Most Common Chess Opening MISTAKE | Key Tactical Pattern

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In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov will share with you the most common chess opening mistake ever. This opening error has been played in more than 2.4 millions of chess games!
You will learn how to avoid making this opening mistake yourself and how to punish your opponents when they make this most common opening mistake.
It happens in one of the most common chess opening positions after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bc4. It also happens in other openings - therefore, you simply have to remember this key, common tactical pattern to punish this blunder!
▬▬▬▬▬▬
► Chapters
00:00 Most common chess opening mistake EVER!
00:29 This mistake happened in 2.4M+ games
02:10 Winning position for Black
03:23 If White plays 6.Bb5 instead of 6.Bxd5
05:36 If White plays 5.Bxf7+ instead of 5.Nxe4
08:39 White's best response
09:44 Same tactical pattern for White
10:10 Tricky move 3.Be2, setting the trap
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#IgorNation #ChessTraps #OpeningTraps #ChessBlunders

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

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[@omg_wtf]

Ok so I watched the masterclass... I played my first game after watching it, applied all the advice diligently, and won. I'm just starting out, so only 220 rating. But I beat a 319 with this advice. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@Ayelis]

I'd like to know if you would say the same about Bishop to F4, as it is a very common Queen's pawn opening. And I'm sorry if you have already covered this. It seems to be one recommended or played by a few GM's... Even when an enemy pawn comes out and forces the bishop back. Apparently, losing that tempo is mainline?

[@Ayelis]

To clarify, the way it is normally set up, the F4 Bishop is one rank forward from a knight much like in this setup, usually with a D3 Bishop in front of another knight. I imagine it could be easily exploited in the same way?

[@noney81]

This video singlehandedly took me from 610 ELO to 635. Thank you GM Igor Smirnov.

[@wakow1299]

At first I had my doubts about the effectiveness of this video thank you for putting my mind at ease

[@alphalance9408]

Bro you're kidding right?💀

[@thinleynorbu7950]

😂😂😂

[@cmv8722]

😂😂

[@4fucsko]

Bravo!

[@dylanbuff2000]

This is now one of my favorite videos, because I see this opening somewhat frequently; so, hopefully I’ll get to put it to use soon. This is a brilliant response to a common opening position, but then everything you post strikes me as brilliant. You’re an excellent chess coach and I appreciate the straightforward manner in which you present these videos, avoiding superfluous talk, getting right into the learning that we all come here for. Most of us out here are not properly trained and don’t really know what we’re doing. We’re just learning little bits like this along the way and hopefully improving. Much of our chess knowledge is out of context with overall strategy play. That’s why I also appreciate you demonstrating so many different variations that can happen with this position and how to respond accordingly. I’m now a faithful subscriber, looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you!

[@miguelfpaula]

All other videos they go so fast and just assume everyone can see why. I am constantly having to stop and "why not go there?" It takes me half an hour to get through a 10 minute video, this guy shows you everything like you never played chess before. Awesome

[@pnachtwey]

I lost a game due to this trick. I was my first USCF tournament. I still ended up with a 2057p rating. There is that sinking feeling one get when you know you screwed up an opening early.

[@MarkA-ql3gc]

You make it sound so easy how to take advantage of this mistake. And it is easy, once one knows about it. Thanks, great video!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidpatton7298]

Thanks, GM Smirnov……you helped me today with this better approach.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

I'm happy to know it was useful!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters 00:00 Most common chess opening mistake EVER! 00:29 This mistake happened in 2.4M+ games 02:10 Winning position for Black 03:23 If White plays 6.Bb5 instead of 6.Bxd5 05:36 If White plays 5.Bxf7+ instead of 5.Nxe4 08:39 White's best response 09:44 Same tactical pattern for White 10:10 Tricky move 3.Be2, setting the trap

[@PhoenixCrown]

Great video thanks! I'm a noob, and people matched with me play this opening ALL the time. I already found how to avoid the knight-bishop check, but it involved me castling fast and not gaining the tempo advantage you showed. Can't wait to use this!

[@SkoomaFish]

I greatly enjoy the straight-forward information. It's easy to consume, and is extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@roryharvey2727]

Igor your instruction is world class!!!!!! I will watch these clips till I die!

[@liberkit]

Watched this video today and just had a game for Black with this opening (4 knights and then White brought out the bishop) and I mated in 14 moves. Thank you!

[@flamarjr2000]

You are a very good teacher. Thank you!

[@reyesflores9086]

Very useful video Igor.I have encountered theses positions as black and white.Now,I gonna put your ides to use.Thanks and keep turning out your videos.Love them

[@jkham131]

Well and clearly explained, as usual...

[@2HEI]

Thanks from Sicily. LUV your show. 🍀

[@andrewmays3988]

I love your commentary and teaching skills. THANK YOU!!!!!😇

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

I appreciate that!

[@ancientmonotheism5118]

One of the most concise and useful chess tips. Thanks

[@mphocombo]

Thanks for the best video and knowledge 🔥

[@cedened]

this is really helpful. thanks

[@ric88keys]

This is great! I was making this mistake and planned on looking up solutions/ways to avoid this and this video had it all! Thanks 👍

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it helped!

[@shaktidevii]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

[@mohsinamini2781]

Igor you are the best Thanks a lot👍

[@dansdrumchannel9239]

Thanks for this great video!! Some of my opponents are older players, and they always play E4-E5. I am looking forward to chess club tonight!😂

[@QueLastima]

I recently found this channel. Really like your videos. Thanks.

[@albertdeckel9429]

Very helpful!! Thank-you!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charliequincy8884]

Thanks so much for the info...I play italian game a lot and see this a few times...now I know what to do

[@ethandowler4669]

Very well done video. Thank you! I've had a hunch that there was some counterplay to what looks like a boring opening, and now I've found it. Thank you!

[@CheyHarden]

Wow, this makes total sense. Igor is amazing!

[@MaxiChess915]

Thanks Master!

[@preetinirala1645]

Very nice video full of important informations about openings 😊

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@TIJEY-BEG]

Amazing video. I'll watch it several times.

[@DexterHaven]

You are quickly climbing the world ranking in KZbin to the #1 chess channel.

[@jowildcat40]

Right when I got off this video, I played the bishop e2 move and my opponent had no clue how to deal with the fork. He sacked his bishop then immediately resigned after blundering his knight on the next move. I'm impressed how easy it was to implement that trap. My opponent didn't immediately move his bishop to c5, so it was a delayed trap, but it was still effective with both his knights developed. Going to have to look at variations though if I play against someone who doesn't move their bishop there since I did get sorta worried that they wouldn't fall into the trap.

[@glennpells9712]

Grandmaster Igor Smirnov has the best chess channel on you tube.

[@tijmenvenhorst]

Great video, thanks! What if, after Qxd5, white plays Nc3 to put pressure on the Queen?

[@carldubcats3385]

Worked, thx

[@realhercules]

I play Nb4 after Bd3 instead of rushing to capture the knight because I always have e4 if the knight moves (forking the 2 pieces)

[@thelight288]

Same think its the most interesting way to play since capture e4 and Be4. White is still quite easy to play

[@SaanMigwell]

Thank you for the channel

[@larsbrahmann3529]

Hello Igor, when you go with the Queen on E5 she can be attacked by The Horse jumping to F3. What would you suggest to do next? Thanks for your hint and your content on youtube. Lars

[@aaronwalderslade]

In spite of it being wrong, I win MANY games by sacking the bishop with B×fP+ It may be incorrect, but many players panic if they can't castle. Proof of this attachment to castling is in how some players try almost anything to stop you castling! G.M. Smirnov, do you have a video specifically about how to strengthen the king in the centre if your opponent is intent on stopping you from castling? I usually get the bishops in the centre near the king and advance the flanks in chains to support the knights but it doesn't always work. BTW this is yet another game changing tutorial from you, thanks. My favourite chess teacher.

[@BruceHoult]

Jerome gambit can certainly be a good way to get the king away from protecting the queen, or setting it up for a skewer by the other bishop, if they don't see it coming and know how to handle it.

[@B1G_Brother]

yeah if you’re 300 elo

[@mazyzazie4048]

Your videos are a revelation to me, and clarity itself. I love them! Thank you.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you like them!

[@eccsubs2179]

This was really helpful! Just wanted to know what to do if black moves their pawn to h3 at 2:51

[@ultimatejoshua1082]

Move the bishop to h5.

[@benedictineonchessable]

This is definitely an opening mistake that's useful for beginners/intermediates to know how to play. It certainly does crop up an awful lot. I wouldn't recommend beginning players to focus on the opening (aside from general principles) but this error is indeed worth knowing.

[@darren8269]

Very good, very helpful. 👍

[@richardneufeld3704]

I have never pursued this opening personally but it presents some interesting possibilities. Thank you for presenting this video so I know what to look for in future matches. Also the possibility to bait my opponent when given the opportunity. Well presented.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blackmage471]

2:45 What do you do about Knight to C3?

[@josephelmer4377]

the engine has told me to play this exact combo countless times and I never understood why until now. I thought the bishop check in-between that you showed refuted it but clearly not. thank you, this will really change how I open the game

[@PowerFromAbove]

Yeah, giving up your Bishop pair and letting Black get a strong center is generally not a good idea 😅

[@RassionellMaddman]

cheaters anonymous is not this channel, buddy

[@josephelmer4377]

@@RassionellMaddman i don't cheat buddy, im like 1400 rapid and lose like half my games. I just analyze my performances after and try and learn from the engine

[@darrylkassle361]

Is there any approach you can take that helps you see what are obvious tactic patterns that one sometimes miss. Like there must be obvious other patterns that are quite obvious that people commonly become blind Freddy for. Any advice coach Igor

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

This video may answer your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5yngIStYtGhfKM

[@sanyamgoel5492]

Be better at chess

[@devilgaruda]

Git gud

[@alekhinesgun9997]

Experience and knowledge of known traps. The more games you play and analyze, the less games you blunder the same idea. Blunders never go away, you only mitigate them. Also opening/tactical motif books can help you with that. Also do a bunch of puzzles, that’s about it. Just remember that we’re all human and make mistakes, a lot of them, just focus on ingraining the tactical ideas into your head once you discover them. You can fall for a trap/tactic once, maybe twice, but never more than that. If you fall for the same trap/tactic more than twice, you need to go back to the drawing board because you never understood it to begin with

[@willdavid3501]

Obviously you are oblivious to obvious patterns

[@padurarumihai5944]

i like it. thank you. at the minute 2:29 after black queen to d5, why is not good move white queen to e2?

[@eduardofernandezdelpeloso8663]

Chess fascinates me! Always has! But I am very bad at it... Even then, your *VERY INTERESTING* video taught me one thing or two! Kudos on your *SUPERB TEACHING SKILLS*!!!!!!!!!!

[@qveylen]

Great video ! I follow for more. ✌️

[@d1ngian287]

thank you very very very much, you help me a lot

[@mizofan]

Thank you

[@slapmyfunkybass]

8:40, or spot the error and don’t take the pawn, instead moving bishop back to e2 or b3

[@charfiomar3487]

i have a question, at 9:26 he gave Bishop g6 as an example, and I see such moves a lot, and I can't understand how they work. Isn't it better to perhaps move bishop to c5 instead to pressure for an attack for example?

[@Antidote105]

You’re the best! Learnt a lot from you. Keep spreading knowledge

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thank you!

[@aaudain1]

Great idea 😎👍

[@skibitypop]

I love these low elo handy dandy lessons, much better than learning too many specific openings.

[@cikonianiggra1415]

5:22 - small remark: the Qeen not trapped /after f3 - by the black/, but game lost: Bxf3, another move: Rxf3, e4xf3 and so on. Till now from all videos which I have seen, your videos for the learning of chess are the best.

[@beni22sof]

Wow... It's good to know this kind of traps. It totally works!

[@k1njo_]

Amazing video, thanks a lot.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you liked it!

[@perkalov]

I never remember this when I play black. I know of it since 30-40 years ago, but keep failing to remember it. Four Knights Game, where I have the option to play Nf6 ahead of Bc5 (to avoid 3 knights games with Ng5(going for fried liver)) is few and far apart. That said, there are tons of players who opens somewhat unorthodox (Nc3 and Bc4 ahead of Nf3 for example) where this possition would arise if I played my knights out before Bc5. So, ty for the info.

[@GraysonOConnor]

good stuff man

[@Grunfeld]

Really enjoying your teaching. Thank you.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks for watching!

[@Senimankali]

Terimakasih ilmunya sodara josssssss tenaaaaaaaan 👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@sasthanatarajan4760]

Thankyou

[@markforster8865]

When white reponds properly and the game is completely equal, a lovely move to continu with is 7... Ne7. Unless white moves de bishop back (8. Bd3, blocking the queens pawn) or plays 8. c3 white is still going to lose material. f5 followed by e4 will double attack bishop and knight again. If black takes on e5, there is Qd4 which will win a piece as well. When white also plays perfect the next few moves, black gives white only little space to play which will make your opponents blunder often. And if that also doesn't work, you have an easy draw. A sample continuation in case white plays well: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bc4 Nxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Bd3 dxe4 7. Bxe4 Ne7 8. c3 f5 9. Bc2 e4 10. Nd4 c5 11. Ne2 c4 12. b3 Ng6 13. bxc4 Bc5 14. O-O O-O 15. d4 exd3 16. Bxd3 Qf6 17. Nf4 Nxf4 18. Bxf4 Bd7 19. Be2 Bc6. White is a pawn up but it's an isolated double pawn. Nobody can claim the center anymore. This opening is actually nice to play as white as well in tournaments when you face a much stronger opponent. They will lay out the traps for you, you answer them correctly and offer them a draw when position is equal :)

[@indigo-alienpurplewater3072]

Can that be used in other openings other than the 4 knights? If yes, that would make for a great follow up video.

[@tomswiftyphilo2504]

yes--what other openings does it show up in?

[@kazz811]

I use it often as white too.

[@billpayne5149]

Igor did u say in another video if an opponent piece is on my side of the board I should try and remove it or push it back before continuing my plan and advice thx .keep u with the video's doing a great job.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Of course, it also depends on a specific position, but in general, yes, this is correct.

[@Brian3xm]

outstanding work, as usual.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

🙏

[@tonyoffermans3676]

Very good to mention white should keep the bishop in almost any variation after the temporary sacrifice Kxe4 and pawn d5 and then just play Bd3 which gives an equal play, demonstrated over a century ago when this was also popular already.

[@srinithins9927]

You helped me by telling this trick.This trick will be useful for my upcoming games.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Great 👍

[@wazsam2723]

I can confirm that this trap is the one that most players fell for. I did it to a lot of players and it I really enjoyed it! Thanks to you!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Great to hear!

[@seove1]

I love this!

[@andrewmays3988]

Still watching and learning and winning more games!!! THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO PROMOTE THE GAME OF CHESS!!!!😇

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks, Andrew!

[@topshonuff]

I know this trick. Computer uses it on me.

[@sandipraj100]

Sir yesterday I watched this video and used this idea today, taking the opponent completely off guard to score a magnificent victory. Thanks for the video

[@ede2225]

Man I see this position all the time in the London. Thanks!

[@Jez2008UK]

@10:43s if the white queen on d4 takes the pawn on g7, what is the best response for white if black plays queen to f6 (i.e. the black queen is stopping you from taking the rook, which itself is defended by black's knight on g8)?

[@ultimatejoshua1082]

You should trade queens (Qxf6). But white is still up a pawn after the queen trade.

[@hungryshark9922]

Very good vdo & very nice explanation indeed!!! Wish I had a GM like you teaching me!!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thank you very much!

[@nicknormal]

8:15 I don't quite follow why white knight "has to go back" -- I guess I just don't get why it *must* go back when there are alternatives to slug it out in that area of the board. but great explainer for the opening, thanks.

[@jonathanbelliot509]

good stuff

[@icefireguy4663]

I think this channel is gonna grow very quickly

[@chrisbailey600]

Excellent many thanks. I’ve been in that position before and made a mess of it!😂

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

😀

[@TropicalRegicide]

This has been the greatest thing I've learned in chess so far

[@johnenock7939]

I really enjoy your videos. Is there anything good about the move Bc4 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6? it obviously avoids lots of nasty traps but is it sound? Can't find anything about anywhere!

[@elonathan6919]

It seems surprising to me that you didn't find anything on what you quoted because it is one of the most common lines in chess. Maybe try to search for "italian game" "Two knight defense" "fried liver attack" "anti fried liver defense".

[@johnenock7939]

@@elonathan6919 I think you have misread what I wrote. It isn't the Italian Game after 2....Nf6, it's the Petrov. Nearly all subsequent lines seem to stem from 3.Nxe5.

[@GuidingOlive]

Had this happen in a game against a coworker but like he said it's hard to fully capitalize on. I took with the bishop, he took with the queen I defended with the pawn, he pressured with bishop to g4, I castled kings side, he took the knight on f3, I recaptured with queen to f3, then he made the fatal error of not seeing the threat and played Bishop to d6. The reason this is fatal is because it allows knight to f6 check. Seems like a blunder but if you've followed my horrible notation then you'd know my queen is on f3 and his queen was on d5, my queen's diagonal. And in check with no way to prevent queen captures on d5 as my next move. I'm not a great chess player, but I know some tricks when I spot them.

[@Gexzhell]

Hi GM Igor I really want to ask because I have seen a few example in your videos that using bishop to pin knight and queen or knight and king, and you always say this could be annoying to the opponent but I always wonder why is that because we all know that bishop can be easily chased away right away by a3 or h3 pawn and then b4 or g4 pawn. But your videos usually stopped at saying pining is annoying to opponent but never mention the opponent could easily drive it away. Can you counter this part? How to counter when opponent drive your bishop away right after you set the pin

[@dp4483]

What do you do if white plays Bishop to C4 before Knight to C3? Which gives him time to play D3 or D4 afterwards before you can play Knight takes E4?

[@elonathan6919]

You, as black, have the choice of getting into two knights defense, or italian game, or anti fried liver defense

[@gudookumarsah4175]

I find this interesting but I am concern about what if after Qg5 white responds with d4. it looks scary. time 4:43

[@4242brvrdbd]

At 9:30, why would pushing the bishop be a good pin? What’s to stop the H pawn from moving up one and countering? Newbie here so, a lot of times, I never get the super simple explanation of why some of these things don’t work.

[@ultimatejoshua1082]

If white plays h3 move the bishop to h5. If white then plays g4 then you move the bishop back to b6. But white playing h3 and g4 would significantly weaken his kingside.

[@dpgedward5947]

Brilliant. I tried it first game, but lost on time but would of won if i had of had a few game under my belt

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Sounds good, keep it up!

[@Flipcrypto]

When you play Bb5 to pin the knight my opp. just plays the a pawn, I move back, the play the next pawn… any advice?

[@luzettequinones7161]

Thx grandmaster Igor for helping my mistakes

[@fpsmeter]

At 2:46 much more intuitive move is knight to c3, and for less experienced players, like me, it's not obvious at all how to continue this "strategically winning position" as black. Queen needs to go somewhere, computer shows a5, and then what's the plan?

[@panthercap]

Exactly the question I've been asking myself for years - since I first saw this attack in the 4 knights game. After white plays Nc3, where does the black queen go from d5? And as you say, once you play Qa5, where is your advantage?

[@raghhuvaranraghavantk3044]

Master, help me to set up new idea..in this method. Well where is your "background 😄🐅pet?..

[@josefserf1926]

5:55 Bxf7+ after Ne4 looks good, but as you say, d5 spoils the fun.

[@MyOneFiftiethOfADollar]

After Nf6 captures e4, Bf7 check is also a line. So calling Bc4 a mistake is right on the margin of being dubious.

[@ultimatejoshua1082]

Bxf7 check is a bad move. He literally explained it in the video. The engine says its -2 after Bxf7 check.

[@drmorcoch9338]

this is good to know

[@sumantakumardutta986]

The tactical pattern is just amazing 🔥 Please make a video on "How to crush the French Defence as White" 🙏 🙏

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Here you are 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKqudZWAmbBmb5o

[@sumantakumardutta986]

Thank you so much!! ❤️😀🙏

[@Noir0rioN]

This channel is going to BLOW. UP. I'm never wrong about these things. There are a LOT more 1000s out there than 1600s... and THIS man seems to know that. I have a MENSA I.Q. but still miss these little OBVIOUS THINGS (*things that, once b you KNOW THEM, you don't want/plan to forget!). However, OTHER teachers sometimes, imho, JUST ASSUME we all know this s#i*, and when we get crushed the same way every time, are left wondering why! Not so with this guy. My new favorite Chess channel. 1ne.