I Discovered an Unrated Chess Genius in a Small Bar

I went to a small chess bar in Amsterdam (Café de Laurierboom) and found an unrated chess player that was EXTREMELY strong. Let me know in the comments what you think his rating should be!
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[@dweb]

This was like a conversation between a detective and a suspect. Both know he is guilty but refuses to confess.

[@FromNoWhereXIII]

🤣

[@altor1964]

Unusual Suspect...maybe he is the real Kayser Sauzé !? 😂

[@Drawingiseasy01]

@@altor1964 😂😂lol

[@pezazul2917]

Probably a Putin,s agent 🤣

[@YouzTube99]

@@pezazul2917 Yikes! If he pours, don't drink! ☠

[@PlatinumDragonProductions999]

Pro tip: If your opponent feels the need to straighten the pieces before you commence play, he or she is not a beginner...

[@AscendantCaleb]

Nah I'm such a noob at chess but my god crooked pieces bother me. 😂 But this guy definitely isn't a beginner.

[@inspectoxero]

I would agree with you generally but there those occasional OCD persons that just like things to be ordered and facing

[@Kristiyan-Angelov]

​@@inspectoxeroLike me

[@B0K1T0]

Haha I hate it in any board game when the pieces are lying around very sloppily. Thank god I don't have OCD (which can be quite terrible to suffer) but it's just easier for me to scan the board quickly and I'm very easily distracted by things that are off visually. But I wouldn't consider myself a good chess player, at all :D

[@studio48nl]

Beginners tip: I always do that to make my opponent nervous 😂

[@polyglot8]

Asking a Russian if they are a beginner in chess is like asking a Chinese if they are a beginner in ping pong. There was the famous story of the American ping pon player who was practicing with one of the Chinese players on the eve of the special tournament (just following Nixon's trip to China in 1972).The U.S. player came close to actually winning a couple of their practice games and that night, he thought, if he could just tweak a couple of things, the next day he might actually have a chance. The next day, the American player couldn't find among the Chinese team, the Chinese player with whom he had practiced the evening before, so he inquired after him. His inquiry was greeted with some surprise and amusement. "That's the cook we brought along to prepare our meals," said one of the official Chinese team members.

[@pavloryzhkov]

@@GT-1902he did

[@ArnaudJ]

They just have a different vision of what a beginner is. 😂

[@ChainsawFPV]

They made a movie about it, "Balls of Fury" LMAO!!!!

[@ericastier1646]

..and he got hammered and terrified once he played the official Chinese.

[@GshockFPS]

its like asking danish if they know counterstrike

[@makytondr8607]

The moment he said “isolated pawn” it became clear he indeed knows more than just how the pieces move..

[@AddictOfLearning]

If you can't see past the fakeness of this. You have to know this is a platform to get as many people to click videos....

[@rutabega306]

And "I wanna mate you there" 😂 same, Constantine, same.

[@ShadowZx22]

Knowing the concept/term of isolated pawns doesn't mean anything, You can watch just one of Hikaru's videos and you will end up knowing too much information without even playing the game.

[@DanielDobbelstein]

I know what an isolated pawn is and my rating has for sure not 4 digits.

[@MrBarnsleyJohn]

Russian chess school for kids is hardcore. If you ever play a Russian who claims "I don't really know how to play, I just learned to move the pieces as a kid", be very afraid.

[@manubishe]

Soviet ones. RF kids may be a bit different

[@the.parks.of.no.return]

Lol

[@realBkay]

Unless ur Anna.

[@zveryok1]

My wife will claim the same. She was a top 100 junior player in the US. Lol.

[@tacticalsapper]

Never will be afraid because of Russian lies.

[@TylerWx]

Anna: Okay, we'll talk on my time. Then proceeds to make a move and ask him a question so he talks on his time, lol

[@walterfristoe4643]

Yeah, I wonder how anyone can play chess while yakking so much! I like Anna, but she needs to talk less and play more. 🙉 🖖

[@justjim9723]

come on Walter you don't watch the stream for only chess. Anna's talking and smiles make the channel.@@walterfristoe4643

[@dmitryzelenko7975]

@@walterfristoe4643 I like Anna's talk also as her game, but it seems to me more fair to agree if opponent requests for additional 2 minutes. At least, in this case. And I don't think that Constantine lies. There are many relatively good chess players in Russia, who were never rated and even never visited any chess site. Just played with friends and family a lot. Here, in the ex-USSR states, chess still is something alike common skill. Everybody plays chess. Somebody plays good. Just practice and statistic.

[@michaelgoetze2103]

A lot of experienced players have tried to fool her so it is natural that she is suspicious. @@dmitryzelenko7975

[@kitrichardson2165]

Wow, there are four replies here but I only see two of them? I guess that’s KZbin censoring people again in the best tradition of fascism.

[@somerandom7672]

I have a friend like this who plays in his own unorthodox way, and it works because he's been playing, unknown, for decades. Because none of his moves are what you'd expect, it's really difficult to deal with. Higher-rated players might have an easier time against that play style but up to a certain level, it's a nightmare. Yet he's not rated other than from the handful of games we've played online - which obviously won't be a true indication.

[@DeuceGenius]

Follow basic principles vs this kind of play and should lead you to a win. I'd say. Play safe. I'm not all that good at chess but any tricks or wacky styles are usually breaking the general principles. Take advantage of that.

[@jadezee6316]

no such thing as tricks or wacky styles in chess......only the moves count@@DeuceGenius

[@treehann]

that style of play is also extremely difficult to deal with in the game of Go, as an amateur at least.

[@modash1231]

@@treehann Overplays that don't get punished get rewarded.

[@chupasaurus]

@@jadezee6316 I can hear Tal's laughter.

[@Jitzlife92]

I love how before they even started playing chess Anna called him out after he said he could barely move the pieces and she’s like I literally just watched you playing others at chess😅

[@crzyfdg]

you can see anna's danger alarm going off when he says e4 is too complicated lol

[@billj4525]

Well he was definitely fooling around being funny for a lot of this, but at the same time it's a valid point

[@kargs5krun]

Nah, more like he tickled her "funny bone" instead.

[@RaniaIsAwesome]

yeah, a beginner would be like why would it make a difference which pawn i move at the start.

[@kurzackd]

nah, not really *"DANGER"* alarm... More like she thought... *"That guy sure is a joker..."* So it probably _did_ make her at least slightly wary, but not really "DANGER" ... :P

[@SwarmerBees]

It was a tell. Anna gives her vulcan eyebrow elevation, but I like her shift at 5:57. He was quite flustered by the lioness's gaze.

[@curtisholsinger6023]

I love how suspicious Anna was from the very beginning, but she played along. She's a good sport.

[@MijinLaw]

If someone says they're russian I immediately know I'm in for a tough game.

[@MijinLaw]

@@gianfalco8527 Yes of course I have no issue with the russian people whatsoever, I have issue only with those who endorse or take part in the invasion.

[@Cloncurrify]

Anna has dealt with these type of bozos like a million times. People assume she is a complete moron and will get fooled by their bad acting. "Oh! My name Sergi. I is from Russia. What is chess? Is this type of cheese? You know Ukraine? I invite you my bedroom for 'special operation'?"

[@Cloncurrify]

@@MijinLaw Exactly. Saying you're Russian and no good at chess is like saying you're Asian and no good at math. Or Street Fighter 2.

[@skttnm]

@@CloncurrifyI'm Asian. I'm no good at math. That's why I'm so glad Brilliant is the sponsor of this video. 😂 I just watched Anna use that lead in in another video 😜

[@effsharp7]

I'll come back and watch any future games these two play together. Good chess. Good banter.

[@xRakanishu]

You can tell this guy was expecting to beat Anna after talking his "beginner" talk, then became visibly flustered when he couldn't surprise her with a victory.

[@zarzaparrilla67]

Nah, he was just fooling around, he knew he couldn't beat her but he said he was a begginer to make it more interesting

[@olif27]

I also think he was expecting to win.

[@unlink1649]

This guy was really competitive for a beginner

[@Abboman111]

Ya you can tell he really wanted to win and maybe expected to, it’s a good way to be, good to be competitive.

[@KeyClaim]

@@zarzaparrilla67lol he did beat her in aftermatch) read above. but he is bad manner

[@pralinesouffle]

One the one hand: "I barely know how to move the pieces." On the other hand: Adjusts pieces before starting, never forgets the clock, plays with one hand, handles pieces with ease, immediately resets board... 🤔🤔🤔

[@ALifeOfWine]

As a noob, why is playing with one hand a tell?

[@ernwillburn]

​@@ALifeOfWine in real tournaments and games you're supposed to move the pieces and hit the clock with the same hand

[@ALifeOfWine]

@@ernwillburn Interesting, thanks for the info :)

[@michaelbauers8800]

I think the rule mainly applies to blitz, but I could be wrong@@ALifeOfWine

[@JimmyBoosterCrate]

Yeah, these "sandbaggers" are better chess players than actors lol. I could tell instantly.

[@WeirdPawnMoves]

I was there at the bar, it was a lot of fun playing Anna and everyone. Also played the guy in the video, he was definitely not a beginner.

[@nitzerbep]

Did you beat him then?

[@WeirdPawnMoves]

@@nitzerbep yea, managed to win the all tournament that night too

[@nitzerbep]

@@WeirdPawnMoves cool - congrats 🙂👍

[@theguardian308]

That is so cool. I’m so jealous you got to meet Anna!

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

Sweet guy though.

[@Jitzlife92]

When Anna asked him if he had heard of the Benko gambit the look on his face was similar to what you would expect from someone who is guilty of something and trying to hide something.

[@redSectorA]

Right, I was waiting for him to say, Pal Benko is my grandfather

[@kurzackd]

@@redSectorA really ? ~_~

[@Thagreendragon489]

I don't know anything about chess but that whole moment felt like she called out what he was playing 😅

[@boriszhelev]

he pronounced Benko as "Benkő", closer to the correct Hungarian pronunciation, and then said that he hadn't heard of him :D

[@kurzackd]

@@boriszhelev haha you're right actually !! Nice spotting that !! :) .

[@CosmoJ]

THE GUY STARTED LYING FROM THE SECOND HE SAT DOWN....hahahah SNEAKY AF indeed

[@akalanka1988]

Anna: Okay, we'll talk on my time. Anna: Makes a move. Anna: Soooooooo..... What's your favourite opening...!!! 😂😂😂

[@31145_]

hahaha, yeah, she´s a smart b***h

[@belpack8989]

Gotta keep the video moving along

[@chrisgeorge84]

She did it twice lol.

[@johnnyh6416]

Anna: "Are you trying to advance onto me" Guy: "I am just trying to mate with you there"

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

It seemed there was just a hint of flirt behind the conversation.

[@baumstamp5989]

this is the closest ever that chess players have come to ***

[@verne51]

@@TheRealScooterGuy if he had shut up and played he might have done better

[@kargs5krun]

the most "honest" thing he said all video there.....though his demeanor lacks "game" for sure.

[@Westontrio]

opps! wrong channel...

[@johannesmergarten]

its so crazy that this is actually fun for me to watch, whilst i dont understand one thing you guys are doing. really says something about your content and your personality Anna. i should go to jazz bars just to hang out there :)

[@theglittercorner]

Me neither! No idea what's happening, but I enjoy the videos so much😂

[@willm5814]

Same here 😂😂

[@coyoboyo]

Yes on the jazz and chess together at a bar. It sort of works. I wish we had more bars with chess boards in America.

[@abenezerabebe1769]

Same here😂

[@TheFerozuddin]

I thought i was the only one who's clueless in here..i like chess but didn't have the heart to learn it..but i enjoy watching

[@MikeStannard]

I love Anna's videos and the way she is with people. Young and old. Brilliant.

[@cristopherrivera1723]

yeah and she is always smiling that is dangerous cause someone could fall in love immediatly xd

[@m.rubland6737]

I saw Anna's Twitch stream. This Russian later played a second game against Anna and lost. At the end he threw down the pieces, refused to shake her hand and said: "Burn in hell". What a lousy character. The stream is called: Chess Bar in Amsterdam, time 2:27.

[@sebastiaanb2651]

was waiting to see if anyone commented that - but yeah, she won't upload that bit as its not her style of content.

[@Jitzlife92]

I’m not even that shocked at this , you can tell he’s clearly well experienced for a start and a very bad loser.

[@BreakofDawn]

@sebastiaanb2651 yeah, I remember the guy she played after asked who she made mad and she said she wouldn’t point him out. If she wouldn’t point it out to him, she’s definitely not gonna showcase to the rest of us

[@Jitzlife92]

@@BreakofDawn I watched the 2nd game on stream earlier. It was actually very uncomfortable to watch , the guy seemed really on edge and angry because Anna was beating him even after he claimed to be a complete beginner when he clearly wasn’t. Just a very strange dude.

[@martin-f]

How the f*ck can you say this to Anna smiling at you I don't understand.. I would be so glad if I could play against her. Well at least she kept being kind until the end, she has such a beautiful soul.

[@AndresGomez-ct7qb]

If Konstantin isn't lying about being a noob, he must've been a former child prodigy. Mind you, the fact he never missed the clock and used one hand is sus 😅

[@silversurfer8818]

He is probably lying about many things. The accent is obviously swedish not russian.

[@serdebronce]

@@silversurfer8818his accent is 100% Russian, I know it for sure because I'm from Russia too and I can identify Russian accent instantly. By the way Konstantine is a common name in Russia. He might be lying about his chess experience, but not about that.

[@ShimonDanilov]

He didn't say he is a noob, he said he played in childhood. And by that he means he was in a chess school but dropped out before achieving a title

[@pivA00]

@@silversurfer8818 the lack of using articles here and there ("the") is a good telltale he's a Slavic-language speaker

[@billj4525]

@@ShimonDanilov Yeah, he doesn't need to lying about any of this necessarily. Exaggeration though yes.

[@anonymous0966]

Anna has an incredibly positive and likeable charisma. I' ll be always in a good mood after seeing her videos.

[@jimjohnson5291]

Right it's her charisma not anything else thanks for clarifying.

[@jurgenfrohwonne]

Iam also playing one handed while watching Annas videos and after that Iam always in a good mood 🍌💦

[@misterexclusive8282]

Yea...her "charisma..."

[@doowoppyify]

Of course, she's Spanish.

[@anonymous0966]

@@doowoppyify I will never understand this national pride even though it is simply the lottery of life in which country you are born. Be proud of things you have achieved through work or talent, but not things you have absolutely no influence on 😉

[@leobeaudet6813]

He’s clearly playing a tricky game of verbal chess; but she quickly figured him out, off the board and on the board.

[@dansmallman6686]

The very moment annas opponent sits down its game on! Multiple questions, immovable eye contact, its more like an interrogation, definitely part of the game plan this lady is highly intelligent 💯

[@odomobo]

I think she's naturally very friendly, and the banter is what draws people to videos like this

[@dansmallman6686]

@@odomobo IL give ya a like for that but of course it's all in good taste I mean it's just a game with that said all chess players are husslers don't you know that. 👊

[@odomobo]

@@dansmallman6686 she was certainly shocked when she got tricked by Eric Rosen during a duck chess match. Eric even told her after that, "your lesson is to never trust your opponent". I'm not certain, but I don't think she's trying to get in her opponent's head.

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

It's a lot like the banter of a "speed dating" event.

[@TheRst2001]

Yes she was trying to work out how good he was as he was not open , asking him questions and trying to read his body language , all done in a friendly Anna style

[@stin987]

He was very entertaining. Hoping for a part 2.

[@shaneebersole8366]

Word on the street from those watching the livestream is that there was a round 2, he was drunk, blundered in the end game, slammed pieces, refused to shake hands, and told her to burn in he'll. Constantine is a real class act.

[@stin987]

Looked like Anna was drinking a Coke. Smart girl.

[@rafaeloman1]

@@shaneebersole8366 Oh, that sounds rude from him, was it in a rude way? Or he said that in a funny way? 🤔

[@euan1234]

@@rafaeloman1 - difficult to judge, not as straightforward as the description. At one point they both laughed at the same time, so I *think* he was just messing around... but in a crude way which could be misinterpreted. I think it was alcohol and trying to be 'edgy' which made him behave like that. But it sounds worse than it was

[@yappykaki]

I don't find him entertaining and gives off bad vibe

[@masonicmoth]

I was taught the same e3 opening as him... basically "get to this setup as quick as you can: pawns staggered d4/e3 or vice versa, knights f3 & c3, bishops e2 and d2, then castle kingside" ... and I never knew why, or what to do when I accomplished that 😂

[@JonFrumTheFirst]

No beginner in any sense would be able to move and tap the clock that quickly and smoothly - that was the tell, before you even look at the chess. He's moved 1000s of pieces at speed like that before.

[@James-nr9gm]

Yes. A 3-minute game? For someone who's just getting back to it after a few decades? I don't believe it. Fun guy tho XD

[@Collab2023-zx1mr]

Yes but I also believe that's when he was younger and he is just remembered that So what he said was true when he was a kid he played a lot and he's picking up from where he left off

[@31FordAA]

This is why I watch your channel. You played it calm and cool, Anna. From the very beginning he thought he would prevail. But, your playing style, that displayed of an amazing combination of positional AND tactical strategy, absolutely baffled him. Keep up the great work - great content!

[@markmccreadie6212]

He didn’t think he would prevail at all. He was barely trying to

[@notsoeloquent]

​@@markmccreadie6212he was trying very hard and getting very frustrated.

[@myblacklab7]

It was frustrating watching him handicap himself on time by chatting and stalling during the opening. The game was over by the sixth move, just because he had so little time left by then.

[@user-iq6cc3df3l]

The way he takes the piece at 5:10 is real pro maneuver. I played through high school and gave it up as life got in the way. But the way he moves pieces and the moves he makes show he’s no amateur.

[@jmyers52995]

that table not staying still is triggering me

[@qwe1231]

I'm always astonished seeing that wherever Anna goes (Sweden, France, Netherlands, USA) there are always guys who pretend they aren't good or refuse to give their ratings before playing her. I prefer to see people who respect her by being truthful, even when they end up being trash talkers (hi Tani!)

[@dtrule1228]

couldn't agree more!

[@user-nk5gx6ex3b]

I think it is more of a cultural thing, in Europe we see a lot of sharing as bragging and we avoid them at all costs.

[@qwe1231]

@@user-nk5gx6ex3b Except this happens everywhere. People try to sandbag her by refusing to state their ratings when DIRECTLY ASKED. That's not cultural. And in this specific case he played a 2nd game which he lost, then told her to "go to hell" and wouldn't shake her hand.

[@ThW5]

There are more unrated chessplayers of all kinds in the world than you might think!

[@robertwilson3866]

@@user-nk5gx6ex3b No not like that. We don't say we are bad at games when we are very good! We just are a bit modest about it

[@maria0259]

How lovely that there's a chess bar

[@fintan9218]

I know im so jealous, wish my area had chess park or cafe/bar like this.

[@michaelm.3210]

So, start one. 😁@@fintan9218

[@try6767youtubacc]

It's one of the nicest places in the city. Just a street off a busy main road (Rozengracht), and in the vicinity of a very chic area (Negen Straatjes), but a totally unique and charming place, with great atmosphere and locals. I used to live just above it... Those were great times! I highly recommend going there for a pint and/or a glass of Dutch gin, if you're ever in the neighborhood!

[@nandoxxi]

the thing that makes me loose my mind is the moving table "clack clack clack" OMG. besides that, i've my doubts about this guy, he doesn't feel too honest to me, but anyway, good video, i want to see the rematch

[@njigyfd]

this was lovely - the conversation seemed quite playful - very enjoyable

[@mrchewey]

Wasn't this the guy that raged?

[@barnold62]

His OCD was funny straightening Anna's piece's.

[@madhavoc1]

I am same .. Maddening sometimes .. lol

[@joshuahelmeke]

Yeah, it was something. 😄

[@drdylanman]

That made me think that he is probably a very good player, though i'm not sure why.

[@blizzard2099]

I've never seen a beginner do this 😂

[@olegdragora2557]

It was intentional. He showed that he is a tournament player while saying the opposite playfully.

[@ejgoldbutton]

Maybe this is always the case in chess, but it's like there were two games going on: One on the board, and the other in words between the people. He pretends to be a beginner; Anna politely challenges that while at the same time beating him. Well played.

[@bash44]

anna: although I don't play chess you are doing great things to popularize the game of chess

[@lyons11siren]

Every time I attempt to learn chess, my brain crumbles.

[@ALifeOfWine]

Horsey moves L shape. I got you bro.

[@user-dh1yq5cz9v]

I’m learning at the moment (went from not knowing how the pieces move a few months ago to now I can win occasionally against 800 players 😅) - I really recommend puzzles! Specific themed puzzles on Lichess are basically the only thing that’s teaching me how to actually play and not just move randomly.

[@lyons11siren]

@@user-dh1yq5cz9v Thank you!

[@podunkest]

baby steps

[@bretthufnagle9726]

You can hear the anxiety in her voice when he answers "I'm Russian." LOL.

[@SmokeDog1871]

Ya definitely seems like he tried to avoid answering, can't blame him

[@andrewmorita8252]

Anna's an ambassador for the game. Great to have found her here.

[@andreagatta3140]

We found out he was good when we saw him adjusting his pieces 💀

[@MrWizards1974]

He is not disclosing his rating because he is upset he lost.

[@bernie4366]

He's upset because he thinks it would be easier to get with Anna if he wins :)

[@alaric12]

@@bernie4366 I didn't think to this possibility but .. now you say it seems to make sense

[@qwe1231]

He didn't fail to disclose his rating. He CLAIMED he was not rated, which is obvious b.s.

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

@@qwe1231 -- Lots of good players who aren't formally ranked/rated, because they don't play in sanctioned tournaments. I've met some. (I also know a guy who, as a teen, was rated around 1600, but I think he would force anyone to put on their best game in order to beat him, but he hasn't played in any actual tournaments since he was a teen, so any rankings or ratings for him are way out of date.

[@qwe1231]

@@TheRealScooterGuy This guy was from Amsterdam... but he was also new to the city, he said. He said he *really didn't know chess*, but used the same hand for castling and the clock, knew gambit names. When asked how his games went so far (she asked after her 1st and 2nd games with him) HE REFUSED TO ANSWER. And after she promoted a pawn in 2nd game he angrily flipped over his King, refused to shake her hand, and told her "burn in hell". No way this guy was ever telling the truth.

[@frankmcelhill9379]

Anna, if you're ever in Sydney Australia, go to Hyde Park in the city centre & play the large chess there. All the pieces are half a metre high. There's always people there wanting to play 😁

[@arielaltairch]

Anna's talk-no-jutsu is on another level. Very entertaining vid

[@daveyjackson3606]

Hi Anna - Yes, the voice overs are great. I’m a super casual fan and hearing about your decisions is very engaging and insightful.

[@malloid]

Someone put a beermat under that table leg!

[@sammyjones3500]

it was wobbly !

[@romaincollin2648]

thanks

[@gailamir1401]

driving me crazy the whole time 😄

[@MrMeon]

I thought exactly the same 😂

[@rocknewtonfilsterwilly7364]

It drove me insane and was all I could think about.

[@ImKrazyFrench]

We're definitely not seeing that part 2 on KZbin after Konstantine lost the game in time scramble, flicked the piece out of anger, refused to hand shake and told her to ''burn in hell''

[@elrey8876]

Sounds like he needs to play Dina next

[@user-dh1yq5cz9v]

Wtf, surely you're joking? I'm genuinely not sure if you're being serious because that sounds ridiculous. EDIT - okay I’ve seen the video now and you were NOT joking. The man is scary.

[@ImKrazyFrench]

@@user-dh1yq5cz9v I'm not joking at all, you can see for yourself the VOD on Anna's twitch channel. It surely is surprising

[@qwe1231]

@@elrey8876 A few days ago I saw a video of Dina tossing a piece when she lost to a little kid, lol.

[@kyleng8411]

@user-dh1yq5cz9v Where can I find that video?

[@gheffz]

Great video! Thanks! He was very good for an unrated player!

[@4hereyez]

Anna's smile is contagious ☺😍

[@joemagnets9940]

YOU Know that when a player automatically changes the clock, they're experienced.

[@drdylanman]

I am dying to see game 2, if you'll show it. My gut tells me that he was sand-bagging a bit to feel out your talents. I do hope you won the rematch, though. Did you use The Cow on him? hehehe

[@JimmyBoosterCrate]

If she doesn't show it she probably lost.

[@shaokhanwins1037]

I saw it live on twitch and it turned out to be a distasteful interaction so I don't think Anna will show it. Spoiler: he did play better on the 2nd match. better position and better time than anna. But he threw the endgame, anna won and he shoved some of the pieces and refused to shake hands. He also said "Burn in hell"

[@qwe1231]

@@shaokhanwins1037 WHAT?!?! That's insane. And childish. I'm glad she posted this, people will remember "the beginner" and not let him play any 'I'm no good' games. I really doubt he isn't rated either. Just hanging out in Amsterdam until there's no more Army draft in Russia.

[@lyons11siren]

@@shaokhanwins1037 what a poor sport. The audacity! He’s got character flaws and low emotional intelligence. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@lucky.youtube]

Ugh I really hope this isn't true because Anna is so lovely, polite, friendly, and a good sport (and of course a fantastic player).

[@keithmasumoto9698]

It's mind blowing how she can simultaneously interrogate and concentrate on the game.

[@WestyBrooks]

I enjoy your videos. Fun conversations with the players too.

[@ShimonDanilov]

It's pretty common to chess school dropouts to refer to themselves as "barely knowing how to play" because they've seen much much better. He probably had something like "2-3 юношеский разряд" in his childhood which is ~1400 elo.

[@null.dev.]

Yup, this is what I was guessing too. Maybe like a 1500 but is narcissistic potentially., Not surprised people say he reacted as he did later on apparently. The title here is just clickbait and misleading.

[@jacobcarrizales427]

He was ready for that next game. I don’t think he’s a 2200, but easily 1500-1700 or so? It wasn’t the most complicated position so it’s really hard to pin it down, but he was wasn’t posing problems the way a 2000+ player would.

[@petemichel8011]

agree..i think he´s rating 1600 maybe 1700 like me. No chance against Anna, she´s over 2000 rated.

[@MultiJejje]

My rating is around 1400 and I was thinking he is like 1600-1700 also. He would beat me every time. That 2200 was way way over what Anna said. Would have played quite similarly as him but in critical moments I'd have blundered few times.

[@jacobcarrizales427]

@@MultiJejje Yea but also it’s blitz. Could be much stronger in classical.

[@Lupinicus1664]

I agree, I'm an old f*rt now but was rated 2175 in the 70s and he isn't 2200 for sure. 😉

[@ZiggyZugzwang]

Yes. He'd probably be around 1300 to 1700 Fide, if he had a rating or would try to get one. He is not a prodigy nor a genius. Looks like the average club player level to me. What you can say for sure: He is a liar, also not master level tho ;).

[@riverversteeg7086]

Poor guy did not want to say he was from Russia at the very beginning.

[@Sveakungen]

This was pure joy to watch. Thanks for sharing.😀

[@scottharvey6892]

Most people would not be frustrated playing a bad game against Anna. From his frustration of this game I'd say he's very close to Anna's rating. I'm sure he lied about the Benko too. I suck and still know about the Benko.

[@DoobooDomo]

Maybe because he's Russian (?) where it is known as the Volga?

[@crumpledmint]

​@@DoobooDomoI don't think he is actually Russian, his accent is more scandinavian

[@MultiJejje]

@@crumpledmint he has most likely lived in Europe since he was a child. So accent tells nothing.

[@DoobooDomo]

@@crumpledmint Yeah I don't necessarily believe his claim

[@user-lh3yk8hh3j]

@@crumpledmint he's definitely Russian, I knew it from the very first seconds of the video bc I'm also Russian

[@NuminousTattoo]

He is ranked look how he holds the pieces and moves and he knows a lot of the lingo

[@amondberzal6195]

Not necessary. I mean not the fact that he have a real rating. For example i dont have a rating , like some of my schoolmates from my past // we all played in chess in school and kidgarden ,but later on we dropped this hobbie. For example i was playing in chess in kid-garden (We had cards with chess-tasks/quests and i loved to solve them). Later in school i was in chess-class (few lessons per week after school). We was on competition with same age kids and had very smooth rank like junior 1-2-3. Later on we dropped this hobbie and played from time to time like with farthers or friends. Does it mean that we have real rating like 1600 or 2200? Dont think so. Ofc i know how to move pieces and how clocks work and ofc we learned some basics openers,some basics mid strategy etc. Chess was quite popular in Russia, dont know how popular in current days.

[@stephenclarke9468]

Exactly. 95% of skill in chess is in the wrist action.

[@marcbloch1963]

The wiggling table would drive me absolutely crazy

[@paulmartin2348]

You two had great chemistry. So much fun to watch but he does know how to play. Maybe a bit rusty so trying to get back to the top of his game? Just a thought. Thank you for giving us a great game to watch. 😄

[@creationzikaz4836]

Funny you thought they had good chemistry. I thought the guy was being deceptive from the get go and Anna picked up on it, there was a feeling of mistrust between the two.

[@MagicGreenSquid]

What a curious fellow. Could it be he's just a naturally gifted player who had a good grounding in the game as a child but has never bothered with formal competition/ratings?

[@r2leyser961]

yeah he looks like a stupidly smart person that played chess for a bit in childhood Just from the way he complains about any small mistake he makes, he for sure isn't used to making mistakes anywhere else in life/school and feels like being able to play chess well is something that should be easy for him, while it's rlly not for anyone

[@patrickcorliss8878]

Yes. I'm sure there are a lot of players like that. I had a brother 18 months younger than me and we played day and night for years. Never played with a clock in my life but played quite a few friendlies as an adult. I'd guess my rating now is 12 to 1500.

[@TheRst2001]

Thats what I think , he comes from a well off family , played alot of chess at private school and is now dodging the draft in Amsterdam, which I dont blame him at all for, his best move 😅

[@bacca71]

@@TheRst2001 That makes some sense. But if so, he should know he would need to keep a very low profile, not playing Anna Chess on KZbin and becoming drunk and rude.

[@simicpetar]

not necessarily, if he grew up in russia, they play it in school, a lot of kids, i think it's like PE classes for them@@TheRst2001

[@queensgambit4982]

Guys the tell is chess terminology .. he said lines , he said c4 d4 e4 noobs don’t say that and also what he asked about c4 he mentioned queensgambit which has c4 in this structure .. he knows what he is talking about . He also never missed the clock and used the correct hand as well .

[@qwe1231]

And when she played 2nd time with him he refused to tell her how he did in other matches at the bar. Sketchy guy. 2nd game he got nasty. Anna promoted a pawn, he disgustedly flipped over his King, then refused to shake her extended hand, and even told her to 'burn in hell.' Video is 2 hours 20 minutes into the stream archived on her Twitch channel.

[@queensgambit4982]

@@qwe1231I didn’t know that I just watched the first part of the vid and left .. I knew he was full of crap . Playing it off as he does not know how to move the the pieces and that he does nt know what to do.. he also played d4 which is what I play for solid and strategic play, and avoid memorization and theory with main stream e4 .. a beginner does nt know that .

[@kimflores6359]

One of the most entertaining discussions over chess

[@pot_kivach160]

1:50 he wants to go to the states hoping to enjoy chess there. he barely knows how to move pieces, but his favourite opening is Queens gambit.

[@jye.acoustic]

Anna is the friendliest pro chess player online today 🤗👍

[@l.h.3586]

The Botez sisters is really, really friendly for the eyes...

[@31145_]

swedes seem to be friendly, they are polite and smile....

[@itsjim2875]

And the most fun to watch!

[@ThW5]

@@l.h.3586 Anna is nicer to the ears though, maybe no as nice as Pia, but close...

[@paleolad]

Still not sure if the guy is capping / joking or if he actually has no rating Nice game tho

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Well lots of people just play in person especially 10-15 years ago. They might not know what Elo is but play like a 2000. Used to be rather rare that you know your rating unless you where part of a chess club or where really into it. Now with online chess apps you have a lot more ressources and you get a rating update every game. Usually that would only happen in the club after a tournament, not generally counting every casual game.

[@williamdhl72]

100% cap

[@hanszlh6522]

- in 'my'/our café , also in Amsterdam , we are about 5 -8 'active' chess players ( - Not Only ... ) one or two ex-club players ,,,, some very strong , some mediocre - like me - some a little weaker ..... none of us has a 'rating' because we don't play in clubs or tournaments , we just play to keep our neurons active ... You win some - you lose some ... new - nice , friendly patrons ALWAYS WELCOME ( .. same for Billiards !! ) ( And Beer .. ))

[@johnnymossville]

I often wondered if a great player like Anna could get pretty close on someone's rating by playing them once. I'm terrible at the game, so I have no clue on such things.

[@MaySpitfire]

If i ever see someone meticulously lining up their chess pieces, I'm immediately surrendering.

[@Jitzlife92]

The 2nd game which is on twitch , the guy gets very angry and on edge for no reason then refuses to shakes Anna’s hand at the end and says burn in hell for this after he gets beat.

[@mistyminnie5922]

where can i find it on twitch?

[@Jitzlife92]

@@mistyminnie5922 It’s on Anna Cramlings twitch and it’s called Chess bar in Amsterdam or something along those lines. The 2nd match is around 2 hours 20 mins in I’m sure.

[@jaripuurunen1742]

lol, typical looser mentality

[@tamatebako_yt]

Is this true?

[@Jitzlife92]

@@tamatebako_yt Yes i didn’t make it up , its on her twitch…

[@mediamannaman]

He's a beginner in chess who barely knows how to move the pieces. "Do you think C4 is a good move?" Oh, so you learned chess notation just yesterday?

[@brooz2001]

Anna, if you are in the Netherlands, and you have a wobbly table like that, you *need* to put a bierviltje under one of the legs of the table. Immediately. It is the law, trust me!

[@redwarf8118]

His straightening of the pieces seems more like a power move to me

[@stefanforsgren9023]

Some people want things orderly, not necessarily a power move by choice

[@redwarf8118]

@@stefanforsgren9023 duh, but look at the actual result.

[@redwarf8118]

@@stefanforsgren9023 subconciously then

[@pilot3344]

And only from Anna’s channel I know there is a chess bar in Amsterdam 😮

[@sammyjones3500]

The conversation soon devolved into a rampant attack on string theory. It became socially awkward just to continue.

[@jimslater3574]

He was definitely downplaying his ability, hoping maybe to hustle Anna. Fortunately, she won. A beginner wouldn't know he had lost in the last position.

[@Max-pr1ii]

I was looking for a comment like this, because I'm still confused. How did she won in that last position? 😅

[@michaelwolejszo6445]

It amazes me how some people just throw lies around like its fertilizer and not blink an eye.

[@dowaliby1]

Very well played, Anna. And the banter between the two of you was entertaining. I would estimate him to be around 1700. Of course, it is possible that he is a hustler and was holding back in order to look weaker than he really is. Some of his moves were quite strong.

[@TheDrunkpokerboy]

1700 is a good estimate i would say

[@kronosaraya]

I’d say that too Nevertheless, he definitely isn’t an underrated genius.

[@hanshartmann8205]

I think he might be a hustler. It is not so easy to earn some money in a foreign country. I would normally say, that a coffee house player never has a chance against one player who has played tournament. But in Vienna there were hustlers with a rating of 2350. And that was at a time when the world champion was less than 2500. Even my own rating that was 2150 would be probably 2250 today. And I could win blitz games against 2400 in the year 2005. When I was drunk? A national champion of Austria wanted to play against me. I refused. At that time I was barely 1999. But I was very good in solving riddles. I could solve a 4-move, which was a trouble for much stronger players. Today at the age of 72, I get totally frustrated when I need for a 2-move more than 1 minute. But that's life. I quit to play chess because tournament games were always scheduled for 17:00. So I was not free before 23:00. And my girl friend would be at parties. Girls and love was much more important than playing chess, although I was a little bit addicted to "winning". Later on, the same happened with Go. I stopped when I was married, bit I was rated finally as a Sho-Dan. The lowest master rank for amateurs. When I was working in Japan, that helped me in my reputation as a business man. I even won against a yon-Dan (4. rank) without handicap. But that is life. eventually your capabilities vanish. I was even allowed to play agains Kortschnoi when he was in Leipzig. (An old man) And I ...... LOST, although he was only ranked 2000 at that time. What a pity. Only one of 20 people managed a draw. Such is life :) I could not win against Anna. She is too beautiful and too clever. I would just concentrate to make a marriage proposal, however I am already married for 50 years. So it would not work either :) :) :)

[@assetkussainov]

I think the same way. 1600-1700, not higher. Maybe in classic he plays 1800.

[@dowaliby1]

"Girls and love was much more important than playing chess," Amen, Brother.

[@tayothirtythree]

Anna read this guy so well, could see her say "sus" in her eyes ahah. Lots of things about him exudes control, she wasn't giving any up :D

[@Trex100]

This was a ton of fun. Thanks Anna.

[@harshsomani9945]

Hey anna, really amazing content. Love how you keep it simple for the other person and get them friendly for the game

[@jefftaylor1186]

Yes. e4is way too complicated. That’s why it’s best to just bulldoze your opponent with the Botvinnik English.

[@annaturquoise7114]

xDD 💀💀

[@justjim9723]

i just want to know what bar it is and when does Anna play chess there? :)

[@lukasaudir8]

This girl is an amazing person I would love to meet her someday

[@keirbrown7734]

i played maybe 30-40 games in my childhood never rated but played a 1500 rated player today. and they beat me all 3 times. however 2 of the games went for hours. and he rated me at a good 750-1000 range. which im pretty happy about considering ive not touched it in 30 years. so watched this as it peaked my interest and some amazing chess here and beautiful unpretentious Anna.

[@cloudysunset2102]

the guy was obviously a gig and Anna knew it!

[@Natefirethemagnets]

Seems like a sleeze ball actually, the second game adds evidence to this opinion.

[@AORD72]

He is a Russian, so also a terrorist.

[@adamtash2891]

i hate this kind of perspective for many reasons......

[@poppetx]

Wish I could see it..

[@henrerossouw6313]

And now your COW opening has led me to my highest elo in my short chess venture so far.

[@CurlyJefferson482]

He should have swapped queens at 8:22.

[@keytothegate68]

Can you find someone who says he is actually a very good player and then becomes genuinely surprised to lose to Anna

[@xRakanishu]

You can tell this guy was expecting to beat Anna after talking his "beginner" talk, then became visibly flustered when he couldn't surprise her with a victory.

[@joshuahelmeke]

I’m telling you Anna, you’re channel is LIT! It’s SO good! 🎉

[@thecatalyst78]

I don't know much and have never played with a timer. Why in the end around the 8:15-8:40 mark (might have been doing it all along) does the clock run down but then go back up a bit when each person hits the clock to end their turn?

[@sandravanderzweep6272]

I have no clue how it al works. Tried too after seeing the Queens Gambit but gave up immediately. There are things in life that are not meant to be. I am good at languages not with strategy and especially not with number. But I like your enthusiasm and how you interact wirh people. Loved the video with your mom (the GM). Wish you and your family all the best and stay healthy.

[@oldmanyellsatscreen]

Chess is hard, but there are loads of materials available on youtube for beginners if you want to try and improve. Also, if you play online the rating system will eventually match you against opponents at your level, so you have more even games.

[@krusbaer11]

This is the "burn in hell" guy. I wonder if we will see that game on youtube :)

[@Rafael-bj4vl]

in what video does he say that

[@blizzard2099]

​@@Rafael-bj4vlit was from the live stream.

[@exoendo]

who did he say that to?

[@krusbaer11]

He said that live on stream to Anna after the rematch they played later the same day.

[@exoendo]

@@krusbaer11 in like a joking way or was he being a dick?

[@tbbt8337]

the oldest trick in the book. "i am a beginner",now everybody have seen him played against Anna. yes he is a genius,but an other kind of genius

[@wormemc]

I have never watched a video like this. It was fun to see high skilled players having a chill game.

[@michaelmiller3897]

I've been using the COW in almost all of my matches now I hope Anna would be proud