Opening Tactics! | Speedrun Episode 36

Beginner to Master Speedrun Playlist: • Beginner to Master Spe...
In this Beginner to Master Speedrun Series, I try to climb the rating ladder while providing lots of lessons about chess along the way. In this episode, I play 3 instructive chess games all featuring early opening tactics stemming from 1.d4.
0:00 Insanely complicated position
1:07 Cambridge Springs Attempt vs the Queen's Gambit
19:00 Fighting the London
38:24 Dreaming of a Greek Gift
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#chess #ericrosen

[@justinarnold1981]

I'm not embarrased to admit I've been actively visiting KZbin multiple times a day hoping another episode of this speedrun would be released. My elo has gone up as a result of these videos and my general chess mindset has improved dramatically. Keep 'em coming.

[@MurunGD]

Same! A week felt so long without a speedrun episode

[@jadethronson9675]

I’ve been checking everyday as well 😅

[@norman.kosgei]

Same here, it's helping, I have rewatched some because it doesn't get old

[@George_Bland]

yeah this one came too late!

[@sigmase11]

I’ve had withdrawal symptoms waiting for another episode 😂

[@Rubrickety]

These higher-rated opponents require a lot more arrows to beat.

[@Sinzari]

Guess I need to draw more arrows in my games if I want to get better

[@nottherealcrazen9793]

so, I had a weird goal that I thought wouldn't work, my goal was to stay higher rated than you throughout the speedrun starting at only 1300 and finding your speedrun when you were at 1300 and using it as motivation, I actually was able to punch up my rapid rating to an all-time high of 1600 so thank you for these amazing videos!

[@maschngon]

im surpised 1400s play so well against Eric. im 1450 I know I don't play that well

[@vincentmiceli2554]

Play me then you will play like a GM. Even 1200’s play like GMs when they play me.

[@HonorOP]

Some games beg certain moves. If Eric plays in a way that pushes the opponent into a position, it can become less complex. On the other hand, leaving the position very tense and complicated is where most players make inaccuracies (including Eric himself) because it's too much to calculate.

[@lolobuggah2670]

Eric, you seem to be the nicest, most wholesome chess player in the world. You’re able to express your thoughts clearly making this very educational. Thanks!

[@zaratrustamaster]

Eric: In these speedruns I'll try to play as solid and principled as possible Eric in the second game: A piece is attacked and a knight is pinned to the queen...eh, my threats outweight his, time to sac the other knight

[@afancypirate7754]

The first principle of chess is to have fun

[@George_Bland]

He doesn't sac a knight, and he did play both solidly and principled.

[@zaratrustamaster]

@@George_Bland We know, we know. The play was beautifully corrrect. Still, he simply put the knight directly where a pawn would take it

[@AntonWingfield]

Hi Eric, I've watched all of these and they're just getting better and better. I love watching you reason yourself out of seductive blunders, they're often the sorts of moves that cost me my games. Also, kudos for how clearly you explain your thought process. I think a lot of chess youtubers intend to make content like this, but get too wrapped up in their thoughts to be as educational. You're a fantastic communicator.

[@mebigger]

More than your chess skills, your humble demeanor is what makes you great. We all have a lot to learn from you, and it goes beyond the board. Subscribed.

[@Viebster]

Eric has helped me improve from ~1300 to ~1700. Can’t wait for the speed run to continue. I check daily for new videos!

[@aparnarai3708]

Same here These got me motivated and I am finally at 1042

[@3xpl0i79]

I got from 100 to 250 lol

[@luizsoares4847]

One of the main problems of low elo players that we can notice on this series, is that even playing against an IM, the low elo player takes less time to think than the IM. This shows that the simple change of taking a bit more time to think, increases your rating.

[@CSRgamer]

Yeah I do the same thing and end up blundering my position with 8 minutes on the clock. Today I really focused on using my time and ending the games with a minute or so left and did so much better. Good advice!

[@kyleyjs]

you have to keep in mind that worse players need far more time in reserve for the end game or their risk of fatal blunders rises substantially. but yeah, time management itself is a skill.

[@samgreer8596]

Best chess series ever?

[@killr73]

27:09 Eric, that's the classic Discovery + Fork = Dork. I believe you came up with it.

[@Zeckellin]

I've got so many other things to do, but I confess: I am addicted to Eric's speedruns. Love the calm and knowledgeable analysis of just about literally every move.

[@TimYslava]

i make my day better by watching this guy play chess

[@MindFlowersDotNet]

I find Rosen's commentary most helpful. Great games and instruction.

[@ScoutScouting]

I have a very Eric-like voice in my head that narrates my thought process playing classical at club now, it's really been helping me keep calm when I play, and have more fun

[@Roberto-nn6kb]

glad im not the only one

[@mdsabirhussain6358]

6:12 Bxd2, Nc3 forking queen and rook

[@izmar]

Was just about to comment this too! Was the best move.

[@piercewise1]

It's actually possible as early as 4:23

[@zacharygrouwinkel1534]

Insane timeout gambit in the first game

[@DDDontCare]

Found your channel a couple weeks ago. My son and I play chess from time to time. I really look forward to the speed run videos. I've watched every single one so far. Honestly I'm more of a gun-tube guy and I never thought I'd be so entertained watching someone play chess. Always looking forward to more!

[@pieter_holland112]

You are playing so well!! I love those moments where you’re mom tells the best move and when you play them a few moments later !! Keep it up and you will improve even more!

[@ha9199]

Eric is back! I'm so excited. Been craving for more speedruns.

[@joe0633]

Thanks for the instructive games and analysis Eric! I can actually hear your voice inside my head as I play my games. You've significantly changed my thought process and it is showing in my ratings too!

[@davidchandra8722]

Seems like one of the differences between the opponents is Eric really spent his time well

[@stefanobaghino]

Hey Eric, thank you so much for these videos! I love the slow pace and thorough exposition of your thoughts. I just like to watch them and I think it's also helping me reason better about my games as well! Cheers!

[@alipakdin7372]

Hi Eric, these games with longer time controls are much better, as there is much more time for going through the games with you insightful comments ,and also the overall quality of the games becomes better, waiting for the next episode,thanks

[@MartinIragorriAmaya]

best way to end the night... thanks for the amazing content, Eric!

[@smaruhmaruh6955]

Thank you so much for this series, I was always interested in chess but never started playing it. Now i started playing online feeling really well prepared because of your series and I also want to play with some friends next

[@millms74]

Thankyou so much for making these. I learn so much from them and they are so entertaining with so many 'Wow!' moments!

[@Lanman106]

This was super informative as someone who plays queen pawn openings! The tactics really blew my mind.

[@Noneusertaken]

Feels like the moment where Eric is gonna have trouble taking time to explain his lines is getting closer

[@mariuszpudzianowski8400]

Nah, dude is insanely strong, maybe when he plays against 2k elo he might need to explain lines in a shorter way.

[@joakimkampe3055]

It’s so nice to follow your speed run episodes! 🌟

[@barryderoode]

Great content as usual. Always love the end when he looks in the camera and wishing us a good day.

[@eddieroolvink817]

Hi just want to inform you I have finally finished all the speed runs and are so impressed with the thought processes. Keep doing what you are doing. You do help a lot of us who had no idea what the theories was behind certain moves.

[@4everascending511]

Loving the series. Great work Eric :)

[@JakeLemasterGuitar]

Crazy tactic at 24:13

[@omarcos3228]

This is excellent content. I will make sure not to miss any of your episodes.

[@SebastianBohn]

That sneaky duck though in midst of this educative session 😅 Well edited!

[@jackiefranken590]

These are my absolute favorite instructional chess videos.

[@iamNathanGreen]

I went from +-1500 to 1660 on Lichess since watching this series. Thanks Eric I owe you one! Keep em coming 💪🏽

[@mangaranwow2543]

Another great episode! Missed you during Reykjavik.

[@CaleboBand]

Love the speedrun series Eric! Maybe you could consider offering a prize to the person who guesses what your rating will be when you first lose a game?! I'll go for 2024 🤔

[@zacharygrouwinkel1534]

I was just saying earlier today that it had been awhile since the last Eric video. Arrives right on time.

[@Iearnwithme]

this is my favourite series at the moment :)

[@_BADCHESS]

I check your channel everyday for the speedrun. Haha. Love it.

[@atsubbie8876]

Just subscribe fam!

[@nebulousname3320]

48:48 Bg6+ almost works if not for Ke7!! Queen cannot take, if king takes, Rh6+ wins a queen and if Kg8, Rh8+ is forced mate! Alas there is nothing after Ke7

[@mariuszpudzianowski8400]

Almost 1 hour long speedrun vid? Amazing stuff!

[@corylong5808]

36:06 I was proud of myself for finding Queen a5 then being validated by Eric, just for the engine to put us both down after the game. What an absolutely insane line by the engine.

[@jwr1970]

24:30 till 25:37 very instructive sequence. Many thanks IM Rosen.

[@landonmoore5077]

Always nice to catch one of these videos when they come out

[@gerardduffy3406]

You can really notice the quality difference of the opponents, although they do mostly get outplayed in the opening, theyl tactical awareness and board vision is mostly pretty good

[@caxel20]

48:03 I came up with the move Bg6+ here in order to go Rh6+ if the king took, skewering the queen. I was happy to see it was one of the top lines with engine and didn’t completely lose on the spot 😅

[@CSRgamer]

In the last game I would've liked to see more on how your opponent could have better repelled your kingside attack. And constructive criticism of your opponents in general I think is very beneficial. Thanks! Love the series

[@WiggTheMobileBarbR]

I’m a barber 💈 in a shop and chess is what we play. They don’t think I will be number one. As of right now I am not. But after going through these speed runs I am confident I will be top. You make a complex game simple. And I appreciate that.

[@mudassirali6837]

I find Eric's voice soothing, and it puts me to sleep easily. Who else feels this way?

[@jamesduggan7200]

Re: Game 1, are there safe moves? In the 2d game: You talk about (after ...Rc8) taking (on d4) to exploit the pin, but is the pin on c3 so significant?

[@JeffNYChess]

Eric, great content buddy. Long time fan here. I got locked out of my other account but I started a new one. Ignore the haters, man. You are one of the best chess players I have ever watched. Always a pleasure to see you.

[@atsubbie8876]

Why do I like these so much????

[@JustRob96]

41:10 "I think I'm just too eager to make that happen ... it's probably not objectively the best move" I think it's worth reminding ourselves that chess is a game and generally humans play games because they're fun! Especially in chess the ever-looming ELO score and the cultural symbolism of the game can make one feel pressured to always be a winner, to always be cutting down on mistakes. But sometimes the most enjoyable and memorable games lie behind uncertain yet interesting moves. Even if it does turn out to be a mistake and you end up worse off, the enoyable failures are the ones that people learn from most easily.

[@gundarsmiks4889]

Hey, it's Rosenduck! Good series!

[@qwe1231]

Fun games. KZbinr Hanging Pawns channel did a video on Cambridge Springs 4 years ago, calls the play "more of a semi-slav" than Queens Gambit declined. Anyway it was an interesting video, thought I'd note it.

[@mariuszpudzianowski8400]

Cambridge Springs is the only way I was able to convince myself to play QGD instead of KID against 1.d4, it's a great system.

[@javiermargo]

Thanks to this series I finally achieved 1000 elo (I started at 1300)

[@rllinbackwds3972]

40:35 does bishop takes d6 work? Then fork with e5?

[@koenhoffer5753]

Wow, this time very fortunate in the 2nd game.

[@rhythm5080]

At 6:45 after black plays bishop takes knight on d2 instead of taking back with white's knight, what if white took back with the Queen? Then there is no tactic, no fork right? Or am I missing something. I'm an amateur, please be nice if what said sounded stupid.

[@houssinebouhmadi595]

Very nice ❤❤❤

[@skalymut]

45:40 Hi Eric! You didnt even consider the move Bxc5 which is the top engine move, and I thought it is the simplest way to attack. Am I wrong? Thanks for this content 😊

[@koenhoffer5753]

At 43' is Bxh7, Kxh7; Kg5+, Bxg5 followed by Qxh5 not an option?

[@robhill5732]

In the last game, instead of QxQ, could you have played Bg6? If Kxg6,Rh6?

[@KillerTurtleSquirtle]

I have a question about that line where Queen takes Rook on A8, what if after the bishop takes knight move, you move Queen A7 and take the pawn with check instead of taking the bishop with the pawn? I'm not an accomplished enough player to puzzle out all the best moves on that line, but it looks to be a strong move. Am I missing something?

[@skalymut]

You cant move Qxa7 because its a check

[@sniadek091]

11:40 Qa3 wasn't it a good move hitting pawn room and knight?

[@SparkyForce]

I feel very smart for seeing the tactic in the first game before Rosen 😅

[@jwr1970]

As of 36:02, would it be plausible for players at this rating to spot this? I'm curious, young master.

[@edwardlane1255]

in the last game bishop d2 rather than e3 looked to leave the greek gift online without risk of queen trade

[@nickmeijer7866]

Thank you Eric. Why not at 11:32 move your queen to a3?

[@iszybeethefirst]

43:03 bf4 is only attacked when black queens moves to h8 under check

[@bilalbil1652]

I'm just amazed by the speed at which Eric calculate lines and still lose to Gms..

[@Zamiroh]

I definitely feel your first loss is going to come from timeout!

[@add-iv]

48:06 I'm immediately thinking of Bg6 here

[@add-iv]

Kg8 leads to mate, King takes runs into Rh6, but Ke7 probably just leads to the Queen trade again

[@ooobiii]

16:50 1500 without win is crazy

[@fishmongal]

26:26 I was thinking to play a calm move and make my opponent play Nd4 to open up discovery to your Queen. But you don't move your queen instead play Nxd4 and then Nxe2 forking king and queen.

[@Modie]

42:39 What about the line: Bxh7+, Kxh7, Ng5+, Bxg5, Qxh5+, Kg8, Bxg5? Is there something I am missing in that line? Of course it depends on king taking, but that is what Eric is calculating.

[@addisonbluwilliams]

I love this series but I start every episode by checking the end to see if he finally drew or lost.

[@jakecoleman4523]

Eric posts, I click. No hesitation

[@Jesterian]

Never seen Eric's videos under attack from bots like this..

[@johnmcdonough955]

Did you say bots?

[@jwr1970]

Yeah, bishop takes d2, I saw that three moves before, duh. But then, you're not a grandmaster, are you young lad!? Nah, I'm just 'avin a laugh mate. I'm quite satisfied with the way you demolish opponents that are way better than me. I watched all the speedrun episodes thus far, and I'm having great fun. Keep 'm comin mate (not a pun)!

[@jensenellard7013]

Keep the evaluation bar on for your whole post-games reviewing. Please.

[@ali24B]

Im a simple man. Eric uploads and I click

[@danielreiser2051]

26:00 someone called an ambulance

[@dilon5596]

oh no my queen 😎

[@neildeutschmann7194]

Long ep ❤

[@baileybailey919]

how bad would it be to play queen to a3 11:57

[@matthewdunnerstick]

Finally

[@BrettMoore66]

Why not knight to F2, creating a fork between castle and queen, causing king to take knight and preventing castle ? 6:16 ?

[@davidwithington140]

You are now in my range. I'm really hoping to see you as my opponent soon.

[@Stolkmen]

During the second game, I was yelling "F6!" (as in Qf6) at my screen. Glad to see I was right.

[@uifwastaken]

i wanted to point out the Bxd2 Nc3 tactic but Eric found it moves later hehe, another good video to fall asleep to cuz my gf is already sleeping (the curse of being in a sort of long-distance relationship oops, although we do see each other often enough.. umm, never is enough, i'd be with her like all the time, yes, it's a fresh crush, barely a relationship yet haha)

[@nGAhGENVH0Ul]

The 2nd game with the machine analysis...yikes! Thanks Eric.

[@wesleymcbob]

Eric the ABSOLUTE leggings YOUR OPPONENTS ARE COWERING IN FEAR

[@33niboR]

How is your rating still so low after 36 episodes?

[@armwrestlingfan6804]

Once you hit a loss, it's restart game all over again..with Caro, Slav and Queens gambit plz