My FAVORITE Chess Openings by Rating

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I get many questions about chess openings for beginners, intermediate, and advanced level players. In this video I share what openings I think work best across the rating ladder. London, Stonewall, Sicilian, Caro Kann, and many others are featured.
0:00 Intro
0:35 FOR BEGINNERS (LIKE 1100)
7:16 FOR INTERMEDIATE (LIKE 1800)
13:29 FOR ADVANCED (LIKE 1800+)
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[@nikk-hk4pv]

I am convinced levy has a folder filled with faces of him for thumbnails

[@t-gaygaygay8164]

Now that you mention it...

[@martim2810]

i'm pretty sure basically every youtuber does

[@elleviathan9261]

@@martim2810 Yeah lol

[@capybara8836]

Is it pronounced le-vi or livai

[@elleviathan9261]

@@capybara8836 Le-vee, yes. The first one.

[@manisolanki9013]

And once you become a Super GM, it's time to play the Bong Cloud.

[@53n47]

and Jerome Gambit

[@matthewtay9641]

nahhhhh you play the dn opening :)

[@mysterysecret6815]

I think Botez Gambit is better though.

[@redstoneplays8258]

The bong cloud opening is e4 e5 and king e2 Bongcloud got playes by super grandmaster jeffrey xiong vs super grandmaster hikaru nakamura

[@joeshmoe3928]

I would like but this has 888 likes

[@anrizald]

this is for me Beginners 00:38 White --> London System 02:00 White --> Stone Wall 02:37 White --> e4 Nf6 04:34 Black --> King's Indian Setup 05:35 Black --> Scandinavian Defense 06:34 Black --> Sicilian Defense (Dragon Sicilian) Intermediate 08:10 White --> The Vienna Gambit 08:31 White --> Vienna Copycat Variation 08:50 White --> Closed Sicilian 10:31 Black --> Highly recommended: Caro-Kann Defense 11:06 Black --> Against any but e4, The Dutch 12:26 Black --> Traxler 13:11 Black --> Stafford Gambit Advanced 14:10 White --> The Trompowsky Attack 14:43 White --> Trompowsky Raptor Variation 15:00 White --> Catalan 15:20 White --> The English 16:20 Black --> e4 e5 (Ruy Lopez or Italian) play g6 system 17:17 Black --> trickier sicilians, not main line (Nimzowitsch, Two-Knights Sicilian) 18:05 Black --> e6 b6 setups thats it!

[@anuradhalomte2476]

U wrote the entire video man

[@varsela8305]

🐐

[@Axiomsfornow]

Dankeschön

[@disclaimer5911]

Thanks lol it's all important but thanks for sorting it❤

[@khojimurod19]

Thnx bro Appreciate

[@HG-bp8lh]

When you see that the first opening is for 1100s *cries in 280*

[@dancenow1337]

I think at 280 play something solid like the London system and focus on just not blundering pieces, i.e. giving them away for free.

[@isaiahd9947]

Honestly at 280 people blunder so much that openings almost don't even matter lmao

[@xxmoomooxblinkxx1017]

Yeah, I'm crying in 600

[@duceysanem]

Crying in 220

[@MyscBigdrop]

how are you watching chess videos if your 280?

[@GLu-tb1pb]

best 2700+ opening: e4 ke2 it has a 0% loserate

[@tylercejvan7603]

Can confirm this also works in 500 rated 5 minute matches

[@GaussianEntity]

Why do I hear boss music? *Hears Hikaru's Bongcloud speedrun intro playing faintly with increasing volume in the background*

[@BananaWasTaken]

I tried this in a match where I have 30 minutes and they have 2 seconds and won, it’s confirmed, bongcloud has a 100% win rate

[@Dxmola]

Bongcloud opening plays

[@PanZerV]

Yeah but only 1 person at 2700+ Plays it. Hikamura Nakaru

[@waffleisyummy]

I have never played a single game of chess, so this feels like I’ve sat down in the wrong lecture in college but am too nervous to leave so I just sit and listen

[@asar9192]

Lol i was the same at first but i studied the london on my own and every thing else started to click

[@YamatoXion]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@megustaelfalonegro]

@@asar9192 sameee

[@putonghua73]

Play! I haven't played for well over a quarter of a century, but have slowly re-developed an interest because my son (will be 6 soon) is now at the age where I can introduce him, and I've sold out of Magic the Gathering. I grew up in the 70s when chess matches were shown on network TV, and there wasn't a lot else by way of diversions (no home computers, mobiles, modern hobby boardgames, and RPGs were just in their nascent form) hence a lot of kids learned and played chess. My dad taught me and developed my interest, which was poignant because he and my mum had split up early; so I saw him at various times at weekends, staying at my grandmothers, etc. He passed me his copy of Chernev and Harkness' 'An Invitation to Chess: A Picture Guide to the Royal Game' (which is sat open next to me as I type), and I had a basic plastic figure chess set. We then played chess games via post i.e. sending our moves on post-cards to each other re: no computers, mobiles, modern communication. I would recommend the book principally because (1) it is aimed as new / novice players and teaches how to play and the basic principles, and (2) illustrates principles and concepts through actual pictoral illustrations and chess notation of games played by chess GMs. The latter is pure genius because not only can readers see and play out games without setting up a chess board, but these were actual games played at high level, yet allows novice players to understand and anticipate specific boardgame states. TL;DR learn to play chess. Focus less on rote memorisation of openings and more on principles behind chess, and how openings (and defences) implement these principles. Don't immediately worry about winning or losing - just learn, play and enjoy yourself!

[@VAL3NTIN3]

@@asar9192 where did you study the London? Here in the States?

[@firreflame]

eginner White : London System (0:40), Stonewall (1:53), e4 principles/Fried Liver (2:37) Beginner Black : Kings Indian (4:18), Scandinavian Defense (5:32), Sicilian Dragon (6:34) Intermediate White : Gambits (7:23), Vienna/Vienna Gambit (8:10), Closed Sicilian (8:45), Advanced Caro-Kann (10:08) Intermediate Black : Caro-Kann (10:28), Dutch Defense (11:04), Traxler+Sneaky stuff (12:23), Stafford Gambit (13:12) Advanced White : Straying away from/not allowing mainline theory, applying pressure (13:43), Trompowsky (14:11), Catalan (14:59), English Opening (15:18) Advanced Black : e4 e5 sidelines/g6 systems (16:18), Nimzowitsch/2 Knight Sicilian (17:10), e6,b6 setups (18:02)

[@jasonkent3887]

This right here is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@swarnajeetpaul7743]

Thanks

[@matteouccellini9781]

can't thank you enough

[@renerodriguez419]

Wow. Thanks so much.

[@HappyLittleLark]

+

[@kingscrusher]

Excellent video Gotham :) I am learning a lot from you :) I think you are becoming the major force of KZbin, and a great credit to you for your huge consistent efforts and passion. I guess you may be a fan of British Grandmaster Julian Hodgson - he won the British chess championship a few times with the Trompovsky as a key weapon of choice. I am also a fan of the Leningrad Dutch but had a heartbreaking loss with it once and didn't play it so much after. Your analogy with the reversed Closed Sicilian is encouraging. I am also a fan of the Vienna game :) We do seem to share some favorites. Cheers, K

[@hichamhabboub3818]

Wow im the only like to you i always watch you on twitch and ytb

[@gxtmfa]

British grandmasters really don’t seem to care much at all for opening conventions, and I rather love them for it.

[@rjjhh443]

wait aren't u a GM? Why r u watching an IM?

[@nickgleeson8498]

@@rjjhh443 he's a CM

[@rjjhh443]

@@nickgleeson8498 oh thx for replying

[@pescator]

"like begginers", nice it's for me gothamchess: begginers are for 1100 me being 500 :(

[@user-ib1qz5rc9x]

ima begginer begging for at least one win

[@griffisme4833]

@@user-ib1qz5rc9x Just checkmate your opponent

[@aaronangon6755]

Don't study openings yet. Just learn opening principles and checkmate patterns and you can climb to 1000+

[@helvete_ingres4717]

according to chess.com? Don't you begin at 1200?

[@pescator]

@@helvete_ingres4717 no u begin at 400

[@nxghtingalx]

*cries in 800*

[@mr3loshyt162]

I know this is a 2 year old comment but you look pretty

[@original_recipes_]

@@mr3loshyt162bro ain't no way you said that on a youtube comment i'm dead💀

[@mr3loshyt162]

@@original_recipes_ I mean i sort of get what you mean because yt is not the place for this sort of thing but what's wrong with it if you have other reasons

[@Quant_mL]

@@mr3loshyt162literally wearing a mask 💀

[@SkiRedMtn]

Thank you so much for this. Starting with some solid openings has really eased my early-game anxiety about unnecessarily exposing my side to attacks. I think I’ve watched the first half of this like 20 times.

[@youdontknowme5980]

8:15 Vienna opening (intermediate) 10:37 Caro-Kann (intermediate) 15:00 the catalan (Advanced)

[@remi1771]

Thank youuuu

[@N0Curve]

Cheers

[@spectralanalysis]

@@Deliokuz Why would he say that he's 1500 on lichess, that's your starting rating tf? I'm proud I'm at my starting rating

[@chiirumwangi2338]

He is smart 🤓. How what 12345678910 levles

[@sunjimzaman1220]

English variant 15:30

[@user-sl4sx6dp4c]

this guy makes the best chess content, love how passionate he gets when talking about the vienna.

[@ZaiyeProject]

“English opening relies on your solidity and long term strategic planning” Oh.. maybe that’s why I suck at the English. Been using it since I was 1000 and now at 1700 I still have no idea what I’m doing😂😂😂 I take it I only win because my opponent also has no idea what I’m doing.

[@Noles4life77]

I’m bout 1300 and haven’t been able to figure out the kings Indian lmao. I have only won with it because my opponent has no clue what’s going on either. I’ll think I finally figured it out with a great win and I’ll check the game report and it’ll be like 40% accuracy to like 20 lmao

[@honeyleaf2499]

@@Noles4life77 kid is very theoretical

[@owah]

@Vihaan Kembhavi lmao

[@achyuththouta6957]

@@Noles4life77 you just have to memorise the english opening. There's nothing there to it. You'll probably beat a lot of opponents too because at 1300 it's not uncommon to attack without proper planning. But then it won't be that fun because you're literally playing moves from memory and not using your own intelligence

[@guyonYTube]

I had to use the telugu man, english is hard

[@j.am501]

12:15 "Who has the advantage? Me. Because you're watching my video." Very Finegoldesque , Levy

[@alexandrebergeron6412]

Me : at 900, complete beginner Also me : thinks he has big brain by only watching and playing the 1800+ openings

[@brycew6675]

just play as many openings as possible so you diversify your knowledge

[@ladan7740]

@@brycew6675 Nope, imo you should stick to one and practice that first, so you get practice in middle and endgame and not just loose

[@tommydunn4239]

i’m 800 lol been playing the kings indian and london but my middle game sucks

[@ladan7740]

@@tommydunn4239 play long time controls, like 15 or 30min

[@jeesusmeesuss5247]

I'm like 1500 blitz and 1650 or so slower. I play a lot of ruy lopez, Italians, Sicilian etc so I guess I'm doing it wrong. Idk, Fischer played e4, ima play e4 too lol.

[@egnite8942]

Gotham:- Go for the Fried Liver Traxler Counter Attack:- Hold my *Dark-Squared Bishop*

[@neal3914]

The traxler is not great if white knows what they’re doing

[@nourganouni]

I see you are a cuber

[@egnite8942]

@@neal3914 true

[@egnite8942]

@@nourganouni yes! What is your average in 3x3 if you cube too?

[@nourganouni]

I average around 15 seconds, but on a good day l could average like 12

[@ItsRealityTv]

I love your videos, I love all the explaining and detail and I’ve been browsing around a lot of chess KZbinrs but you’re my favorite. Keep doing great things man

[@samuelfredolin5605]

The number 1 opening that gave me the most wins as a beginner was the italian. I think it’s great for controlling the center and it’s also has a great attacking potential, especially when the black castles kingside

[@xerograv6375]

As a 2000 rated player here are some of the openings that worked for me at different rating levels: Unr-1200 - The Stonewall Attack for white got me many easy wins, lots of easy attacking ideas and I was always ahead on the clock because my moves are typically the same. As black the Nimzowitch (1.Nc6) worked really well as I met 2. d4 with with 2.d5 and typically got easy development and met 2. Nf3 with f5 (the Colorado gambit) which most of my opponents didn’t know so I ended up with even material and a big center From around 1100-1700 I started to switch to the London and it worked really well. It’s a lot more flexible than the Stonewall yet still shared some of the same attacking ideas As black I started to play the 2 knights Sicilian. It’s tricky as in the main lines if white plays in the style of the English Attack (Be3) or classical (Be2) black is set up to play Bb4 and d5 with a good position. 1700-Now I stopped playing the London as my main weapon as it really doesn’t challenge a well prepared opponent and moved onto the Queens Gambit. Obviously it would take a lot to go into what lines I like, but typically I liked setups involving an easy f3 and e4 against the Nimzo, Kings Indian, Gruenfeld etc As black, the Caro Kan Tarktakower variation has served me with easy plans against players who can’t really claim to use my doubled f pawns as an advantage. Just some thoughts, cheers Levy

[@TheSoulshakepower]

Thank you for taking the time to write this, finding masters like you and Levy sharing their knowledge and insights is gold to me! Cheers :)

[@user-gz6be1zz7w]

Best comment

[@mojtaba486]

Thank you very much

[@AmanSai-lm9ul]

How long did u take to reach 2000 ratings

[@xerograv6375]

@@AmanSai-lm9ul it took me around 4 years. I started playing in 9th grade (14 years old) and got to 2000 in 12th grade (I had just turned 18) I am now 19 and rated 2064. This is uscf btw so I’m around 1900 Fide. I was able to go up so much because I was young when I trained and I practiced basically everyday

[@SkeletronGames]

8:11 I watched Levy's Vienna video, it's one of the only openings I've used since. The Vienna is incredible and I love it so much. Learn it, please.

[@elijahpaden4151]

When i was becoming an intermediate level player in scholastic tournaments I learned the caro kann and literally made a (i think suboptimal) Vienna from scratch. So my chess journey ultimately included your two favorite openings for this by complete chance.

[@milocavaliere8828]

that thumbnail alone earns a like.

[@ASLUHLUHCE]

I dunno, made me suicidal

[@ASLUHLUHCE]

Great video nonetheless

[@JeffPohlmeyer]

My rating is in the high 900s. I just started with these openings about 8 or 9 games ago and I've lost only once. You're exactly right; these openings set up the board very nicely. I'm not even going to over complicate it and look at the intermediate or advanced openings until I get my rating up. You've got a new subscriber out of me.

[@Implosion99]

Hi Levy, really grateful for the informative videos. You obviously care a lot about what you do and helping people to improve their chess, at all levels. Keep up the good work my friend - it's much appreciated!

[@atefehz6606]

For Beginners (00-1100) : ===================== With White : 1 - the London system 00:58 2- the stone wall 01:58 3- kings pawn opening ( Italian + fried liver ) 02:38 With black : 1- kings Indian setup 04:34 2- the Scandinavian defence 5:36 3- the Sicilian defence dragon variation 6:37 (P.s: i think pric defence is good too) For intermediate ( 1200-1800) ========================= With white : 1.Danish gambit 2.Kings gambit 3.The Vienna 8:11 4.Closed Sicilian 8:50 ( play against Sicilian ) 5.The smith Morra gambit ( play against Sicilian ) 9:23 6.The wing gambit 9:30 7.Two knights (against the French) 8.advance caro kann 10:19 With black : 1- Caro kann ( against e4) 10:30 2-The Dutch defence ( against d4 or c4 or nf3) 11:18 3-The traxler 12:28 4-stanford gamebit 13:14 For advanced level (1800+) =========================== With white : 1. trompowsky 14:15 2. the catalan 15:00 3- the english 15:22 With black : 1. Caro kann 16:15 2- ruy lopez bird's defence 16:42 3- Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation17:24 4- Van Geet Opening: Sicilian Two Knights Variation 17:35 5- pin variation sicilian 6-e6 b6 setup 18:08

[@shadowyzephyr]

Calling 1800 intermediate is a bit weird... I'd say 0-1000 is beginner, 1000-1500 intermediate, 1500+ advanced

[@Mmj_fp]

Thank you so much

[@rishabharya3329]

@@shadowyzephyr no 1800 rated players aren't that good.... I mean i am rated around 1930 and i sometimes do a blunder with some mistakes so do my opponents. I think players rated above 2000 are advanced.....

[@athuabhyankar]

thank youuu

[@ajirezamahendra9565]

"Developing here super simple" Me when play chess: "Hey, that's ilegal"

[@pawnhub8033]

I love those daily uploads. So educational and also interesting to watch :)

[@mugsyjpg]

My personal favourite is the King's Indian Defense. There's many ways to use it, the opening creates a great defense for your King, and it's overall just a great setup to play off of.

[@jinpark8879]

Levy: "Over my years, I've probably taught openings to close to a thousand people" No Levy, you have taught at least 2.5 Million people from this video

[@benhorton1943]

The one dislike is just mad there is no london system declined

[@zhenebon]

Maybe g5 would be London system declined lol

[@jonathanbernhard5418]

Nah, e5 is better!

[@alvargoetze428]

Look into h5 after Bishop f4. It's a really cool London trap. Eric Rosen did a video about it. And a must know if you play the London as white yourself.

[@StanbyMode]

The dutch defense is the best london declined

[@watfunstu9086]

you can't decline the london system, it is inevitable

[@stevewardlaw]

And once you hit 3865 like Hans, the chess will speak for itself.

[@Roschie_ig]

As a beginner, i really love your videos, I sometimes need to watch them multiple times to really understand everything :D but it helps a lot. Thank you for the great work, keep it going

[@jujuvees4566]

This is an awesome video. Each time I rewatch it, I’ve gone on 9, 6, 8 match winning streaks.

[@aleksworld547]

What is your rating?

[@muzahid1403]

ur rating??

[@dosebuss]

@@aleksworld547 probably 250

[@swaggerlee90]

oh wow I've gone on 9, 6, 8 match loosing streaks.

[@BrainnB]

@@swaggerlee90 I feel you

[@The-illuminated]

"But Boyan DOES not always have to fall for our traps!" WHAT

[@_.spi_mi_se]

Wow, another bulgarian

[@The-illuminated]

@@_.spi_mi_se but make sure to subscribe tho

[@jayfuller8218]

Hey levy, just wanted you to know that watching you and Hikaru has brought my rating up from a 750 to almost a 900 already and it’s only up from here. Just played a game where I used the London and ended up using the Queen and king checkmate I learned from you. Thank you sir!

[@finnmac_]

I know this is a year on but what’s your rating now I’m curious

[@jayfuller8218]

@@finnmac_ 1200:)

[@custardapple3524]

@@jayfuller8218 Nice :)

[@exdejesus]

Very clear and well presented!

[@natalie-gq2jp]

This video was so good! Thank you. I am a beginner that mostly play the italian game, so I'll definitely look into the london system.

[@henrycook859]

Glad to see another video, thanks for the uploads gotham!

[@casi7104]

teaching the London and the Stafford - Levy has been spending too much time with Eric

[@prakasavigraha6104]

Lol.

[@jamesonryley3691]

Thank you Gotham! I just got back into Chess in December 2020 and I am really enjoying the study. Thanks for the tips!

[@kreamyk3824]

i must say the London has helped me a lot. if you are a beginner struggling in the opening i would recommend the london. great video level keep up the great work (:

[@TheValon37]

One of the best chess streamers, explains everything easily, funny and in non-complicated way! Like your videos

[@MrYounis26]

Beginner openings: London System - 0:43 Stonewall - 1:59 Potential gambits and aggressive tricks - 3:09 (Black) Kings Indian Defence - 4:33 Scandinavian Defence - 5:36 Dragon Sicilian Defence - 6:39 Intermediate openings: Gambits and new theory with e4 - 7:26 Vienna - 8:12 Vienna Gambit - 8:26 Closed Sicilian Defence (if they play Sicilian) - 8:49 Smith Mora Gambit (if they play Sicilian) - 9:23 Wing Gambit (if they play Sicilian) - 9:29 London System against the KID variations - 9:43 (Black) Caro Kann - 10:33 Dutch Defence (any move that is not e4 or g4) - 11:16 Traxler Trap - 12:33 Staffordshire Gambit - 13:16 Advanced openings: Trampowsky - 14:13 Catalan - 15:03 English - 15:23 (Black) Caro Kann -16:16 Bird Variation - 16:43 Tricky Sicilians - 17:16 e6 b6 setup for positional mastery and tricks - 18:06 That's it.

[@mangoi3]

I think it’s trompovsky but I’m not sure

[@themoon7903]

Not all heros wear capes

[@foxcol1967]

Fantastic video. You have the rare ability to be able to convey ideas clearly. There are so many great players out there, but only a handful can convert their knowledge and skill to something meaningful to the layman or lesser player. Many thanks. I now see ideas.

[@frankalbert2853]

Love your style, and the information in the videos is very good. Thanks for doing this.

[@jaymate2k12]

Levy you and hikaru are the best online teacher/entertainer. Kudos for making chess much fun to learn

[@21LeonidasZ]

I may not be a master (I haven't even played for many years) but I LOVE the English opening, in fact it is the only opening I used to play when I was more active. Your King is protected, you apply pressure at the center and it is very solid.

[@robertwarner9430]

Absolutely love your content. Thank you.

[@TheSusBus64]

My favorite opening as white is the Jshlatt. Play pawn f3. Next play pawn to g4. Next you don’t play anything because queen to h4 was played and it’s checkmate.

[@AadilAlRomeshi]

can't believe Levy will be posting 2 vids everyday until Christmas, what a christmas present widepeepoHappy

[@cooperfontaine2942]

As an 1800 I've been loving the Petrov. It's similar to the Trompowsky in that it usually takes your opponent out of their comfort zone (plus the theory is relatively easy to learn)

[@nadimahmad2902]

i hate playing the petrov

[@antoinefleyfel4939]

Hello Gotham, I discovered your page some days ago. The work you're making is great. You're helping me a lot improve my game. And you're funny. Thank you man !!! Hails from France

[@janodiaz92]

This is an excelent video to understand what you must master before to get to another level. Also you explain things very well, learning a lot over here.

[@AUG_Glow]

Im a beginner and levy mentioned literally the two openings i decided to learn the london and the kings indian Edit: was planning to learn the caro-kann as well and levy just assured me to go ahead and learn it

[@tongpoo8985]

No nobody learn the london system, it's my secret weapon.

[@danielcrase]

lol i always play london and kings indian, SOMETIMES fried liver, the first two are really just solid and is not having tons of drama

[@descendency]

The King's Indian is something I see against the English when I play it. If you learn it and can develop the positional feeling for it - it can be good at 1800+ even.

[@qracer1555]

@@descendency I agree, Hikaru plays the kings Indian in serious games and he is a super GM.

[@semicolonisimportant1330]

Try the blackmar diemer gambit if you play d4 it is a very powerful gambit for white, Gotham has a video on it. i climbed up the rating ladder from 740 to 823 (i reached 840 yesterday then i lose) i used to play the london but its a little bit passive. And i give you a trick keep putting pressure on your opponent offers draw and if they declined it obliterate them and sure enough they will regret that decision

[@KingSalar]

I'm new but I'm looking forward to being good and with you as my teaching I think I will be good one day thanks Gotham :)

[@tastybrain]

Excellent overview and advice. I love your vids. You are one of the best chess instructors on KZbin, if not the best.

[@getchess258]

What I like about your channel is I love the way you create your Thumbnails. Very entertaining and attractive. The best one so far in Chess game content.

[@cannedmushroom7951]

5:18 I have doubts

[@dylantw01]

Don’t know if you’ll see this but just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve taught me about chess especially the Vienna gambit, I’ve gone from a 400 beginner to a 1300 rated player since watching

[@James-zr7ec]

Very helpful video for what to work on next for my openings.

[@terryraby4486]

Hello. I got told to watch ur utube on chess as I struggle in a few areas, having watched this I must say I found it helpful indeed so thankyou. Although u move very quick for me to follow lol but still helpful so thankyou as I do need help to start enjoying my chess 👏👏👍👌

[@zepi57]

This is literally the video I was needing

[@jaredgibson3785]

Watched this, then went and tried the London opening and won 3 straight games, very good opening for low level players!

[@Chris-kl3zy]

Bro stonewall is far superior because of the open rook and super op attack on kingside. I used to play london as white all the time. I was successful for a while. But the issue is castling. And how very situational it is. The dark squared bishop trade is so annoying. But playing the stone wall and castling kingside with the open rook is so damn good.

[@clashofmagic6672]

@@Chris-kl3zy no offense but you are saying that cos ur 600

[@hawkyt3532]

@@clashofmagic6672 true London is way more flexible

[@secretunknown2782]

@@hawkyt3532 London is better but stonewall is much easier to learn

[@WolfKerensky]

Just wanted to stop by and give you a quick "Thank you." I'm just over 1100 now and started playing the Dutch with Black, following your recommendation. Amazing opening for my level. Don't get me wrong, this being the first week of me playing it, I'm making tons of mistakes but I can see the potential. It feels good and seems to fit my playstyle. So again: Thanks :). Keep em coming, champ.

[@mintzmia]

This is the most helpful video i've seen yet for openings. Thank you.

[@stas1071]

I am happy that you mentioned the King’s Indian, that is pretty much the only thing I play with black because people always take out their queen early and I just don’t know what to do. I am planning on watching your how to stop early queen attacks video though.

[@SmartStr33t]

I could spend the rest of my life studying ideas presented in this video. Thanks for the free chess lesson!

[@dank6283]

@gothamchess was looking for something like this! Fantastic video, thanks for sharing!

[@comotellamasdeportejoven166]

Levy, you are such a legend these openings have helped me so much in the past year

[@strongside4565]

The best part about the scandy early on is that you'll typically get a free pawn every 2 or 3 games because people develop aggressively and don't pay attention to the queen on a5. It allows players with a weaker grasp on opening principles to put themselves in a bad spot.

[@eliericksson.8950]

7:03, isn't that the hyper accelerated dragon or did I mess something up? Anyways I love the video, it was super helpful and I am researching quite a few of those openings.

[@DDigitalDreamer]

My first experience with one of your videos. One of the top chess teachers on the web. You talk at a level I can understand. Thank you-keep going!

[@AaronMcDaid]

This is my favourite video by Levy so far. I've studied some of those a little bit (Vienna Gambit, Accelerated Dragon) and this is really nice to bring them all together. For example, I had no idea that the Dutch would be so versatile. I've never studied it, but I have enough experience to know that it will fill an important gap for me at my low level However, I was hoping that the Alapin would be mentioned against the Sicilian. Is that discouraged for non-expert level?

[@codelinker6318]

I learned one thing in chess "Be patient and take your time to think" which I still can't do

[@Clemme]

You are the best online chess teacher! Thanks for all the videos!

[@anonymouskitten4715]

Playing the vienna gambit at the 600 level is like bringing a sword to a knife fight

[@xiszwa4130]

ty it helped me soooooo much pls continue on these types ofvids

[@tejpalsinghantal8987]

16:50 jokes in you, you popularised the bird variation so much that I face it 50-60% of my Ruy Lopez games

[@mrstuartwallace]

I keep re-watching this video! I tried the Dutch recently in an exciting 10-minute game and was able to whip up strong attacking chances on the king’s side, much more that I would have been able to with a more sedate opening choice. We both made mistakes, I got a won position in the ending but lost on time. I love the position I got out of the opening and will play it again. 1. Nf3 f5 2. d4 e6 3. Bg5 Be7 4. Bxe7 Qxe7 5. e3 Nf6 6. Bd3 b6 7. O-O Bb7 8. Re1 Ne4 9. Ne5 Qg5 10. Qe2 Nf6 11. f4 Qh6 12. Nd2 Nc6 13. Ndf3 O-O 14. Ng5 Nxe5 15. dxe5 Ne4 16. Bxe4 Bxe4 17. Qc4 c5 18. Rad1 Bd5 19. Qc3 Qh5 20. Qd2 h6 21. Nh3 g5 22. c4 Bc6 23. fxg5 hxg5 24. e4 fxe4 and white went on to win on time.

[@chillyrooster7406]

Great channel glad u are here can you do a video on the polish reti

[@fireboylegendplayz2400]

7:53 That opening is my personal best because of how aggressive it is but you can stop it with the knight a move early if you want to or follow it and just use your Bishop

[@vyzme]

Levy: For advanced people only. Me A noob at chess: Yes, that's easy.

[@alcibc3037]

Damn levy is just the best he is such a good teacher I hope to 1 day make him proud

[@carloscapati2303]

Thank you so much for the very instructional video Levy. I am not an opening guy and just plays whatever and gets by with intuition but I decided to learn some new opening and immediately came to your channel. While I usually play the Sicilian, this video convinced me that I should start playing the Caro kann. I immediately went to play a rapid game and even though the Caro kann was very unfamiliar territory I immediately managed to get a win. Once again thank you for the great vid. Btw I'm rated 2100+ rapid on liches which is about 1700-1800 so the intermediate portion really helped me out :))

[@lordfeish1927]

the vienna was the first opening i really got into with white as a beginner and i won so many times with it its amazing

[@marcmontero2260]

As someone who is Catalan, gota love we have such a balanced opening :D

[@DevilishlyDutch]

Why am I watching this at 4am, I shouldn't be activating my budding chess brain at 4am

[@prakasavigraha6104]

Hahahaha, maybe you are an addict.

[@ericm1839]

a fun line against the sicilian is going closed sicillian into grand prix. It's important to play strong, winning openings, but it's also important to play openings that are fun and mounting a super aggressive attack against the side of the board your opponent castles on is very fun

[@mathieubenard2980]

I went from ELO 900 to 1100 by switching from Queens Gambit to London and Sicilian to Scandinavian, now on a 12 win streak, advice was right to the point ! Thank you Levy !

[@ItsFuckinSmile]

All my homies love the Sicilian dragon. Easy 1500 rating on gosh

[@kylekagen4142]

Based

[@codeplays5672]

I'm on 100elo I swear no one blunders. I checked my overview after the game and I didn't blunder too

[@k3qae]

when he says he recommends the Sicilian dragon does it include accelerated dragon and hyperaccelerated dragon?

[@michaelkouvarakis3504]

i think he means hyper accelerated because that’s what he used in the example but i’m not sure

[@andrewwhite8762]

Thank you for posting these videos your teaching methodology is fantastic

[@disclaimer5911]

I've watched about 50 Gotham chess videos. This is by far the most helpful video I've seen Levy 🎉

[@kaidoChess]

5:40 your mic starts to clip. Add a limiter ☺️ also thank you so much for the insight 💜

[@Axiomatic75]

I've been playing the London for a while and despite watching lots of videos on it it doesn't work for me at the moment. I went back to the queen's gambit which seems to work best for me.

[@prakasavigraha6104]

Usually its best to stick with what works,

[@vermosh]

Same

[@Hectorides]

Such a helpful video - have been playing chess for decades but had got stuck in my progression. This video is just brilliant. Wish you could be my chess tutor! 👏🏻

[@cherylkreider9717]

Thank you! Excellent advice for all levels!

[@racool911]

My favorite opening when I was a beginner was the Petrov's defense lol.

[@easonwang6654]

I’m 1500 now and still play it as my main opening against e4. It’s nice because people generally don’t know a lot of theory for this opening, while I’ve been playing it since 400 rating so the first few moves flow like water to me.

[@racool911]

@@zainrafiq2693 Didn't know about it until very recently