Chess Lesson # 52: the strategy masters live by

We finally have a strong and well organized opening course for White and one for Black. With these and the FREE beginner to master level playlist from this KZbin channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇️
Course on Black Opening (Counterblow) www.chessable.com/ramirez
Course on White Opening (First Strike) www.chessable.com/firststrike
Free Playlist (beginner to master level) rb.gy/hw61wt
All the Endgame Knowledge I have rb.gy/zels9y
All the Strategy Knowledge I have rb.gy/g1iqro
You are never going to look at the game of Chess the same way after this lesson! Become a more technical and strategic player with National Master Robert Ramirez. In this lesson we are going to take your game to the next level. It’s time to learn about Chess strategy. If we do this right, you will soon start experiencing what it feels like to defeat your opponent without them knowing why they lost. You will soon start experiencing what it feels like to win a game without any apparent material advantage or apparent checkmate threat.
If you have been following this Chess course, at this point you are one of two players: either you think of a knight and you think of a fork or you think of a knight and you think of a fork and also of outposts and how knights like to be in the center of the board. However, none of this is enough. Your Chess strategy needs a boost! We are going to start by analyzing one of my own games, which will allow us to get a strong foundation about Chess technique and Chess strategy. Then we will do three or four exercises taken from games of some of the best Chess players in history, which will allow you to practice and consolidate everything. Once we finish, you will know (1) how to identify an outpost, (2) how to create an outpost out of thin air when possible, (3) how to secure an outpost, (4) how to occupy an outpost and more importantly (5) what to do once you have your knight on that strategic position.
00:00 Intro
01:25 Lesson plan
03:05 Reviewing Coach Robert’s game (learning and implementing our 4-step Chess strategy
21:02 1st exercise from Smyslov’s game
28:30 2nd exercise to reinforce Chess strategy
34:08 3rd exercise from Botvinnik’s game (creating an outpost from thin air)
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/ @nmrobertramirez
You can practice and play Chess for free here (affiliate link): www.chess.com/?ref_id=18158666
My Book Recommendations: www.chesslessonswithrobert.co...
First tactics book: amzn.to/3tnUut5
Mixed tactics book: amzn.to/3vrbZul
Advanced tactics book: amzn.to/3rUlno9
Advanced tactics book (II): amzn.to/3bVdFVv
Carlsen’s book (excellent): amzn.to/3vwEMxy
Kramnik’s book (excellent): amzn.to/3cDlJsL
Pirc Defense book: amzn.to/3bQQefH
Endgames book: amzn.to/3cwxktM
Learn how to play Chess the right way from beginner to master level. National Master Robert Ramirez will take you up the pyramid by following a proven Chess training program he has been improving and implementing for over 10 years.
Benefits of Playing Chess:
​- Promotes brain growth
- Increases problem-solving skills
- It exercises both sides of the brain
- Raises your IQ
- Sparks your creativity
- Teaches planning and foresight
- Teaches patience and concentration
- Optimizes memory improvement
- Improves recovery from stroke or disability
- Helps treat ADHD
Chess is an intellectual battle where players are exposed to numerous mental processes such as analysis, attention to detail, synthesis, concentration, planning and foresight. Psychological factors are also present on and off the board; playing Chess stimulates our imagination and creativity. Every single move a player makes is the result of a deep analysis based on the elements presented on the battlefield.
Chess in its essence teaches us psychological, sociological and even moral values. In a Chess game, both players start with the same amount of material and time. The fact that the white pieces move first is considered to be practically irrelevant -especially because a player typically plays one game as white and one game as black. Consequently, the final result of the battle solely depends on each player. It doesn’t matter if you win by taking advantage of your opponent’s mistakes or by simply avoiding mistakes yourself. Truth is that Chess is an extremely individual sport and our defeats can only be blamed on ourselves and no one else. And this, in the end, only benefits us because we learn to be and feel responsible for our actions and never come up with excuses to justify ourselves.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

We finally have a strong and well organized opening course for White and one for Black. With these and the FREE beginner to master level playlist from this KZbin channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇ Course on Black Opening (Counterblow) www.chessable.com/ramirez Course on White Opening (First Strike) www.chessable.com/firststrike Free Playlist (beginner to master level) rb.gy/hw61wt All the Endgame Knowledge I have rb.gy/zels9y All the Strategy Knowledge I have rb.gy/g1iqro

[@paulpereira4004]

Can we just agree that Robert is simply the best chess coach on the internet? Many times when streamers explain "the strategy", I often wonder "But what if the opponent moved this?" or "Why did he move that?". Sadly this never gets explained by most others. Robert enters into the mind of a learner and often answers the very question they were just thinking about in an almost psychic manner. I don't usually comment on videos at all, but it would just be a sin to not give credit were credit is sorely, sorely due.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to comment. It is truly rewarding to know you are finding value in these lessons 👍

[@jonathansimbulan725]

You are definitely,obsolutely right sir,coach Robert is the only the best

[@mychessnotebook8653]

I've only watched three of his videos so far, and I can't argue with you.

[@Nagy50Magyar]

Amazing, Paul Pereira; I have just posted a comment that mirrors yours.

[@Skyscraper21]

I noticed the same thing. He knows what your next thought is going to be

[@dwaynelanclos2588]

I've watched lots of videos from chess masters where they identify a square that would be a good outpost for a knight, but none of them ever explain how they identified a specific square as an outpost nor how to secure the square. Invaluable lesson here and that last game from Botvinnik was just a beauty to watch unfold.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello Dwayne! Thank you for your comment. It's great to know you found value in this lesson. And I have to agree that last game was a masterpiece 💪

[@mmartel]

I strongly agree. The way you're covering outposts is incredibly well done. How to identify them, which pieces to trade, how to exploit them, and then several examples - it's all really well done. Thanks so much for this excellent content. You're a great teacher and content creator! 👍👍

[@lonewolf5238]

"I really enjoy seeing how the whole game is decided on a specific square. It's not even about winning a piece, it's not about attacking the king. It's just one tiny square." Damn. Never have I fully understood the tactical power of weak squares and outposts. Until now. Bloody marvelous. What an amazing teacher.

[@johnphamlore8073]

It's not an understatement that this might be the single greatest instructive video on chess on all of KZbin. The repeated examples of piece outposts -> attacks explains chess in a concise way I have seen nowhere else. Well done!

[@briangorman1079]

i tried this tactic after opening with the czech pirc and won by checkmate! regardless if it was a win or a loss, it feels so good to have a tactic in mind, rather than just guessing during the middle game. thank you for about the 18th time, robert lol

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are welcome, Brian! Thank you for your feedback. It is great motivation to read your comments and see you are finding these lessons useful!

[@floranteagustin8903]

I like this video

[@ashdreadeye6976]

One of the greatest chess strategy videos ever created 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Huge respect

[@kaankahveci1153]

we definitely need more lessons like that!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Oh they are coming!

[@sahtregon709]

I think this one is already enough 😁

[@aryankumarprasad1574]

It almost looks magical that a bad trade early on was the cause for Black's downfall. This is the kind of things that leads one to fall in love with the game.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

That’s absolutely correct, Aryan. The more we learn the more we enjoy and appreciate Chess! I am glad you liked this lesson!

[@skull-agar7722]

An IM taught me this concept years ago it was good to brush UP and remember thanks

[@sharedaccount2196]

one of the most influential chess videos I have ever watched

[@pasadenapsych44]

Exceptionally well explained.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you, Kalea!

[@johncroden6380]

I am a new player, less then a year. My goal is to enter an end game even or ahead. This video has greatly help me attain this goal. Now at 83 percent of my game’s get me to a Very good endgame. Prior to this video I never even considered an out post. Ty Ty please keep the videos coming.❤❤❤

[@MannanEpic]

I have watched so many videos on chess strategy, this was by far the best video ever. Keep up the good work 💪

[@robertstefan6971]

Surely one of the best teachers out there, the crazy part is that you not only teach chess, but teach how to teach through your teachings as well. Well done!

[@bluemerlin271]

This is gold! My understanding of the game just opened up a whole lot! Always struggled with the middlegame. Thanks a lot!

[@navjan13]

Thanks Robert. I am already effectively using pirc defence effectively which I learned from your video. I will now practice KIA and outpost tactic. Thank you so much.

[@danieldarby9953]

Incredible lesson! I feel like the middle game has become so much clearer, thanks to you. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I'm also having success with your Czech Pirc Defense from your other lessons because you explain so clearly with such relevant examples.

[@matthewadkisson99]

All your lessons are good. This one is next level. I feel like I finally have a solid plan for the middle game and will be trading pieces with a more specified intention from now on. Thank you again for these fantastic videos.

[@chilakashalemraju3668]

Really outstanding teaching! A layman can have a hang of the difficult stuff. Very very vivid and useful. Oceans of thanks!

[@nagee76]

Easily the most valuable lesson in chess that I have received in a long time.. and explained in a systematic way that allows me to understand what we are trying to do and why. I have always favored the bishop over the knight..but thank you Mr.Ramirez for such a wonderful lesson on how the knight can be used to such powerful effect, and the overall strategy of creating an outpost. As someone pointed out, you are very generous for giving these lessons for free.Thank you once again !

[@NMRobertRamirez]

That's so great to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. And don't worry about the lessons being free. I will charge you when you become a Chess master or a billionaire (whichever happens first) 😜

[@fazariro]

Thanks Robert. You're simply great.

[@hasanmahmwed8415]

The way you explain, it makes chess even more beautiful. You really are a great teacher

[@arjundeeppahwa8721]

This is the most important video ever made for chess learners. I mean - from this video one can learn how chess is really played. This video tells what chess tactics really are. This video tells why pieces are traded and how you should plan your moves. This video is answer to a million of doubts. Oh, thank you for doing this.

[@jonathansimbulan725]

I wish all the teacher like you,i have been looking for someone like you for a long time.thank you so much

[@stephentoroni738]

So good. When I go back and rewatch some of these I learn so much more the second time through!

[@joqiii3]

Something I really like with Robert's lessons are they are concise, great explanations, and they are not exhaustingly long. I try and do about two a day and then work puzzles. I am a beginner.

[@fenrirsreign]

What an absolute gem of a lesson. I loved every second of it.

[@AaronCheck-dx3ud]

With sincere gratitude, thank you. I wonder how it feels to know that you are a teacher to so many people whom you've never met. Truly, you are a wonderful educator, and your planning and concise information is appreciated beyond words! Thank you so very much for all of your work.

[@davidbatchelder85]

Just used your training and won, it is very reassuring when playing that game of chess, to be learning to gain a grasp of understanding the depth of the game. Thank you

[@masterpanda4726]

I watched many videos on youtube and i cant understand what they are saying but his coaching style is really easy to understand i will try to watch all of the course video ❤❤❤

[@yashpanchal5696]

I know I'm a bit late for these videos, but they are really helping me...thanks to our Coach Robert. It's the best channel for learning chess and I've already advanced a lot from the time I just started learning. Thankyou Robert for this free course💥

This video is a FULL book of knowledge. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@twinturbohenry]

Easily the most helpful chess video I have ever studied. Thank you so much Robert!!!!

[@Latitude30Four]

Thank you! You tell us what you are going to teach us. You teach us. You tell us what you taught us. Then we see it in practice. Exceptional teaching throughout your videos. This video in particular helped me see in a new way.

[@glashoppah]

Another big pile of solid gold from Mr. Ramirez. Thank you, sir.

[@Axiomatic75]

I only discovered your channel a couple of days ago and I'm incredibly impressed. You are a fantastic teacher! I've learned more from the 4 videos of you I watched than I learned in the past couple of months.

[@tahashlibek]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@stephenomokaro886]

This is the best chess lessons I've ever seen on KZbin. Amazing!! Thanks 🙏

[@AntonioMartinez-gu8sp]

Just came across Robert for the first time, this guy is a great teacher, great job Robert !!!!!, if U won’t to improve ur game, Robert is a must see!!!!

[@michaelallport5816]

Excellent presentation! Thanks a lot.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello guys! If you found value in this lesson and would like to continue to learn more about it, feel free to check out lesson # 121 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIrcYah9Yr16ga8 and Lesson # 132 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2YnamAapWGkJo Also, the games we used in this lesson can be found below 👇 Hope you find them useful 👍 www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1125461 www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1257953&kpage=1 www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1032622 And of course, like and subscribe to support this project! 🙌😎

[@akakartik]

thank you so much for these lessons ❤️💯💯

[@lefgia]

The fact that i ve spent literaly hundreds of hours watching other youtubers explaining openings, traps and systems and only now i finally found this one video, is making me tilt. Why didnt anyone else start with a video explaining what a weak square is and how to identify it and go on from there? As a begginer i believe this is the most important concept. I finally have a specific and measurable plan to try and execute and it works in every scenario. Thank you so much for this. This video is so good that I wonder why is it even free to watch. I d love to see more videos with tactics to create weak squares on the opponents defense and also how to avoid making them on my own defence. If he already has made such videos, please someone point them out to me.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello! Welcome aboard 😎💪 Just visit my channel and follow the lessons in order, practice consistently and I'll see you at the master level 👍 kzbin.info

[@dalton4842]

Wow! Been following your content for some time, but this is just incredible. Possibly the best explanation of how to take your game to the next level. Cannot believe you provide this level of content for free. I agree, I will never look at chess the same way again :)

[@user-kh6xl4yg1j]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@mylesbenetdyson6851]

wow today i really learned something very strong. Until now I have watched all of your videos up to this lesson and I have to say I don't know any other channel that gave me so much knowledge that my chess game significantly improved. thank you very much.

[@hello37175]

Brilliant. Thank you so much 🙏🏽

[@adamblomquist5581]

Hey Coach! I play the Pirc with black & the colle with white. Before I play I watch this lesson, #101 the colle & #52 about night outpost. I beat my buddy for the 1st time ever tonight using the colle!! I'm on a high! He's 1600, over 500 higher than me. I love being able to get into middle game with your systems, then knowing the plans & using tactics. What you teach is 100% the TRUTH!! I watch rewatch, some lessons 4 or 5 times. I play it out on my chess board I'm clean & sober for awhile now & chess is a HUGE part of my life. So THANK YOU so much for your teaching. It means more than you could know!!!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Congratulations Adam! 👏🎉 It is always nice to read a positive comment, but yours is truly rewarding. I have seen you go over the different videos and I know you have been putting time into your Chess preparation. That's why you are making progress. Keep it up and continue to enjoy the journey. Thanks a lot for sharing your success with me and hope you reach your next goal soon! 💪😎

[@tomw7784]

Absolutely great coach. Well done.

[@alwaysprepared]

Brilliant lesson! Very clear and easy to follow explanations!

[@fabriziojiki]

Rob your content is out of the roof. Thank you so much, you're the man.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you, Fabrizio! 🙌

[@TheVinylFactor]

Robert is an excellent teacher.

[@jeffrey5602]

this video is such a gem, i have never before found chess videos so interesting that i stayed concentrated for such a long time. You have a gift my friend

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thanks a lot for your kind words, Jeffrey! It is truly rewarding to read comments like yours 🙌👍

[@jeffrey5602]

@@NMRobertRamirez just watched this a second time the whole way through making these concepts stick. Now off to some blitz games :)

[@jdhalleine]

Definetly one of the most underrated strategic chess video on KZbin. So helpfull to setup a powerfull plan. Many thanks to share all these secrets

[@jongler9775]

This was a great great great lesson. Thank you for providing us with so much quality exercices. 1st exercice : I found the idea, but not the right way to do it. 2nd exercice : I found the correct moves very quickly. I felt proud, thanks to your teachings. A big big big thank you, coach.

[@bradman3346]

Thank you for this great lesson, truly fantastic. Thanks for all of the other excellent content you have provided too. I'm very glad to have discovered it recently.

[@salemtv5808]

this is incredible…i bought a lot of courses explaining middle games but this one is truly better than anything i got… Thank you soooo much

[@mshparber]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@sean_hare]

This is brilliant! You were right, this will completely change the way I analyse a position, and it makes so much sense too! Thank-you so much. I'm looking forward to seeing your other videos.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome, Sean! Glad to see you found some value in this lesson. You will certainly see a lot more of this from now on 👍💪

[@rickwilliams82]

Thanks for these tutorials. You are a really good teacher and your explanations are logical and easy to understand. I wish you 1 million more subs.

[@dcwang321]

These moves are so beautiful. Thank you for teaching me

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome!

[@sandilesk7201]

I agree. He is the best

[@misganawchekole8971]

Wonderful instructor! I could tell you really love the game! Great instruction sir!

[@richdilejohnnava6588]

you're the best! keep up the good work. you're helping a lot of chess peeps out there. thank you master Rob

[@thomasheaney2087]

Thank you maestro

[@GarciaPics]

Another outstanding lesson! Gracias Maestro!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You got it Carlos! 👍

[@castle1925]

Fantastic lesson offering positional and strategic plans!

[@carlbinch898]

You are learning me a lot of fresh ideas Robert, many thanks. Always hung on to my bishops unless forced, but not now.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are welcome, Carl! Happy to hear your game is evolving. You will like lesson # 74 too when you get to it.

[@ricardocolbert5493]

Coach I agree with Mr. Lanclos , I heard (find the weak square) many times over the years , this lesson makes finding the weak square ,and how to benefit from it crystal clear. Thank you(awesome lesson)

[@trevergrubbs2847]

This may be the most helpful chess video I've ever watched. Thank you.

[@nunoduarte4400]

This lesson is amazing, is pure gold! Very good content and is easy to understand. Thank you from Portugal.

[@jackdulin8242]

I only watched and absorbed half of this video so far, but I was still able to come back and win a game using an outpost after sacking a knight and a queen. Thank you for all the wonderful lessons, am looking forward to learning more from them in the future :)

[@user-ee7dg5qg2w]

Thank you very much for this AMAZING video ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@felipejco]

Thank you very much. This is a magistral lesson that shows the way to plann your game. Wish to learn more with your help. Saludos

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Un placer, Felipe! Feel free to ask me any questions as you go through the lessons. I am happy to help!

[@fabianojesus8418]

Vídeo excelente!!! Excelente didática!!! Excelente conteúdo!!!! Saudações do Brasil!!!

[@jamesmccauley4775]

Great job.you have a gift for teaching chess.

[@Victor-Chess-Ug]

The best chess Coach on KZbin

[@jamesnix4556]

Keeps it simple...... Not boring always educational.... great explanation......

[@svenskaapologetiksallskape527]

Great lesson with many insights thanks!!

[@yourdailydoseofstupidity9015]

Thank you so much this is the best chess lesson I have ever seen

[@Gbogdan232]

Awesome! You make it so easy to understand

[@matthewt3969]

I actually like these sort of videos even more than the tactical videos, because they reveal subtleties I've never realized before! I have such a hard time making the call between when I should be, say, pushing pawns forward or trying to set up tactics, versus making my way towards an outpost. It seems like I never find myself in a position where I can spend four knight moves landing an outpost! By the second move or so I find myself on my heels defending against an opponents attacks. You make it look easy sir! Fun vid.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Glad to see you enjoy this kind of videos, Matthew. What you are describing is normal since you have not gotten much exposure to these patterns. You might find forks and pins easy now because you have trained such tactical patterns. Now it is time to little by little do the same with strategic ones 👍

[@nolanclarke3428]

​ 4:21 @@NMRobertRamirez

[@roland.j.ruttledge]

Many thanks, great lesson, as ever UK

[@3Looy]

One of the best videos I watched

[@sankalpsuryavanshi4788]

This wasn't only a long but also a Deep lesson....gotta watch again so i remember everything I learned.

[@tedmorbo5779]

I really appreciate your idea.

[@Nagy50Magyar]

Really long lesson, Grandmaster Ramirez? No; a really perfect lesson, the kind I need; very clear, perfectly explained, and repeatable. I will watch it again. Thank you.

[@lastingfdreedom]

One of your best lessons

[@sagnik0397]

I can't thank you enought for this lesson. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH❤️

[@jusren]

Another helpful video! I never thought about working backwards for the Knight! That's so much more easier than what I was doing of just picking squares and working it out to see if it would work lol! Thank you for this!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome! It's great to see you liked this lesson. You will be seeing these ideas a lot from this point on in the course 👍

[@davidbatchelder85]

The courses are the best I ahve ever seen. Great.

[@OCLS-Crew_1]

He says it not exciting but for true players that are passionate about the game and want to improve to become amazing tactical and strategic players this is very exciting! You really explain yourself well thank you for your time this is the first video I found by you and you definitely have yourself a new subscriber, awesome video and I can’t wait to check out your other videos!

[@santosh680]

Mesmerizing

[@uKRyaan]

Fantastic video! So helpful! Really enjoying this series! Keep up the good work

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hey Ryan! Glad you liked this lesson.Thanks a lot for taking the time to comment 👍

[@rolandoorro1741]

Your explanations are superb, sir. Thank you.

[@randyranson84]

This is fantastic and thank you for sharing your knowledge of Chess strategy with us.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome, Randy! Glad you enjoyed this lesson. You will continue to see these ideas a lot throughout the course 👍

[@olamilekanadebowale2804]

Thanks for the lesson

[@luisllontopbarahona3188]

Very exciting class. Learned a lot about outposts... Thank you for the class...

[@devilkiller52]

Just discovered your channel. Thank you. I was so tired of losing games I know I could have won. My understanding through your explanations is growing exponentially.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome, Patrick! Let me know if you ever have any questions 👍