How to dominate Caro-Kann middlegames as black

[@adammundy8589]

Alex, definitely would enjoy you doing this type content with higher rated players so that obvious blunders are less common. Maybe the 1400-2200 range.

[@mikkkeyman]

Amen!

[@NeverStopSk8boarding]

Yes pls

[@stefantijink3102]

Yes!

[@mortenblouns9706]

Yes!

[@mileswhsbasketball]

Yes!

[@matt965vtec]

Alex Banzea is not only an International Master, he's a master of analogies 🤣

[@Patmos-John]

That moment between when Alex says “the” and “following game” when you’re just alone with your existence

[@Arezkkuzu]

I appreciate the graphics to show potential alternative moves in the positions.

[@ememade]

Alex - the hero we didn't deserve but needed I literally needed this video so badly on the Caro-Kann, thanks so much G

[@Jay-d4u3u]

I must say.. you have some witty analogies that really make you feel the emotion of the position. Thanks

[@kaidoChess]

2:25 showing the variation that could have happened off to the side like that is such an appreciated edit.

[@dougr5187]

Great video (and excellent videos always) Alex. It's really impressive how calm you are AND you are still teaching people with just 2 seconds left! (I realize that you've got time increments and also that you can beat 900-rated players in probably less than 20 seconds, but I'm approx 1850 ELO and there's no way that I'd have that sort of calmness with less than 20 seconds left!). Cheers.

[@spacejunkisforever6311]

Thank you for this video. I’m 1260 and literally just now played a game where a played the Caro classical variation perfectly - and felt a bit lost after as opponent played it perfect too. We had 5 book moves each in a row to open - then my position declined. Opponent blundered a bishop so I won luckily, but I came right to you after and saw this new video of yours. Good timing. Love your page. I’ve learned so much in just a few months.

[@bix3622]

I love this type of video. Where you go over specific ideas of openings. Please keep doing these!!

[@idkman9164]

Excellent explaination of the relationships, which is where all chess players struggle

[@CS-en5xz]

Wanted to say i really enjoy your videos. Im a low rated player and have doubled my elo from these videos. Currently trying to break through the 600 range. Thanks again

[@snortingnesquik3470]

Yay, another Caro Kann video! Keep them coming :D

[@flaviucalin]

I like watching every single game you play. I can't forget that game with Dina Belenkaya in the park and her amazement when losing. 😂

[@jackdabbs1633]

Link?

[@kaybee2286]

@@jackdabbs1633it’s on her channel

[@jonathansampson7450]

I honestly think you have the best mid/low elo content on youtube right now, thank you Alex! I just crossed 1k elo for the first time a few days ago 😎

[@mrodock]

First and last time!?

[@robwilliams3592]

Nice Videos...! An interesting variation is the Goldman Variation and black Kann players can get into trouble real quick... Would be nice to see a review of this line... Thanks Again...

[@Joecharbo1]

Man... Thanks for that. You're so a good teacher. I bought your 2 courses and its the best thing i ever did.

[@GeorgeSmyth]

Excellent explanation of the middlegame, which is where we all struggle.

[@AmrothAzaghal]

Alex I've watched sooo many videos on Caro-Kann but your content is by far the best. Thanks to you I've finally managed to understand the STRATEGY behind this opening and I'm having 80% win rate against E4... I'm not joking - it's not even fair 😅 I'm a beginner and I'm advancing like crazy. Now I need to get my other openings straight ;) I will now study your Vienna and King's Indian games :) Thank you soo much! :)

[@andrewwong6500]

Second again (I think)! I got some wins with the caro kann in my otb tournament! (Including a double rook sacrifice)

[@Wryyyyyyyyy21]

Day 2 here watching his Caro Kann simplified playlist. He always made me relieved from my stress from chess after i lost.l cuz of his jokes and overall understanding of the gameplay while chilling

[@MatthieuSCHREK]

I know the Caro Kann is rock solid. It's me who crumbles first, man.

[@marvelguy8101]

I love this guy's attitude! Alex, I think about how calm you are when you play, and it calms me down when I play. Love how much you enjoy the game. Your ethusiasm is contagious. Also, love your jokes. And, no, true Americans don't get offended!

[@fearlv1rattata]

The editing on this is really awesome to show the what ifs.

[@tunac2816]

I love all these videos you have made for caro kann so far. I'm always struggling out of the opening. Maybe the middlegame still doesn't feel natural for me but I really want to make caro kann as my main repertoire as sicilian has too much theory to learn.

[@Martin_Neal]

Time 47:50 , an unreasoned fear is a phobia: (e.g., fear of flying is aerophobia).

[@saapman]

Thanks for the excellent content Alex. I've improved after watching you. You are the best.

[@MagicAceVFXStudio]

Dude your analogies really makes me understand and learn more and better retention haha GReat video!

[@jongler9775]

Alexandru, you had me ! Talking about unimportant pieces while there's a juicy tactic screaming to be played. Twice I as highly starting to doubt myself : "What is he even talking about ?! There is a free piece hanging, and he ask about the bishop ? Am I mistaken once again ? " But, nope, not this time. I have to say your acting skills are quite good. By the way, how do I noticed those good moves ? I got beaten a LOT. Got tired of it. Learned. Of course still learning, hence my presence here. Thank you for your awesome content. It answers a lot of questions. You really have a knack to know our patzers troubles. At low level, we don't face the best move, and that is tricky too ! Matthieu

[@najifadhel8842]

Thanks Alex for this high quality video of our beloved opening ❤

[@spacejunkisforever6311]

Moving that pawn that’s in front of your king = drunk texting your ex and she sees it and doesn’t reply- or worse she tells your actual girlfriend about it. Dude- you are the king of analogies.

[@rodrigosiqueira10]

Really enjoying your content, Alex! Soon you will see the Brazilian crowd around here and supporting you. Onward!

[@AlexBanzea]

Too kind of you!

[@snortingnesquik3470]

Seems like everyone recently is starting the advance with Nf3 instead of d4 before pushing e5.

[@AlexBanzea]

Exactly!

[@mannylokzzz]

I’m a simple man. I see an Alex Caro Kann video, i like and favorite immediately. I’m 500 in blitz and just scored 1350 in my game review thanks to you… I hear this in my head every time I see 1e4 openings.. “getting another game with the black pieces, let’s see what opponent has in store against our beloved Caro Kann”😂🫵 you really are the best though, your calm demeanor in situations where I’d be shitting myself, the banter, totally unpretentious explanations.. love it all to bits you’re far and away my favorite

[@d3n4c3]

Wow dude I just upped my game so much from your explanations.

[@mauricionavarrete10]

Alex... Los que te compramos el curso de carokann en chessable estamos esperando partidas sobre eso con personas de elo más alto 1700 hacia arriba por favor.. Gracias y buen video!

[@sebapanero1414]

I found your channel like a week ago, and I'm devouring every video and tip you bring. Thanks ❤ Keep going 🎉

[@johnhume3946]

Great video my man. You answered a lot of principal questions I had.

[@aamindehkordi]

i always start these videos thinking im not gonna watch all of it and every time i somehow end up at the end, i think it's how he talks without 1.5x speed it hypnotises me or something to stay and learn lol

[@bggines_1260]

I have learned so much from this video! Thanks master Alex🥰

[@FollyOx]

Content gangster, so glad I subbed 👍👍😁. Was just thinking about middle games in Caro khan.

[@TPGJin]

What I learned: Don't text your ex drunk.

[@adamblomquist5581]

Alex Banzea giving both life & chess lessons, amazing. I've watched his videos to many times to be so bad at chess 😅

[@AlexBanzea]

how about those daily puzzles? let's shoot for 30 at least (thinking 2 minutes per puzzle at least :D)

[@adamblomquist5581]

Definitely, appreciate the help, also i need to stop playing blitz, never have enough time

[@kekovillalbaa]

I rlly like the upgrade on this video, where you actually show the moves in another board uppon your camera (idk if was already a upgrade in your recent videos bc im new and watch te old ones heh) keep it up!

[@Rbench07]

Thanks Alex! Very instructive as always. This will help a lot! Appreciate it. 👊

[@nb-eq6rw]

42:12 wow I've had this position many times but out of habit I never look for tactics. It's very obvious now that you point it out. Thanks!

[@kozzmik]

Alex, really enjoy your channel. You make me smile, which is not that easy to do :)

[@louiscypher6919]

Thx for another instructive vid, Alex. Have a great day!

[@ChristianSoschner]

Excellent explanation. Thanks for putting it together

[@hakki686]

caro kann again ! thanks !!! was missing those videos !

[@vezquex]

Precise movements in the last game with the knight avoiding the queen and the rook lift avoiding the incoming knight.

[@jacobeflanagan7408]

Your likes on this video were at 999. I was only five seconds in, but I was literally obligated to like the video. Was satisfying. You're welcome. Also, great video. Love your videos, mate!

[@randallbowman2930]

I love this channel. I feel like I am getting chess lessons from Pavel Chekov.

[@mosto581]

Very simple and mistakeless opening for black. The way you are teaching is speechless, Using caro kan I went up 1800 elo last month .

[@phrophddon7411]

Key move when you do get an advantage try not to blunder pieces. Good luck. Caro is undefeated ❤

[@Mike072]

With Tartakower variation: do you still play bishop D6 if opponent plays bishop F4 ?

[@AlexBanzea]

Of course! Can’t give up that juicy diagonal

[@Mike072]

@@AlexBanzea thanks so much for your answer. So if he takes you'll come out early to take back with the queen right. So unfortunately you can't make the cool battery with queen bishop then. Then how to proceed?

[@patrickb2217]

Here is one for the merch store...bishops move backwards..also knights move backwards.

[@martinayres2360]

Hi Alex! Great vid! Not sure how long you have had the new set up but looks great Are you going to do anymore Reverse London videos? Keep up the good work!

[@angelcarias1680]

Thanks you Alex really need this video I been getting molly whop on online my middle games need improvement

[@shafeeqbasheer4784]

I love how you know what low 1000s think. You are spitting what I am thinking😅. Nice video

[@alexandregonet8528]

Thank you alex for your amazing contributions. If I have one request it would be to do more vienna and more video! I love to use your caro and vienna approach. Love your work!

[@jshorts9152]

Funny how you found queen e5 in the later game but missed it in a previous

[@blissfulbrain80]

These are gold! Thank you so so much for this content Alex. You’re explanations are so good. By the way that first opponent was either cheating or definitely not a 900 rated player!

[@mikegaler]

I am playing the caro kann and the middle game is going better but I am making lots of mistakes. Thanks for your help. I will keep trying.

[@SuperChessGames]

Nice video Alex! Can you do more on the King’s Indian Attack in the future? The ones you currently have are very good.

[@CalebJNelson]

I’m not entirely sure about the Caro-Kann, but it seems like it and the London are just boring. I play the Vienna, the Stafford, and the Englund. Currently rated 930.

[@prieten49]

I'm beginning to suspect that there a whole lot of IMs and other high ELOs masquerading as 1000 ELOs so they can make "climbing the ladder" videos. I was wondering what happens when two such high ELO players acting like low ELO players meet in a match. Something like, "Oh, my opponent is playing really good for his ELO!"

[@AlexBanzea]

not really, it's mostly cheaters when that happens.

[@wrmcphee]

Thanks for another great video!

[@andreas2610]

your comparisons are as excellent as always :)

[@itsiqbalgaming]

"What else you want me to do? You want me to login and play on your account?" 🤣😂

[@neilmac4730]

I freaking love your chess!

[@jojoschl.5461]

Hi Alex, will there ever be more Colle-Zuckertort videos? That variation literally gave me 9 wins in a row yesterday as a 1000 rated :D

[@AlexBanzea]

It’s not the Colle, it’s you!

[@aaronaaronbanana2889]

Love your content bro, thank you

[@alphons4706]

Thank u for this videos man!💯

[@jadpratt]

Hey bro! Nice video. I’m 2hr from Bucharest 🇷🇴 right now, lol. Are you close to that city?? Just dominated with the Caro Kann at a coffee shop!

[@jonjones820]

Great day when new content from Alex drops!

[@Kiwi_Chess]

Vid one asking Alex for a coaching sesh for my journey to 2k! I play the Caro and Slav as well

[@craigbrindle108]

I think apprehension is the word you were lookin for.

[@1Baza22]

awesome Alex, wish I thought like that in my games lol :)

[@josueramirez7247]

Caro-Kann is the kind of opening to play when the fate of the world is on the line

[@nb-eq6rw]

As someone in construction I have no idea what a "lumber gheeni" is

[@hai.d.nguyen]

How are you able to commentate so calmy while you have 10 seconds left. 🤣👏🏻👏🏻

[@marcheuer3610]

Would love to see games in which White plays an early f4 in the advanced variation. For example, e4 c6, d4 d5, e5 c5, dc: e6, f4... Is that a good try for White? Maybe it is the best for Black to develop the Knight to h6 later on and play Bg4. What do you think? Are structures with white pawns on e5 and f4 dangerous for Black?

[@Jonathan-sf6ej]

Nice studio setup.

[@DanielRusch-i6v]

Great set of videos, these are so instructive and have really help my game. Thank you. I do have a question, at 35:15 instead of taking the Bishop on c7 could you have forked the two rooks with Nd2 it is protected by the Bishop on b4 or am I missing counter play?

[@AlexDYM331]

Can we get more knight f3 Caro Kann videos would like to know more about it.

[@coenkuijpers1800]

Bishop c7 was meant to be a fork, but then he realized that that’s not working with a bishop.

[@AlexBanzea]

lol!

[@7ajad82]

More ideas in Jobaava London can be a good video Thanks for Caro and London system I crossed 800elo cause of you thanks Alex

[@TheBackyardProfessor]

Learn how to open the goddam car! LOLOL!!!!!!! Man I love your videos Alex!

[@jSpirituS7]

I think if you would have put queen on d6 instead of d5 you would have saved the move of the bishop attacking that queen and having to move it from 5 to 6 😮

[@alancoe1002]

Eric Hansen over at Chessbrah did a speed run recently, playing 1...c6 against everything. Would you advise that to learn all the strange and wonderful possibilities of the Caro-Slav family? Thanks, incidentally, for making the Caro great once again.

[@AlexBanzea]

I recommend Slav, but like a reversed London (below 2200)

[@skeurid]

Ahhh 20:20 feels like a bit of an eye opener...

[@cichy8386]

Alex, would really appreciate if you could explain 1.e4 2.c6 3.c4 by white. Should we go d5 anyway and trade everything?

[@AlexBanzea]

yes

[@nightmaresnightly]

We all know our Top Romanian G Alex drives a Bugatti

[@AlexBanzea]

I don't have a driving license haha

[@garycherrix6313]

phobia was the word your were looking for.

[@divergentlife493]

Well considering Toyota > Lambo, I would trade it in any day. Toyota is THE best.

[@icerabbit9433]

Hi Alex, thanks again a lot for all your work and videos ! About the game 1, in the classical Caro Kann, i see sometimes good players (included GothamChess) playing 3.A6 instead of the main main line DxE4. Is it a good move ? It can often transpose into a 2 knigts varaiation if white play 4.Knight F3. Thanks for you advise (sorry, i have missed the video where you have already spoken about this move 3.A6) !

[@AlexBanzea]

It’s interesting. I have played it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5TGoHenfbtghNUsi=hW6Jr2cFFARXuVMN

[@icerabbit9433]

Thanks !

[@grad83]

mai.. si eu nu stapanesc caro.. desi... pare super cand ma uit la tine jucand... eu nu ma descurc deloc dar invat....tre jucat ca pare ok.. merge bine..

[@jenericjoe7565]

I think because you always win despite your ELO only being 1000, your opponents you face will be 'smurfs' that are 1500+ players but playing at lower ranks for easier games

[@GaliReax]

Alex: “we got three minors, they only got two” My local priest: 👀

[@AlexBanzea]

*pieces lol