This Caro-Kann pawn structure always wins

[@dennisharrell2236]

I liked that you mentioned Eric Hansen doing a video explaining his moves. This is why I subscribed to your channel, you explaining your moves. You (and Ginger GM) are able to do this in a five minute game in an instructive way. Few people are able to do this. Three minute games are more iffy for this, and I have no idea why anybody makes videos of one minute games.

[@Foxtrot6624]

That first game was especially interesting to me, as the only pawn structure I think I understand correctly is an isolated queen pawn. My understanding of the situation is that you should always blockade the pawn, and trade off pieces as the open lines benefit the side with the ISP, and if you can remove the pieces before the pawn is pushed it becomes a long term weakness to target. Was there anything in particular in this position that caused you try a different approach ? Thanks.

[@banzaiburger9589]

Alex at the very end, what was your otb recommendation defense against QG? In the past I believe you mentioned Slav, but not really the reversed London for otb.

[@AlexBanzea]

I recommend the Slav (reversed london system) below 2200 works really well.

[@AAa-ff1jb]

Wow your commentary is top tier

[@AlexBanzea]

Thanks a lot!

[@ChessJourneyman]

The intro summarizes all the key challenges. The first game was also perfect - many old players like to play that knight retreating line (even older old timers, back when they didn't even have TVs or books but rather used cave paintings of their ancestors' games to learn chess).

[@alancoe1002]

That's exactly what I did.

[@crazyboysince1998]

Its like the first 50 seconds of this video was aimed directly at me 😂 i watch all your videos on jobava london then go play it and they play nonsense i never seen before and I dont know the refutation so it turns out to be genius on their part

[@CaroKann4]

very instructive as usual, but pls check your time management, as in many games it happens the same, very slow and lots of chat at the beginning, and then speeding up at the end with fast and pre moves, which makes it difficult to follow

[@banzaiburger9589]

I won 2 caro-kann games otb yesterday largely because of binge watching Alex's speedruns. I even got the pawn cube! Thanks sir

[@Fliiy]

pawncube takes another soul

[@randychristopher8195]

I really appreciate these Caro videos! I wonder if you would consider making a “structures to avoid as black in the Caro”. Or “this is white’s goal in the Caro, don’t let them get it!”. Type of video… thank you!

[@scottied82]

I’m the first game, sacrificing the queen and bishop for the two rooks and the simple end game is, as they say, “very instructive.”

[@javiersaturno9689]

why do you take the knight in f3 without hesitation (game 1)? There is no pressure from white on c3. What am I missing? Thanks for the video Unfortunately, I have gone from most recent to older caro-kann videos of yours

[@garyedwards55]

Thumbnail is so captivating lol

[@pablourosa1443]

It would be cool to see the evaluation during the analysis

[@thomasbastos3869]

Qxg1 in the first game was such a nice move. I love these tactics that simplifies to a winning k+p endgame

[@timbrophy]

Your queen disappears and reappears after both queen and rook take bishop d5

[@ManangGutaySiete]

I really like IM Banzea teaching us like this..for free..actually..i improved my chess games..after i watched all of his videos here...but one thing i always done in endgames...a multiple blunders..due to. Over thinking

[@jonathanbaughman]

Absolutely beautiful games! Super instructional. The pawn cube remains undefeated! 💪

[@AlexBanzea]

You goat 🐐

[@KDlearns]

Great video! I’m 1/1 in games that I got the pawn cube! I’ve never seen that b5 Bb3 Nc4 idea! Will keep that in mind for the next time I get the pawn cube!

[@AlexBanzea]

Thanks a lot mate. Long live the pawn cube!

[@richardfredlund8846]

really liked that last game with the pawn cube. Nc5 ! was not a move I would have considered and I play those sorts of positions a lot, so might even get to try it.

[@angelcarias1680]

As a 800 rating should I study the caro ?

[@AlexBanzea]

In my opinion, that is the best opening for beginners.

[@ChristianSoschner]

Fantastic

[@m42orion12]

alex,what's next for chessable? Good you mentioned your influences when starting out...

[@AlexBanzea]

Next Scandinavian Gambit then Caro Kann course (around april for the Caro)

[@m42orion12]

@@AlexBanzea I thought you would do your caro you tube course as a chessable...Look forward to it.

[@Fliiy]

A day late :) Yesterday I went for a Caro OTB, but he put 2.Ne2 ... yeah my theory ends there :D It was a weird game in the end

[@thetransferaccount4586]

ggg

[@billagap3213]

I love it when Caro Kann games go into the endgame where usually black has a superior pawn structure (or even an extra pawn at my level). Great video as usual 😊

[@walterbrownstone8017]

If you suspect a move is better than the engine you use then you just play the move and allow the engine to analyze that position directly. You'll know in an instant.

[@perm1730]

wow... you are a wizard at this game... it would take me a day to find the things you see in seconds

[@aaroncummins3525]

“When I was a kid, there were barely any KZbinrs.” I feel old. Thanks for the great content!

[@TimJapan]

Fucking amazing last game. I learned a lot.

[@pablourosa1443]

Infiltration with the Queen, down sacrificing the bishop momentarily was sick

[@AlexBanzea]

Thanks a lot. Got a bit lucky to have that!

[@wrathofpunjabi]

I was really surprised that u went for a Scandinavian gambit line over the caro for your chessable course. You have got such incredible instruction on the caro.

[@AlexBanzea]

Caro will be next after the Scandi!

[@orusanen]

Do you plan to continue your London system series?

[@AlexBanzea]

Yes sir!

[@mcronrn]

👏👏

[@Mal1234567]

You're cutting in on Levy's territory. He owns that territory, not you.

[@Mal1234567]

5:12 Levy recommends that you play Re8 in this position to take the e file. You should play that.

[@Mal1234567]

6:06 You played Re8 just as Levy recommended. A little late, but very good! Levy says your next move should be Nf8.

[@Mal1234567]

6:31 Instead you played Nf6?? How blunderful.