I Beat My Grandmaster Mom With THE COW OPENING!!!

PROOF THAT THE COW OPENING WORKS
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[@DFGdanger]

I love that the non-predefined-chess-move step of the Cow is so powerful: Confuse your opponent into making a mistake. Works even on GMs!

[@HoloDaWisewolf]

Most of the time I play the Cow, the engine's evaluation slowly go around -1 and -2, and then suddenly to +1 a couple of moves later because my opponent over-extends or something

[@davidjoseph7142]

I just think it’s cool that Anna actual;ly came up with an opening that’s all over the internet plus the fact there are peaople out there playing it.

[@StephenOConnell-tz5zw]

lol hikaru checkmated the cow in the first 6 moves. its not only an opening that Anna did not in fact invent, but its also a very VERY weak opening. I would advise to stop using it at around 900 elo.

[@ElderWillows]

@@davidjoseph7142 The Cow is currently my favourite opening for black as I never really liked the black openings. I play the English and now the Cow and honestly the cow ends up more similar for the English and usually white gives you a tempo with some useless check allowing you to develop a bishop. Really enjoy it.

[@HoloDaWisewolf]

@@StephenOConnell-tz5zw 900 or 1400 elo players aren't playing Hikaru though, they are typically playing 900 and 1400 players

[@monicatoro2286]

I love how your dad tried to confort your mom when she lost 😢

[@RyohMadDog]

And when he said he was on Anna's side at the beginning. He seems like a really good man, husband, and father. He has two amazing women in his life and he wants them both to know they're actually his favorite.

[@EPSleightofhand]

At the same time telling Anna not to remind her mom that she can flag her XD

[@hampten23]

2:05 "I'll kick you back" "You can kick me away mom that's okay" "Yea, now i kicked you away" Lol

[@user-qr1lq1fb4p]

truth

[@anywhywho]

I want to see Magnus vs Hikaru, both playing the cow opening, with Gotham covering it with Anna

[@fabianamatano2512]

You could be a Netflix show runner 😅❤😊

[@saaki20yearsago57]

Well, they did play bongcloud so nothing is impossible

[@mohbw3]

8:37 first time seeing dad that happy, love it!

[@jeroenneve5807]

loved the transition of pia from being a mom to a chess competitor

[@enkaperson]

One thing about the cow opening is it requires low investment/commitment. When the opponent has already invested in a plan and cannot go back, the cow can take a small step back, and the strategy will be very different.

[@iankemp1131]

Good point, because the pawns are not very far forward, the player has flexibility in their future setup.

[@daz97]

I am not good at chess lol But wouldn't that mean you're on defense from the very beginning? Isn't that a disadvantage in general?

[@kkarx]

You have amazing parents. My dad died when I was at high school. It is heartwarming to see your dad being happy about you and your mom is sweet.

[@murdoch9106]

Pia need to come up with a cow tipper opening!

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

Most importantly; My dog was named "Watermelon"(that's true , but I'm adding some levity).

[@theyoganath3073]

Mr. Bellón's Reaction is so wholesome! Made me smile.

[@moosewild4239]

Always fun to watch the three of you. Grats Anna.

[@chandie5298]

The Cow is actually effective in taking very high level, accomplished GMs and effectively reducing their rating of play or making them take more time for each move. This is because for people to obtain a GM level, they have played thousands of games. What takes place is "pattern recognition" and "knowing lines" so that almost to an instinctual level or reflex level, they know the best moves to position themselves within the pattern they are viewing. The Cow is a new opening that they've not faced...... so it can "throw them off" a bit. Given a dozen or so games, I suspect that Pia would always beat Anna because Anna has not yet obtained GM level. A GM such as Anna's mother or father, given several more games facing The Cow would then engage their pattern recognition abilities.

[@blanktrigger8863]

I also think the influence of engines increasing the depth of what can be remembered, and doing away with a lot of creativity, is at play here. Notice, for example, that Bellon seemed to pick up on the usefulness of the Cow much faster in the video where he played it, vs the vid where Pia played it. I think GMs from his era would probably do much better against the Cow, cause they didn't know the best moves apart from their ability to find them, plus the fact that they relied much more on disguising their attack (hence why the Bellon Gambit was so genius at the time, but is pretty much a bad opening today: there isn't a lot of room for openings like that in the post-engine era).

[@stevec6002]

@@blanktrigger8863 Isn't Pia from the same era, though? I think Pia would absolutely win against the Cow maybe even in the next game and win every one thereafter. She's that good. I think this is just a fluke b/c it's such a new opening, but props to Anna, too, for inventing this opening and who is also a very strong player!

[@blanktrigger8863]

@@stevec6002 Tbh, I'm not sure eras are considered, but she is 13 years younger than him, and that might make a notable difference. From what I've seen watching them play each other, their play styles are what determines it for me. Bellon isn't simply more tactical, but also much much more "feel" based. His play style feels much older, like it comes from a time that was much less informed by modern theory, and where you had to be quite creative to reach GM. Pia's play style on the other hand doesn't feel that different from modern theory. However, I agree Pia can beat the Cow after she's played it more times. My only point is that I think the Cow would be more likely to fail against GMs who relied much less on knowing the best moves in advance.

[@blanktrigger8863]

@@stevec6002 (Granted, I also wouldn't say Pia losing was a fluke. As she said, she was confused. A major reason why the Cow works is that it breaks expectation, and so the opposing player has to play without pre-knowledge of the right moves. It's a much more simple version of what Magnus does every now and then when he plays odd opening moves.)

[@Dakodi_]

@@stevec6002cow is positionally fine. openings mean nothing as long as it gets you to endgame and this is just as good as any slow white opening

[@jonathancheng5560]

Not gonna lie, I has my doubts about the cow. I kept seeing it around but didn’t believe in its potential. Then I tried it in bughouse chess and DESTROYED. There just something about its versatility and ability to create many tactical ideas in closed positions, you gotta try it. LONG LIVE THE COWWWWW!!!

[@KellDogg1965]

I love your dad sitting in the background with his sly smile!

[@iankemp1131]

Would be interesting to see the engine evaluation at various points. Black gets a visually impressive position with more space by 3:50 but it's not easy to see how to exploit it. Then by 4:50 the position looks virtually symmetrical and equal. So the Cow has equalised with White - not that impressive, but would be neat with Black if White can't find some smashing line to exploit the space and time advantage. It's certainly solid and blocks opponents' natural attacking paths. The game of course is finally decided by a speed-related blunder from a pretty equal position.

[@914Rocky]

That. Was. Awesome. And Pia always tries her best. Great win.

[@mikeevans7562]

This is the family that needs a 'reality' show, not you know, ha ha

[@briankamstra2454]

Nice contributions to Cow theory here

[@robertkohn2538]

Jag har alltid tyckt om schack och gillar dina videos och du har de bästa förutsättningarna att bli bäst. Lycka till.

[@AV8R_Surge]

Holy cow 🤯 Anna won

[@ElderWillows]

Omg more Cow content, Ana this is why you are my favourite chess youtube. E: Wait omg! I didn't realize this was a 2nd channel or that you even had one, what a day today turned out to be.

[@Amadeus_Flyfishing]

Your dad is hilarious!

[@JoseMRuiz-of5hp]

I love when your parents show up, they seem like such great people. 👪❤ I love u Anita!

[@jtekholm]

Anita XD

[@AshChess2200]

Bro you typed Anita too much that it autocorrect Anna to Anita xD

[@jennymulholland4319]

​@@AshChess2200no he's Spanish and "Anita" is an affectionate diminutive of Anna

[@AshChess2200]

@@jennymulholland4319 oh ! I am sorry :( I didn't know that thanks for the info

[@SpicyRess808]

Family videos really are the best ❤ i watched the whole thing

[@Judep4237]

Love the family face-off ❤

[@ronstortz4392]

I don't even know how to play chess and I see myself following Anna on you tube, such a wonderful family

[@Theaisa]

Same.. I started playing Chess because of Anna :)

[@thrrappid937]

Chess is worth a try! It can be fun for anyone.

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

You will know after binging Anna and then the algorithm will introduce you to Gotham chess.

[@morijin5568]

@@benjaminbrewer2569 thats when the real interest kicks in

[@gregoryjackson7903]

the family analysis at the end is so wholesome ❤

[@BritishBeachcomber]

You need to rename it the Confusing Cow opening. It confuses the heck out of everyone. Even GMs.

[@Snizzle_Fizzle]

Such a lovely family

[@traida111]

wow I think it was this moment 0:06 that your mum considered the power of the mighty cow opening.

[@traida111]

i want to see you play magnus with this, but knowing him he will research every possible line against it

[@davidnelson4960]

Glad to see another cramling station

[@georged8644]

Your parents look so proud of you!

[@user-qr1lq1fb4p]

this is such great family activity

[@valeriekeefe8898]

7:58 just realizing now that Anna has the Bishop Pair on a very-open board. Again, the Cramling Cow is Crushing.

[@valeriekeefe8898]

10:26 that's what's beautiful about the Cow. The knights come out early, so you frequently get the bishop pair. I have people just going Bb4 or Bg4 on move five, I go a3/h3, they trade.

[@victorvalenzuelajara]

i'm 100% in love with chess again, thank you for showing your parents, they make me be excited with life once more. I have a glass chess since i was 5 years old, it's my most absoluty precious item ever. Best regards to Cramling family

[@zoulogist9171]

Pia will take 2 minutes on the most simple move, then make 10 brilliant moves in a row in 5 seconds

[@ralisgroffen]

I love that the mom new what the first moves of you were going to be!

[@nicolaspeters2555]

No cow, no cream. Well done Anna and your mum is such a good sport. See how u go against ur dad.

[@jacobwagon3391]

3:26 I can't get over Anna's laughing Love Pia 👏🏽💓💯

[@jacobwagon3391]

Wholesome feelings all the way round 😌👍🏽

[@timjohnson3877]

Love to see this family calculating together :-)

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

Only thing though, Anna graciously gave Pia the big microphone-then later talked over Juan. My ears can't...

[@TopOyster]

Anna didn’t beat Pia. A mom encouraged her daughter to win.

[@heliosho]

Pia is so quick when she is commenting games, but so slow in Online Blitz 😭

[@house30house]

well the cow had nothing to do win the victory, she just blunder the rook lol

[@agustinbarquero8898]

?

[@judsongordy8872]

Anna, you should of played the cow against Forrest. He wouldn't know what to do.

[@angelicwisteria]

bc he said he was terrified of women?

[@streetographer]

2:57 Look at the swagger. Moo... 🙃

[@LaPtaVerdad]

The cow drives people insane Its actually the mad cow opening xD

[@billmietelski]

Watermelon shots are awesome.

[@Sixsoul]

The stalwart cow stays undefeated!

[@rom5457]

"Pia how does the knight move"

[@JoeeyTheeKangaroo]

lol your dad offering you a high five.

[@CapAnson12345]

If Anna truly believed in the cow, she would have played it in Rilton.

[@KironKabir]

She doesn’t wanna cause beef

[@Lukaostojic123]

@@KironKabirlol

[@kenkur27]

Probably not as effective at classic time controls

[@junkgum]

GM mom fell for the bull bait.

[@sebastianavalos1917]

❤👏🏽👏🏽 Anna!!! We need the watermelon oppening

[@liphemusic]

Absolutely

[@jamespimentel1794]

I suppose the cow can be played by chess players like Magnus Carson untill then you better wait untill the candidate tournament

[@hugosergiobuffa4091]

Hola Anna: Cuándo publicaciones para los de habla española? Gracias desde Argentina

[@fabianamatano2512]

That's heartbraking to see them as opponents 😢😅❤. I do love the cow opening: the only one I use.

[@AmeyahOfficialTV]

anna should play more on her macbook? great video!

[@johnsisti8792]

Cow is a fun opening and you did a great job winning over your mom with this.

[@brucecrane9605]

A lovely family. Chess Princess

[@KarlKarsnark]

so many great Mooooo-ves made using the Cow. Viva la vacca!

[@sld1776]

You just know Pia is plotting vengeance against her daughter.

[@leeharvey9568]

Technically you don’t play the cow opening, you pushed your pawn before getting your second horn out 😂

[@Uruguay115]

La vaca triunfa nuevamente🤗

[@Marotonella]

¿Sabes que el ejercito zulú tenía una estrategia de combate a la que llamaba "la táctica del búfalo"?

[@Olaphsus]

HOLY COW

[@mittumohanan]

Dad-anna conmbo is the tag team we needed for the cow 🔥

[@Proximax9]

nicely played!

[@bernardhargreaves9009]

play with 5 minuets.. lol i want to see this match.. i loved this video.. love that your dad was present too. =)

[@berndeckenfels]

If you keep that up she will start to study the lines to counter the cow

[@alberik666]

Your mom is so kind and still let you win

[@Dakodi_]

Pls stop saying this. Anna deserve the credit. she didn’t let her win. equal eval. Pia was winning most game got low time. she wouldn’t lie blundering. the fork looked logical she was about to lose on time

[@alberik666]

@@Dakodi_ Her mom always does that. She doesn't like to beat Ana

[@Dakodi_]

@@alberik666 she wasn’t beating her any soon, Pia was losing on time already and it was fair endgame. Pia didn’t have a mate for next 20+ moves. Either way if some how Pia intentionally blundered, Anna still kept equality all game which is very hard to do against player of Pia strength.

[@alberik666]

@@Dakodi_ whatever help u to sleep at night

[@Dakodi_]

@@alberik666Anna finding the right moves all game against a GM deserve credit. That’s all I’m saying. Pia was trying until last move even if you know the truth, (maybe she didn’t lose on purpose. ) why do you have to patronize Annas chess skill with these assumption comments? It is her whole life.

[@HansDelbruck53]

Pia's been cowed. Hard to believe.

[@Medjed-pi5pw]

I bet Anna could eat a whole Watermelon with one bite

[@asmithgames5926]

Well done!! Id like to see if that could be repeated in a 10 minute game.

[@user-ib2cs4nv4p]

You guys are awesome this should heal some ego points after that 11 year old.

[@Dakodi_]

Huh?

[@user-ib2cs4nv4p]

Anna got beat by a 11 cool kid in last vid all good@@Dakodi_

[@RodRuth]

"THE COW...!!!"

[@geekgee]

Yet again, a fun video to watch. 😄

[@Wally-H]

I'm going to invent a new opening called The Calf. It will be a mini version of the Cow.

[@kenkur27]

If the Hippopotamus is playable for Black (I've even seen a book about it) then the Cow can't be that bad for White!

[@ybloc1428]

After being roaster so long that was fun to watch 😂

[@Ohne_Silikone]

Congratulations, you completely cowed your mother.

[@erikjansson2329]

OTB classical now 😈

[@confesorvalentin3687]

Your grandmaster mom let you beat her because she utterly doesn’t care

[@MrPerrisC]

Anna, let mom know in time pressure knight is better than bishop, forcing opponent to spend time with correct response, avoiding forks, etc. You have knight in equal or slightly worse position racing clock, you win, this is even true if opponent has a mate but hard to find, they spend time trying to find it, they clock Your mom wanted the bishop, not the right choice in blitz.

[@deputyvillageidiot]

Ok this cow is insane if part of its “theory” returns the knight to its starting square on the 6th move!

[@delturge]

I wrote a letter to that chess website explaining to them why the cow, played well--or a variation I jokingly call the Mad Cow--may not be getting proper evaluation of the (1) moves and (2) the position of the pieces (given the unique goals pf the cow--especially letting the opponent over extend themselves. I gave them a reference cow game that I won. They did write me back.

[@GoodPerson746]

Maybe Anna should start playing the cow during her competitive tournaments?

[@TravFletch]

I say rematch come on mom!

[@vanyadavydov2403]

Good job mom

[@davegoodridge8352]

The Cow works well against computers, in the opening. However it doesn't set one up for the middle game, maybe.?

[@user-cv6ft9oe8c]

After Hindu , you are giving the greatest respect to the cow probably😂😂😂

[@Kane-ib5sn]

who's luckier? - Pia for having Anna as a beautiful daughter, or Anna, for having Pia as a wonderful mother? - i mean, if you could have both, i.e. the father...i guess, you're luckiest man on Earth. this particular family, doesn't know how good (a chemistry) they have. i know, people tend to focus on the faults...but, that's human nature...a tendency to be heliocentric...

[@350zKiller]

Ngl Anna is one of the prettiest popular chess players.

[@vicredshaw1155]

When will the cow make its tournament debut Anna ?

[@AndrewBrophy-Romans8.1]

When her opponent is rated 900

[@Dakodi_]

the cow is perfectly playable at GM level evaluations are equal and it just turns into endgame play. she doesn’t play it because she is d4 player and has been her entire life

[@AndrewBrophy-Romans8.1]

@@Dakodi_ How many GMs play the Cow?

[@Dakodi_]

@@AndrewBrophy-Romans8.1I don’t think many, but positions aren’t good or bad because of their play rate. just look at magnus games the past month. knights on a&h, 5+ pawn moves before anything else, rook lifts on move 4.. he still wins, opening is only a third of the game. this position is perfectly playable in engine

[@steelmongoose4956]

Fear the cow!

[@craig4android]

a comment to push the algorithm, because I don't the time to watch this right now, but I would love to have more of your videos in my recommended list.

[@MB-rt3ck]

poor pia

[@rasul9614]

Watermelon support!

[@seop1721]

I assume the side variations are known as udders.