Ponziani Time! | Speedrun Episode 26

[@vsalt69]

Hi Eric, I just wanted to express my appreciation for your respectful and non-condescending way of talking about your opponents. We all start somewhere, and it's hard as a beginner to hear other masters on their speedruns ridicule people who are even more advanced than I am.

[@SaintD382]

Which masters do that?

[@loganfreeman1109]

@@SaintD382 I've heard Hikaru call 2400s bad a lot sometimes even other GMs. All in good fun of course. A lot of players like to have friendly trash talk during their games. Ben Finegold also likes to be harsh and funny when he does game reviews for his viewers. Maybe it helps them remember his advice.

[@SaintD382]

@@loganfreeman1109 Those sound like fun/funny examples. The OP didn't sound like they meant funny stuff, but maybe that's what they were referring to.

[@keithrichardscorpse1230]

Sensitive snowflake

[@tornadre]

@@SaintD382you can be funny and condescending at the same time ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ruthxk7844]

It's so nice watching you so calmly consider and explain all the options instead of just hearing the typical streamer stuff "ok, here he do this OBVIOUSLY"... it does help me play slower and really look at the options, it's good instructive material... thanks so much Eric :') I might just perform better in the clubs' league (I think I still play too fast) just because of remembering your calmness in this speedrun!

[@MyBiPolarBearMax]

Eric is such a good teacher

[@AllMappedOut86]

Seeing Eric's manic smile and the ponziani is an instant click from me!

[@EpiDot52]

One of the best thumbnails I've seen.

[@mitchelllevine5664]

Why is he wearing eyeliner?

[@Filzon-h9t]

You see, that's where the trouble began. That smile. That damned smile...

[@sebu1301]

This is such a great series. Many people have tried the speedrun concept, but yours is the only one I bother watching. You're really good at explaining the different options, and what to consider in each position. Not to mention great attitude and respect towards the opponents 👍

[@jrsesker]

I love Eric, he’s my favorite chess content creator. Daniel Naroditsky’s speedruns are fantastic as well.

[@HaneefShiraz]

I am a person who RARELY subscribes or comments on channels/vidoes but you sir are an exception. I think you are a PHENOMENAL content creator. I love what you do. Love your explanations. I personally broke the 1000s because of your speedrun series, now trying to break 1300. You are only of the few people I have subscribed to and this is probably my first or second KZbin comment ever. You deserve it. Keep it up Eric! If you do plan to mentor folks (Masterclass?), I would happily sign up.

[@oumarjaffar4605]

12:20 'life is pretty good here' followed by a sip of tea 😂

[@Jodabomb24]

dude is drinking tea in bali by his private pool I'd say life is pretty good there

[@roryasrorri701]

good on & off the board

[@AlexDings]

That villa tour looks so much like the backdrop for one of those stupid "Here's how I make 37,000$ a month without working at all by using this revolutionary method" scam ads 😂

[@MrHalfLoaf]

Thank you for this series! It’s been great at improving my game! You’ve taught me to properly take the time to consider my opponent’s proper responses!

[@brianmonteleone602]

Eric, good to see you traveling and enjoying yourself. I'm so happy you have done this series, I never thought I'd make it to episode 26 but here I am enjoying every single one. Keep up the work, this is great content, both educational and incredibly enjoyable. Thanks!

[@strikee]

The best and insightful commentary. No stupid music, no unnecessary shouting. A joy to watch. Thank you for doing this series.

[@amazingcato5315]

It really is a pleasure hearing your thought processes while making moves. I learned how to play chess around 8yo but I never had a chess coach. I stopped playing a while ago to concentrate on my career but now I'm coming back to it. The chess landscape has really changed!

[@listey]

Bali is awesome 😍 Enjoy your time there Eric

[@yes4me]

Thanks for sharing about Bali. Yes I want to go there

[@Jenergyyy]

I just wanted to thank you for your slow and detailed walkthroughs. I've been binge watching this series, unlearned a lot of my beginner mistakes and since then I've gone on to win 6 games in a row all ending with me checkmating my opponent (no mercy 😂).

[@CrouchingCrab]

Been waiting to see a Ponziani video in this series! It's by far my favorite king's pawn opening as white as a beginner and initially found it on your channel. Bali looks amazing, hope you're having a good time there.

[@DoubleDYouTube]

The Bali views, the chess, the tactics! This series just keeps getting better ♥

[@medski9556]

This video could not have come at a better time! I just binge watched the whole series and have been trying to learn as many lines of the Ponziani in my own games. Plus I exhausted all of your Ponziani content several times over already😅

[@sebu1301]

I hope more people take up the Ponziani after this video, because it's so easy to play against 😅

[@medski9556]

@@sebu1301 True, I learned that if black plays the Leonhardt Variation with knight to f3 after playing d5 then a white player can fall into several traps that lose the queen

[@Truthfoundinfreedom]

I love the speed run. Your videos are much more informative and helpful when learning as opposed to watching other channels and watching like magnus play. I like how you explain alot and play at a pace that makes the game easy to follow and you explain different moves and possibilities. The only thing I haven't seen too much of is when you make mistakes and have to play around that to maintain a win

[@renemarquez433]

Oh Eric is out there living the chess rockstar lifestyle. Love to see it

[@landonmoore5077]

Eric always has great content it’s slow and relaxing but also very entertaining and educational

[@king9096]

Wow Bali ❤ I have been to bali 20 years ago.. amazing island.. I hope I can go there again

[@baka-oni8358]

nobody asked

[@jimmellen3304]

I love this series. Particularly the way you calmly explain your thinking and what you're seeing. For me at least (elo 1500ish), it's just the right amount of explanation. Enough to really gain information but not so much it overwhelms me

[@debrascott8775]

Love this! Perfect Friday morning treat. Beautiful in St Louis today, but now as much as Bali!

[@mikesteele5935]

Very instructive ... clearest ever demonstration of having a dominant center.

[@HungryScribbler]

I played Ponziani for a while because of you. Then I moved to a more principled opening (I guess) the Italian -which you played mostly in the SPeedrun. Now I see Ponziani again and think I'll start playing it AGAIN! I had better win/loss results with Ponziani too so why not! Do more advanced Ponziani lessons please!!! We've seen the trap, the early Queen move-> this speedrun video was great because we saw more stuff! LOVE IT!

[@dl1272]

I love this series so much!

[@KreatorX1029]

Your commentary during the game is something I try to inculcate as a monologue during my games, with the best I can do. Also was helpful, your advice in one of your earlier games - about not resigning and keeping on fighting which helps one build resilience! Has helped with impulse control and fighting till the end!

[@that_matt]

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a new Eric speedrun ep up.

[@MatthieuSCHREK]

A Ponziani heavy episode is a must watch for me. Awesome. I played it a lot too, but now I find myself lost in every middle game. I just don't know what to do. Let's see how Eric deals with it. (Most of my games, black plays like in game 3)

[@alekseikuzovkin3755]

Love to see Ponziani. On 9:15 I think you could play e5 and greek gift him

[@fizzmoe9846]

Not with the knight on F6 there guarding. He also didn't have enough developed attacking pieces

[@joelmatthys7742]

​@@fizzmoe9846 e5 would drive the knight from f6

[@pax1913]

The first opening I ever learned was the Ponziani (I basically searched for "openings for beginners" and got it from a Gotham Chess video lol) and I have a soft spot for it :) These days I play the Queen's Gambit whenever I can but I like going back to it once in a while, cool video Eric!

[@lougaru2445]

That villa is GORGEOUS I am so happy for you

[@kaidoChess]

Eric I’m already jealous enough of your chess skills. Don’t slap me in the face with that perfect weather palm trees and pool ❤😂🎉

[@sebu1301]

Hot weather is over appreciated. It's -25 celsius in Finland right now, and I'm enjoying it ⛄

[@kaidoChess]

@@sebu1301 🤢🤢🤢

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

​@@kaidoChesslol

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

​@@sebu1301you monster!

[@kaidoChess]

@@jestfullgremblim8002 😂😂😂

[@kratostomatoes8587]

Thanks for the content bro. Awesome hotel room!

[@peterintzandt1473]

These videos are amazing!

[@gumikebbap]

man this speedrun is awesome

[@porlando12]

Triple Ponziani annihilation!? I didn't think this series could get any better!

[@VFBLinkinPark]

3 Ponziani Games, feeling spoiled here! Thanks for mixing up the openings

[@KreatorX1029]

I was one of the Ponziani requesters! After learning this opening from yours truly in an older video, I tried it a bit, but realized it was very tricky after the initial set of moves :P I am now learning some theory from chessable course “Devious Ponziani”, certainly a good one! Maybe you’ll do a Ponziani specific speedrun one day! (Although I understand it’s hard to get the same first 3 moves every time, let alone the chance of getting white being 50% :P)

[@f.d.3289]

gooosh i'm going to indonesia in june and this is just the perfect reminder why... enjoy eric

[@HungryScribbler]

22:10 -> I just read last night that a knight on d5 as the Octopus Knight! :) *or Nd6 (a Fischer' classic). In the book Chess Pattern Reconition for Beginners. Cool to see it in play in all its glory! Wow. Or potential glory.

[@vidhaanagarwal1487]

at 9:16 can white not play e5 and go for the greek gift bishop sacrifice once the knight moves

[@Laporta-potty]

So cool they gave you a free room! Hope you’re enjoying Bali

[@Greg763]

Oh boy, another episode!!!!! Love it ❤

[@civilbeard]

Another fantastic episode!

[@berndwind]

I only recently discovered this series, watching it avidly! I have actually been living in Bali for nearly ten years now. Certainly a wonderful place to call home. Wonder if you made it to Knights Chess Bar while you were here!!

[@Rubrickety]

Amusing that Eric was so excited to get three Ponzianis in a row after not having any previously, given that he had the option to play it in many earlier games (usually choosing to show us the Italian instead).

[@GregoryBell97]

Just have to say that I appreciated the villa tour and the sponser today, always looking for nice places to stay in Bali.

[@markphc99]

This video saved me from having to watch the freestyle chess fiasco on the other side- featuring Miss Angola!

[@kaidoChess]

Dude your camera is SO CRISP

[@_wetmath_]

8:30 what about d5?

[@wepe92]

Chess and luxury, what a beautiful view. Greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@lamhotsitumorang1828]

Baru nemu orang Indonesia gua

[@wepe92]

@@lamhotsitumorang1828 salam kenal bang

[@davidgatten1033]

Nice games! I'm going to start training in the Ponziana for sure

[@Hermaniac8]

Unlucky targets fall victim to charming streamer's Ponziani scheme

[@TheKtuno]

Great video, great series! Any chance you can make a video refuting the Ponziani? I got my butt kicked by it yesterday.

[@adamjohnson9188]

I would love to see a mini-series of videos of Eric showing the areas he's traveling too! Idk if he's much of a travel vlogger, but the concept can coincide with his other chess content so one could get to know the area he's playing in these tournaments in. Eric, if you're reading this, give it a thought :)

[@jjakie07]

Ponziani is just my favorite opening. I find myself playing it every opportunity i have!

[@Christopher-pm3dy]

the ponziani is awful , I am sorry, after c3, d5 is at LEAST equal

[@Christopher-pm3dy]

40 years of spanking it,, not my opinion

[@rux2128]

Does centerfork trick (Nxe5 Nxe5, d4) effective in position on 0:16:37? Or its not neccesary to compicate things?

[@Vengaard]

Ponziani gives me flashbacks eveytime. For a time I was fully prepared againt this, after playing against Eric. Full on grandmaster level haha but I've never encountered it since.

[@sovietslav7082]

An Eric video to start the day, thank you!

[@KreatorX1029]

In the second Ponziani game, apparently instead of castling, going e5 followed by greek gift sacrifice leads to a nearly forced mate sequence if they take your rook on a1! Learned this from the chessable course on Devious Ponziani :)

[@Vepporizer]

This is some good unintentional ASMR

[@Eurekagivens]

Ok that transition to the vlog camera was like a entering a fever dream, i mean that in the best way possible,

[@Tenseiken_]

Damn that's quite some equipment to travel with. Idk if those have their own specialized bags or not, but I'd think you'd have to cushion the more intricate stuff like the camera itself quite a lot. I'd be terrified to for my expensive equipment like that, knowing how bags and cases are handled like at airports and such. Regardless, the place looks really cozy and I like how it feels very not-open and undisturbed. Good for you!

[@zacharygrouwinkel1534]

Yes! Ponziani is one of my favorite white openings.

[@gerardduffy3406]

Great timing, I was just watching some old ponziani content

[@MrOnosa]

I play the ponziani and I always took when they play f5. The engine says that's the top move, but I rarely convert it. I'll try it your way from now on. Thank you for the instruction.

[@piousheart]

Eric's joy at 3 ponziani's in a row is what it's all about! Also make sure you do some snorkeling / scuba diving while you're in indonesia if you get the chance!

[@nathan2891]

Omg, I just started trying (and failing) to win games with this opening after seeing an old video of yours with it. There goes that plan! 😂

[@P4me4ever]

I feel inspired to play chess after your videos, but i also listen to them to fall asleep to them 13 out of 12 content

[@gausmomin111]

Did I see it wrong? At 3:17 in the game, the white pawn at e5 took the black pawn at d5 and ended up behind it. Watched it multiple times, but didn’t get as why the pawn was allowed to take out the piece on it’s side..

[@scotthuynh6997]

google en passant

[@razvancisma4154]

​@@scotthuynh6997wtf i did not know that was an option. .. Now try to explain that to the guys i play....

[@GK-il3fn]

It’s interesting comparing Eric’s speedrun style to Danya. Danya I find is a bit more like a theory professor, whereas Eric is like your older brother who has your back.

[@MajorAddiction]

That Bali suite is dope. Enjoy 🤙🏼

[@gravythegreat]

curedd my chronic lack of episode 26 xxxxily a milly

[@George_Bland]

Awesome hotel! Please could we see ponziani again please later in the run

[@kaidoChess]

Fav speedrun

[@michaellavy3269]

Ponziani is my main opening so I’m excited to see it in the speedrun!

[@ronuchit]

at 21:53, why not go in with knight d5 right after opponent plays h6? there was no need to waste a move dropping the bishop back

[@poyntz55]

Hi Eric, at 5:11 final game why not bishop to h7 check?

[@cruetusnex]

My *favorite* opening. Thank you!

[@phoenixinthetrees1446]

Yes! It's the episode I've been waiting for! Three Ponziani's in a row? You're spoiling us. And then the first opponent plays the counter-gambit? Wow. I would take the pawn on f5, as the Chessable course recommends, so this is a new line for me. It's seems to work, though, so what do I know...? Now please don't play it again, as it's my favourite opening (thanks to you) and I don't want other people too familiar with it!

[@Galahad54]

David Taylor won the 7th U. S. Correspondence Championship 13 1/2 - 1/2 as a Ponziani specialist as white. I was hoping that at least one of your opponents would get past move 3 with a playable position. I'm just amazed at how fast a position falls apart at this level, as I am now at this level myself (when younger, I was good enough to beat Taylor in a different correspondence Championship). Maybe we'll play while you are still in the 1300s.

[@RhombicChthulhuSONIC]

I like Bali. I noticed it's been gaining popularity as well.

[@David-cl4yn]

What about Nd5 at 21:54 instead of retreating the bishop?

[@brdigma6790]

The vibes are immaculate 👌👌

[@HoloDaWisewolf]

Oh man, I loved the tactic in the second game. So simple, and yet so hard to spot on my own, especially since it's not a "critical line": I wouldn't have tried to look at something else than capturing the bishop, since it's already a strong move in a clearly winning position

[@RyantheComm]

Just as I try to go to sleep this lands. Thanks Eric for the Chess education and the sleeping pill!

[@lightningmcqueen9861]

Can you play some sicilian games in the future? I’ve watched every episode so far, keep it up

[@ORy652]

Game 2 was perfect setup for a greek gift and then beautiful mate if you pushed to e5 instead of castling

[@angelgodplace]

What's the trap mentioned at 21:35? Can't spot it

[@_BADCHESS]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@aGr3atD4y]

NTS: 9:00

[@Snowy123]

Bali Vilas are amazing they're dirt cheap compared to other countries and their quality is high.

[@royplayer]

At 9:47 why not 1.Bc2 and if 1...Bg4 2.a3 followed by 3.Qd3 breaking the pin and setting up a battery on h7. However I can appreciate 1.h3 as with lower rated players they seem to get lost if they cannot pin Knights.

[@laneroggensack9678]

why not d5 @ 11:05??

[@rorykeegan1895]

Lucky boy, nice place Bali ... Visit the East of the island if you get a chance. Its very special ...

[@blindfoldchess1839]

Puzzle: At 21:53 after black plays h6 Eric quickly played Bh4. Find a better better, winning move for white and explain why it is winning!

[@trapped_monkey]

Ruy López for white please! Great series.

[@patthepilot]

Hey Eric, wondering if you would be willing to play a Jobava London and a Caro?

[@RajnaTMS]

Wow what a beautiful place ❤ Awesome intro from an awesome People 😊 God bless Eric Rosen! Thanks for all, oh no my pool!