How to Choose an Opening with Professor Hikaru

Hikaru plays an instructional viewer arena and reveals his the best advice for how to choose an opening.
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#gmhikaru #chess #chesslessons

[@marsh3674]

Thank you Hikaru for giving access to your mind and taking a casual, entertaining, relatable approach. It's rare to have the best in the world give such inside looks into their craft.

[@amin56754]

And it's almost free

[@kelsthevibe]

Wdym almost, ts is free. Exempting the time and I took to make a KZbin account and the Internet I pay for, I access his videos for free

[@dafuqmr13]

its honestly crazy, imagine someone like Scottie Pippen "interact" and teaching you basketball on daily basis, Tarantino teaching you how to make movie, or some top scientist like Tesla teaching you, mind-boggling

[@suilauk9954]

Hikaru is a better teacher than magnus will ever be

[@dylansegur1201]

​@@suilauk9954Magnus actually teaches during his streams too if you ever watch them... he just isn't an influencer he's the 5x world championship his games speak volumes for themselves. Learn off that

[@tom3588]

„Don‘t listen to these influencers like Levi Rozman and Alexander Botez“ 😂

[@OneEyeMamba]

When did he said that?

[@prathamesh413]

Around 5:55

[@prathamesh413]

He included himself too

[@LostPageWasTaken]

He said Hikaru too, It was a joke@@OneEyeMamba

[@coolmendotdot2]

Stockfish watching this, chuckling, going... "...Fool."

[@LongSetDream]

This man is probably the best chess teacher alive, and he’s teaching it to the masses. What a guy 🤘

[@cosminaurelian4987]

When you have almost all, you have to give back to people. Anyways, he gives info to people as the speed of thinking makes the differece, so he's not afraid to share his thinking process.

[@radicalaim]

@@cosminaurelian4987 yeah, it's not like hikaru is worried about all of the 500s in his chat that will threaten his position as a reputable grand master.

[@johncarlisle6865]

they say Heineken is probably the best lager in the world, but I don't believe them. Hikaru is very good, but there are many great teachers online, especially at the Saint Louis chess club

[@simonnguyen692]

please more professor hikaru this content is so good

[@yosefcohen483]

True, GM Nakamura is best portraited as professor. Danya is pilot.

[@nantplays9740]

As a 41yo father that got back to chess 3 months ago (haven't played since I was 16yo) because of my youngest daughter, I love how you can teach me, so I can pass on to her and teach her some basic points, knowing I'm not getting her to learn stuff that are too difficult at her age, for her and for me!! Thank you for the straight forward-thinking and for sharing! Imo it's these types of KZbin videos/content that make new people want to play chess, because you make them see that chess is not something made up just for geniuses and that anyone can play it with easy basic principles, if they just know which is which ;) Sorry if my English is not the best for expressing myself Thank you and good luck on all your future endeavors from a Portuguese fan!

[@dvargart]

Lets go

[@ScottyDog345]

If your chess is as good as your English,you'll be alright. All the best

[@andrewdavies7720]

Very good English 👍 muito beim

[@elephantheart9988]

21:01 "getting ready to murder the king" I love his expression afterward, like he's thinking "Did I just say that? Why'd I say murder? anyway you guys"

[@michaelsafwat1953]

I just hate how easy hikaru makes it look

[@marekkozina7693]

Absolutely love that you're doing these professor episodes! For someone stuck at 800 in games but 2400 puzzles, your explanations of the early game is wonderful. Thanks prof 光る!

[@swarleystinson1]

that’s quite the discrepancy!!! do you mean 800 in bullet/blitz or 800 in rapid?

[@marekkozina7693]

@@swarleystinson1 rapid. Blitz/bullet I'm like 580. BUT! I literally only play like once a week (if that) and mainly do puzzles and bots. Honestly I just need to play more games against real people. I can spot tactics easily but always seem to get myself into trouble in the openings.

[@deanh8438]

700 to 800 in games too! Very much a causal as well ❤😍

[@ryanshafer10]

I feel your pain I am similar where I can see the tactics and puzzles easily, but my openings are pure trash. This has helped me tremendously with openings

[@tobyn123]

Omg me too!!! 2100 puzzles (flirting with 2200) but I'm pretty stuck at around 650 rapid and absolutely unbearably stuck at around 550 elo in blitz. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

[@pjs777s.8]

Hikaru is a ray of sunshine and hilarious. Hikaru and Daniel are the only two in the chess world elite that aren’t snooze fests. Keep up the awesome content!

[@jamesdelb6885]

"If you can't remember your games, choose another profession." - Hikaru Nakamura

[@nixlin2043]

Hikaru is always able to make his videos entertaining and educational goat!

[@DaudZaidi]

Wow this is gold. Thanks Hikaru for showing the thought process and ideas.

[@richardcasey4439]

So very instructive to have a GM at this level explain the reasoning behind his moves

[@randomgeographer4410]

This is the best type of video from Hikaru which he delivers once in a while.

[@locke_ytb]

Guys, I find it helpful that every time Hikaru's opponent makes a move, you pause the video and make your own (example) move to counter them. Then you compare your move with Hikaru's and see why our move is good or bad. Just thought I'd share...

[@MatthewWarrington-rv5sz]

I like this idea but he knows and calls what his opponent will do and what he will play after that 🤣

[@mauricefeatherston3078]

@@MatthewWarrington-rv5sz mute 🧠⚡️

[@godwincornelius201]

muy interesante, gracias mi amiga

[@ryanshafer10]

These Professor Hikaru videos have been so informative at low levels it has inspired me to start playing again. Thanks for giving us this level of insight.

[@Kelsdoggy]

hi Hikaru this is so useful! I love that you did things that you wouldnt do and explained why. Its a true masterclass

[@donquixotedoflamingo9037]

42:33 that was in a nick of time..... most intense move in this video

[@sage_sause]

I am to this day amazed by Hickeroo's calculations. He is on a whole different level. Superhuman.

[@chessandmusicwithoskiez6241]

Trust me, it’s not really superhuman. It’s just incredible. This is by far not his best display of it, in fact he’s barely even trying.

[@sage_sause]

@@chessandmusicwithoskiez6241 i know, and that's the best part

[@RSuave545]

@@sage_sausehe’s said b4 it’s mostly not calculating it’s more so intuition and unconscious; sorta like walking and talking

[@Parwezh]

True but he had shown a tournament or a play of 1997 that means he’s freaking experienced haha so the experience and learning from mistakes and development really brought this to a point where most of the things he does is muscle memory 😂. Just like breathing 🌚🤣

[@greghovermale7280]

I started playing 1e4 in the last 5 games I've played and won all 5. Simplifying and getting my pieces out faster really helped and I appreciate the advice in this video

[@alexwiththeglasses]

Valuable to hear GM Hikaru’s reasoning, both the general concepts and concrete considerations behind these openings🙏

[@charliecryer4820]

love u hikaru ❤. Great to hear you talk. I'm glad that you exist and that you broadcast all this stuff!

[@petrusmoller6578]

I was waiting too for hikaru. So serious and funny at the same time😊

[@diverseRo]

A truly GrandMaster, I like the way you explain so clearly all the possible movements...

[@SilentRio]

Amazing at 07:38 he preempts white’s response and when they don’t oblige he goes straight into a childhood memory in response to the unexpected move!! Wow 👌 thanks for the content 👑

[@wclipson]

Great content. This calm, conversational approach is very instructive and entertaining. I will keep looking for this content. Thanks!

[@tezla_3839]

thank you so much...looking forward to more videos like this...teach us what u know for beginners GMhikaru

[@polarbea3803]

I love the sudden intro man 😂 you’ve earned my sub, good stuff mate

[@timo6762]

For white: E4 (Scotch, Exchange carokann, Granprix sicilian) For black it was a bit more complicated but basically E4E5 and D4D5. He played Kan sicilian once and considered scandinavian good for beginners. Watch the video to see how to play them!

[@irwang.sebastianp.1180]

What a blessing to have a living LEGEND like you sir👏👏

[@HollowIchigo4243]

Loved that blitz-styled opening course. Game after game of high-octane knowledge! GGs

[@isabellali5331]

I'm a beginner and this is the best opening lesson I have ever watched. Helped me much more than detailed lessons on specific openings. Thx Hikaru! :-)))

[@katorzanin]

Thank you, Hicaru. You are example for a lot people around the world. Not only in chess. But your personal way. When I started watch chess I remember how I was looking at you and thinking: omg, that dude sooo serious, he is probably very strong player, but he is not happy. And when you decide to go to the KZbin and change to live, not to be in constant competition, but being a human. You inspire me. Thank you 🙏

[@big_darkside2716]

Very educational, thanks for the upload :)

[@gura_dura]

GM Hikaru providing free and accessible vods for review and something to take as lesson from. Good games GM!, thank you!

[@marendal]

Thank you man! You are awsome. My game improved a lot after I watched some of your videos. You are amazing teacher

[@sachovrah]

excellent explanations, thx Hikaru

[@MuhammadAnas-ct5om]

I was looking for opening and my man hikaru uploaded the video just the right time

[@mohdafiifiiabdghani2400]

I love how Hikaru explaining every detail about his move. He also humble..

[@nickchynennyi8827]

tysm, for thise valuable lessons, professor!

[@Yayaisbadatchess]

This is why I love Hikaru

[@311mjp]

"double stack in honor of Dave Thomas" is an elite line from Hikaru

[@brandonsymonds]

Thanks man, really informative... most appreciated...🙏🏾 Kind regards, Brandon, Australia

[@synapse2k158]

as an 1800 I really benefit a lot from these videos , plz uncle keep them coming

[@WayneSutton-bm6te]

I've been watching him for a little bit now and finally used his throw your pawn and win opening and I only lost 1 out of like 7 games so far and even when I lost my queen. It's a great set up

[@prathamesh413]

Hikaru making choices which he feels good ❤

[@ivan63899]

Estou no começo do aprendizado no xadrez e com esse tipo de conteúdo fica tudo mais fácil e divertido! Você é o cara Nakamura! Abraços

[@ven11235]

Thanks for the masterclass

[@gillesmelet1044]

I was lucky to get a group training session with GM Youri Averbakh in 1990 and somebody asked for games with Bobby Fischer, so he showed us 2 games by just finding the moves back from his memory 😮 He said he was remembering all games he had played in tournament

[@Mu5ik4Life]

Thank you for this excellent content!

[@icerabbit9433]

Scotch is a great opening, very sharp and fun. My favorite one ❤ Thanks GOAT Hikaru for all your videos, pedagogy and always good mood !

[@johndong4683]

Love these instructional videos.

[@robertreyes6664]

I love the analogies!!

[@observer1846]

This is a very productive stream, there is a lot to learn. Thanks a lot.

[@LL-jl9qq]

Yo Hikaru, I think you get cooler by the day. High competence, low ego. Looks great on you, keep it up! Bravo

[@Waynezeal]

Hi Hikaru thanx so much for insights in the Game Maximum respect....

[@Max-wd8ox]

Great beginner video as usual! 0:27 General opening strategy for beginners 0:32 Scotch opening 6:25 Note on Black opening strategy for beginners 6:57 Pawn should mostly take back toward center as a general rule 8:07 Scotch opening book recommendation from Garry Lane 12:10 Hikaru's step dad teaching opening with similar opening ideas 12:27 How not to open as a beginners with black 15:15 Black opening ideas after white 1.c4 15:59 How to play modern as a beginner = "don't bother..." 16:38 What makes opening difficult? 16:51 General opening strategy for beginners 19:34 Black opening ideas after white 1.e3 21:29 Grand Prix Attack 23:11 Hikaru recognizing a flow about the open he recommends fro beginners (easy developing) 24:10 Draw back from white not taking the center right away 27:09 Trading down when you are way ahead on material 28:09 Hikaru recommend Scotch opening over Ruy Lopez 34:43 Black opening ideas against the Scotch played by white 37:35 Hikaru not recommending the Scotch Mieses Variation for beginners 42:05 Black opening Sicilian defense against white 1.e4 52:54 Black Classic exchange Caro Kann against white Caro Kann 1.c6 (Easy dev. play for Black) 59:34 Hikaru recommending the Vienna and Scotch opening (Be aware of the Charley Horse Mate) 1:03:36 Hikaru recommending Grand Prix and Scotch opening yet again (Easy dev. play at start) 1:04:10 Hikaru not recommending Italian and Spanish opens because we want easy piece play 1:05:49 Scotch 4 knights Variation 1:06:20 Black opening ideas after white 1.b3 1:14:30 Grand Prix Open (easy development of pieces) 1:16:40 Black opening after White London Open 1:18:00 Hikaru telling us why not to play the London as a beginner 1:18:22 Hikaru (B) playing the queen gambit line against White 1:23:14 Scandi (B) "One opening that I actually recommend for beginner"

[@drewpocernich2540]

I would love a college chess degree type of KZbin playlist from you. Chess 095 going over the very basics then chess 101. Then gradually up. Freshman classes start with a 1, sophomore classes start with a 2, junior classes start with a 3. Senior classes start with a 4 and I’ve heard of graduate level 500, or 600 level classes. That refers to what year of college that class is typically taken during, but the two numbers after signify how difficult it should be given the year of school.

[@Joe-og6br]

I just used that first opening and I've beaten 1000 "elo" online. Openings help a ridiculous amount.

[@MJ-gw2zu]

How do you go from one of your best videos with the openings to this. You are a menace lol

[@Skaypegote]

Guy playing against Hikaru: "He's taking a long time to make a move, I must have made a great move that has him thinking" Hikaru: *busy googling himself on the other monitor*

[@erbreddaa]

I used to play chess against my grandpa when I was a child, then I started again a week ago (after have played and lost random games against my friends. I've applied your openings and I've to thank you because you gave me a lot of strategies with a simple video. You basically unlocked my brain, so thank you so much! Apologies for my English level, i keep on practicing every day.

[@erlendgerhard4905]

i love this, thank you Hikaru

[@Zraknul]

Remembering games 26 years ago is how you get top level in a lot of strategy type games. Your brain is the database of what worked and didn't.

[@AM-pq1rq]

@4:03 that was a sweet casual side remark 😁 I googled it expecting to see some sort of chess giant in the search results but nothing like that at all :)

[@fernandoedelman7574]

This vídeo is gold !!! Thanks Hikaru !!!! 😊😊😊

[@kaszaspeter77]

Unreal that he remembers the name of a random train station in Hungary from all those years ago (Keleti pu).

[@ambarharale9133]

This guy is a machine

[@skan7677]

Thank you. You are really entretaining, and a good master. I can belive that we live in an era that lets us learn chess whit the best players of the world. Thank you.

[@theqrm]

Great info if you can keep up with the pace of the tutorial! That's what rewind is for 🙂

[@pyro2708]

Just imagine playing some casual chess and you suddenly get a free masterclass by Hikaru Nakamura-sama himself, what a legend to take time out of his day to teach random noobs.

[@matthewmcwane9569]

He spent a lot of effort trying to confirm the month of a match he had in 1997

[@FungiGuy195]

yeah right? And why would it concern him this much? His behaviour seemed so bizarre. It's also his most replayed part of the video, yet nobody is mentioning it in the comments.

[@sumithjayarathna2132]

love to see hikaru play 15+10 speed run

[@jefftaylor1186]

Here’s how to choose: d4 opening as white: Jobava London e4 opening as white: Rúy Lopéz defense against 1.e4: caro-kann Defense against 1.d4: Slav Defense specifically against the london system: Czech That’s how you choose.

[@NorThenX047]

Both hikaru and levi are so entertaining. Hikaru seems a bit more straight forward with less hype but very informative. I need to learn some openings or at least defenses

[@DrHelloWorld30]

1:06:50 The opponents DP has a selfie with Hikaru...love that.

[@WCO3]

Wonderful insights kind sir! TY!! and I don't have to buy some stupid course.

[@battousaiplays]

i literally just googled chess openings then this pops up in notifercations, thank you for reading my mind hikaru

[@chrisegg7936]

1:13:33 Hikaru thinks more about chess in 3 seconds than I've probably thought about chess combined in my lifetime

[@notadaytrader]

8:29 Beginner here I feel like bishop to B4 would’ve been better yes? Puts him in check, takes away his castling opportunity.

[@oshiso750]

Professor Nakamura makes chess looks like a "fun" game

[@andrewdavies7720]

Thanks hikaru man. Much respect.

[@Bellone420]

Really good video you are a genius love you

[@leonardovieiradesouza8115]

28minutes in and I feel stronger already Also, him remembering the games where he faces the opening situations was just baffling

[@dpend]

Honestly this really makes me want to switch to the Scotch as my main opening. I started with the Italian but the line is so dry and boring, also difficult to play for a beginner. Then I switched to the London but honestly pretty bored of it. I didn’t wanna play E4 openings because of the Italian but I forgot about the Scotch. The Grand Prix attack looks fun as well!

[@samratgyawali2809]

As black what u do?

[@dpend]

@@samratgyawali2809 I’ve been doing the Silician and Caro Kann mainly

[@afronasty2000]

Double Rooks on 7th Rank:🥱 ROOK-MANIA: 😎

[@GoAroundMyVietnam]

Hi Professor H, My son was very impressed with you and the Bongclound game :) thanks for your sharing knowledge about chess.

[@nathan2891]

17:45 - The "only human" line was The Merovingian in the battle against Neo after they first met. Why did I instantly recognize this?

[@HungVu-un9pt]

thank a lot for these useful leasons my professor 🙏🙏

[@jonathanodude6660]

1:15:41 I spent 10 minutes trying to figure out why you didnt just play bishop h6 and checkmate with queen, then I pressed play and that was the exact move you did. I just didnt look at the previous move and so didnt realise that you were avoiding an attack on the light squared bishop

[@warrendsmith6832]

At 45:29 Hikaru says he never heard of a grandmaster who got dementia/alzheimer. I can tell you from personal experience David Bronstein had both. And when I met him he was very non compos mentis, but he STILL was able to kick butt in a simul at Princeton-area chess club. So go figure that out. (Apparently V.Smyslov too, but I cannot tell you that from personal experience.) There was a paper in JAMA claiming activities like chess seem to reduce dementia risk by about 10%. So: hardly a cure-all, but seems to have some benefit.

[@ericshoemaker9140]

I totally with what you said about the Modern. I'm "2006" USCF and I still don't know what I'm doing when I try to play it.

[@sdw-hv5ko]

That 500 at the beginning honestly played really well!

[@kenzztube]

Hikaru is the goat.

[@henrikmadsen6446]

It truly is amazing just how good Hikaru (/ all 2000+) is.

[@yitwailu2]

Amusing explanation of castlemania around 5:45 😉

[@Majora96]

7:30 wow.. Hikaru has the memory of a genius

[@Musix4me-Clarinet]

"What was the greatest experience not in chess?" There are two pat answers to the question that should be said before the question is even finished: 1. "The birth of my son/daughter," and 2. "My wedding day." The first is true if you've had a child. The second is true if you are married and you wish to continue being happy. Of course, "My wedding night." is a close third if you are a traditional family, for the same reason as number two. 😏

[@Alex9tenGaming]

At what rank do you get the ability to know how to get the knight to a desired square without drawing out 6 different patterns of movement

[@pastoralzeus8133]

Respect