Gotham Chess Guide Part 6: 2000+ | Defensive Masterclass

[@zendan37]

Three weeks ago I took up chess again at eighty three after a fifty year break and thanks to your excellent tuition I have managed to beat the 1600 bot a few times.

[@xa-1274]

Great job Colin!

[@nicolabuys3378]

lol hahah

[@brijdham5390]

fifty year break.. oh my

[@jordanthomas8542]

Great job the truth is that the 1600 bot is a struggle to beat and I'm higher rated than it

[@YorvitPerez]

Beat it as a 700

[@harrisonash6]

Levy: Some suspiciously strong 2000 players Also Levy: IM playing as a 2000

[@s__2__k]

lol

[@bobbybobbatunday9959]

Somewhere in Russia, an IM is using Levy as a training tool.

[@lred1383]

@@RedRocketRR-xc5hk Russia has always been very strong at chess, before the USSR, during it, and even afterwards. Don't just say things about a country because you dislike it, try to be more objective

[@lred1383]

@@RedRocketRR-xc5hk Even putting aside the fact that Kasparov considers himself Russian, this is just plain wrong. First of all, you can't make these distinctions for people who lived during or before the USSR, since all of it was Russia. But then, what about the many other greats? Karpov, Kramnik, Petrov, Alapin, Panov, Alekhine (Alekhin), Dubov, Esipenko, Nepomniatschi (weird spelling btw), Jaenisch, Giri, and many, many more. Lying doesn't get you anywhere, and your hatred will not make a change in this world. Accept the truth and move on, or keep living in denial about everything, including chess of all things.

[@lred1383]

@@RedRocketRR-xc5hk It's more like sharing history, really. I wouldn't get offended by, for example, a Ukrainian claiming Lermontov to be part of his history, and expect the same treatment from others. And 10% is an offsensively low estimate, as even if you don't count people born in the USSR outside of modern Russian borders, "Russians" still made up about 50% of the population.

[@DansChessLounge]

What I noticed about the 2000's was Levy was stronger in the endgame. He was aware of more endgame tactics and had more concrete endgame plans.

[@Gabriel-hm7vv]

many strong players state that weaker players are not good endgame players usually

[@iXNomad]

Because the endgame theory is essential. By learning openings you learn openings, by learning endgames you learn chess.

[@adamwu4565]

Most people when they start learning chess tend to learn openings and middle games first, because that is the part that is juicy and exciting to a beginner. Someone with decent tactical and strategic talent can get to 2000 by improving their opening repertoire and middle game play with only fairly basic endgame knowledge. Then to advance beyond that they have to hone their endgames. But quite often the difference between 2200+ masters and 2000 players is their endgame skill.

[@achyuththouta6957]

@@adamwu4565 I don't really understand how openings can be exciting because most often it's just about memorising moves. There's nothing else to it. Middle games are interesting because there's nothing to memorise and it's more of a skill based thing. Endgames are again interesting because although there's some memorisation, there's also more scope for pure skill and thinking innovatively

[@adamwu4565]

@@achyuththouta6957 Perhaps you do not find learning openings exciting, but lots of other chess players do. The main point for most being, of course, is that the exciting middlegames you want to play are CREATED BY the openings the two players attempt. So learning a few openings, even if it requires some memorization, is the single most reliable way of getting interesting and exciting middlegames to play. For others there's the competitive aspect of trying to trick opponents with opening preparation and the various mindgames involved in selecting which openings to play against which opponents. Still others are interested in the general principles of certain openings and how they lead to different types of middlegames, and how, if one understands those principles, one doesn't actually have to memorize very much at all, and can figure out the best continuations over the board.

[@sergiorosalesramirez2736]

That last game is one of the most impressive things I´ve seen you do bro. Win against a 2000+ , down a piece, with the black pieces. Whilst explaining us ( the audience) your thought process. God damn, you are good at chess, and a good teacher.

[@nathansharp3193]

I like the last game because it shows how to come back from early blunders. Eric Rosen has played a couple 'rook odds' games recently and I like to see how the highly skilled players play when they're a piece down. So often IMs and GMs are plating with equal material except for the occasional sacrifice. It's helpful for beginners to learn the decision-making process of playing a piece down. If you could make a series like that it would be awesome. Thanks for making these videos for us. I hope your channel grows 👍

[@THaNaS1s]

Begginers need to learn how not to be a piece down. If they are a piece down and begginers the odds are really bad.

[@thelosts9940]

@@THaNaS1s i just saw levy blondered a rook in the endgame but noone saw it soo i guess its fine ;)

[@andrewharper1609]

Honestly as a relative beginner who has blundered the odd piece or two and still come back to win it depends on who you're playing.

[@andrewharper1609]

@@THaNaS1s That might be true but beginners will lose pieces, it goes with the turf. And learning to find solutions in spite of blunders helps develop improvisation on the board.

[@bobbybobbatunday9959]

I couldn't agree more. I am only 1200, but I learned so much from this.

I love these series. When I started watching the 800+ (I'm a ~1200) I was like "haha, so many blunders, so easy" and now watching 2000+ feels like I'm never going to get to that level. So stressful!

[@nishantsaini579]

What's your rating now

[@pssnyder]

Calling that chain of poor piece protection at 21:00 "tying his shoes together" was a great analogy haha

[@coreyeverett5500]

I was legitimately stressed when he wanted to go for the king instead of taking any of the THREE HANGING PIECES. Then again, that's why I'm a 1200 and he's an IM

[@inferedgie5495]

Levy's comeback in the last match when down material was insane

[@ReddooryogaSH]

Made it really exciting to watch, and very interesting to see how he played it.

[@mufarisfa3939]

14:45 as Mr. Shaibel says, "you resign now"

[@RedRocketRR-xc5hk]

I like your profile picture

[@DanielXu1999]

liking this series! Just enjoy hearing you talk through your thought process.

[@user-ix9jy1fl7l]

same

[@TravelTrainTogether]

Best instructional chess channel on KZbin. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your play and explanations as you progress from the opening to the middle game to the end game. Fantastic. I used to watch Agadmator and now transitioned to your channel. Helps me learn more to help my 7 year old improve. Keep it up! Great content. This series is fantastic. Keep this coming.

[@thejudocrusader]

19:40 "He's like attacking me with all these pieces" LMAO, I love it!

[@joybreegaming8781]

I mean that’s what chess is

[@BreakdancingMiracle]

Even though Hikaru draws a bunch of arrows of possible moves, he rarely says why. I must say I learned better from this video. Levy explains what he knows. Hikaru just makes winning look easy without really sharing why.

[@edgybitch2177]

30:35 I would have taken the bishop on e7 here because it comes with check and gives me the option of then trading their light squared bishop for that knight, which takes out both bishops in one go. Granted the dark squared bishop was sitting behind pawns, but they did get that pawn break with D5. I honestly think Bg5 to remove the remaining knight followed by Nd5 where it would not be opposed by any minor pieces is a good plan. Could be missing something but it seems like it would just be a piece up with no compensation for black.

[@profimaxprahas.r.o.5202]

At 30:35 after Qb6, wasnt it better to play Ne7+ and than Nc8 capturing 2 bishops for 1 knight?

[@GothamChess]

PROFIMAX PRAHA s.r.o. LOL YES! I had expected Qc7, where I would be forced to play Nxb8, and I did not even realize that he played Qb6. Sometimes you expect the best moves and they dont happen. Good catch.

[@robinbrown6530]

I know Levy said yes but to play devils advocate, I think taking the rook might actually be better. Mathematically trading 6 for 3 is better than 5 for 3 and you are up a full piece on board, however one of those pieces your taking is the dark Bishop. That piece is garbage on the board right now and if you go through the rest of the game it moved back one space and did nothing the whole game. So its almost like Black was down a Bishop anyway. Looking at the position, Black has two open files and a Queen wanting to attack. Taking the Bishops connects those Rooks and allows them into the game. Taking the Rook makes the Queen back up further blocking in the remaining Rook making it harder for black to initiate an attack on the Queen's side where black is strongest. Since Levy wants to be the one attacking on the King's side, blunting Black's attack gives him the tempo advantage he needs to get his attack off first. Looking at 30:39 Black just can't get their pieces in position fast enough to block Levy's attack. Black is forced to keep attacking just to not get overrun by Levy. Eventually time and pressure got the better of Black but even with more time I don't think Black wins without Levy making a mistake. In short, I think taking the Bishops puts Black in a better position despite winning more material for White while taking the Rook is less material but a much better position for White. Having said that I think both lines are wining lines though I have not put it through an engine to confirm.

[@the_nephandi4551]

@@robinbrown6530 I have the same feeling, I might ask the engine tomorrow if I remember to do it but I wouldn't be surprised if it prefers to take the Rook

[@xDMrGarrison]

@@robinbrown6530 Yo what are you talking about, two bishops are far stronger than a rook.

[@KQJ777]

@@xDMrGarrison not when the position is still closed, they have no mobility yet

[@chetheflin7447]

I watched all 6 parts. Great teaching!

[@boredash4020]

lol will you go all the way up to 3000?

[@davidknight2889]

As I watch these I know that I'm learning. But what is surprising to me is how entertaining I find these to be. That last game was dramatic even. Great job Levy!

[@soflynn22]

Really enjoyed these videos! I’ve watched four or five of them. Don’t really have any suggestions. Partly thanks to you, I’ve started to play Caro Kann and it’s amazing how much more I’m fighting for the centre with this c6 move. I now play 3 mins plus 2 😆. Thanks Gotham!

[@laali_puppy]

Wow, took guts to play a piece down in the opening! Well played!!

[@michaelchristensen2786]

Watching this guy and listening to his thought process is amazing.

[@JonathanLopez-lz2le]

Not only educational but also very entertaining. Really appreciate this kind of content.

[@rehasher420]

you rule man. love the new york coming thru from time to time, and really digging the shared knowledge.

[@eddiegness]

I'm loving this series! Learnt so much just from Levy's commentary and him explaining his thought processes. Also love it when he disses his opponents. Especially funny when he disses an opponent and then later admits that they're actually not that bad in the end XD

[@ModernArtery]

That last game was really impressive. Obviously you blundered a piece, which happens, but then you just calmly outplayed your opponent. I didn't see any obvious blunders by your opponent, it looked like you just found a winning plan. Advancing the queenside pawns, cutting off the white king, and exploiting the imbalance of rook vs two knights. It was really a beautiful game, I wish I could play that well. GG Levy

[@yoniziv]

amazing, especially last match, it would take me life time to understand what was going on there coming back from the queens place blunder

[@IcarusGravitas]

I tried to watch some of your stuff 6 months ago, but I couldn't keep up. Now your speed is just right for me and I'm having a blast working through all your content. Thanks for all your great content!

[@rjunior9111]

this is incredibly helpful to see what mastery actually entails. As an amateur, I always thought being good just meant being a faster calculator

[@phen-themoogle7651]

Nice video. The pawn structure for the endgame was very educational, since two of the games had the same pawn structure or idea to get the passed pawn with a knight sac or just controlling that square with a knight! Even when you were down a full piece that idea won you the game, which just illustrates how powerful that pawn structure really is...and how hard it is to defend properly against it. So maybe the opponents already made some small mistakes to allow that structure.

[@phen-themoogle7651]

Woah, I know you! You watched this video 2 years ago too? That's crazy, I knew this video seemed somewhat familiar. Still in the 2000-2100 range Sadge lol

[@austino99]

Watched till the end and will say since you asked, I have been absolutely loving these guides and your detailed analyses, and already have been sharing them and trying to show my friends to help get them into the game more and understand it more. Thanks so much for your super dope work and I will be likely buying your course at some point in time when I can afford it more and likely understand it better.

[@prokillromford]

Great video, especially when combined with your 2 courses, the e4 for white, and e6 b6 for black, which I recently bought for $80. I'm struggling with Blitz (I just panic too much with the time), but I'm feeling confident that if I can absorb enough of your 2 courses with this series of videos (they explain in great detail, how to calmly respond, and hopefully get an early advantage, and keep in front with the time), I should be able to get my blitz rating up significantly as this year progresses, from my current 1100 area ( :( ), up toward to 1300, 1400 etc.... to who knows 2000 in the future would be my dream !

[@Life-Sky]

I recommend something conterintuitive to be faster: Play SLOWER time controls. Like 10+5 and such, so that you develop a more deep analysis and "intuition", so when you go back you actually play better and are able to play faster because you recognise things better. I struggled against 10+5 last year, then I started playing 15+5 and Correspondence against Stockfish, and then I improved a lot on my speed because I play better overall and playing faster is easier.

[@matthiasjoester4691]

I love how deep you go into explaining your moves. Helps a lot :)

[@scm6668]

You are a very engaging chess player. Light, simple, good and clear explanations. Sometimes I feel that your comments are too cocky, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Thank you for the videos. I'm looking forward to more of these.

[@PatrickFestaPatman]

This is the best Instructional Chess channel I've Ever seen! Thank you for this.

[@soflynn22]

As I don’t have any criticisms, I should say, it’s class to hear you talk through you game plans, and why you rate or don’t rate a move.

[@askmiller]

It's interesting how the 2000s start to use the clock. You don't actually have to play that sound of a game, just play good enough moves so fast that your opponent doesn't have time to find the weakness. It sorta highlights what I don't like about chess, how eventually being good at the puzzle aspect of chess isn't enough and you simply gotta just memorize good opening moves.

[@chrishyden4031]

Writing a comment because you asked and I felt you deserved it because I’ve really enjoyed watching this series.

[@shivam1996able]

ive seen so many chess videos...watched so much chess and yet for some reason the only time i feel like im learning is watching you beautiful analysis most of your advice seems to make sense thank you so much :)

[@ecereto]

It's awesome to learn from a strong player like Levy. But what really shines through is not only the chess itself, but how passionate he is playing and talking about the subject. For me that passion is why I can watch these videos all day long.

[@rhornjr]

For that last game I actually said wow out loud when it was over. Well done.

[@XXROCKANDROLLPOWERXX]

20:57 He could have gone with check Ne6 and your only move was QxNe6 then you lose your queen. So actually he had a good chance with his attack he just didn't see it

[@fares6102]

Lol what ? If he does that then king can capture the bishop!

[@chrisfayte8482]

I love hearing Levy's thought process as he plays. A treasure trove of useful knowledge

[@tanveeranzum3029]

Levy you, sir, are incredible. Thanks for the series.

[@LegitosaurusRex]

19:02 He's protecting his g pawn from your bishop.

[@Martin_Neal]

In your final game of this video the Queen not being on c8 to safe-guard the Bishop was a blunder; but it helps us learn the opening when you emphasize the correction. Thank-you for this instructive video. I am about the finish watching the playlist!

[@LijoMLoyid]

At 13:53 after Nxd3, Would it have been better for white to take the knight with the Queen so as to get Queen and a Knight for a rook? The Black Queen is going nowhere right? Am I calculating it right or am I missing something?

[@Sameer_S_Kulkarni]

That black Knight already took a bishop. So it's not Queen and night for a rook, rather Queen and knight for a rook and bishop which is only slightly better than what happened in the game. It doesn't even matter in the end as white is winning either way...

[@jonevan100]

Levy your dialog during your games I really enjoy above all other chess masters on here ,I do get anxiety when your explaining and lose a move but you always get back on your horse and finish class, thank you for sharing your brilliance it's 007 Bond shaken not stirred !

[@chavonlarmond6987]

This series has helped my chess game more than any other video or series.

[@Raddlesby]

@11:25 I'm reminded of an article I read in Chess Life magazine in the late 80s written by a Russian GM that was annotating a game...he wrote those that take the b2 pawn with a queen in the opening must enjoy sleeping on subways. Hilarious, true, and I obviously never forgot it. In other words, it's reckless, risky.

[@walkingin6375]

Hey man, really appreciate your vids and this series. It would be nice to see some longer 10 minute games as well where you could go more into depth. Also an anti sicilian opening (as white playing vs sicilian) would be great, or some video about how to self study. Where to focus your efforts to improve.

[@johnvuillemot4805]

He has two recommendations against the siclian. One, 2.nc3 wiht g3 bg2 d3 ne2 0-0 h3 f4 etc. Then 2.a3 nc6 3.b4!!!

[@rubyabrams243]

Levy, as per your request, I'm leaving some feedback. I love your channel. Since I've started back in December, I've gone up by 200 points (I'm at 1350 now) on chess.com. Thank you so much. You're awesome.

[@fangiscool1]

I'm on a similar timeline. I started playing in November and am sitting around 1350 in rapid. The highest I got last week was 1382

[@thegorn]

Dude you’re my chess idol right now. Overtaking Agadmator even. Awesome.

[@harshrajjadhav940]

True levy is just awesome no one better.

[@AnCoSt1]

last game was very impressive - i love how you saw a3 and pushed your b pawn and immediately said "That b2 pawn in the endgame could be a liability..." and you literally win with your b pawn!

[@chossmedia]

> Complaining about playing suspiciously strong players as an IM playing 2000's in a video series he started at 1000

[@user-wb5xo3ff4s]

33:39 "So time, and pressure, so he was in time pressure" 😂😂

[@detectivemarkseven]

Lol

[@mmustap3]

Love these vids, and the fact that you outlined the caro khan so well. It's improved my chess even though I'm a beginner still. Very underrated, I'm sure you'll have a large following soon! :)

[@Mati-zc2ym]

Summary: learn theory by hard don't blunder switch on ultra instinct when 3 sec on clock and calculate a knight sacrifice every move

[@dr.mustafaabdullah4523]

That free Bishop with check that he missed made my stomach hurt 30:30

[@zuhairsalman4385]

I just found your channel its so addicting, keep up the good work

[@untiltheyfeelmysound]

thank you gotham ! you’ve definitely helped me improve my game and i appreciate you as a person even more !!!!

[@adrianvaldes3953]

I enjoy watching these videos more than a football (probably soccer for you) game. Thanks mate, you definitely deserve a comment.

[@krzysiuinthejungle]

I love these guide videos. Your explanation of moves and strategy is really instructive. Im really hoping to see similar series with a little bit longer games so your opponents don't blunder that much.

[@enriquenoriega2953]

Excellent content, I'm rated around 2100 and I would love it if you could do more content like this and the 2200 video. Instead of having just one one-hour video, having 5 videos of each stage would allow us the grasp more of your ideas. These would last years benefiting a lot of players. Thanks

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

I watched parts one through six. Moving on to part 7 and this is my favorite channel!

[@michaelweston5205]

This is better than watching an hour of football.

[@stuarthartley6824]

Your end game play in the final game was a joy to watch.

[@facundonpiedrabuena7131]

I have not found a better instructional chess channel, please keep it up

[@echo2339]

I follow chess on KZbin for about a year, and this is the best content of all time! both tutoring and entertaining! Moreover you are an interesting person to get to know! Thanks!

[@goplex1]

great learning from someone who is so enthusiastic and sharing his chess thought process so well

[@relaxsleepandmeditation6860]

12;45.. you could bring the bishop back to c1 if he takes the rook then check the king on g5 and take queen

[@ryanamott1]

Hey Levy, the Gotham guide has been amazing content for my family and I to view. We have been focusing on endgame and middlegame principles in our lessons and this content is super helpful! thanks!

[@Gretchaninov]

I really like these kinds of videos. A master playing against weaker players closer to our level, explaining all his ideas (and mistakes).

[@gplions89]

Just by watching this series and all the explanation to your moves as you go into the games have made me more aware and maybe even a little better lol, being able to read moves I didn't know what they were before, hopefully not to blunder as much 😅. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and experience man! I'm really grateful! ✌️😁

[@jaredc304]

"What was the lesson here?" Don't blunder your pieces, and don't tie your shoes together. 😆

[@chessNoob69]

You are a great coach levy . Thanks for making this kind of videos buddy

[@SearchSagath]

bro your though process throughout the game is just so on point

[@drefox91]

Really honest content, appreciate your approach to describing your thoughts while playing but commenting on counter play by your opponent as well. Great stuff!

[@calebmangrum7812]

I think that last game is my new favorite thing. Such a great game, I could never.

[@bringbackgoodmusic17]

30:36 you couldve taken the dark squared bishop with check and been up an entire piece instead of just up the exchange.

[@brianjacob8728]

30:31 should have taken the dark square bishop, forking the other bishop with check.

[@bilalmallick8428]

Enjoy your contents very much. Very instructive. I play fewer games, but I am trying more puzzles and watching others.

[@jkytpeace]

Learning a lot. Like the pace of your explanations. I can see myself improving by just following at your pace.

[@lamprosgiannopoulos3521]

I am really a novice chess player and I don't really follow you exactly at some points but your content is excellent,keep it up

[@jaggedben]

46:35 Levy: "a lot of people think this is just winning for white" Me: (pauses video) Wait, I've done this puzzle more than once on chess.com. It IS winning for white. What am I missing? lol

[@robinbrown6530]

You're missing the same thing Levy missed. That he forgot a move earlier. :P

[@jessevinnari701]

I know it isnt always up to you, since there are 2 players in the game, however I would REALLY enjoy to see more endgames. You had one video with a pawn structure in the endgame where you smashed it open with a knight sacrifice. I think it was really educational! Thank you for the nice videos :)

[@kirkrothes8040]

Hey Levy. Great video as always, really love the content. Amazing come-back from a piece down in the final game 👍

[@Razielfever]

Huge respect for the first guy's endgame. Also 30:35 there was a fork of king and bishop after you captured bishop on e7, two bishops are better than one rook,right??

[@kyriethegoat8007]

9:15 "folks are GOOD and they are resiliant!...and they give pawns away?... in the endgame when they're...lost?"

[@vialb2]

Here's a well deserved like and comment because I like the content. Great instructive videos, straight to the point, and reaches all level players of the game.

[@piotr.kaczmarski]

46:39 - Great excerpt from the book "Think like a 1000 elo"

[@piotr.kaczmarski]

On a more serious note, thank you for occasionally including moves we, low rated guys, can understand :D

[@xyng1]

Great channel man! I just discovered you recently and I absolutely love the content you create! Very educational for a 1400 looser like myself ;) Keep up the great work!

[@KF1]

1400 is a good start. I went from 1200 to 1800 just watching vids and playing. Check out the playlist "beginner to chess master" by chess-network. It's very well presented.

[@xyng1]

@@KF1 I will! Thank you! :)

[@im2slick4u67]

Cant wait for part 7

[@CyanOgilvie]

That last game was pure art

[@jorymil]

Two reasons not to resign: 1. you still have winning or drawing chances based on your opponent's strength. 2. Your opponent says "good game" before you resign or are mated.

[@johngoalby522]

Just finished the series up to part 6. Love the content. Not sure I would change it in any way.

[@simonfidlin3454]

Great Video! Looking forward to the 2200+

[@littlerashun9592]

I actually never played online chess until just recently, so 2000+ are considered masters or...?

[@charlesarms2348]

I feel better than ever now that I saw a free bishop levy missed. That's one tactic I've seen and he hasn't and a billion hes seen that I haven't.

[@munibzain1966]

Watching aggressive players being punished is my favourite form of therapy

[@kaiceelen6468]

I really like how you explain every move, I've learned (and still learning) a lot of your vids

[@incognitocappucino1972]

This channel is really great to see, good stuff sir