How to Kill the French Defense | A Tactical Showcase | GM Naroditsky’s Theory Speed Run

[@hogridaaaa6369]

I had a great run at the national open in vegas that happened a few weeks back. I went 6 out of 7 tied with 2 others for first place, and huge credit goes to your speed runs as they really improved my chess skills a lot. Also, I had to checkmate with a knight and bishop in one of my rounds, one of your videos I watched helped a lot for it as well. Thank you so much Danya for providing such excellent content, I will continue to watch these speed runs, there is always something to learn from it

[@adamc5785]

How did you get started with OTB tournaments? Did you join a club or simply find a tournament? I want to get into real OTB rated chess but don’t know where to start.

[@hogridaaaa6369]

@@adamc5785 I found a local club here to get started with, but I rarely go to big tournaments tbh, maybe once a year, but to get started, I would suggest finding some local club near you, and once you feel confident, you can start playing in big tournaments

[@starry7544]

​@@adamc5785join your country's governing body for chess (uscf for the usa) and they'll list tournaments for you

[@prathamesh413]

Same here Speedruns helped me alot in my tournaments

[@ethan3038]

Dang that’s so cool, I also played in Vegas! Probably saw you man, what section did you play in?

[@Anti-You]

I wish I could give this two or more likes. This game was highly instructive, not only because it is an opening that I play, but you have this amazing ability to explain things in real time that is unmatched.

[@imjonathan6745]

giving this video multiple like is an application impossibility

[@Anti-You]

@@imjonathan6745 Not if you have more than one account. Alas, I don't.

[@ragdollwilly1]

It still amazes me that we have regularly scheduled masterclasses... FOR FREE!!!! Thank you so much Danya

[@heroname1]

damn

[@WilsonMagna]

For real. This is the best educational speedrun on the internet no contest and I especially appreciate Danye not ending the speedrun so early so we can see these masterpiece games. Black played incredibly well got Danye still got the W.

[@heroname1]

@@WilsonMagna xd

[@UprightCaucasoid]

It still amazes me that people post this exact same comment on every single video he makes to farm likes.

[@JohnVandenberg-qe4yz]

the quality of Daniel's instruction is superlative. I haven't seen anything as good. A very pleasant personality on top of everything else.

[@funnyguy604]

I think until now I took for granted how well you can keep an audience engaged even when the opponent is thinking. It just never really occurred to me but you do it all the time. I love the speedrun vids and you do a wonderful job breaking down your thought process for a beginner level to understand.

[@connorbogunovic1647]

Yesterday, I was beating a player 150 rating points higher than me in the French (I was up a knight and two pawns), but lost due to time in the end. I spent 5 minutes on more than one move in the opening because I just didn't know how to respond to the French as white. This video came at a perfect time for me.

[@Scrotaldo]

Sounds like it came a day too late

[@noahmclaughlin2251]

@@OArchivesX I don't think that is generally acceptable. Certainly wouldn't fly in tournament.

[@FmFpF1992]

​@@OArchivesX any form of assistance during a rated game is cheating. Look and analyze after with whatever tools you got, not during. No wonder online chess makes me cynical

[@ponzi_0]

​@@OArchivesXthis is only allowed in daily games. If it's somehow not against rules, it's at least against general courtesy... even though I think everyone has done this once as a noob.

[@maxhenderson1890]

@@OArchivesX I believe actually in the violation of fair play policy, what you described is not allowed in rated games.

[@gelatinousjoe7979]

47:25 this line just won me a rapid game against a 1900 player. Fell straight into the queen trap. Thank you Danya!

[@velhovelho]

nice

[@robertgelblum5154]

This was an absolutely brilliant video! Thanks to Danya for sharing some of his secret opening prep. The games and the videos are getting a lot more complicated, but I prefer having "more meat on the bone" - now I have something I can really sink my teeth into. Just FYI, Danya, I watch and try to actively participate with every single second of your videos, because I value them so highly.

[@Baumhauskrampf]

no one: Danja after 30 min. of a 15/15 min. game: "we barely exited the opening" 31:40

[@roryharvey2727]

This is UNDOUBTEDLY the best chess instruction video I have ever seen!!

[@dallastaylor6741]

I always always always always struggle against the French. Thank you so much for the video!

[@ilyassilyass4469]

Nothing like a speedrun video of Dania dissecting a game right after blundering a game away

[@seragianluca3180]

we're all on the same boat

[@Arthas30000]

Which game did he blunder away? I don't recall this 😂

[@ilyassilyass4469]

​@@Arthas30000 talking about myself

[@Arthas30000]

@@ilyassilyass4469 Gotcha. DW, same here tbh 😅 in fact I blundered away a completely winning Tarasch French, so this is perfect timing

[@ilyassilyass4469]

​@@Arthas30000yea, these videos are always a treat

[@modolief]

Karpov was a big proponent of the Tarrasch when playing against the French Defense.

[@Chad-lu1sf]

I wanted to Thank you for your contributions to Chess brother, Been along for the ride from your beginnings here on the tubes. Your very articulate in your teachings, and extremely thorough. Much appreciated , and much love Danya....💯

[@zodiac9208]

Opponent moves a piece in the opening Danya: now an inevitable mating attack is coming

[@arezzo5340]

What a beautiful game. So many concepts were shown that I was not aware of. I have the same rating as the opponent, and Naroditsky just thought so many new branches of ideas. Perhaps the best game ever shown in the speedrun in terms of instructivness. Thank you

[@jackson32]

This is the best way to learn chess, listening to a strong player annotate their games.

[@TheRedWon]

Fantastic video. I always struggle against the French at the 1400-1500 level so it's great to see how you dismantle a much stronger player in this opening.

[@terrystinnett1190]

Thanks , you combine common sense , logic's , and simplicity . = a great teacher for beginner like myself ! And can see why you could continue to educate me in my later " stages " ...

[@aarontimothy2960]

My face smiles every time I see Danya's speedrun on my youtube home recommendations. Keep up the speedrun man!

[@desmundreid3368]

Just blown away at these amazing tactics. I'm slowly being able to calculate a few of the moves and also learning how t o spot some of these tactics as well. These videos are priceless. I cannot thank you enough for the this wealth of knowledge. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@heavyClimber]

You are amazing, your content is pure gold, I learned so much from your videos.

[@JonasLontoc]

Hey Daniel! I just want to leave a comment saying that I won against the French for the first time because of the knowledge I got from this video! Thank you so much for doing these. You are by far one of the best chess teachers out there!

[@elroyjacobs8126]

Amazing Danya. I should save all the playlists. I really enjoyed this one.

[@sawyer3446]

Thank you Daniel for the amazing content

[@HalfofaSandwich]

Just started playing the Tarrasch French myself. This is awesome!

[@abramisme]

Always a good day when Daniel uploads a video!

[@starry7544]

You're my chess hero, Daniel!

[@asansfakeaccound5466]

I love such games. Closed center openings are so rich when it comes to interesting positions

[@Nimzowitz]

Perfect game! Perfect analysis! Would be really interesting to see you climb to the top of the rating ladder (standard), because this is getting better and better!

[@lazycalc2533]

Incredible content! Love the higher rated game analysis.

[@drewdg21]

Danya playing one of his actual openings is unfair. Wild how extensive his knowledge is when it comes to what he actually knows and plays. A lot of 2000s can put up a fight when he's playing in unknown territory, but this just felt entirely different.

[@ChessJourneyman]

Yep, when he plays his preferred openings, he has books on them, knows the theory, critical lines, plans, etc. When he plays d4 positional lines...

[@howlingwolf317]

Agreed. Like obviously Danya is incredible at making decisions on the fly but it's been a bit funny when he says "my knowledge of the line ends here" around 3-4 moves in. But here he was obviously prepared for the entire opening and middlegame. Made me realize the lines he only goes a few moves in for are for us, because many of us are only going to be able remember a few moves in and then switch to concepts. He picks openings that are better for the rating.

[@johndeaux8815]

To be fair, his opponent did choose to play a French as black, and they played into the line pretty well. It is a bit unfair for a theory heavy line like the one in this video, however at that elo you are going to have a few opponents who have a lot of theory in one particular line.

[@hearmeout1767]

Their elo points are refunded after he wins.

[@chessbopolz156]

Great video as always Danya! Thank you for sharing ideas.

[@chessgold8768]

wow.. what an explanation.. flawless..

[@ericschoor9479]

3. Nd2 in the French. With this move white is saying “I have a job. I have a family.”

[@JackRehfuss]

Amazing Game and Video Danya! Really enjoyed this one

[@csaavedra]

HI Daniel, you asked for feedback, so here goes mine. I have followed your previous speedruns and I have learned a lot from them. Forever grateful for your lessons. That being said, after watching this video, I feel like the pace is way too quick for me to be able to digest what you are teaching. I don't mean the playing, which of course needs to be fast paced due to the time control, but I feel like the general pace of the video is a bit too fast. Anyway, thanks again for all your content!

[@klefdnb]

I cannot explain how grateful I am for this tutorials but DEAR LORD! Please explain it later!

[@josephsalmonte4995]

You always seem to post a video right when I fancy watching one. Thanks 🙂

[@abee127]

Watching the speedrun in backwards order, this is my favorite game so far.

[@fleddermuus4616]

thanks for being back with the regular speedrun

[@thetransferaccount4586]

amazing game and explanation x2

[@misterroboto1]

38:33 "this is how to kill the French, essentially". NGL, I kinda felt threatened by that one 😅

[@prathamesh413]

Another hour long analysis. love it ❤

[@ID123Test]

Second half is GOLD. Thank you 🙏

[@kacperperzynski7488]

This is really quality learing experience, no 20minutes shortcuts

[@RobFraser]

I learned a lot, but I’m sad you are helping so many to learn how dismantle my go to French Defence 😅

[@RAFAELSILVA-by6dy]

I'm trying to relearn chess after playing seriously 35-40 years ago. I've watched a lot of these videos and they have opened my eyes to how chess can be played. I have a modest objective of learning some opening theory so that I'm not hopelessly lost after six moves! My starting point is that the French is a forced win for Black. I'm just trying to figure out why that is not the case. Thanks for all your videos.

[@alfiecollins5617]

The word 'defense' is an essential part of this video's title.

[@starpolemic]

I detest playing against the French but to be honest, most of this is because I have trouble handling French pawn structures and positions in an effective manner. This video was very informative in how to deal with certain details, and encouraged me to do more reading into seriously playing the Tarrasch. Thanks for the great content as always!

[@jackson32]

I have found the Tarrasch Variation to be the best. You end up playing it a lot and learn how to play it. You have to realize the main thing is to attack on the kingside or control the center, this often leads to sharp positions which is why I think the french is a dangerous opening for white, much more tactical than the caro kann. Having d4 well defended is very important and puts the question to black about what they are going to do. The isolated pawn variation in the Tarrasch is the one that is easiest for white to play.

[@starpolemic]

Well said. Thank you for the informative advice!

[@falseinsignia]

These explanations at this level are the most helpful so far out of all videos you've made. Please continue at this higher level. This material is vitally missing in video format and book notation is incredibly difficult to interpret well. Many thanks.

[@usageunit]

Great timing, I just switched to the Tarrasch to avoid having to learn theory in the Winawer. Now I have to learn theory in the Open Tarrasch instead... (at least my pawns aren't doubled)

[@Randomsyrianfella]

You also have to learn the classical in the nc3 variation. Absolute pain in the ass

[@usageunit]

@@Randomsyrianfella I was always able to play pretty naturally after Nf6 though without studying much theory. Just push e5 and play a typical Frenchy battle over d4. I never did well in the positions that came out of the Winawer though.

[@i.g.l.z.9215]

What a great guide into the French defence for White, thank you!

[@N_B_123]

Best series on KZbin

[@Vinicius.gasantos]

This game was a masterclass, congratulations.

[@mandotherapper2586]

Me: "Position is closed. No potential here." Danya: "So theres an unstoppable mating attack."

[@madmanonsticks]

The boyish giddy Danya radiates when it comes to chess warms my heart

[@dermotshaw6775]

best series on youtube. no gas

[@sayafkhan748]

This is mind boggling stuff!

[@BusyB07]

23:10 great quote. Strangle them positionally

[@ravenbender6841]

Your teaching the art of patience not only in chess but life.

[@TekimotoUnlimited]

32:16 what a quote

[@willzang3000]

wow what a cool game !!! much love danyeezee

[@lauri-ug6hz]

Your videos are amazing. I love the tennyson gambit, and when it is declined, i usually play the vienna or 4, knights.

[@DanielWillen]

These thumbnails are pure art !

[@spark5010]

Its incredible

[@sanjibbhaumik425]

Thank you for giving us your prep

[@robdubent]

I tell everyone that you’re the best educator in chess. I learn more from your videos than any paid lesson I’ve had. I’d love to get some lessons from you but I’m assuming you’re unavailable as you are a busy man. Serious question….. you strongly advise against 3.Nc3 in the French…. Yet you recommend that in your Jobava course when things transpose…. Can you explain?

[@faznaz7455]

Speaking from experience, I’ve played on both sides of the French and against the Tarrasch, c5 is the only acceptable line. As demonstrated by the game Nf6 is imo dubious and the positions that arise from this opening are extremely ugly, the only hope black has is a kingside counterattack but even with this, white has a significant edge. Playing Nf6 against the tarrasch is an improved French version of the Nc3 french where Nf6 is also played for 2 reasons, the light square bishop goes on d3 easily and the knight doesn’t need to invest another tempo to move from c3 (because it is on d2) to connect the pawns with pawn to c3. From a practical standpoint, this is very difficult to face from the black side especially in longer time controls as one mistake can lead to the collapse of black’s position and even if you play accurately as black there is so much initiative to deal with and there are easier and more comfortable alternatives to this.

[@Min2konto]

It's a shame Danya doesn't have more videos where the first 10 moves are stockfish best, because his evaluations of the middlegame would be so much more educational and useful. Too bad c5 wasn't played here...

[@discosugar]

this epi alone is a chess university.

[@MalsawmkimaKhawlhring]

So informative ... just free lessons from a GM.... ❤DANYA

[@inguh7041]

Whoa... this is phenomenal stuff. I respect coaches, but Danya is so good, he might put some of them out of work!

[@chesswithJohn]

best content on KZbin

[@RenukaKulkarni-t1k]

This is really masterclass

[@-Linesway]

noooo, my favourite opening

[@akarasnj]

I don't think I can get bored from Greek gift theory.

[@oliviertschumper8632]

You‘ve got. Coaching skills. Thank you,

[@matteovrizzi]

the most beautiful game of the series

[@codingcuber]

great video daniel

[@rylandmitchell]

Crazy seeing you dismantle 2100s like it’s nothing

[@The_BFG]

Any day Dania releases a KZbin video is a good day

[@esmaeilrostami955]

Thank you

[@divergentlife493]

There are multiple YTs on countering the fresh defense. But I did not do well. Applying the setup in this vid and variations explained here has helped me the most. 1300s Chesscon. Is there a video explaining this particular setup step by step in more detail? It has actually worked well for me when black responds with fresh opening.

[@Euruzilys]

I was literally about to sleep. I guess not anymore!

[@Siimzyt]

danya literally giving us the secret sauce🙏🏽😭

[@coxscorner]

I actually like the exchange on occasion because French players want a closed game and you are forcing it into an open one. I use to play the Advance but with mixed results. The Tarrasch looks like something I should try.

[@MrTolypothrix]

wow that was a beautiful game, holy shit

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

14:24 looks like Danya is playing Fisher Random

[@lassesolbu1360]

Hi, I really love this video. It is like a goldmine, because I have not been able to find much material on the universal system. Btw you have any advice against the g6 line? And do you know of any other good resources on this opening?

[@ilyassilyass4469]

I think it'd be great if you could provide the FEN or PNG for the games in the description box

[@ClydeBarber]

-editor here Ok buddy, great suggestion and I'll start doing that

[@ilyassilyass4469]

@@ClydeBarber much appreciated

[@dashvash5440]

​@ClydeBarber awesome! It's s big help if we want to refresh our go through moves we think might have worked too.

[@musical_lolu4811]

21:10 Bg5 is so weird a move to me, as logical as it was for Danya to arrive at it.

[@nathanarnaud9738]

amazing

[@ZeusBotko]

You should also play french defense on black side for once

[@MyGeniusLeads]

I wish you would make sure to upload your videos on higher quality. A good bit of them have no quality version, and they are blurry.

[@MrGilband]

Best chess teacher ever

[@thethinker3888]

14:05 I wonder if the adventurous h4! Is a viable idea here. Bxh4 Nxh4 Qxh4 Nf3, and you get the knight in with tempo, dark-squared bishop comes alive, h-file is opened up, could be very appealing. Edit: turns out h4 is one of the top engine moves lol Edit 2: He did play h4 later but I feel like it would’ve been stronger if he had played it when the knight was still on d2 as white gains quite a bit of initiative

[@crystallized1676]

It's not adventurous at all - it's standard these days. Engines pull this pawn sac in various positions. It's not even a pawn sac here as it's suicidal to take. I would play it in a blink of an eye and I'm literally shocked Danya didn't. As this is top theory speedrun I was close to turning video off... which I actually did after his misstimed h4. May sound very harsh but patzer attacking chess in my opinion and I really give a fu** that it's mighty Danya. Butchering is butchering even if it is Magnus himself. ANY good attacker these days knows that motive.

[@raajeshchess]

Daniel please make a video on utilising space advantage

[@sergiob8501]

damn Danya why i always miss your speedrun streams? timezone - berlin

[@Socrates...]

Thanks

[@therbeeo5364]

I like the Tarrasch even more after watching this. Wow