvement. I feel I have a greater educational impact by dedicating my recording time to the latter.
Suren Thanks! And I just realized you are Suren! Keep it up with your channel...checked out your mountain videos and really like the outdoor concept :)
Hi John, love your vids!! One question though, why accept the doubled pawns?? Also why not play the centralising move like rd8, both of them are opposites what is taught to us beginners, thanks!!
whatever man Two reasons: 1) I get his dark-square bishop and my dark-square bishop subsequently has no opponent, and 2) the pawns control many useful squares (especially d4 and d5).
Boris Gulko has a game in 'Lessons With a Grandmaster' where he play 7...Be6! in a Queenless middlegame to force white to give up his bishop and double black's center pawns. He said that his idea was to take away all the center squares and give white nothing to attack. In the comments about the game at the end of the game, 'What I think this game shows is that doubled pawns in the center can be very useful if the opponent does not have the opportunity to put direct pressure on them. They are useful because they cover many squares and provide open files for rooks.' (Browne-Gulko 1991) Seems like Gulko would approve here! =D
Thank you! I have a waiting list right now and I'm not teaching a whole lot due to my GM quest, but if you're interested feel free to send me an email (you can find my email address in the "About" section of my RUclips).
mikecantreed i too like variety. Im just afraid that he doesnt get wrapped in contract with chess.com and they forbir him from playing on lichess. like they did with chessbrahs
![Wiz Khalifa - Khalifa's Home [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnrLCTe0Nz4/mqdefault.jpg)
Patrick's version: ruclips.net/video/b2fHKCZKigI/видео.html
John Bartholomew John what do you do when you have bad thoughts?
Gaming With Gregor 2.0 Accept them for what they are, and move on.
John Bartholomew thank you for replying! By the way I’m Chessplayer4936. Thanks for playing me on Sunday!
Through your standard series John, I was able to muster the courage to confront my grandpa after years of silence. Then, I remodeled my closet, applied to a helicopter flight academy, and helped a local raccoon family give birth underneath my porch. All thanks to your videos, John!
when I started watching your videos 2 days ago, I was 2699 Now I am 2701. Thank a lot you are always motivate me, you are the only reason I ever improved in chess
I am so honored you give me all the credit for pushing you to Super-GM level
Magnus watches John religiously, why else do you think he is so good?
Love the longer time control games, John. I think you are the best channel on RUclips to watch whenever looking to improve your chess skills. In the last year I have moved from probably close to 1500 to roughly 1800. I have spent practically no time looking into openings so I feel watching your games and commentary has gotten me to where I am. Any chance you could find time to stream on lichess and play subscribers? Keep up the great work, and good luck on getting your GM norm!
from 1500 to 1800 in one year is very impressive, congratulation! and I absolutely agree that John's channel is the best for improvement. my #1 hero in chess is Simon Williams, but when I seriously want to get better I always turn to John Bartholomew
Yeah simon plays very forward, somewhat agressive chess , also sac some pieces if needed but its not my style still. I went from lower rating up to 1322 in 1 year and a half . I like to watch the longer games of john he can make chess look simple and logic . If i would play a 1400 player like patrick i would be sweating 😀
these longer games are so relaxing, it's almost like a therapy, chess and John's smooth voice
I love your videos, John! You have the best chess channel on RUclips. I'm a 1650 USCF player and it's funny because right before you mentioned playing f6, I was thinking to myself about how that would be a move a beginner would make. But, as usual, concrete calculations trump general principles. Double isolated pawns are usually terrible, but not so much in this particular case!
John what happened to your grandmas story : (. After your game with fabi in icc you didnnt tell us
Sain Ismail Great aunt, not Grandma. And it might have to remain a mystery... ;)
Wow I think he played really well! Didn't take his time in the end but a lot of good decisions..
I went from 975 on lichess classical to 1244 in about a week or two partially thanks to your videos. I have been playing for about two to three months and people have said that I already play similar to a 1600. Thanks very much John!
Watching your standard games bumped my rating up 200 points lol (800-1000)
crisisofconsciousness You shouldn’t feel that way :)
crisisofconsciousness Oh yeah that doesn’t mix well with chess
thank you john, you are becoming the best chess teacher and communicator of the last decade.
my rating went up from 1400 to 2000 on lichess, and I continue to improve thanks to you
Greetings from Chile :) 🇨🇱
I was rooting for the other guy.
Patricide I'd hope so!
Love the time control! Like you said 25 is a lot like 15, but where you get a handful of moves where you can take a deepish think without giving away the game
Great video, extremely instructive. But I’m actually more eager to see Patrick’s video, see the differences in how a strong class player and a de facto GM approach the same game.
Thanks for this video. I really like your longer time control games. And congratulations to Patrick for playing such a good game!
Glad to see you back john :)
I was looking at g5 move for black around move 42, when it's supposedly a castle. It takes away pretty much all pawn moves from white and gives you an h6 if you want to loose a tempo in a zug-zwang. Thrilling ending to watch after the rook exchange though :) Nicely played!
Really liked this video as I play the Semi-Slav for black and love your discussion on the subtle points of the position. Good to know you also recommend the flexible Qc7 move recommended in Dreev's book. Back when you played the Semi-Slav did you opt for the Botvinnik or Moscow/Anti-Moscow? Given your solidity I would guess the Moscow but I'm curious if you've ever tried the Botvinnik OTB.
Glad you found it useful! I usually played 5...h6 or 5...Nbd7, and very rarely 5...dxc4. The Botvinnik Variation is fascinating but too sharp and theory intensive to make much sense as a main option, imo.
Awesome. Thanks for the reply. I opt for the h6 line personally. Theory on the Botvinnik is too intense for me. Starting theory on move 16 after Na4 or Rb1 is just too crazy for my taste.
I have a 38 inch curved monitor and put Chrome tabs on either side, synced this video with Patrick's version and played them together. VERY interesting!!
Wow what an excellent instructional video Minnesota Fins, these longer videos are worth their weight in gold. Living in the sticks like I do, I was wondering if all the air traffic in your neck of the woods bothers you, or have you become immune to it?
It's the first minute of your video - and you want to get your student out of book - isn't that kind of unfair because YOU ARE HIS BOOK? Or is he already that good that you have to worry? I#m very excited to look further... Thanx for all your videos!
_you_ are a book
On move 20, isn't Rc8 a good move for black?
I realize that Stockfish says b4 is best but you talked about liking your queenside structure so I was wondering about this.
Because if then white reinforces d4 with e3 (or Rd1) at the end of the day you can still give him a bad structure if after you do Bd4 and Rc1 to defend.
That would leave you at -1.3 evaluation at move 23, which is the same as you got to at that point, *but* with a more active rook, less material on the board and a better structure.
Would that be preferrable or just ok? Considering that Stockfish doesnt really give a damn about structure in its evaluation but we poor humans do :D
1 hour standard game? *Grabs cookies and milk*
Hi John because of you I have encouraged my school friends to make a team with me
Pleassssseeee share the link to Patrick's part of the recordingggg
Amelia Lee Just posted in the comments
thanks!
Thanks for the upload John. I like to play guess the move in these slower time controls
Hey John, I just competed in my first tournament in a few years. I finished with 3.5/6 and tied for fourth in a U1500 section. Do you have any advice on how to stop dwelling on an early loss? Thanks!
Hi John, thanks for your videos. Very instrucktive and entertaining. I have a question: Why don't your make your own coffee?
Thanks :) I occasionally make my own coffee, but I spend so much time at home (being self-employed online) that the coffee shop is my daily ritual to get out of the house.
have you tried growing coffee beans in the snow?
jason engler 😂
John needs his coffee or he would feel out of his element . He likes it cold also am i right 😂
At 1:00:17 how about a plan like Bd7, Rb8, Rb5, Ra5 trying to trap the knight like that ? Although I assume white could go Bc4 after Rb5 taking advantage of the blocked a4-e8 diagonal and after Ra5 defending the knight with b3. That would still win a pawn for black and I guess would be a similar position to what was actually played...
I wonder why John isn't analyzing tournament games???
Suren Right now it doesn't interest me as much as playing and sharing my thought process. There are also a ton of channels that focus on quick analysis of famous games (entertainment, basically) and not so many that focus on the nuts-and-bolts of chess improvement. I feel I have a greater educational impact by dedicating my recording time to the latter.
John Bartholomew but John we loved them games .... It's your choice though
thanks for the reply +John, we really value your efforts ;)
Suren Thanks! And I just realized you are Suren! Keep it up with your channel...checked out your mountain videos and really like the outdoor concept :)
Hey John, we have Caribou out here in Indiana too! Not bad coffee.
Where can I watch Patrick’s commentary
Love you John great game, i am huge fan:)
Hi John, love your vids!! One question though, why accept the doubled pawns?? Also why not play the centralising move like rd8, both of them are opposites what is taught to us beginners, thanks!!
whatever man Two reasons: 1) I get his dark-square bishop and my dark-square bishop subsequently has no opponent, and 2) the pawns control many useful squares (especially d4 and d5).
Boris Gulko has a game in 'Lessons With a Grandmaster' where he play 7...Be6! in a Queenless middlegame to force white to give up his bishop and double black's center pawns. He said that his idea was to take away all the center squares and give white nothing to attack. In the comments about the game at the end of the game, 'What I think this game shows is that doubled pawns in the center can be very useful if the opponent does not have the opportunity to put direct pressure on them. They are useful because they cover many squares and provide open files for rooks.' (Browne-Gulko 1991) Seems like Gulko would approve here! =D
John, shouldn't his online rating be higher than his estimated elo? Especially if he plays a lot online.
more standard games! they are amazing! Keep it up
You're the best John
Nice to see a student
Cool video John !
gg by Patrick Tang. Kappa. jkjk. woohoo more john on youtube and twitch Yayyayayay :DDD
I love you John
What about 14. Nc4?
thnaks laot sir you are teh best best chess coach and chess explanatior sir best bdst in the wrold sir
How can I become a student of yours John? Early congratulations on 50k subscribers! Any day now.
Thank you! I have a waiting list right now and I'm not teaching a whole lot due to my GM quest, but if you're interested feel free to send me an email (you can find my email address in the "About" section of my RUclips).
The beard suits you, sir.
These are the best
Love it!!!! You're the best!!
Anyone miss lichess?
Caslav Norisavljevic john does play on lichess
I like the variety.
mikecantreed i too like variety. Im just afraid that he doesnt get wrapped in contract with chess.com and they forbir him from playing on lichess. like they did with chessbrahs
rd2 instead of rb3 I think would draw the game
strong 1700-1800
Estimating on the low end so he plays more OTB and proves me wrong ;)
You look tired dude.
John looks fresh as usual my dude.