Pawns Pushing Pieces | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. yash1094 (1522)

In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a pair of 5+5 games against a player rated 1522 on Chess.com. In both games, the relationship between with pieces and pawns takes center stage. #Chess #ChessInstruction #ClimbingTheRatingLadder
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[@MarcelArtsCW]

I watched a lot of Danyas videos lately. But in my heart, you will always be my favorite chess player. Mostly because you are a genuinely kind person and because you share your passion which such joy and light-heartedness. But also because you gave two pieces of concrete advise, that help me with every game I play: 'play longer time control' and 'if you only have the mental capacity to focus on one thing, then focus on undefended pieces' (I sometimes felt overwhelmed and paralyzed by all the advice I read in books. Limiting myself to this one lesson helped me to stay motivated). Thank you for every content you make!

[@someoneelse293]

You've got good taste.

[@TheChessGiant]

This is facts.

[@emirafiq5358]

This is the best chess series on YT, hands down

[@hthought]

I really like the longer games too, but this one is great as well.

[@tsonus]

I gave it a thumbs up as soon as I saw it was this series & I totally agree!

[@PaschyRL]

Fax

[@hardwork8395]

It is excellent. Try Naroditsky for his speed run series. He does not disappoint either.

[@vaibhavarora3389]

Agreed👍👍

[@lp4969]

The thing I like the most about John is how he sincerely appreciates us viewers, he doesn't just say it like a robot, he means it! We love you too❤

[@grim789]

Love these series especially the lower around 1k rating range they are so instructive.

[@otaviocf4657]

YAY, JOHN IS BACK

[@kylefogel3994]

2am new video? I knew night shift would pay off one of these days. Thanks, John!

[@Lars365]

Thank you for posting again on YT. Streaming live is more difficult to follow for all of us over seas and around the globe. 👍 Great content as always 😊

[@TheChessGiant]

I appreciate how you break down all of your thoughts each move and keep the vibe super chill and relaxed

[@SP-og1qb]

I deem you solely responsible for whatever sort of improvement I've had in chess, John. A forever fan here.

[@quill444]

It's interesting to see how someone with more than twice the rating can still 'reach down' and be so instructive to those who don't share a rating above 2500, and be so helpful to those who still hover below 2000. In addition to the descriptions of precise Pawn Play here, I especially like the way he pauses at what beginner-players might perceive to be 'automatic' moves, such as at 12:47 when instead of immediately forking Queen and Rook, all of the possible ramifications are both examined and accurately described first. For this is so often where the beginner and weaker player gets into trouble, by being too impulsive when it seems like the way forward is automatic and simple. These pauses and examinations are necessary for the weaker players to avoid the most common types of blunders that, more than opening theory, and even more than tactical awareness, can lead to immediate loss. This is therefore highly instructive, in my opinion. Patience is always necessary in Chess, especially when you believe none is required. What makes the game of Chess exciting and intricate is also what can make it so easy to turn a good or winning position into a lost game so readily. And from the opposite perspective, it's important for the new player to calmly examine any sudden move or impulsive recapture as a possible inaccuracy or mistake. This is the kind of patient and quiet instruction that, like endgame study, I think that many beginners in Chess will benefit from the most; yes, even more than tactics and puzzles, and especially more important than the current trend of diving and driving too deeply into opening theory, and doing so too soon. Study carefully the PATIENCE on display here before what look to be obvious moves! - j q t -

[@cjachilov669]

Hi John thanks for being so inside out and we appreciate you too! Thanks for the energy and the content, it helped me a lot!

[@TheChessGiant]

These videos are great John!

[@Agusdac1]

Hi John! I started getting into chess around April last year when the quarantine was getting strong and I started around 700 on chess.com and now I'm around 1300 mostly because of your videos. I love this series, I just watched all of it in the last two weeks and I'm looking forward to get more of them. I see all the great comments you get from the community and I love it, you are a great teacher, keep it up! Also, as a funny comment, I live in Spain so my first language is Spanish but now when I have to think a position in a chess game I think it up in English thanks to your videos!

[@Grovesie35]

Tyvm for the post John! Both the in game thought process and post games analysis are amazingly helpful for upping ones game! Thank you.

[@voidofmisery4810]

Thanks for all of your videos! Every one is a huge help!

[@gsp_admirador]

Thank you John, love from India❤️

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Thanks, Rajat!!

[@DuffmanChess]

I have noticed that even around 1500 (my level), tactical vision is still a big issue for players.

[@fabiainski8142]

thanks John. loving your energy

[@TheChessGiant]

Ya he always brings a really chill and positive attitude

[@pablourosa1443]

Yessss best series back! Your climbing the ladder videos are the best way I have found to improve in intermediate level (I am ~1400 ) apart from tactics and analysis. It's nice to have somone better to you express thought processes outloud. Most similar thing to a private lesson that one can get for free!

[@henryprickett5899]

Hey John! Just cracked 1600 on lichess rapid for the first time and I credit this kinda content with my improvement in chess. Really taking the longer time controls to heart and I'm loving the results. Thanks for the games!

[@billwill1159]

You’re a star John, thanks for videos!

[@duratixx54]

John back at it with another spicy CTRL vid! ❤️

[@joejitsu034]

Long time no see John. Glad to see you back 🙂

[@TheChessGiant]

I second this.

[@LoMoNoCrAt]

these videos don't just improve my chess, they inspire me to play more chess.

[@michaelpaulson2543]

Huge fan of you John- I started learning from your videos many years ago, (5? 6?) In that time, I have gone from 900 to 1500. I’m working on your chessable 100 Endgames lessons now. Your positive psychology is an important example to set- and has been no small part of my improvement. It would be an honor to bump into you in person at a tournament or something once it’s safe! Cheers from Kansas.

[@ThomasEWalker]

JB is a great teacher! Have you watched his standard games and paused 'em to think? It's just like having a coach!

[@burakkoksal9395]

Good to see you John!

[@cjf1015]

I recently found your channel and am really starting to love your chess channel John! Your passion and knowledge for the game gives me so much inspiration to continue to improve. Also, as a fellow Minnesnowtan, I hope this below zero weather we’ve been getting recently hasn’t adversely impacted you in any way. 😂🥶 anyways.. thank you for everything you do for the community and I look forward to seeing your next video!

[@smkls93]

Hey John. Been enjoying your videos. Wanted to shoot you a quick request, no worries if it's not up your alley. I was hoping you would consider making a video on connected passed pawns: why they are an advantage, how to make use of them, potential mistakes, etc. I get excited in games where I get them, but I never know how to make the most of them.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Thanks, Samuel! Good topic for the future 👍

[@chrisnovak7695]

Thanks for the great tontent John!

[@jonpark5203]

Hi John - love ❤️ your content. My overall game has improved as a result of your in depth analysis and knowledge 😊 all the best

[@kurtozan251]

Always enjoy your content John!

[@prashantkumar2790]

Please continue this series

[@phnification]

I love your videos and I've learned a lot!

[@tastenshruti]

Just accidentally passed „Bartholomäus-Street“ here in Hamburg/Germany. There seems to be a thermal bath with the same name on it. Selective perception 😄. Noticed after watching your videos. Picture proof cannot be displayed here... thx 4 ur gr8 channel!

[@GingerMathematician]

Enjoying the series!

[@DivyeshVartha]

Always grateful for these CTRL videos🙏 Btw, it's pronounced "yush", rhymes with lush

[@darrensmith5383]

Love the idea of another climbing the rating ladder!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheChessGiant]

Same!

[@vaibhavarora3389]

Great video John !!

[@AGermanMan]

Was happy to hear you may do this on Lichess!

[@nsiderultimaseth]

Your videos don't just improve my chess John, they also improve my life! :D

I don't care what the title is, I will watch John's videos even if just for the intro

[@TheChessGiant]

I second this.

[@danjeory3659]

That d5-d6 manoeveur by white to shut down black's light squared bishop and target the f5 pawn in the Leningrad game is mind blowing.

[@henrick5989]

Always glad to see your video's!

[@Andyconda14]

Love the climbing the rating ladder series

[@dbisth]

I would suggest making a video series on books for different rating ranges. I am sure a lot of people would love it coming from you.

[@vaibhavarora3389]

We appreciate you and your great content from India as well 👍👍 keep up the good work !!

[@pablourosa1443]

34:35 My best wild guess is that after h4 and bishop e2, white has to move the queen allowing h5 which removes the knight defending the rook

[@jakubjanata4283]

Having a bad mood? Just watch John playing chess and spreading positive energy and everything will be fine

[@TheChessGiant]

Facts

[@johntatum1951]

Cool John, no flex needed...but always flexible....:) I see a lot of players that quit too early. For instance, I just had a game where I lost my Queen to a knight royal fork...however, I kept playing and actually took my opponent's Queen with a royal fork as well...and then was able to get checkmate with a knight/rook combo. I say fight on and persevere.

[@rosavelez1746]

Very nice!!! Thank you👍👍👍

[@ThomasEWalker]

Love the Alapin! I've had good results with it up to class A for sure, even when black plays a good line. I'm comfortable and they're not - like that.

[@resignurdrnk7535]

thanks john!

[@salimoneus]

Great content, thanks John! BTW, think there might be a redundancy in the description "the relationship between with pieces and pawns".

[@arunnannavare3519]

THANKS SIR, GOOD VEDIO

[@BenRook]

I would have preferred you finding an opponent 1900+ to get a flavor of more advanced play to learn from...but this had one or two educational points which you covered in the post-game analysis so it's all good. :) You always seek to post something we can learn from...whether it's the clock as a weapon or these climbing the rating ladder. Really good content from you! I find these vids to be vastly more preferable to watch than the Eric Rosen and other KZbinrs out there who, while their vids may entertain...don't have much else going for them.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Thanks - glad you see the value in these! :) Check out my Standard series for lots of games against the 1900+ crowd.

[@googleaccount4577]

Haven't played chess for like 7 months, due to personal reasons, so I'm not at my best right now. Which channel do I go to, to improve my play? Without a question: John Bartholomew! (Have been watching you since 2015, could never really get into chess until I watched your Chess Fundamentals videos, keep up the good work!)

[@dbisth]

Hey JB love your content. I have joined Chessable in 2019 at your recommendation and loving the site. I am from India too. Hope you make GM soon. Keep up the great work.

[@shekharsharma4556]

My fav series

[@bojanboskovic6744]

"One pawn to rule them all!" Brilliant! (R 2230)

[@cwm180]

Great video, John. I know you're busy, but more standard videos please :)

[@nicopaciu99]

As a Queens Gambit player i like the doubled pawns structure for white with the bishop pair. If white can get castled the attack against blacks king can be deadly at times.

[@MrSaxiJensen]

Wow, got here early! Nice

[@cyrusvanbeethoven4626]

John, undercover GM.

[@TheChessGiant]

Facts

[@serxuegoldisprettyuselessi2683]

Facts

[@Smallgot83]

He’s so Canadian and it’s great lol.

[@teddythegod1919]

Never a dull night when john uploads

[@amandasteven1400]

oooo this was fun! i jst started a short & sweet Nimzo Indian course on Chessable :)

[@walterrldias]

Thank u John! so entertaining and instructional!! Made my day. I am 1300 on Lichess and still get crushed by Queen Bulies and Pawn Storm Pushers though... :( Any Video medicine against it?? :) Love your Stuff. Txs!

[@Ninterd2]

I was in a tournament the other day and got to the knockout rounds. Won my first game but lost HORRIBLY and resigned after 18 moves after playing a FIDE master. I tried the Alapin Sicilian and made stupid blunders straight away!

[@callmeqt1269]

Sicilians are risky if you aren’t real confident in the theory. What’s your ELO?

[@Ninterd2]

@@callmeqt1269 on Lichess 1600-1700. He played the Sicilian and I didn't know any good lines. I have some content to go through related to the grand prix now though

[@quill444]

There is no shame to losing to a higher-rated player, and no shame to losing to a lower-rated player, either. Be courageous and perhaps post the game here in another comment, and who knows: maybe someone can offer some worthwhile advice. Surviving until the 'knockout' rounds is an incredible feat, so maybe post your best prior win as well. I am a bit intrigued right off the bat when you say you "tried the Alapin Sicilian..." as I assume you played the White Pieces, because few openings can be FORCED by the player with the Black pieces. For example, playing Black, one can *almost* always play (or transpose) into the French Defence. If you are worried about the Sicilian Defense and you employ the Alapin Variation as a kind of last-resort of desperation, then perhaps your Opponent has studied your games and decided to attempt to 'corner you' into an opening that you would rather avoid; and of course as White, a few solid 1.d4 opening lines might serve you well against such an opponent. The fact that you said "I tried the Alapin..." as opposed to "I played the Alapin..." or "I purposely steered into the Alapin..." is revealing, and while I may be entirely incorrect, it does seem as though you allowed your opponent to 'get into your head' as readily as move three! And that's a potential problem. I've seen some players who rely upon 1.e4 almost as a refuge or a vestige of years of hard work, when in some cases, merely switching to 1.d4 can boost their rating by several hundred points! It does not mean that the Queen's Pawn is a better opening (after all, even R. Fischer swore that 1.e4 was 'Best by Test'), but 1.d4 does tend to be better suited for some players, and yet they may take years to discover this! All we know for certain is that 1.e4 places a Pawn on an undefended square, and yet in aggregate, 1.e4 indeed leads to more victories: in fact, it is 0.3% better. Yeah. As White, you do have more control over the possible opening variation(s) that your opponent can employ against you, and even if you enjoy the Alapin Variation, you might be 'stumbling into blunders' as a result of playing such openings simply out of habit. But of course, against a strong (or stronger) player, losing is always a likely outcome. It's difficult to determine without seeing the game, but the 'tone' of your comment seems as though you might not be comfortable with the opening. It also sounds as though you may not have anything else as well studied or prepared. You might have been up against a much stronger player; or, maybe you were tired from the previous rounds. But at least be aware that the Alapin Variation is not so much an opening or a line as it is a RESPONSE TO A SPECIFIC DEFENSE CHOSEN BY YOUR OPPONENT. You can choose an alternate path! Simple changes in perspective can sometimes bring enormous rewards. As I already stated, some players find that 1.d4 just suits them far better than 1.e4, and I've also seen some dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate French Defence players who had enormous 'jumps' in their rating after a subtle switch to say the Caro-Kann Defence! Often, I believe it is not so much the opening itself, but the liberating experience of change away from some ancient habit or determination to always use (or try to use) what was once beneficial. It's so easy for old habits to become entrenched, which can lead to boredom and/or stagnation. I'm way out on a limb here, suggesting such ideas from merely the way you worded your comment, but it is the case, for many a player, that broadening an opening repertoire can vastly enhance their performance and their enjoyment of the game. I would not broadcast such ideas if it were not the case that I have found myself 'stuck' in such a rut in my own play over the years and over the decades. And one of the key characteristics of being 'stuck' in such a condition is that usually, you are not aware of it until you are forced (or until you force yourself) to change, which is always uncomfortable, at least at first. Or it could be as simple as the fact of your opponent possibly knowing the opening one move 'deeper' than you: that can be devastating, but it's also very easily fixed. And if none of this applies, and if I've mistaken the linguistic nature of your comment to be in any way a source of your recent loss, and if I'm wrong, then let me apologize: but I am sure that this examination of your plight does apply, if not to you specifically, then to some player(s) who might read this. Don't let one bad move or even one difficult tournament to damage your enthusiasm for the game; and like I said: reaching the knockout round is an achievement of which you should be proud! And so don't allow a few blunders to diminish your progress. Thanks for posting a comment that allowed me to reflect upon my years of attempting to help beginning players to be more confident and more proficient; I think such behavioral adjustments are probably just as important to the intermediate and even the stronger-level player as they are to the beginner. Don't be discouraged! - j q t -

[@NotoriousKhamid]

Hey, John How about making a video about positional play? That would be really interesting! Greetings from Egypt! Stay amazing!

[@paulmorphy6314]

Hey John, this is Morphy

[@rajathjain6672]

Hey Morphy, this is guys

[@Lens98052]

I played g5, Bg3 Ne4 against a board 1 team player in the UK that had not lost a game for his team in 2 years. I won that game, breaking his streak. I felt kinda sorry for him because he did play the game rather well but underestimated my endgame chances.

[@aric7726]

Hey John, could you do a classical game?

[@SarveshKumar-zw8su]

Plz make more video on this series

[@nomvanhoutte1998]

Stay warm my friend.

[@renmeker6588]

Omg new videos. Is this real life?

[@magicbeav]

Hi John, can you recommend a good beginner-level general opening theory book? At my level (1000 on chess.com) you’re not playing say as black to ‘be ok’, you’re playing to win or at least gain advantage. So I’d like to know the general ideas behind different openings and things to explore at my level.

[@teocantsleep4611]

I'm 1450 and I still feel as though training tactics and basic endgames is the best bang for my buck. I stick to a couple of openings and I'll check out the most played moves after but apart from that I don't do a lot of work on openings. I suggest you focus on tactics.

[@guitarspadeschess6908]

John needs some rohto’s. those eyes are bleeding!

[@danielwood1928]

4:43 is pawn f6 not good here?

[@jameswright5627]

Hi John, I'm just wondering when do you castle on the queen's side vs the king's side.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Hello, James! Although it always depends on the opening/setup, I'd say you should be castling kingside the vast majority of the time (probably something like ~90%). It's quicker to do so, which is the most important thing.

[@johnjames4681]

Zero farenheight is a chilly -17 c in modern non nonsense sensible gradations.

[@Chanakya06]

hey john! we indians love your content.

[@KeepChessSimple]

Did you switch to 1.e4?

[@chandankumar-ir3cz]

Hey John i still dont understand how do you win a piece if u play d6 at 1:10

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

I explained in the analysis, but the idea is to follow with Qe2+ and catch Black on teh e-file with the e7-square guarded. It may not 100% work if Black plays ...Qa5+, though.

[@NMalteC]

Why do streamers seem to prefer Twitch over youtube? Better monetisation?

[@ThomasEWalker]

I think it's more than that - I watch JB's streams on Twitch a good bit and it seems built for live streams. Great money support, great interaction with the chat, it's got automation with a chatbot, some folks mod for him, lots of people tune in... His streams there are hitting 500+ watchers. Lot of other streamers on there.

[@NMalteC]

@@ThomasEWalker I just don't believe in spending 10 bucks a month to be notified of a stream

[@piggy8761]

@@NMalteC but you dont, you just follow and youll get notified Youre new to twitch. Subscribing isnt mandatory.

[@rajathjain6672]

@@piggy8761 Exactly if you can then you can support the streamer by subscribing or donating but it's not mandatory

[@chessgoalsyt]

Love you John, how is it going with that lady you had a date with?!

[@ErdosainNueve]

Yes!!!!!!! On lichess please!!!!

[@enoleiflow7507]

If you are active on twitch, please keep in mind to upload instructive games or moments to yt.

[@smhdpt12]

I'd love to see these games vs some higher rated opponents. Watching someone play an opponent 1200 rating points lower is just nonsensical.

[@Globeguy1]

It won't be instructive for those in lower ratings. And I'd imagine there are a ton more lower rated players than high level players.

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

I play plenty of games against higher-rated opponents on my channel, no? Check Titled Tuesday, Using the Clock as a Weapon, etc.

[@ducluongdo8012]

Has John been staying awake after midnight? He has wrinkles below his eyes

[@bhushan5641]

How I wish I get to play with you one day! My chess id is "shatranjitrophy" by the way if you are in the mood to fulfill a wish 😁