Chess lesson # 51: Best Opening for Black | Chess openings the right way | The Czech Pirc Defense

[@NMRobertRamirez]

We finally have a strong and well organized opening course for White and one for Black. With these and the FREE beginner to master level playlist from this KZbin channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇ Course on Black Opening (Counterblow) www.chessable.com/ramirez Course on White Opening (First Strike) www.chessable.com/firststrike Free Playlist (beginner to master level) rb.gy/hw61wt All the Endgame Knowledge I have rb.gy/zels9y All the Strategy Knowledge I have rb.gy/g1iqro

[@jayvaibhawverma]

Thank you very much for this playlist! I am a beginner (700) and this is really helpful. I struggle in the openings with black and get into awkward positions during the middlegame but I think I will now go with this opening. Your videos have helped me a lot and I am glad that I have followed this playlist from the beginning, from when I started playing chess sometime ago. You are a great player and teacher 😊

[@lanalorenzen]

Wow!! I'm a 71-year-old woman attempting to learn chess to strengthen my memory and my ability to concentrate. This man is terrific! I spent two hours on this video and it was a great experience. My preference is for ad-free sites because the ads interrupt the flow of the instruction. I'm willing to pay for ad-free content to individuals who are this creative and adept at instruction. Love your instruction, Mr. Ramirez and will buy some of your merchandise.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello Lana! It's a pleasure to have you as part of our small community. Thanks a lot for your kind words and I hope to see you around enjoying more lessons 👍😎

[@boosts4793]

Man this is just adorable

[@mickeyb2927]

He's the best teacher there is. I'm 67 and nearly always use the Pirc.

[@zeljkostojanovic3604]

Fantastic trainer!

[@lightyagmi5711]

thanx @@NMRobertRamirez

[@thedreamville]

I recently started learning chess and I’ve watch a lot of KZbin videos lately but I can confidently tell you that Ramirez is top 3 for learning. He explains the ideas behind the moves better than anyone else. Honourable mention to GM Hikaru! Sincere appreciation 🙏🏽

[@saval35]

لطفا دوتا سایت دیگر را هم معرفی میکنید؟ برای یادگیری.

[@johnnybombino3787]

This content is what I was searching for, you are natural born instructor, thank you

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are welcome, Johnny! Thank you for your nice comment. It means a lot 👍

[@gagavon9237]

I can already tell this is my fav chess channel. Thank you for finally doing it at a reasonable pace.

[@RobertsGrant]

As a beginner to tactical chess I always had a very hard time playing counter openings as black. Now I have a solid foundation to build from that I can play against whatever white plays. Won my first two games playing this. Thank you, great lesson.

[@Hipnote891]

I can’t believe how much this has improved my understanding of the game. Thank you so very much!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are welcome, Lynn! Thanks a lot for your feedback. It is truly rewarding to read comments like yours 👍

[@arancedisicilia75]

I agree. This video is gold, expecially for not so good players like me. There's no fooling around, every word has a meaning! Congrats, very well done!

[@ghfdt368]

Great lesson! My prefered opening for black is the French defense which is like the more cautious sister in many ways. while I love it for how solid and surprisingly nasty it's counter attacking position can be, I find it a little passive at times. This gives another option for being more aggressive and dynamic and I've won some games with this opening thanks to this video. Thank you so much!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome! Thanks a lot for your feedback 🙌👍

[@astrogersunited5389]

a lot of people struggle against french defense

[@honestloz]

I have seen this pirc defence before on youtube, explained by other grandmasters, but I love the way you explain it by going over the moves again and again, so it becomes second nature. You really are an excellent teacher and I love your teaching method. keep up the great work my friend. 👍👍

[@stillmattwest]

It's been a year since I've learned this opening. It's by far my favorite opening for black but I know I still have so much to learn about it.

[@davidstubbs8896]

I've searched for a universal defense for decades. I remember trying some systems with 1..d6 which produced some disastrous results. None of them featured 3..c6, which is the key move; freeing the queen's diagonal and defending. I especially like that he played master-level opponents immediately, and live. That takes guts! Everything works against poor players! (LOL). There really is no reason NOT to play this. VERY HELPFUL!!! VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!

[@awaedin]

Nice video but I've rarely seen master level players play as weakly as they did

[@osheadkkm]

@@awaedin probably because they were lines they were not familiar with. this is the trade off/double edge of the sword. on the main line they will kill you. on a less common line they are vulnerable; but if the less common line were really that strong; it would be the main line; and they would kill you.lol.maybe? also, because it is Robert playing the less common line as opposed to you; or me.lol. well i think that is probably the main difference.lol.;-)

[@since1876]

I mean, technically, he could easily have just recorded tons of games until he won, or he could have had friends intentionally lose to him, or he could have spent hours writing a bot to make all the opponent's moves, or all kinds of other things. But this is a really good opening. People aren't exactly prepped for it. Until Levy features in it a video, then we'll need another universal opening. 😜

[@abdulmalikadeola]

Same here, I was so surprised he played them live. Also, the reply about them playing weekly and such, they gave him a hard time so...

[@Gawagidi]

I love how u get super excited with the checkmate at the end!

[@JoePugh-ev1wy]

Absolutely find your teaching to be easily understood and breaking down the moves, for me I am learning and appreciate it, so thank you

[@financeworld3359]

This is a great channel! Really helpful and beneficial! Keep up the amazing work!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you!

[@spurlworld]

Excellent teacher, felt like you were instructing me in person!

[@gerhardtitze5615]

Sehr geehrter Herr Ramirez ! Habe als Anfänger im Schachclub mit Schwarz fast alle Partien verloren. Dank Ihrem didaktisch hervorragend gestalteten Video habe ich jetzt schon einige nacheinander ! gewonnen. Herzlichen Dank !

[@christian7054]

Used to play e6, because I wanted to force white to play my system avoiding sicilian and so on. But I really got bored playing the exchange variation over and over. So I started playing pirc online and for now I like it. Thanks for your quality content.

[@bedwinnersmaluleke6206]

I loved this. Makes sense in every move. Solid defense and spectacular counter attack.

[@dnthymamai]

Thank you so much! I play this almost always now when I have black, with about 75% win rate! The few games that I lost where because I delayed to move the king's pawn in the center, and it created problems, or just from other mistakes.. I love this system!!!

[@tarzantiger7927]

Brilliant !!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you!

[@zeljkostojanovic3604]

Mr.Ramirez is excellent teacher.

[@TheYalkew]

Wow, wow. I watched your video a few hours ago, and I applied your tricks, and I'm so unbeatable!! Thanks a lot, mam!!

[@cmm33086]

Just wow... so simple yet so intuitive. I love the explanations for each example. Thank you!

[@ahmadhusain3756]

Ever since I have started watching your videos. I play 1..d6 against everything. Such a fun system

[@antonnovo695]

Thanks bro! System approach is key in anything!

[@lifeonsibuyanphilippines7212]

Wow!!!! This is the first video of yours I have seen. It is absolutely fantastic. I will check your channel and view as much as I can!! I am currently stuck at 550 elo. Subscribed!!

[@phidybee3334]

I'm having so much with 1 pwn d7 for black now, the possibilities are endless 💯👊👊

[@DJ_TAL_OFFICIAL]

This is so far the best opening I have learnt for Black.Already loving it and enjoying great results.Thank you NM Ramirez

[@simozerrik6096]

This course gives more information than some 4 hours courses.thank you dear teacher for you’re efforts.

[@gabrielchaparro1698]

I've played your pirc mod 6 games in a row. I lost the 1st one but Won next five after I got comfortable using this modern opening. Opponents had NO idea and confused them. WOW.

[@chrisdavis2161]

Nice instructional. You know, I stumbled upon this opening a couple of years back by accident. I approach it from the c6 (faking the Caro-Kann) when they play 1. e4 to increase the probability of them playing 2.d4. When they play Queen's Gambit, I approach it from d6. There's a small trap I like to do when this line arises 1.d4 c6 2. c4 c6 3.Nc3 Qa5 . If 4. Bd2, to threaten your queen just drop 4...Qb6 threatening their d & b pawns. Occasionally they'll see one threat and not the other during STC, and I'll snag which ever one they're not protecting and dip out with my queen because there isn't anything they can do to punish my queen before I retreat back to my safe square. the correct move from them is to move their bishop back to its starting position. I am more than happy to dance with them repeating these Qa5 & Qb6 before continuing with the game plan. how do you face the London System with this opening?

[@kumarprateek238]

That was the best explanation I have ever seen

[@prakasavigraha6104]

After seeing the video ( and making notes) I tried this against Stockfish at my level. He went with an Queen push behind d4 on the second move. I managed to remain cool and kept all the principles in mind. In the end I went on to win with a CPI of 23. Chuffed. This is on my keepers list. Thanks heaps Robert.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Excellent! The most important thing is to remember to stay cool like you did and understand the ideas behind every move. Congrats!! 💪

[@prakasavigraha6104]

@@NMRobertRamirez Thanks for the encouragement Robert. Usually I actually don't manage to stay cool, but I know that is what you have to do, and having a solid understanding like you have given certainly helps a lot. De novo obrigadao.

[@houtarooreki9802]

Finally found a channel which teaches stuff systematically ! Thanks bro!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Welcome aboard! 👍😎

[@mihhailzaplava4820]

Thanks a lot man, playing now for both black and white

[@nintendo64isking]

I love the Pirc openings as black, great tutorial! I'm only a beginner but we'll see how it goes!

[@nintendo64isking]

well ive gone from 700 to 800 so far :) a small step but its something

[@prashantchakravarty4967]

Thanks, appreciate the upload ...you are a great teacher! Love from India !

[@ultimatelv27]

This video was excellent!! Can't wait to try it!!

[@yogeshpathak73]

This is black magic...too good. Tried it and haven't lost yet. Thank you sir

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Nice! You must be doing something else right 👍💪

[@yogeshpathak73]

I did lose eventually,.. Mainly due to variations from opponent which I didn't respond well

[@DirtRoadFarmer]

This is his best video in my opinion. Just awesome!!!! Keep up the good work 👍

[@daNorse]

Thanks for this. I deff will try out this strategy.

[@bonganiarthur8008]

This guy is the Best chess teacher!!!

[@martinbadillo594]

Gracias 🙏🏻 really good lesson el mejor explicando Chess

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Un placer Martin! No dude en preguntarme cualquier pregunta que pueda tener 👍

[@martinbadillo594]

@@NMRobertRamirez thank you 🙏🏻

[@miguelantonio6992]

Muy interesante defensa. Muy fácil de aprender y muy sólida. Muchas gracias Maestro.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Es un placer, Miguel! Mas adelante (video # 69) aprenderá la Pirc regular que tal vez le guste también. Pero poco a poco. Por el momento, me dice si tiene alguna pregunta 👍

[@colesmatteo]

i float around 16-1700 online lately and mostly train tactics/endgames. just been playing the sicilian without knowing much theory and some games i get totally blown out with it. usually feel passive/exposed when playing it. definitely will be trying this now.

[@andrewmays3988]

Watched your superior video again. You are a wonderful teacher and promoter of the best board game ever created. THANK YOU!!😇

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

I played chess at the competitive level for 20 years and the opening that gave me the worst statistics as black was this opening - close to 50%. I usually placed 1st or second in tournaments, but the period I used this opening I struggled to get into the top scorers. I rarely lost with the opening, but had too few wins. The main reason was that weaker players could play simple classical chess and get good positions that were hard to beat. That said, I know a person that was a specialist in this opening and used it one year to win the US Open. He did not have a long term career. My best scoring opening playing the top players in UK club chess was the Sicilian Accelerated Dragon, as evangelized for that level by Daniel Narodisky. My all time best scoring opening as black was the Nimzovich (100%) which is not objectively good but no-one knew the lines, and I played it really well - I had to in order to survive the opening.

[@vladislavshevchenko634]

Against Italian I always play either fried liver, traxler, or Russo gambit. Basically the openings which create a minefield with super sharp positions, where one wrong move can cost the game

[@captainsleuth5126]

Thanks for this video , very informative

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome, Light! 😎👍

[@eliothowell8654]

Excellent! You just showed up in my feed and I am so glad! Have been playing French and Caro-Kann. This appears to be superior...more open and provides for better attacking possibilities.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello Eliot! Glad to see you found some value in this lesson. Please, let me know how it goes when you try it 👍😎

[@GazAce]

That was brilliant man! 👌🙏 Ciao from Sydney Australia brother 👍🇦🇺

[@paolopablo5292]

Nice! I am also using this opening on some occasions. But for me, I still prefer the Lion Defense of the Pirc-Philidor System. After playing the usual 1.e4-d6, 2.d4-Nf3, and 3.Nc3, instead of playing the typical c6, I play the looking weird Nd2. In my several games, many high-rated players (2100 to 2700) fall for this opening system and they are always out of prep. Some of them are also YT and Twitch chess streamers. The line follows 3.Nc3-Nd2, 4.Nf3-e5, 5.dxe5-dxe5, 6.Bc4-h6, 7.O-O-O - c6, 8.Bd3-Be7, 9.Ne2-Qc2, and 10, Be3-???. From this forward, Black will decide if go for the typical systematic approach kingside castle or the aggressive lines of non-castling which I like more. The fun part here is that you don't need to play castle, and invite your opponent to challenge your black king at the center of the board which many players will do so and mess up their own game especially rapid and bullet games. The aggressive line of the Lion Defense follows10. Be3-Nf1, 11.h3-g5, 12.Ne2-Ng6, and 13.Ng3-Nh7 allowing to push further your pawns (h5 and g4) toward the white kingside, and your opponent doesn't have any time to attack your king at the center of the board. Notice also that pawn to c6 only plays at move 7 and the Black Queen to c2 for the preparation to swing at the 7th rank (h7 or g7) joining the rook, depending on how your opponent proceeds the game. On the other hand, the Czech Defense is a good opening though. However, the main issue here is that you are allowing your opponent to crush on your queenside of the board namely a3 and b4 since your queen is at a5. The result will be a battle of kingside and queenside and who gets the edge faster.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You certainly know what you are talking about 😎 At this point in the course, I just wanted people to have an easy opening that would allow them to get to the middlegame easily without having to memorize much. Now, you are definitely at a different level 💪

[@paolopablo5292]

Keep up your good work. I like your way of teaching. Easy to follow.

[@saadiftikhar3317]

Pirc increased my win rate so much online!!

[@MrBendibus]

Great video. Clearly shows the moves and why you make them. Simplicity.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback! It means a lot 👍🙌

[@sindrihognason6097]

You're an incredible teacher. Wow. Thank you.

[@ajitkaliya]

My winning percentages as black pieces are higher than white pieces. Thanks for teaching this very clearly.

[@brianfindlay2925]

Outstanding video. Thank you.

[@blakejames9952]

Thank you, great lesson.!

[@BruceReynolds7250]

Any coverage on the Dutch Leningrad would be appreciated. 😃

[@michaeldurr3898]

Thank You for knowledge very useful information

[@RisetotheEquation]

I've been getting crushed as white literally every game against this Pirc Defense. Time for revenge. Thank you, RR!!!!!

[@carlsolo515]

Thanks Robert.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You got it, Carl! 👍

[@moniqueheubel8970]

I love “ that’s a central pawn - not just any pawn!”

[@paulmc9203]

Fantastico! Many thanks Robert and can't wait to master it.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are welcome, Paul! Let me know how it goes when you try it 👍

[@phidybee3334]

I think the best thing about it is in blitz games u know white is usually going to grab the centre in a handful of ways, completely different to when your playing a classical defence

[@princeyahwetv]

This is very effective strategy, i want to learn more on your videos abour black opening....

[@1anaguerrero]

Fenomenal. Lo agradesco mucho su enseñanza.

[@Axiomatic75]

Outstanding video, thank you! Subscribed instantly!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Welcome aboard! 👍😎

[@Axiomatic75]

@@NMRobertRamirez Already having some success with the opening so thanks again! Any recommendations for white? I'm mostly playing the queen's gambit and Italian game at the moment, occasionally the London but something new would be nice.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

@@Axiomatic75 feel free to check out lessons # 34 and 104 and let me know what you think 👍 34: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rouqpGdurcihl9E 104: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpnNiJKZbNmapZo

[@coachbradjules8874]

wow Saragossa reverse color that was my favorite, I'm amaze that there is someone teach it like me. One of my students destroy almost all of her opponents using that system.

[@rugbybubblebryce1958]

Hi, just came across this clip - beginning my chess journey. Super informative can't wait to start learning from it. I came up with a possible nice move at the 13 mark in the first game. They go f5 you chose Kc5 - how about Bf6. They go Bc2. To prevent Bh6 and help Q maybe g5 offering en paasant. If they take it, you take xg6 with fpawn, opens F file rook in line with queen. If they dont take, charge the gpawn. Beginner here - not entirely sure if its good yet. Hope it is and helps. Appreciate your guidance in any case - new sub 4 you - thanks

[@markwilson9340]

very enjoyable video... and beautifully explained but I'm guessing f4 is a stronger move for white...1.e4 d6, 2.d4 Nf6, 3.Nc3 c6, 4.f4 Qa5, 5.Bd3 e5, 6.Nf3 Bg4, 7.Be3 Nbd7, 8.0-0 Be7, 9.h3 Bxf3, 10.Qxf3 0-0 and I think white is better

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello Mark! Thanks a lot for your feedback 🙌 Feel free to check out lesson # 57 where we address the f4 variation 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3XFn4Nmrsaeg5Y

[@sharad558]

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 Qa5 5.e5....what black will do now? Because dxe5 6.dxe5 will force black Knight to move away from f6 position and white will have Upper hand

[@Ronin760]

Great explanation and practical examples. Liked and subscribed. Well done!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you and welcome aboard! 👍💪

[@mouadhboukefa560]

I had to jump 11 videos in the playlist for this XD I almost only win with white because you gave us a great opening with it and the black one was missing. now after I practice this I think I will get much better. Thank you so much you made love this game and stay up till 5am again XD I will lose my job soon LMAO totally worth it

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Well, I only hope your job sucks 😜 otherwise, I will feel guilty if you lose it lol Up to this point, I had only covered the Petrov (Russian) because it is recommended that you guys get experience playing 1.e4, e5 before specializing in something else like the Pirc. Anyways, good move by jumping to this lesson lol just make sure you cover the lessons you skipped. Especially the ones about the pawn types 👍

[@jusren]

I love the Pirc and was first introduced to it by GothamChess when he showed it in his rating climb and I've been looking for more strategies ever since! Thank you for sharing this Robert!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome! Glad you enjoyed this lesson! I wonder if GothamChess used like this (Czech Pirc) or like we learned it in lesson # 69 (Regular Pirc) with g6 and Bg7.

[@jusren]

@@NMRobertRamirez It was the regular Pirc, but I think I prefer the Czech Pirc only because I feel that the Czech is more open for Black to create threats. Whereas with the regular Pirc, it looks like you set up the blockade until a bursting point and something gives (either white or black blunder). TBH I've looked more into Czech tactics than regular Pirc haha

[@jemir8012]

you are excellent teacher.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you! 🙌

[@BM-hj6lq]

I just discovered your channel. You got some really good content here. Watched this video and checkmated someone 100+ points above me in 18 moves. That was the first game I played after watching this video and someone walked into the same lines you discussed! I usually play d5 or nf6 against d5 and this time I played 1.. d6, and later the e5 break.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Welcome aboard, Binoy! Glad to know it is working out for you. And thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback 👍 Let me know if you have any questions as you go through the lessons.

[@BM-hj6lq]

NM Robert Ramirez Thank you for your reply. Really appreciate your efforts. This is the only video I watched so far. I definitely will be watching many more of your lessons. Keep up the good work.

[@rayj146]

Excellent video!

[@Mikaflyd]

Love the way he explains details. May i ask what rating you are? Seen you beat some 2300 and 2400 pretty easy.

[@stuford]

Thanks for sharing this. Really great..

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Happy to help! 👍😎 Thank you for your feedback. It means a lot!

[@dcartier1692]

I give knights more credit than they are generally accorded - so, your double pin: perfect!

[@penssuck6453]

Great instruction. Please continue your series on the Pirc.

[@jonneet2126]

I've been playing similarly, but without playing ...e5. Thanks for this video. I'm going yo play it as you teach.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You got it, Jon! Let me know how it goes 👍💪

[@genezaparanick-brown9106]

Excited to add this to my repertoire!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Glad to hear that! Let me know how it goes 👍

[@dennismays5692]

Impressive! Thanks very much!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome! 👍

[@nickyork8901]

great lesson, thanks!

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome 👍

[@joshm8729]

Amazing video! This is simple and powerful.thank you so much keep it up

[@NMRobertRamirez]

You are more than welcome!

[@markwalker5152]

Thanks

[@wolfson817]

Bravo!

[@luiggispeed4081]

Did you know that the whites can also do it (mirrored of course) I innocently do PE4 , looking like routine opening, the blacks respond to a normal game then I switch t the Pirc with the whites and I already have the Kings pawn developed, so its a "variation" but I love it because it has worked so well for me on the black side and it confuses the heck of a lot more capable players than me, fun!

[@xrayedman]

So helpful!

[@Angkol]

nice...now i use this opening...very easy 4me

[@NMRobertRamirez]

💪😎

[@IRONnugget09]

Thank you for these videos. It's cool to see systems that stockfish hates completely dominate. What site are you playing the games on in the video?

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello! These games were on chess24.com, but on lesson # 53, you will see me playing on chess.com 👍

[@holiday157]

Congratulations for 12 sir 😍. Very happy for you

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Thank you! It's all thanks to great people like you 👍😎

[@Modiagent]

Hey thank you dude

[@leomaredcampos4941]

I like it.

[@thegoodshow1732]

Sir I am from India I just wanted to ask you because I am watching this after 3 years, Will you still answer if I ask some questions. Please reply sir!!

[@garynewton3337]

Left out the 3 pawn attack with white early f4

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello! You will find it in lesson # 57 vs the Czech Pirc and lesson # 73 vs the regular Pirc 👍

[@ianfleischhacker6154]

I just played it and my opponent didn't advance his e pawn. Instead he opened his flanks in the first 4 moves. In retrospect, I should have just gone with exchanges on the flanks.

[@hervelebars]

Hello, thank you this great video. I wonder what you recommand for black after this line : 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 c6 4. f4 Qa5 5. Bd2 e5 6. Nd5 ?

[@NMRobertRamirez]

Hello! In that case, Qd8 is the way to go 👍

[@hervelebars]

@@NMRobertRamirez Thanks you. As you can imagine, I am a beginner. For now, I did not have much success with this opening, but I need more tries.

[@NMRobertRamirez]

@@hervelebars absolutely! Just remember to not worry so much about openings. As a beginner, your main priority should be tactics training and playing games 👍