Longer Games #3 Climbing the 2500 mountain... Mastering a closed Pawn Structure

[@smithyq6335]

One thing I love about these videos, Simon, is not just your explanations of why you played your moves, but also your showing of all the different possibilities, of moves you could have played but didn't. Sometimes the moves that don't get played are just as important as the ones that are, and we get to see your thought process in real time. Love the series!

[@johnyblack6441]

True. Nice comment

[@browsedeweb8834]

Perfect video!

[@raducuvlad2187]

awwwwwwsome video ! keep doing this kind of videos! we are learning so much from these Great work, keep it up!

[@drpawnkwp]

The longer the me limit and talking your thoughts helps us learn. Thanks Simon.

[@fakecubed]

Yeah, I get essentially nothing out of the faster time control videos, and I don't play those faster time controls myself at all.

[@johanlundgren1917]

Nice game .. Love the longer time limit..

[@yungsam64]

I ran out of Chessnetwork, Ben Finegold, and John Bartholomew videos to watch so I started watching Ginger GM videos and they're fantastic! Not only are they instructive, but they're entertaining as well.

[@yamiegg394]

I'm a new subscriber, and I subbed because of this series. They're great, as your style contrasts to Jerry's or John Bartholomew's, which makes your standard games all the more instructive.

[@aliturk6619]

Yamiegg Lol, no kidding. He's the polar opposite of John

[@GSBroker]

@Ali Turk Why? I think they have a lot of similarities with each other.

[@yamiegg394]

John and Jerry are polite, introverted, calm, cautious, positional; Simon is energetic and aggressive.

[@khanhsp]

Who is Jerry?

[@yamiegg394]

No name Jerry is Chess Network.

[@sigzil1985]

I love these videos please keep doing them!

[@Socrates...]

Hi Simon, I just want to thank you for these longer games. This instruction is just what I was looking for. Hope you have a great holiday.

[@piotrkubaty]

Simon - brilliant! The longer time limit plus your analysis in real-time - now you officially make the best chess tutorials on YT.

[@bobrock7658]

Simon ....Your chess videos are the BEST. They are super instructive, and very entertaining. Your sense of humor is fantastic. Thank you very much.

[@hamadim.fettah770]

Ginger GM streaming are the chess university for the airwave ...no tuition fee....brilliant. may God bless our ginger.

[@itsmegurupad]

Great game, great lessons. Keep it going Simon!

[@Pedone_Rosso]

Thanks again for this series. It deserves the appreciation it's getting. Wish you a nice vacation. Thanks for your videos!

[@salakameli]

Finally new video!

[@gonzaloMR786]

GM Varuzhan Akobian said that the light squared bishop when you play French is a piece you must echange asap. I suppose this is why. Great vid!

[@fakecubed]

Yeah, any GM, or even any decent player with experience in the French knows the light squared bishop for black is terrible in the French. It's called the "French Bishop" because it's such a key concept to the opening, and dealing with it is the main problem black has to deal with as a consequence of his pawn structure. Exchanging it for a good white piece is really the best case scenario, unless you can somehow get it active before the position locks down, which does happen in certain variations of the French. Getting it to a6 or sometimes even a4 is possible. Often the reason to get it there is to trade it with white's light squared bishop. Sometimes it might take a long path to get kingside if black is pushing his kingside pawns. One of the reasons I love the French as a learning tool for newer players is it teaches things like good vs. bad pieces so they can learn how to evaluate possible trades better. The other key concept that black has to really figure out each game is which side to castle, or whether he wants to castle at all, as we saw in this game as GingerGM had to weigh those decisions carefully. I find as black I usually don't castle. If I do, it's usually queenside. Of course, your mileage may vary as your opponents will create different situations on the board. The French is really a great learning tool, like I said, because it shows how and when to break the "rules".

[@directorans]

Absolutely amazing! Not enough youtubers do long games like this and it is by far the most useful for improving players!

[@martinpienkowski4079]

add me to the list of those loving this format and hope the journey to 2500 continues. mind you, i enjoy pretty much all things by gingerGM, but this new series is a really great add. promise to buy the entire dvd bundle soon

[@fabricer.9426]

Congratulations for the game and for the comments so clear !!! I'm getting "GingerGM addict" with these videos ! 😃🖒

[@Ian-rq7lb]

Omg, these videos are like a drug! A delicious chess-flavoured drug!

[@noone-qu5ec]

I really believe I'm learning when I'm watching your videos... It makes me think more in depth when playing my games... The mind of a Grandmaster is amazing!

[@chrisgordon8748]

Great analysis. Thanks Simon!

[@richardcross7070]

Love this format.

[@danieloraseanu]

This is the best, most instructive way of learning chess! Thank you and keep doing this please!

[@dbcane]

Great work Simon. These are the best. Much appreciated

[@aleleflash7276]

Very nice video man... you bring life to chess!! with the way you analyze everything brings full insight to the game.

[@stephenwestland942]

Definitely my favourite GM for explaining games. :)

[@killiansred40]

i really like your commentary and in depth move strategy for both sides of play, makes me want to buy your DVD's, really love your humorous antidotes and of course the accent, great combination, cheers mate

[@boceksiadam]

Well played Simon!

[@StringDogg]

LOVE these video's, keep em coming

[@dreamchop735]

Instructive as usual Mr. Williams!

[@erinstone7287]

Simon, I watch all your videos and these types are best for learning. I think they are the best and help people that try to get better. I even have a GM chess coach and learn more from your videos than the $200 I pay him a week.

[@GMWisting]

As a new player, I truly value these videos from you. Thank you Simon. Enjoy the holiday - it seems like you deserve it!

[@Skills-ok3gr]

love your videos! Very instructional. Keep up the good work!

[@tharindanimnajith3525]

Enjoy your holidays Simon! You deserve it!

[@rittervsp]

Thank you Simon! Hope I understand some more about pawn structure now )

[@saintsaens21]

Potent substance in these series, long may they live.

[@tpd134]

Thank you Simon.... I love your videos.

[@carlellie5365]

Another nice video & great coaching advice - thanks Simon! I've been watching you now for a year and I've improved my rating by 400 pts. I've got your videos and waiting for your next series on the London System which I play. THANKS FOR PLAYING LONGER GAMES to allow yourself time to comment on your thought process. Being inside your brain is a BIT SCARY - but I love it!! Thanks again!

[@Jeff0202]

Thanks Simon love this series.

[@perandersbjorn]

Lovely content Mr Williams. I very much agree with what you said around the 23-minute mark, that a lot of people would appreciate playing a titled player. I do enjoy the longer time controls. Stay awesome.

[@beatbang000]

looking fresh Simon..Cheers!

[@georges64]

Fun, good format ! Thx Simon

[@cpad007]

Excellent! Thanks a bunch for trying out these longer-playing games! Keep going...good stuff!

[@guidonasini9733]

Love the series, and love your use of the chroma lately!

[@riprap007]

One of your most informative games, the explanation was concise, the processes logical (and it sure helped that you were playing a human) and simple to follow. Thanks Si.

[@ArchPolandPL]

Thought process of grand master is definitely something that i was looking for. Keep it up! Thanks for that content!

[@DJJOHN92]

Great vid, Simon. Love these. Cheers!

[@bifferspice]

love this, Simon. great stuff. Please do some longer games "kings gambit" style. they're always my favourites - i play it more regularly than i should, and the games are always exciting, win or lose. anyway, the more regular you post, the more my wine consumption goes up. my local off-license should sponsor you.

[@kemo00911]

Simon, would you consider playing against one of your followers in this new series you started? If so, before you search for a game on chess.com, will you drop a short video to announce you'll be taking challenges? That way you followers may log in and search for a game as well and if they are lucky enough they may end up playing aginst you.

[@wadecopeland7836]

Hi Simon: I just found your channel and I must say, I can understand you the best of any other channel I have found so far. Great work and I really appreciate what you are doing.

[@wojciechstepniewski3953]

Thank you for excellent show:)

[@kevingallagher3742]

Outstanding on so many levels. Hard to think of better instruction

[@gdounito]

Simon's blitz videos dont quite show his true value as a teacher and his level of understanding. Im only at ten minutes and the thought process is pure gold. please collaborate with hutch if you havent communicated already . many of your fans reached out to him. it would be great to see you both analyzing

[@martinet1985]

love this series.

[@ReceiverJake]

These are fantastic. I'm staying tuned for all the videos coming out from this series in the future

[@keshavptech]

Loved it! Thank you very much!

[@etopowertwon]

That was beautiful!

[@ProgrammingLinguist]

Love these videos. Wish you'd make one a day, this stuff is gold.

[@brosuph1334]

Loving these long games. Keep it up Simon!

[@ryanriley3146]

Hey brother. I'm still a very average player (been playing for a couple months now). And I've been studying stuff (reading my system by Aron nimzowitsch, etc.) but your videos are helping me see things in a different light. Thank you for helping us mere mortals out!

[@ryanriley3146]

For example, in This particular vid, your explanation about how I can wait longer to castle in closed positions, and your reasoning about why d7 was a good square for the king.. great stuff man

[@BenjaminKean]

Way to go! Looking forward to more of this series.

[@johnharris3482]

Yes this is a good video, full of great advice throughout. You really show important insights at every stage of the game, weighing up different plans depending on your opponents replies. Great lesson on strategy. Hope you have a great holiday.

[@skidpersson]

You're really nice and instructive Simon, just keep doing what you do! 👍

[@donha475]

really liking these longer games. get to hear the unplayed variations and thought process.

[@ThatGamingLad]

Keep these up man

[@briandwi2504]

The best series! So interesting.

[@nopoint2427]

Thanks for the series. Hope it continues :)

[@markwygent9364]

Thank you for the update regarding your previous hypocritical opponent, who accused you of cheating and then proceeded to cheat himself. Like you, I have never understood what anyone hopes to gain by cheating, unless it is the vicarious thrill of having a computer Goliath at your side to win your battles for you, although we both know what happened to Goliath in the end. I want also to applaud you for humanizing your game, and showing us that even in our less-than-stellar moments there are things to be learned and ways to move ahead, and that we can maintain a certain decorum and dignity while doing so.

[@MDShumboldt]

Thanks for the great video Simon! See you when your back from vacation.

[@skinnyhorse3935]

Hey Simon! Your videos are helping me understand why I am not a grandmaster!

[@locodelcosta]

i could enjoy easily 2-3 videos a day from our gingaaaaaa!

[@Crazeyfor67]

Have a fine vacation and thanks again.

[@flpsnk4848]

this is extremely educational and helpful, thank you Simon!

[@7percentSolution]

Thanks for the great game and analysis, Simon! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

[@sergeiivanov8119]

Great video, this format is truly awesome! Enjoy your vacation.

[@sprcow]

Love it. Thanks for more great content, Simon.

[@yashj1072]

Thanks. Loved it

[@aussiefamilybudgetcooking]

So instructive! Thanks Simon!

[@mychanellful]

Great job Simon! Thanks

[@lowercaserho]

Loving this series. One thing I would like to see, though, is a bit more analysis of your opponents' mistakes when you're going through the games at the end. It would be good if you could show why a move was a mistake, what they could have played instead, how the alternate moves could have hindered your plans, etc. Good concrete examples of what not to do can be as helpful as examples of what to do.

[@TheAlex-dl6vz]

Great!!

[@jimhapper7245]

Thank you sir. You are a great teacher.

[@ricardodelvillar767]

Another excellent vid! Thank you Simon :D

[@jhadesdev9576]

Awesome video, love this and john bartholomew channel 👍

[@tolveor]

I love this longer time limit

[@andreadiatene]

Many thanks for another amazing video! You help me a lot to improve and spice up my game.

[@tharindanimnajith3525]

I love these videos!

[@masaya7]

Thanks Simon, Have a great day person scrolling through comments

[@michaelbauers8800]

glad the cheater from the last series didn't dissuade you from doing these longer videos

[@penearth]

great video again

[@LoneWolf_2308]

Hi mr. Williams, I've just bought your "The Killer Dutch"(dowload version) from iChess and I'd like to compliment you for Your incredible effort about that OVER SIX HOURS in that it's actually my favourite black defence against d4 move. I'm sure that will helpfull a lot for me. Thank you for all this free videos that You share about Your play and games; I'm think is very instructive.. Best regards

[@fakecubed]

I love the Dutch! I had a feeling I might like it, when I started looking for a new answer to d4. It looked like it might hit all the points I wanted in an opening. When I started to try to learn it, that's how I discovered GingerGM. He's definitely the best resource on the internet for learning the opening. Really, he's the *only* resource on the internet for learning the opening. Good thing he's so good at teaching it and so credible in it or I probably never would have learned it.

[@ericmortensen791]

Thanks this is a very helpful series.

[@drawingaportrait6659]

Great vid! I get excited when I guess your strategy/moves.

[@michaelmachos8969]

Loved it! Very informative.

[@abhishekchakraborty2316]

love the video thank you simon

[@peterknowles23]

Another brilliant channel!

[@Kevin-pt7rq]

never thought d7 was a good spot for a king!! thanks for this great vid!

[@fakecubed]

My king has ended up on the square loads of times in the French. I usually don't end up castling in the French. Your mileage may vary, but in my experience that's what happens in most of my games based on what my opponent does typically and how the game progresses. I wouldn't recommend it most of the time, but the French Defense being such a closed game (ordinarily) leads to a lot of "rules" being broken. As a consequence, it's a great learning tool for newer chess players and a great demonstration of how it's important to make the best moves, even when those moves don't make sense according to theory.

[@rolandhilarides3448]

Excellent! Love it!

[@dahaiou]

Hello Simon. This series is actually sort of unique. Among hundreds of chess vids out there of varying quality, entertainment value and usefulness, nobody seems to be doing exactly what you're doing here, inviting us all in to the inner workings of the mind of a GM. The slower time controls is important for this as well. I feel I am absorbing lots of knowledge in every chapter, precisely in the area that is least covered in other videos, which is the thinking patterns, rather than specific variations. I'll probably be watching these through more than once. Great job and big kudos for this, I hope you get lots of hits and earn loads of money and get rich with it! And a little request, do you think you could post the pgn's of these games?

[@Virtu1980]

You should ask for money!!!! 😂😂 Love your channel, great job.