Botvinnik & Kasparov's Central Pawn Roller | Standard Chess

Transposing into the Queen's Gambit Declined via the English (1.c4 e6 2.d4 d5), I deploy my mainstay Exchange Variation, 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5. Though the word "exchange" may induce drowsiness or eye-rolling from some, this line actually leads to rich, full-blooded play. Here, I adopt the Ng1-e2 and f2-f3 setup, which was a favorite of former world champion Mikhail Botvinnik, and also his illustrious world champion pupil, Garry Kasparov. With this strategy, White hopes to works up to a powerful central pawn roller with e3-e4.
Review this game on lichess.org: lichess.org/yF...
Support the channel: streamlabs.com... or via PayPal: t.co/VBFOLJHt2m
Follow me on Twitch: / johnbartholomew
Follow me on Twitter: / fins0905
Add me as a friend on Chess.com: www.chess.com/...
My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: www.chessable....
My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: www.chessable....
The Checkmate Patterns Manual (with CraftyRaf): www.chessable....
My Scandinavian Course (1.e4 d5) on Chessable: www.chessable....
I offer private online chess lessons. Navigate to my "About" section, and then click on "For business inquiries" to reveal my email address.
Recommended chess books and equipment:
1950 Dubrovnik reproduction set (Bobby Fischer's favorite!) on Chess Bazaar: www.chessbazaa.... You can use coupon code JOHN30 for 30% off!
Wood board: amzn.to/2H9iATl
Tune Your Chess Tactics Antenna: amzn.to/2xJ2auH
Amateur to IM: amzn.to/2Dph3IG
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal: amzn.to/2zq741X

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

The game against Neverness from March 2016 that I mentioned in the analysis (linked to the moment I played Bxa7+, if you're curious): kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3mrm5qblKelY6s Nice to know my chess memory is at least still on point 😉

[@kurtozan251]

Thank u master

[@Ronnoconnor]

one more pls!

[@charlesfunnell3101]

When he talked about people not watching the analysis, I got a pang of intense guilt. It was like my favorite teacher scolding me for not doing the assigned readings.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

😂

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Thanks to Spyder11 for the game! Feel free to post your thoughts if you're out there :)

[@rhpmike]

"No, chess players don't have exceptionally good memories, they've just seen all of the patterns before yada yada ... oh btw hello random guy in the chat. You remember 3 years ago when we played a Petroff and I had that tactic on a7 when we castled queenside?"

[@TruthAndReconciliation]

Mike Garner I think it’s because of the fact that you're hyper focusing on minute decisions, up to an hour at a time if you analyze them like John does, and ends up either resulting in the dopamine of a victory, or the denial victory. Neither my memory or chess skills are good, and I still remember some tough loses and nice wins clearly, strangely enough

[@RoninPL08]

Exactly. I love when John goes: "oh I had this position against this person, during this tournament, at this place X years ago...* I cant remember what I had yesterday for breakfast.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

It's hilarious because I can be totally absent-mended and forgetful in some everyday circumstances, but with chess, I have excellent recall. Thanks, brain! 🧠

[@theJW55]

Never mind three years ago. I stll painfully recall a casual game from 25+ yrs ago in which I had a great looking queenside pawn storm against my much stronger opponent's king. Just as I thought I was to break through to my best victory ever, he plopped his knight onto a5, and this definitely NOT grim knight covered all the squares needed to bring my attack to a grinding halt. My forces had abandoned the center and my king to populate my attack, so he of course broke through in the center and crushed me quickly. I can't remember who won last Sunday's games, but I'll never forget that loss!

[@ThomasEWalker]

@@JohnBartholomewChess I suffer from can't remember you-know-what now at 65, but I remember offhand positions and analysis I did on my own from like the early 70's. Dog gone it, brain! Don't get old - it sux.

[@TheKrazyLobster]

I'll say that I love watching you play, John, but the analysis is my favorite part. The way you walk us through thoughts and possibilities is incredibly educational. I can't speak for anyone else, but I really, really appreciate all the effort you put in these longer videos. 💙💙

[@TheKrazyLobster]

Okay, either I'm hallucinating or John really said "I have a lot of time on the clock here". Kappa

[@alunodavida664]

We're so blessed to have these practical chess classes on KZbin. Thanks for sharing your ideas. :)

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

I'm glad you think so highly of my content! Thanks a lot for watching :)

[@JFchess]

Your 1. d4 course helped me a lot to shape my reportoire! Thanks John!

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Thanks for checking it out! For those unaware, I have a free, 45-line 1.d4 course on Chessable: www.chessable.com/im-john-bartholomews-1d4-repertoire-for-white/course/102/

[@bantaibaman5662]

I love how John attracts wholesome people in the chat. Only John has the power.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

We have a phenomenal community here 🙏

[@siLence-84]

I hate people who use the word wholesome.

[@charliedelachat7698]

@@siLence-84 I don't care.

[@taoon8327]

Nice to see such a clean victory with the white pieces without any overtly complicated tactics. Thank you John.

[@AsianNinjaGod]

As someone recovering from a concussion with crazy eye sensitivity, my eyes thank you for dark mode. And for content.

[@lukemperez]

I should not be surprised that folks stop watching long analysis games but these are really my favorite. That supposed dead air is really just time for John to walk through a deeper think through the position at any given point. And after, I enjoy how he waits to turn on the engine until he has worked through his analysis.

[@MarcelArtsCW]

I love your standard games! I personally get more out of them, than from videos like the clock as a weapon series (although I still watch them), because those often are too fast for me to understand all the nuances. Watching your standard chess videos really helps me understand your thought processes and learn from them. And I always watch your analysis, because I also need help learning how to properly analyze my own games without an engine. Thank you for all the amazing content and for not only helping me improve my own chess but also to love it more!

[@jonshive5482]

Nice win Mr. B. Can't stress enough how valuable these rapid games are in allowing time for commentary and analysis.

[@Oryips]

Best playlist ever, keep up the good work

[@roach01gt]

Thanks for the brutal honesty at the end, I needed to be reminded. Haven't been playing longer time controls or reviewing my games much over the course of this pandemic.

[@baszmania5928]

With all respect for your opponent, I notice in a lot of your videos that only when your opponent is in a worse position they start to take the time to think. I feel that this game could have been different if your opponent took his time earlier and spot any threats you had on the board. That got me thinking I sometimes do that as well, just throwing out moves because I "think" I know theory, so this video is instructive for me in multiple ways. Double thanks to you John!

[@ThomasEWalker]

Man, I so agree. Strong players like JB just see the pattern well before other people, right? Have you ever had a game where you did that - esp against a strong opponent - and you got it right? Like right out of the opening and everything turns your way cuz you saw it? That is the best feeling. Something to strive for.

[@Austin1510g]

Love these standard videos John! Also, why would someone watch these videos if you aren’t going to watch the analysis part? 😂 that’s the most important part of the video. And I’ve noticed that the memory of chess masters and positions they’ve had in the past is insane..

[@chizzelfingers]

this is probably my favorite chess channel for learning. im a 45yr old union stone mason and find tbese very insyructive. im still struggling with move ,,,maybe 5 through 10 but im trying

[@soccer2themax]

Yes. A standard game!! My favorite! Thank you for putting in the time

[@joshualavender]

Outstanding game and outstanding video, John!

[@dustinbrody]

Hi John! I appreciate how much you have been uploading lately. Keep it up!

[@andrewcosta2760]

Sincerely, John, we really appreciate the positive/ wholesome environment.

[@7inrain]

Thx for a very instructive game from a QGD player. Played the Exchange variation every now and then but it often fizzled out into a draw. Having watched the video I hope I can change that in the future.

[@platitudeomenw441]

I've always been an e4 player. This game really makes me wanna learn d4. Super informative as always John, thank you!

[@acraftman2823]

May not always have time for the analysis which I do enjoy, but definitely hit the like button. Thanks for the upload.

[@ippimerawr]

I love these videos, John, thank you very much.

[@TheKrazyLobster]

John, come on! It's 3 am here in Brazil! Now I'll have to watch this instead of going to sleep, because you're just that awesome 😎

[@theJW55]

Hey, John!! It's great to see more standard games, they are simply the best thing I have found on KZbin/Twitch for educational (and entertainment!) value! Hope you can find the time with your busy schedule to keep them coming!! Here's a request: I know that you very much enjoy playing the QGD Exchange Variation, but for variety I am hoping that you will try other lines like the Bg5, Bf4 or Bg5/Bxf6 lines. There is so much great chess in these lines, with such richness and educational value. You aren't hesitant to try opening experiments like the Gruenfeld or the Dzindzi -Indian, so why not branch out with other QGD lines? Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to play and analyze these standard games. Yours is the best chess channel going!!! Cheers!

[@stefanholbek2449]

You always explains everything so well, Mr. JB! I've practically watched (and listened to) everything you uploaded since you were below 10K subscribers, and look at you now! 😎👍🏆🏆 I'm looking into a "theory" or an idea about the middlegame: "The first player who can add a pawn or a Rook to the attack gets the advantage!" You of course don't add the King until late in the game, but Queen, Bishop and Night gets into the boxing ring fast, pawns may be exchanged in the battle for the Center and Rooks may be exchanged off the board in some variations. Haven't looked too deeply into this idea so far, but this game clearly shows that White had TWO pawns and TWO Rooks included in the attack. That's just too much pressure compared to Black who had none.

[@danielmcgrath3291]

LOVING these uploads John, thanks so much!

[@nomvanhoutte1998]

My favorite time control to watch. Excellent game and analysis. Thank you sir.

[@Suho1004]

The analysis is the best part!

[@seasideman]

Thanks John, I learned an awful lot from this game and your excellent analysis both during and after. The way you played the opening is the way I would wish to play it myself if I had your skill. I am a (white) d4 player who is trying to gain the nerve to play the QGD. And I did watch it to the end :)

[@prashantkumar2790]

thanks john, love watching your games and I am happy you are uploading videos daily now

[@matiasiozzia9547]

Love your content Sir John Bartholomew

[@Joe-zu7lx]

Thanks for doing the analysis even though not everyone watches it’s very helpful

[@marcramon1578]

And he keeps putting out these excellent videos for us. Always puts a smile on my face

[@danjeory3659]

I recently started trying to improve my 1.d4 play and bought the book Play the Queen's Gambit by Chris Ward. I'm sure he mentions this variation and especially the variation where the knight jumps from b7 to g7! What a manoeuvre! This game though was a great example of the concrete ideas behind Nge2 rather than f3. Great to see it in action 😂

[@davidlightman4929]

13:21 Excellent quote :)

[@blueguitarist]

Thanks for the video john. much appreciated

[@jacoboribilik3253]

It's great to have an IM walking you through his thought process.

[@andreamagnanini3196]

This was so great and usefull thank you so much !

[@redwingsphan]

I really appreciate the standard games. I can follow your thoughts much easier than in the faster controls. I enjoy those as well though.

[@AdamBittner]

My liquid-cooled computer is almost silent, even running stockfish at maximum capacity (on all cores). Great video as always.

[@kgee2111]

Thanks John!

[@timblizzard4226]

John keep the standard games coming

[@bradenstewart6270]

A standard video *gasp* by John *GaSp* before I go to bed *GASP* in one of my favorite openings *GGGGAASSPPPP* *faints*

[@TheSlowPianist]

Congratulations, you've gone to bed

[@bradenstewart6270]

@@TheSlowPianist nah I have been up five days straight what you mean

[@TheSlowPianist]

@@bradenstewart6270 I was referring to the fainting. Maybe consider watching a less interesting channel; your life may depend on it!

[@BrokenG-String]

Nice game. I find that you are very good with storming with the pawns for strategic squeezing of the position. I know how crushing it can be especially when we played in one of your viewer battle streams

[@checkmater477]

Hi John, here from your stream :)

[@nickd5422]

Spyder really wants that last game

[@NamasteBbooktube]

I love longer time controls. Would love to see you solve puzzles also. Am nearing 2300 on lichess puzzles 😎

[@robduncan7409]

beautiful game sir

[@dayoldeggplant]

Hi John! It's 1am, I have work at 8am, and you choose to upload now??? It's entirely my fault for choosing your videos over sleep. Lol

[@money96plyr]

I'm in the same boat lol

[@adama3325]

Hello! I'm glad this came up in the video. At 2:32 you say "decision time", i.e. should i play the minority attack or do the central expansion f3-e4 thing. i learned both of those plans when i learned the queens gambit and i love them both, but i can never decide which one to use. when i reach that point in the game, how do i decide which plan to use? are there a list of "factors" based on the position to help me decide... i.e. if this then go for the minority attack, if this then go for the central expansion?

[@JFchess]

23:36 I got to it and further went to the analysis as well!!

[@geethanarayanan2896]

love it.

[@johnbubby2374]

Love the videos ❤

[@MjrLeegInfidel]

I think I bought marins English book series because you mentioned it some time ago it's an excellent series

[@esIworld]

love the 15 min games. Thanks!

[@KyleSzklenski]

That was your fan!? I thought someone had started vacuuming in the background. Really clean game though, nice work.

[@petercraig6990]

Thanks for the dark mode, easy to the eyes. Especially when watching this in the bedroom while my wife is sleeping. One could argue there should be other things to do in bed, but, chess is chess 😅

[@flfun2no]

DARK MODE ONLY!

[@Nicholas5c]

This was so good, have you done this commentary against the rogazin? Would love to see it

[@thecodewordismofuga493]

I would love to play one game with u on chess.com. Hope this comment doesn’t get lost among many others.Great game btw

[@elyaizen]

Thanks for the black mode too (best mode is variable mode)

[@nklristic]

Winning pawn play. :)

[@gabix123lg]

Only an alien/robot would try to be not recognized as an alien/robot suspicious e.e

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Draw your own conclusions 😶

[@davidspedding8349]

opening h6 and a6 better than a forced lost position with main lines

[@sooooooooDark]

25:41 was close to a mouse slip there - queen f8 wouldve been not the best check xD

[@MrSupernova111]

Hi John!

[@uncookedbert3216]

Maybe thats my problem. My head not screwed on straight.

[@alpulley4894]

John , I was thinking one of your old videos you mentioned a book you studied in the past that gave you alot of insight into the queens gambit. Which book(s) did you find helpful in the Queens Gambit.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

I learned the theory of the QGD (and a lot of my 1.d4 repertoire) from IM John Cox's Starting Out: 1.d4: amzn.to/35Bl6Ob It's about 15 years old now, but it's truly excellent! Note: this is an Amazon referral link, so I do receive a small portion of the revenue if you purchase through this link. Cheers!

[@alpulley4894]

@@JohnBartholomewChess thanks! I appreciate the info. I have been playing the English for the past couple of years and enjoy it. A typical reply for black seems to be e6 or c6. Black trying to steer the game into territory they are familiar with rather than go along with other replies leading into a "normal" English.

[@pmchess]

Hey John can you give me some tips on maintaining your cool when you actually notice you're winning positionally, and also how to increase that advantage cause I seem to always lose when I'm winning

[@ネーブルオレンジ-p7i]

John he looks, like as homie guy who should be proud of going down deep into another' guyses hole as deep as he can.

[@seandeer9821]

Team Dark Mode for sure

[@AaronRausch91998]

Huh, maybe it’s time I learn some openings!

[@davidspedding8349]

main line black seems lost early on?

[@basidhfareeth7757]

Hey john ever decided to upgrade your video qualities to1080. currently it’s available only in 720 fps in my ipad

[@jusleejolm1042]

Hello neverness

[@deeter4558]

Light mode is good during the day

[@ネーブルオレンジ-p7i]

John he looks, like as homie guy who should be proud of going down deep into another' guyses hole as deep as he can.

[@breezyashell]

Please keep dark mode, it's easier on the eyes!

[@hyperskylords5121]

#lightmode!

[@seanlee7054]

How does he remember a random online game from years ago

[@tylerkattler9734]

dark mode is the best

[@pakchu2]

Poor guy really wanted to play another

[@insanestuff9470]

Man man man 😜👍😂

[@harmeetsingh4507]

Rookh take Knight and pawn take rookh and bishop h7 check and queen g6 was mate

[@syndicator5193]

Vote Bartholomew 2024

[@Royalflush168]

Can you show coordinates on your board next time, please. Easier for me to follow. Thanks.

[@tommynaclerio]

Hey John. Quick question: You're making arrows by right clicking right?

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Correct

[@DeathEaterLink]

There's a setting on Lichess that might be disabled if you can't!

[@tommynaclerio]

@@DeathEaterLink Thanks, I appreciate the comment.

[@TheSoulBlossom]

@@tommynaclerio That's ok fellow KZbin commenteur.

[@HimanshuYadav-kc7rd]

First 😛