12-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Thought I’d Be Easy…

Whilst in New York City I played 12-year-old chess master Tani, who has beaten people such as Hikaru, Gothamchess and Botez. He is a Fide Master right now but has the strength of a much higher rated player. Read about Tani's story here: tanitoluwaadewumifoundation.o... Hope you enjoy this video!
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[@bizarrapmusic]

I loved that this kid can trashtalk now and then but he actually seems a pretty humble and down to earth kid, props to him, hope to see him beating great gms soon.

[@rosiefay7283]

He'll have to learn to stop doing that.

[@kidmanier]

@@rosiefay7283 yeah because Hikaru and Magnus NEVER trash talk. Grow a back bone

[@JaredBrewerAerospace]

I love speaking my thought process out to the opponent. Not like I'm trying to psych them out, I just want to get better.

[@magnet_ft_rylles]

​@@rosiefay7283 I don't think he tts all the time, only against hustlers no? Not sure tho

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@kidmanier - I'm interested in why you say "Grow a back bone" to @Rosie Fay? Could you explain what led you to say that because I'm struggling to find anything about her comment that implies weakness/cowardice. Many thanks

[@aghilas2299]

Pro tip: if you play against a 12 yo and he starts asking about the weather in a different country, you may as well resign.

[@thepursuitofknowledge5245]

Respect!

[@davidwang5128]

facts

[@molikeur]

I dont understand the logic behind

[@IceyFlame500]

@@molikeur it means he has so much time to kill that he found time to think about how the weather is in another country

[@dantro6594]

it's like 12 year old Magnus getting bored waiting, leaving the table, dilly-dallying, while Kasparov is thinking, then after Kasparov makes a move, he meanders back to the table, takes a second to think and makes a mind-blowing move, then goes off to do kid stuff. Very intimidating

[@ramachandra776]

Tani is incredibly tricky and not afraid to take risks . Hope he gets to GM sooner than later .

[@TheNameOfJesus]

What makes him an underdog that everyone will love is that his family lived in a homeless shelter for a while because they were refugees. If I were him, I would be proud of that and I would try to give myself a nickname that reminded people of that. Using a website, the only word I could come up with that starts with a T is Tramp. So he could be "Tani the Tramp," which is alliterative. Charlie Chaplin was called the Tramp, and everyone loved him for it.

[@John-yw3jc]

NO

[@kahunalaguna8999]

@@John-yw3jc YES

[@John-yw3jc]

@@kahunalaguna8999 why yes? any particular reason?

[@kahunalaguna8999]

@@John-yw3jc why No any particular reason?

[@AlliSinned]

I love how confident Tani is without having an ego; he knows exactly how good he is and talks from that position without coming across as overconfident at all.

[@Mr.-J-2024]

I had the same observation you had as well. No need for me to add a comment now.. LOL :- )

[@gavriil8662]

He is overconfident it‘s obvious to everyone

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@TheCyborgFalcon - everyone has an ego and Tani doesn't seem short on ego or confidence to me. He seems like a sweet kid who lives in a bit of a fantasy world (as kids often do) - I wish him luck but doubt he has any chance of becoming a GM next year.

[@cheddarsunchipsyes8144]

@@gavriil8662our telling me you wouldn’t be that confident if you were 12 years old and close to GM level?

[@slitch4410]

@@gavriil8662 No he is not. Everytime he is struggeling or unsure he is saying it out loud.

[@Jdwmaguire]

Being Deaf myself I rely on auto captioning 99% of the time. For the first time I actually had to turn it off because you PROVIDED it here. So easy to watch and you got yourself a new subscriber! Thanks for that! Hope to see more of this!

[@baphometic8767]

anna is deaf? i'm guessing hard of hearing?

[@patrick3294]

​@baphometic8767 she isn't deaf the poster is. He appreciates that she provided an accurate CC instead of the auto youtube one that's wrong a lot

[@claughlin]

My son is deaf. We both really appreciate the captions. Thanks for including them.

[@ericm4426]

Can you read lips?

[@Jdwmaguire]

@@ericm4426 I read hands 😉

[@ykniPyM]

I love his charisma, such an exciting game to watch. I hope he goes really far with his years ahead.

[@ggerardsainsbury7522]

Nice!

[@Uniqueguy222]

Unfortunately that kid died

[@EELLISON2012]

@@Uniqueguy222 Tani Adewumi died. Wow! When!

[@aidanprinsloo5473]

@@EELLISON2012 He isn't dead

[@firepillow]

Most people can get close to gm if they just memorize everything

[@JEZZE4322]

It’s crazy how a 12 year old saying I hope to become a gm this year isn’t completely ridiculous 😂😂

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@JEZZE4322 - whether or not it's ridiculous depends upon his position at this moment. Becoming a GM requires more than just a high elo. He has to get 3 GM norms too.

[@bbgun133]

Bruh I’m 14 and just learning all the basics of chess, id say i started like 1 or 2 weeks ago. I don’t have dreams of becoming a GM but i want too not suck

[@ieorlich]

Well, I know it's about many games to judge someone's level. But, If I judge just by this only game (without knowing who he is) I would say he will not become a GM this year. He kind of went two times for a ''gambling'' position at the mid-game.

[@marrodeur75]

Many GMs became GMs at his age.

[@user-ot2rw5gu2s]

@@marrodeur75 False.

[@sports12t]

To anyone wondering why the eval bar skyrocketed at 2:40, here is why: If you put it into an engine (I did), Nxd5 wins because it attacks the queen on b6 along with the bishop on b4. Because the d5 pawn was defending the knight, after the black queen moves, the knight on e4 has only 1 defender meanwhile the white bishop and queen are attacking it. Therefore, white will win a piece. Hope this helped!

[@RafaelGonzalez88888]

tyvm for explanation was wondering this

[@sports12t]

@@RafaelGonzalez88888 you’re welcome

[@alexaras5767]

I actually stopped to think about it when I saw it and I found this sequence of moves which I am proud of... But only because I knew that there was indeed a really good move to be made.

[@kether82]

Nd5 was easy to see, what I missed is the next part.

[@zzzm1k3zzz]

@@kether82 Same here. I was wondering why Anna didn't see Nd5. Seemed to me like a free pawn while kicking the queen.

[@HumptyDumpty-os7ie]

This kid has a phenomenal attitude.. Whomever raised him, I applaud you

[@Scott-bh2qb]

He raised his parents

[@lidor5938]

Whoever*

[@calicoesblue4703]

@@Scott-bh2qb Lmao🤣🤣🤣

[@zorbajevon]

Tani's family came from Africa government wanted to kill his family over religion. They fleed to America. He learned chess in Africa within a year of being in America he won a New York youth championship.

[@beastinthesky6774]

As a Nigerian immigrant who fled extremist violence in Nigeria, was granted asylum in the US, and learned chess while staying in a NY homeless shelter with his family, he has quite a story and it clearly an extremely resilient boy. His parents have had very difficult lives but yes, they clearly must be very good people to raise a kid like this, especially through such hardships.

[@viktorvondoom9119]

I remember his victory dance when he beat Botez. Good to see him again. Awesome kid

[@ashley5130]

yeah that victory dance was so memorable and classic he needs to do it one day if he beats Magnus lol

[@JasonPryor]

5:16 to 5:30 - a perfect example of the ten-thousands of inner dialogues that must take place on one's path to GM

[@GregTurismo]

This kid is so nice, and so is Anna. Very wholesome chess match.

[@richardhammer187]

He's cocky, but also ambitious, so he'll probably go far.

[@teunkersenboom9158]

@@richardhammer187 Silence sinner

[@richardhammer187]

@@teunkersenboom9158 Rennis ecnelis

[@teunkersenboom9158]

@@richardhammer187 Silence i'm in charge

[@iankemp1131]

Yep, agree - so I really don't like the title for this video, where does Tani say he thinks Anna will be easy? He didn't seem to disrespect Anna at all, no trash talking in this video. And then he beat Anna fair and square. In fact she made it easy for him by making at least one blunder (missing Nxd5 for instance).

[@gieaudio8762]

Great kid, humble, respectful and self confident at the same time, I hope he will reach his goals

[@kevinaronyk6081]

It's so encouraging to see things like this on line. Not so much because it's an interesting chess game, which it is. But because it's great to see a couple of young people engaging in something which is challenging their mental acuity. And approaching a competitive activity with such comity.

[@Pitashri101]

Wonderful to read such a positive and reassuring comment, Gratitude.

[@Adam-wt5id]

This kid gets chess! He has a great attitude and he clearly keeps pushing himself to learn more. He has great banter and is very playful. Seems like a great young man that really enjoys the game

[@kevinstogner9477]

Anna's not just a Chess gem, she a real gem in life. ...so happy, so bubbly, always that giant smile. ...611K others agree. GG Anna

[@alisonkempster4229]

This interaction is so beautiful to watch! Not a chess player so, beyond positions, I don't understand what they're saying; it sounds like a different language(!) but Anna and Tani's minds are whizzing along in the most mesmerizing way! It is a privilege to watch such higher brain power at work! And they are both so lovely!

[@erinhansen2110]

Great kid with a nice personality. He'll go far in life. Don't ever change Tani.

[@ElRobinson9866]

I will be following him

[@rationalinvesting730]

Anna is so kind and very respectful whoever she interacts

[@angelthman1659]

Why wouldn't she be, he's a star.

[@teatears7611]

star or not, she’s not required to be nice.

[@benjaminjones150]

She’s Swedish they’re pretty much all like that

[@barrywallace2744]

@@benjaminjones150 Exactly, Sweden I would say are in the top friendliest nations in the world.

[@laurencechien]

So if you’re non nice and act like Hans then stars be successful??!

[@miltontalen4386]

The soon becoming gm looks soooooo confident

[@JeremyStreich]

Man, he's something. That middle game was something else, I wasn't sure who was winning or not because he took so many risks. I feel like there was a right move that Anna could have found that would have unwound that middle and given her the advantage -- but I have no clue what it would have been, and both of them are SO far above my level that I could be completely wrong.

[@Overlordsen]

Two of the greatest personalities in the chess community meet each other. Its so nice seeing young chess player beeing both very confident/optimistic as well as very gentle/honest at the same time.

[@Chrispbacon94]

I kept seeing your name around other people I’ve been watching but this came with enough time to sit and enjoy and I’m definitely subscribing I love your vibe while you play. You talk through the game and don’t gatekeep your playing. As a beginner searching for teachers I love that!

[@altonbrek]

This game was so much fun to watch. Tani is exceptionally talented and Hannah managed to pull the game into uncharted territories - that created a really dangerous counter- attack. Tense!

[@leefleer]

Their conversation is enriching my soul. Smiling and… feel at home for some reason. Thank you for sharing.

[@WTHuck-]

I like how she’s teaching. It’s good to win but when you win while lifting up the next generation

[@1scubas2]

She lost though

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

I don't think she's teaching this kid much. He is the better player.

[@socialscience88]

She isn’t teaching him anything, he’s the far superior player. He’s 3-0 against her at this time. You think I could teach a top high school recruit about basketball?

[@lowestmoose5357]

this kid is has such good energy. these two are so wholesome :)

[@josephwaters2792]

This was charming from get. Tricky, good natured and fun all at the same time. The misdirection was deep. Very enjoyable, warm and respectful channel you got here Anna!

[@schwurbler6848]

The young Kid had extremly Fun! I hope he will be GM soon!

[@brendathompson3758]

love both of their sportsmanship so much. bravo 🙌

[@LATINCLASSICSByMiguelito]

Wow Tani congrats Fantastic game. Hope you reach GM soon All the best kid

[@Lew114]

I’m so glad I found these videos. They are a joy to watch. I’m so impressed with that kid. A good player and a good sport too.

[@joehart3481]

This was a lot of fun to watch - both personalities and banter made for a really fun match!

[@leadix01]

The eval bar just goes crazy in Anna favors so many times i wonder what move she missed

[@romanvercier3556]

well at first i think there was a fork on d5 like tani mentionned but after that i have no clue

[@aprylvanryn5898]

It was what the young master pointed out. She should have went queen e4 at about 6:35 she could have had a mate in 1 if she saw it.

[@Warcheiftan]

to be fair it didnt go "crazy" plus 3 is only up a piece.

[@Warcheiftan]

@@aprylvanryn5898 she couldn't with all the checks, pawn push was a check, promotion was a check

[@robertrichard2322]

@@Warcheiftan It went +6.7

[@maibemiles3904]

What an awesome young man! I really enjoyed the friendly banter!

[@karl-spd]

at 7:26, the eval bar jumps back up as Anna can play Knxh7, it creates immediate pressure on the black king through a discovered check. If Black moves bg8 to block, then you can take with the bishop and through a series of checks with the queen slowly climbing up the board, she'll potentially even out by taking the rook. Just for anyone interested

[@christophermclin1509]

i agree instead of Qnhx5 i wouldve went QnxG4he most likely wouldve moved pawn to gx6 or gx5 i then wouldve Qnxh3 and went from there. wonder how that route wouldve turned out but kids amazing

[@ariadnepyanfar1048]

This was like watching an episode of Queen’s Gambit when the friends are playing each other, lifting each other up, discussing the game and what they are doing instead of being silent in hopes of tricking an opponent.

[@manny2092]

Geez! That kid is a monster! That kingside attack was a fair idea for white...the prodigy just defended like a beast!

[@Gamingtrevor]

New Subscriber. So much respect for you highlighting someone else's win and career, but also because you have an amazing personality, fantastic visual presentation with your videos, and a great format for a channel. Cheers!

[@willbatman5234]

What a charming and humble young man! I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.

[@RokDAWG1]

Ok yeah this is so awesome!I love how this kid can deliver in a funny, trash talking strategic manner while just being a kid! This is another awesome video!

[@deiu9999]

Wow, what a nice match. I am dumb when it comes to chess so I cannot express any thought on the game itself but the flow and the conversation were so nice.

[@joanharmonize]

I've been drawn toward this genius kid ever since the video where he trash-talked and beat another girl trash-talker. Something so cool and mature about him for his age that I find endearing. His future is bright and I hope he not only goes on to become a GM but actually tops the chart.

[@spelaeologus]

Love the friendly banter -- fun to watch!

[@keepingitclassy3185]

they look like they head so much fun I was laughing along. this is literally so pure

[@Kai_7901]

This young man is going to be more than just a grand master one day.

[@CrimsonHelldrake]

what more is he going to be then?

[@ronj7658]

​@@CrimsonHelldrakegenius?

[@andrewmack7614]

Amazing game from two talented players. Thanks for content!

[@iainwalker4285]

I have enjoyed your posts for sometime Anna, and have loved watching you wipe people out, with your kindness and ruthlessness .this may be my favourite video yet, the respect and joy with Tani;s and yourself is awesome...... that kid is going to go far....

[@JesseDishner]

Tani is such a nice kid and a beast at the same time. His best element of chess is his trash talking. I bought your book Tani!

[@johnle1535]

At first I thought he was a snobby lil kid from previous videos when they make him trash talk. But I can't wait until he's a grandmaster, he's so polite. Rooting for him.

[@chad1755]

The Botez effect -- they're trash talkers. Anna is just a nice person, so Tani had no reason to trash talk back. Nice to see he can hold his own but also have a pleasant game of chess with another pleasant person.

[@angelarredondo611]

The kid seems like he’s having fun and he’s humble. I like it

[@n12gaming]

GJ young man! I look forward to seeing you in the future... See you at the TOP 👍

[@brucecrane9605]

Love to watch these games where you and your opponent narrorate your moves. That was fun to watch.

[@marlondalesmith]

That was amazing to watch! Well played Anna 🙏🏿

[@Bawamba]

Haha I love how he share his thoughts! It feels like an adventure and he get happy when he come up with a move in the head :D

[@kyleomara4932]

Such a great game - very well played !

[@T1J]

its been cool watching this kid grow up. he seems chill as hell

[@joanharmonize]

the only problem is, Hell is not and won't be Chill. Just sayin'

[@teunkersenboom9158]

@@joanharmonize Sillence sinner I'm a white men from Europe

[@arturog17]

You gotta LOVE this kid!! Not only extremely good but such a beautiful attitude and nice chemistry with Anna!!💕

[@goadken]

I've watched so many of your games and this kid was phenomenal. I'll be watching him from now on as well!

[@YoridMNT]

Love how brilliant tani is, he is such a excellent prodigy

[@Dante-fk4yi]

Tani

[@coachmcguirk6297]

Can anyone explain why queen B6 at 2:39 was such a losing move? Anna didn't see it either so the eval bar went back after her move but for a second she was like +7. Anyone see the tactic?

[@sinistrdairy2971]

I think because the knight on c3 can take the undefended pawn on d5 and fork the queen and bishop

[@sinistrdairy2971]

it also threatens a check on the king as well

[@helielzel]

Because of Kxd5 apparently (i checked with the engine), the quee nhas to go to d8 and then Anna just wins a piece with Bxe4

[@alexeyveshchikov2969]

Ran it through the engine, and the tactics is actually easy to spot using the standard CCA checklist. It's Nxd5 (free pawn!) attacking the queen and also removing a defender of the knight on e4. The engine line (Stockfish might find something better, got a very old one) was .. Qd8 Bxe4 Nxe4 Qxe4. After a few move the position settles down with white being up a knight and a pawn and +5 on the eval.

[@zorkchess]

Because after Nxd5, attacking the queen, the queen moves, bishop takes the knight on e4 makes white up an entire piece

[@gilliantracy7991]

What a great young man! I see much success in his future!

[@K4M1K423]

I love his confidence and enthusiasm. Good to see.

[@Debunked86]

Future is bright for this kid.

[@mikecantreed]

Seems like a great kid. Rooting for him to achieve GM

[@danielward7008]

If he's an FM by 12 then reaching GM level within a few years isn't in doubt. The only question is whether he can reach the very top.

[@mikecantreed]

@@danielward7008 Or he could switch his focus to school?

[@danielward7008]

@@mikecantreed I think when someone reaches such a high level at such a young age it's pretty nailed on that they're destined to become a top chess player. History tells us that.

[@richardhammer187]

​@@danielward7008 or top "insert vocation here", historically the same applies to everything really.

[@bc1173]

@@danielward7008 l don't know a 12 year old FM is that uncommon in todays chess. He'll be 13 in 3 months and people have become GMs at 13... and there's a pretty significant difference between an FM and GM

[@detah1]

Wow. Love this kid. Good job. Great positional skills.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

This kid's got a good heart, and a brilliant mind. Godspeed Tani!

[@DJSt3rling]

Awesome to see some young celebrities on this channel! Hope Tani earns GM soon!

[@ayesaac]

I like this guy, hope to see more of him.

[@jsphcle]

You had some really interesting positions Anna. Also never a dull moment watching Tani

[@jonstolarski]

cool that she's showing him her mind, helping him get even better. and vise versa! They're helping each other learn. very cool.

[@CatusMagus]

Tani is an absolute gem! 😄

[@mhmuod9]

He still blunders the handshake tho !!

[@hybridwafer]

Actually he drew. He started rock vs paper, then paper vs rock, then rock vs rock.

[@mhmuod9]

@@hybridwafer 😂😂😂

[@michalalicky3300]

Yey new video from park. I love this type of videos.

[@idrisryan503]

I really hope this kid has quality sponsors,, he's going places!

[@hesik3461]

A classic chess handshake at the end

[@WarrenVanWyck15]

Ugh, you had this one, Anna! It was a fun watch. You'll get him next time.

[@MrCvjalexander]

This was fun to watch. They had fun and appreciated each others game. I don’t know a thing about chess, but I enjoyed this immensely

[@cbeserra]

What a really nice young man! Fun game to watch 😊

[@morganmarshall450]

Great game, very fun to watch!

[@alimabrok9328]

Extremely talented player I feel like he just needs to be more consistent but I’m sure that comes with experience and age , can’t wait to see how high he climbs up !

[@milukutusydney3123]

He needs a coach

[@ryanjohnson4565]

What does consistent mean here

[@christophermclin1509]

thats what im trying to see, she said in the video he already beat her twice and then he beat her again on this video. now THATS consistency😂

[@calicoesblue4703]

@@christophermclin1509Yeah, she has a video about it. He beat her twice online & he beat her here in person.

[@DavidKimberAuthor]

Really enjoyed the banter, both casual and talking about the game while playing! Tani is going to replace Nakamura as the US #1 if he keeps on this trajectory.

[@dcmsr5141]

Anna thank you for bringing this video, between you and other Chess influencers I feel Chess is making a comeback. This young man I'm sorry he's still a child, is the future of Chess, we are in good hands.

[@mariyatakeuchi9009]

man this made me feel behind in life

[@EmanPlay]

Yeah don't worry 99% of us are on the same boat. You're behind in life just in comparison to one in a thousand people so don't worry too much about it 😂

[@neckenwiler]

Tani has as much charisma as I’ve seen from any kid his age

[@farab4391]

One of the most important lessons in life … the sooner you learn there’s always someone better/bigger/stronger/etc. than you, the better 👍

[@LeperMessiah1977]

I don't watch much chess but enjoy hearing you talk about tactics whilst playing.

[@di380]

Yes Anna, show this kid you also have the potential to became a GM!😎

[@somethingshibe9526]

Its fun to see anna as the underdog so much when she is so highly rated😊

[@GalloPazzesco]

That was a really really really FUN watch! Thank you all so much.

[@PlymouthVT]

That young man is a baller. Great game.

[@Warcheiftan]

this is so wholesome 🥰

[@Pe11ePD]

The kid is very charismatic and way older than he looks. Kudos to him!

[@adewilson132]

Way older than he looks? How old do you think he looks, 8? 9? he looks like an average 12 year old to me which is how old he is.

[@socialscience88]

Looks like most 12 year olds.

[@mm6705]

I really like how both players were very vocal with the moves they were thinking about and doing, helps a viewer like me who doesn't really know much about chess, but enjoys the content. I've heard "tactics" before but don't know what it means, also what is compensation...if anyone wants to explain

[@vqfive]

I love the communication between them fun to watch there thought processing

[@mistereearly1141]

This woman is so beautiful and intelligent and cheerful. God bless her

[@Flashyfinancier]

When you wrote that this kid beat GothamChess and Botez...i was like aiiight 😐...but after seeing he beat Hikaru..i was like ok he aint joking now 🤷‍♂️

[@myblacklab7]

Fantastic! I've never heard the basic thinking of chess players spelled out so clearly - "this is theory," "this is tactics," etc. I actually just fully realized what chess theory is, and why Bobby Fischer was so upset about it.

[@rwsmith7638]

Wow, thanks for introducing Tani to us. I think that very soon he will not need an introduction.

[@rianrafi2944]

"in chess you don't fist bump" this should be a rule

[@alfredpullan1457]

I say there must be only fist bumps. Stop making the game more nerdy than needed.

[@Tasmanaut]

@@alfredpullan1457 be a man and shake hands. Only nerds don't like shaking hands.

[@teunkersenboom9158]

@@Tasmanaut I'm in charge here