Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Black Knights' Tango!

[@kronk5072]

As someone who loves playing offbeat and aggressive openings that force the game on my terms, this is a perfect choice! Thanks for this video. Between this and Mios series,I feel like I can learn this opening in a compotent way. It's a great pairing since the other opening I aim to learn is the alekhine!

[@TheChessGiant]

It seems like you and I think very similarly! I too think that offbeat and aggressive openings are a ton of fun, mix things up, and give the chess player the ability to have some creativity. Glad to hear you enjoyed this - to me it's almost an Alekhine's Defense but even more dangerous because the knights come to the kingside and are a threat against the opponent's king. Always feel free to send me some other openings you'd want to see on channel if any come up!

[@kronk5072]

@@TheChessGiant Considering the d4 c4 move order is becoming less common, I think a more detailed video on legit anti london strategies (it can be both regular and jobava) would be beneficial. Since I go 1. Nf6 against d4 either way, my preferred line is Nf6 c5 Qb6 . However, I don't get enough practice against the london as of now. I know you did the short bishop trap video, but that isn't as aligned with Nf6 . I don't have much prep against the Jobava London either. That said, I don't feel it is necessarily too troublesome. Would you consider doing a video on how to play against the trompowski? It is a huge pain for myself (and I'm sure others as well).

[@kronk5072]

@@TheChessGiant While this isn't related to the video suggestions, I do have a follow up question. Based on the paradigm I mentioned in the initial comment, what openings for white would you consider as a main weapon? The scotch has been okay, but 1.e4 doesn't really force the game on my terms the way my black openings do. I'm seriously considering the nimzo larsen.

[@TheChessGiant]

@@kronk5072 This is a great video idea - both preparing for the Jobava London and the Trompowski Opening! I planning on making these from the white perspective soon, but I should soon make a series for the 1. ...Nf6 player who has to face stuff like this, great idea. I just added this to the list of chess videos I want to make!

[@TheChessGiant]

@@kronk5072 Ya great question, it is interesting how our style can make it easy to find openings for black but a little harder for white as we in some sense beginning determining the direction of the game. I am going to recommend a list of openings, if any of them interest you, I will drop the links at the bottom of this comment! If you are wanting to play 1. e4, I will recommend 3 potential options, one of them is a response against e5 with the Ponziani Opening. The Ponziani Opening isn't super well known and I'm honestly not sure why. I personally like it a lot more than the Scotch Game. It is all good offbeat chess, and black can fall into trouble QUICK even if they play normal looking moves. I will post the overall theory video and the top 4 traps video. This is playable at all levels of play and I've got some quick wins against expert level players. Against the move e6 with the French Defense, I love the Reti Gambit! I've been playing it a ton lately, and most French Defense players don't even know what it is. It is playing 2. b3 and then fianchettoing the bishop, potentially losing the pawn on e4, but getting a TON of compensation for it. Whether black accepts the gambit or not, we are going to force the French Defense player out of their comfort zone. Against the Sicilian Defense, the Delayed Wing Gambit with 2. a3 is fantastic, a favorite by GM Simon Williams who actually used it in to win one of the biggest games of his life. Seems very odd, but it is a great system. And, again, why play "normal?" For non-e4 openings, first yes the Nimzo-Larsen is always a good option. It is like playing a Owen's Defense or English Defense but just a move ahead. I have used this a ton. If you have ever played the Caro-Kann, the Saragossa Opening is a good option with 1. c3. Kind of strange how many see the Caro-Kann as a top-tier opening but then the Saragossa "isn't great." It is the same thing but we simply get that extra tempo. The Bird's Opening is also solid, there are a lot of directions you can go with it, including the Polar Bear Variation! I haven't made a video for this variation quite yet, but many GM's have played it with great success. I know that was a lot, sorry if it was too much!! Just thought I'd give you a wide range of openings which I think you might like or want to try out. I will post the links below. Stay well my friend! Ponziani Opening - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH_bq2mtZcugr9U Top 4 Traps of Ponziani Opening - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYHRqHugm62jl7s Reti Gambit Against French Defense - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmfUpn53j8eeq80 Delayed Wing Gambit Against Sicilian Defense - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKTWdId8bsiLpJY Nimzo-Larsen - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6CcXn5ppNetZqc Saragossa Opening - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5O7l5-dftd2b7s Bird's Opening - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGbUf5ZoZdOdjJY

[@fanoflanguages7278]

Although I had heard of the Black Knight's Tango, I never realized how strong this opening is until I watched this video. Black is able to put White on the defensive in almost every variation! I will watch this video again and start using this opening today! Thanks Chess Giant for making another excellent video!

[@Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol]

You would be happy to hear, that he also made a video on alekhine defense, which is essentially this opening, but against 1e4, although in my opinion it's less dynamic since both knights end up on the queenside. Still in almost every variation (maybie except for squirrel lines) white is forced to defend overextended center and very often you can just win whole center for free off of single blunder. Only problem is that white can just choose not go into it and you will have to transpose into other opening with kf6 Edit: nevermind the transposition, I forgot the scandi variation (i usually go into pirc or a lion)

[@TheChessGiant]

I second everything you said Michal!

[@TheChessGiant]

I'm glad you enjoyed it my guy! Ya, I as well was surprised at how strong it is. I heard someone say that it is just as strong as other openings but that nobody plays it so I thought I would check it out... they were spot on. Amazing how white pushing pawns puts them into the defensive mode. I feel like this is an Alekhine's Defense but even better, as our knights our on the kingside in the end and pose a greater threat to the opponent's king.

[@diptanuchakraborty2397]

This is what i love about solomon he comes up with underrated opening theories

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you Diptanu! I personally was a little bit shocked at how good this opening actually is!

[@Scar1etSpid3r]

This video freaking rules

[@judahslion5611]

This is my main weapon against Queens gambit. Superb yet obscure opening to catch many off guard.

[@TheChessGiant]

Totally! It's a great chess opening system that deserves more attention honestly.

[@kriszed5329]

This is why I love this Chess Giant channel. Never heard of the black knights tango in all the years I have played, but it looks great

[@TheChessGiant]

Much love brotha! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@alancoe1002]

It's like a 1d4 mirror image of the Alekhine with 1e4. I could see Alekhine fans latching on to this. Never played it or had it played against me! So,again, you're giving us some great surprise value stuff right from the first 2 moves. Thanks, Solomon.

[@TheChessGiant]

You're spot on Alan! Definitely an interesting system that deserves more attention. Glad you enjoyed it, stay well my friend.

[@Dharmaku56]

Thank you for illuminating the black knights tango

[@TheChessGiant]

You're very welcome! Very fun option for black which could honestly be a lot more popular than it is!

[@johnp845]

Wow! Another JAM-PACKED 24 and a half minutes! Thank you!

[@TheChessGiant]

Glad you enjoyed it John! Thanks for the kind words!

[@khaeshchess3186]

Hi! I was a way from online a bit. I came online viola! My suggestion has been covered. The Black Nights tango a.k.a The Mexican defense. I will replay this theory packed golden video like examination tutorials. Thanks but pliz resist temptations to cover its refutation, our lives matter......keep going

[@TheChessGiant]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josecorreia7090]

Hi Salomón, your videos are excellent, and this one is too. At 15:30 the bishop at h4 is un defended and knight e4 attacks the Queen which result in loosing that minor piece. Thank you again for your videos.

[@TheChessGiant]

Glad you enjoyed it Jose! Glad to help. Ya if Nd5 is played we can snatch it off followed by the center pawn which results in black going up a pawn and compensation too. Hope you've been well.

[@victorchavez2217]

I personally recommend this opening to deal with queen's gambit, (also albin countergambit and some indian defenses, or just play the dutch), if you are not a master don't play main lines, even if you are a 2000 rated player, if you do so you'll be defending!

[@TheChessGiant]

Couldn't agree more Victor!

[@lewisbonnell2509]

i enjoy your videos, Solomon, ty. Do you have a video on opening repertoires for each color? I'm struggling to get to 1000 rating.

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Lewis! Glad you're enjoying the content man. I do not yet have videos on the repertoires. This is a great idea though maybe I could make videos for each side depending on style of play. What would you say is your style? Once you answer that I can outline some recommendations... Aggressive? Positional? Like rare/offkey openings to take your opponents by surprise or the most well-known options? I look forward to your response. That being said, here are 4 rules (or steps) that you can apply to ANY opening. Here they are: 1. Put a pawn in the center 2. Castle 3. Connect rooks (let them see each other) 4. Put the rooks on an open file and/or aimed at the opponent's king or queen just in case things break open A few things to AVOID: 1. Pushing pawns - and then pushing pawns - and then pushing pawns. We move the pawns so that we can get our back-rank pieces out. Simply pushing nothing but pawns will only give your opponents targets and make your position worse. 2. Moving pieces multiple times - obviously, this is sometimes okay. But, when avoidable, don't move the same piece twice. Keep getting all the pieces involved. 3. Don't bring your queen out to early - again, this is sometimes okay. A great example of this is the Scandinavian Defense. However, if you don't know what you are doing, your queen will just become a target and give your opponent more development. Hope this helps! Let me know your playing style and I will send you some openings to check out for each side!

[@keisuketakahashi3597]

Man this looks scary to play with black. But it really is interesting. I'm gonna try this .

[@TheChessGiant]

I'm glad you found it interesting Keisuke. Let me know how it goes!

[@people0n]

Thanks a lot

[@TheChessGiant]

You got it! Let me know how the Black Knights' Tango is going for you!

[@people0n]

@@TheChessGiant If god well ...inshallah when my internet going speed iam gonna show u how to win like that .. Thanks again

[@skyeruddell3196]

Well done, another top notch video.

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@skyeruddell3196]

Is there a Christmas Opening? 🎄

[@argentina8312]

Thankes man ilove watching this channel

[@TheChessGiant]

Glad you're enjoying the content Arge!

[@sandeepverygoodvedeo8693]

Thanks Sir

[@stephenloft835]

Hi Solomon! Yes, white playing for a black Nimzo structure is the best way to go. At around 22:20 you have Nc3 for white. What if white plays a3 first, then Nc3? My concern would be the black N on c6 with the c pawn still on c7. Black might have difficulty with a severely cramped position and would have to be very careful not to allow white space and the development to use that space for advantage. Would be very interested in your ideas on this. I play the Indian defenses and grabbing space while restricting white’s advances is always an overriding concern for me. Love your site! Lots of interesting ideas being discussed here.

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Stephen! Thanks for bringing up this a3 idea! I was just analyzing it and it's actually a very strong idea for white. I looked it up and the most common response against this at the master and grandmaster level is black playing d6, g6, Bg7, 0-0 etc. Here white looking at potential e5 breaks... hope this helps! I do think that black has a fighting chance here... but this definitely puts the pressure on black. Usually in a Nimzo-Indian Defense/Bogo-Indian Defense we would not want to fianchetto our bishop, but I think we need to in this instance to free up some space on that key e7 square. I can tell you know the game well, nice find. What are your thoughts on the Bg7 idea for black?

[@stephenloft835]

@@TheChessGiant I completely agree black has chances in this variation, black just needs to free up some space and fianchettoing the kingside looking for e5 and f5 breaks works well. I have also played for a c5, d6, e5 structure to close the center if white plays d5 with e4 and c4 then go for an f5 break to get the space on the kingside for operations their. I have read “My System” many times in my early studies so the positions from the French Advance and the Indian systems are very comfortable to me and their particular requirements are paths I enjoy taking. When g6 is used then the kings Indian can be very instructive to get a better feel for these types of positions and your video on that defense would be well worth revisiting for your subscribers; including me!

[@argentina8312]

Tango Argentina Ilove this ❤❤

[@TheChessGiant]

You got it!

[@people0n]

Iam learning a lot from u

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you brotha! Glad to help.

I really enjoy your content!

[@TheChessGiant]

Super glad to hear that! More on the way!

[@joannamaiden4459]

please make a video of black diemer gambit as d4 d5 e4 hope you will make

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Joanna, just added it to my list of chess opening videos I want to make!

[@iliabotvinnik6014]

I wish I could give Mr. Chess Giant (20) likes instead of one.... Thank You for some of the most instructive videos on this platform!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks a ton for that! Humbled! And honored to help!

[@tyrelljeffries2527]

I hear that the two Knights Tango often transposes into a plethora of different defenses.

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Tyrell, it totally can! I personally opt for the Bogo-Indian/Nimzo-Indian if white does not continue by making our knights dance.

[@joannamaiden4459]

hi solomon pls make a video of black diemer gambit as d4 d4 e4 as gambit hope you will make it

[@TheChessGiant]

Just added it to the list! Thank you!

[@detroned4202]

video suggestion pirc defense

[@TheChessGiant]

I like this, the Pirc is a top tier chess opening. I will make it a point to get to this one!

[@suryavajra]

Could the Grigorian Variation against b4 be akin to Alekhine’s Defense and the Black Knight Tango? Thinking about learning all three trying to tie together common principles and themes…

[@TheChessGiant]

I'll add this to the list thanks!

[@TeeGar]

Combined with the French you might end up with the last tango in Paris.

[@TheChessGiant]

Sheesh!

[@miguelfonseca1104]

better off learning the mikenas defense and the lituanian variation (1.d4 nc6 2.c4 e5!). Not only does black bypass 3.nf3 issues,black benefits delaying early nf6 due to h4 threats AND the unique 3.d5 bb4+ is a sound possibility as well.

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey just took a picture of this comment. I'll take a look at these openings. Thanks a ton for sharing!

[@RayT70]

What to do after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nf3 e6 4. a3

[@argentina8312]

❤❤

[@charlespg3d190]

3. nb8 is also viable

[@alexqdn8210]

add subtitles please, the previous videos were with subtitles.)

[@TheChessGiant]

At the bottom of the screen I think there's an option to add them! Let me know if it works thanks Alex

[@alexqdn8210]

@@TheChessGiant Unfortunately, the subtitles and the icon at the bottom of the screen did not appear.This problem sometimes occurs with other KZbinrs.)

[@calebrdz.6019]

I have heard of this opening under the name of mexican defense

[@TheChessGiant]

That is the other official name for this opening Caleb!