The Simple Key to Win At Chess | Speedrun Episode 31

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 in which I show a common winning strategy for the ~1400 Elo level.
0:00 A Simple Weapon Against the Caro Kann
11:00 Weaponizing the Caro Kann
23:07 Facing the Reti Opening
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#chess #ericrosen

[@Ddonaldson9]

100 wins in a row is statistically impossible without cheating. I demand an investigation.

[@AbdusSalam-jd3ku]

😂😂😂😂

[@jetsyrup481]

I'm so nervous for the eventual run killer

[@sleepyheadmemes]

100 wins you say? Interesting...

[@awekeningbro1207]

Impossible may be for you. But remember this, not everyone is built shallow like you. There are skilled people too.

[@joshuamusic8812]

Dude they're 400s

[@laszlototh5956]

So funny how Eric speaks about the possible opening prep of a 1300 player. We don't do such things, Eric! We just put the pieces on legal squares online and sometimes illegal squares over the board.

[@andrew_owens7680]

I did a lot of opening prep when I was playing over-the-board tournaments. But I knew nothing about tactics and sucked in the endgame.

[@BradSmith99]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊​@@andrew_owens7680

[@germanfan6481]

As. 1300 I have prep, I just blunder my pieces in the middlegame

[@George_Bland]

Maybe if you did some you’d gain Elo :) I’m 1500 with some opening prep, but tactically not great (I’m not even 1300 in blitz)

[@bbkr2063]

My prep is to play some opening nonsense that will throw opponent's prep to garbage :)

[@TheMosayat]

The way these masters see mating nets is truly impressive

[@prisol]

11:19 - 'oh dear, what is this!?' had me in stitches 🤣

[@doublekicker2253]

I had almost the same reaction as Eric when that move was played. I play that opening as black and I got anxious as soon as I saw it as if I was going to have to address it. Made me laugh.

[@carltonascarf7694]

This series is helping get my dad into chess

[@turboblitz6958]

That's sooo dope

[@carltonascarf7694]

​@@turboblitz6958 Yeah I'm very excited to tell him that he's famous in this particular comment section! (British time so still like 6am but I'll give updates)

[@pepperwestwood]

But it caused my mom to start smoking crack

[@Kram_Farkel]

@@pepperwestwood She sounds like a keeper.

[@Azerty42069]

wholesome, I wish you and your dad many long, interesting and amazing games

[@ianwright7393]

I think the speedrun is the most valuable chess resource on KZbin. I just keep watching it over and over again, and it's done wonders for my rating. Also, by its nature, you encounter every opening and defense you're likely to meet on the journey. Well done Mr Rosen. NO MERCY!

[@fikretalimov9718]

Eric makes it look so easy that I think to myself "yeah, I can do it". But when I try it, I fail miserably :(

[@Tom_in_CA]

Glad to know I’m not alone! 😮

[@illuminaut]

The finish to the last game was clinical. Nicely done.

[@alexandershorse9021]

You’re a natural teacher, wonderful!

[@bw4593]

I love how Eric is playing 1300s but Is still genuinely excited about what opening they’re going to play so he can give us tips on how to play against them

[@nathansonic]

My son says - "hi Eric.this series has really helped me understand how to see tactics better and realise how it is possible to punish openings at intermediate levels.thanks alot!!!"

[@keremkocer941]

Love how your eyes light up every time you talk about a trap 😂

[@Jeppelelle]

I just want to give you a BIG thank you for this entire series, i have binge-watched them all the last few days. I have not played chess in over 20 years and even back then i only played once in a while, not even once a week but seeing this series really got me into chess again, it have been some rough matches trying to remember the openings, developments and identifying if my structures are solid or not, but atleast it is fun to play again even if i lose everytime ;)

[@omegaamigo]

At 8:41 Black could save material with Rd5 (counter-attacking bishop on g5). White still better, but it's not completely over.

[@christianaustin782]

Was looking to see if anyone else saw this haha

[@AC-sk7uv]

I'm so proud of myself for seeing this too!

[@kezzaguy]

Best series on the tube. Keep em coming Eric!

[@fortyofforty5257]

I've watched every one of your Speedrun videos. This one was particularly good, as you talk through your thought process. You spent a lot of time describing your middle game plans and why improving moves are important. Very good video, Eric.

[@stevepresswood2018]

Eric, I found your Speedrun series randomly (well, probably more by virtue of YT algorithms) at about episode 23. I watched a few, fell in love with the concept and restarted at the beginning. I'm now on this one, Episode 31. Love your instruction style. I think I might actually get better with some work and your help.

[@frankdavies1279]

Love u forever Eric. You always make my day.

[@Crabitat]

29:16 cxd5 followed by Qxc7 was something Black would need a good answer to

[@dankimmitt3861]

Taking Yasser's place as the Bob Ross of chess 🐐

[@HowToSandAFloor]

Hit like if you’ve watched every single episode of this speedrun 🤚🏼

[@yukari_katsuragi]

Eric: Coming in on a 100 game win streak Kramnik: Is very interesting, da?

[@5RustyBin]

one thing I take from your games is that you take a lot of time in the opening in particular - I am guilty of bashing out the early moves too fast and with not enough thought. Going to work on that.

[@justinarnold1981]

The more i watch this series, the more i realize how far I have to go. Damn you for making this look so easy.

[@jimmellen3304]

I continue to love this series. And even more so as it starts to approach my rating. I am going to try to play lots hoping I meet you in the next couple weeks!

[@vincentmiceli2554]

I do a few hundred tactic puzzles a day yet I fail to look for tactics in games. Aha, you showed me the error of my ways. Always first ask what is the purpose of my opponent’s move then defend then look for tactics. Thank you. I have become a better player by watching these games

[@nickvaleontis4657]

Total enjoying your speed runs Eric. Looking forward to watching the higher rate games!

[@gazinggoat5869]

Can you do a video on your blunder checklist? Like what goes through your head when you are checking for blunders

[@TheMornox]

I finally caught up with the playlist, learnt a lot along the way.

[@colegieseking5136]

3:30 Eric’s analysis of committing the King vs. committing the bishop is the most instructive moment of the speedrun so far.

[@ladnavar]

I liked that part too! very instructive ~

[@ashutoshagarwal8592]

I'd like to learn chess from you Eric. You are such a calm person.

[@arnoldlayne4593]

really enjoying this speedrun series eric, watched every episode- would love to see you play the jobava london, my new favourite opening- I did very well indeed earlier this evening at the local chess club

[@William1w1]

Ah man. At 29:23, I was really hoping your opponent would play cxd5 followed by Qxc7 to win one of your pawns so I could see how you'd extricate yourself from that situation. I suppose as the competition gets tougher, we'll eventually see you on the back foot. Looking forward to it!

[@R04drunner1]

Yes, I spotted that one too. Eric moving the knight back left the pawn on c7 unprotected. Potential also for White hitting the Bishop on b7. Would have been interesting to see!

[@davepierunc]

Great learning moment for me in the first game with Rd1, lining up with the queen.

[@zacharygrouwinkel1534]

“When life gives you free food, I think you just take it” Says the “oh no my … “ guy 😂

[@KreatorX1029]

I feel like I have at least started looking for "is there better?" since I started watching this speed run. And also not playing instinctively but taking the effort to calculate. And trying not to be a selfish player and taking opponents more seriously to understand their motives.

[@djgresearch]

I find the Speedruns fascinating and you're getting closer to my playing strength! My favourite vids are your commentaries to classical OTB tournament games though. Are there any on the horizon?

[@Thogstacker]

Love the speedrun. You’re in my range now so I’m getting a lot out of it.

[@334peter]

That last checkmate was awesome

[@jakecoleman4523]

how you avoided saying your first opponents name lol

[@MyBiPolarBearMax]

I literally saw it as “raffist” until you just said this lmao 😂

[@peterhawes9680]

At 8:33 Rd5 is a decent try for Black, covering a8 and attacking the g5 bishop. After c4, Black has f5 but Qf3 and the pinned rook is still attacked...

[@Wiipodicus]

i look forward to these banger episodes

[@ferlucey]

The "smile" key to win at chess - at first I've misread the title. 😅 Thank you Eric for the content 🙂

[@al87221]

So often i say ”thats what i wouldve moved dont play it though im 1200”

[@acxrn]

Hey Eric!

[@bikedoc59]

Thanks!

[@11WileyKyote]

i love u Eric

[@simontscharf9613]

Thought you were gonna alien gambit him

[@alexanserg]

Fun to feel vicariously good at chess. Not sure how much ive learned. He explains it well so im like "yeah, id do that too" but hes a 2400 player and i go back to getting my butt kicked with my 1000 elo. Although i have won a queen or two using one of his tactics

[@sranpkaimotep2879]

My favourite youtuber from CIV

[@Carl_Gooding]

So many forks at this level, amazing

[@Serizon_]

Nice vid

[@Kram_Farkel]

This is the most captivating chess series ever. Eric should make an AI version of himself and just do speedruns so we can watch this for at least an 8 hour marathon. Entertainment plus.

[@spindriftdrinker]

Back in the old days at least, It wasn't actually a Reti opening without the sequence 1.N-KB3 P-Q4 2. P-QB4. Maybe this transposed into a Reti, but merely opening with the King's knight didn't make it a Reti - in the old days, at least. Maybe things have changed.

[@elisenotes]

I realize that the elo scores are restored but do the opponents find out eventually that they were on the speedrun? Would be nice thing to do as it must be a thrill to play against an IM. BTW I did every one, must be the best chess course out there since its based on actual game examples. Thanks!

[@mannylokzzz]

More 1d4 jobava London, colle zukertort, pls??? Thanks for everything you do, love this series, love your channel

[@TymexComputing]

13:40 - "and white is offering B2 pawn" - I AM COMPLETELY SURE that it was not a mindfull offer :D he just wanted to capture your queen after exd

[@ryanlind5239]

There's something kinda painful about watching Eric play players at my rating level and seeing them move in 5 seconds and miss basic tactics when it feels like my opponents never do this 😂

[@andeolevain]

There is a saying along the lines of "everyone is 200 elo stronger as a spectator"

[@Rubrickety]

When I watch these, I'm like "What dunces these opponents are!". And then I remember they're 3-400 points higher rated than I am. 😁

[@rivetace]

It's so strange how it feels easier to spot stuff when just passively watching as opposed to being on the spot 😅

[@jetsyrup481]

Dodging the streak police for one more video

[@mimiaumeow]

kings indian attack featured, absolutely based

[@gerardduffy3406]

I was hoping for the alien gambit in the first game!

[@vharmi.]

7:41 "If f6 I can take on e6" I mean sure, it's a legal move. Unsure if I would play it though, for ...reasons...

[@drdevo9719]

I find myself playing a lot of rapid these days. Your account is nearly at my rating (1520ish) Would love to play oh no my Rosen. Oh no my rating

[@grantweep]

For the first game, Rd5 to save the fork on black rook and bishop?

[@eric-rosen]

oh nice catch... I didn't spot that in the moment, but it looks like white's still winning material after Rd5 c4

[@Bravo-oo9vd]

13:39 the opponent hung a piece on move 6, interesting

[@wales_org6297]

A life lesson to pay attention to - "When Life gives you free food, you just take it - just make sure it's not poisoned" 😂

[@Pedone_Rosso]

Open question about around 3'-4' into the video, general opening play question. How unsafe is my instinct to look for moves like 10.c4 or 10.h4 in this kind of position? (i.e. not committing to a castling side and to a ds-Bishop diagonal yet, while looking instead for central control or for preliminary steps into a future k-side attack/expansion) Thanks for your videos!

[@floris1912]

What are your concrete plans with c4 and h4?

[@Pedone_Rosso]

@@floris1912 As I wrote in my 1st message: "for central control" (10.c4) "or for preliminary steps into a future k-side attack/expansion" (10.h4). It's opening play, I don't have "concrete plans" yet (i.e. sequences of moves).

[@floris1912]

@@Pedone_Rosso But do you want to push to h5 after pushing h4? What is that pawn going to do? I do like pushing my h pawn in the opening but in this case I do not see any clear targets or reason to do so. That is why I asked you and also think why it is not an useful move in that position.

[@ethansmusic9898]

Yeah c4 and h4 don't make concrete threats or help develop your minor pieces. Really at this stage of the opening you should just castle and develop the stuff. As you saw in the game, all the tactics took place in the center. Sort of why development is the biggest principle in the opening

[@millms74]

Eric: "Hmm.. I'm considering either this, this, this or this.." Me: I was seeing 'that' - Ah.. so that's why I'm low-rated then..

[@nicksdrumsticks]

0:44 What's the mistake with bf5 in the caro-kann, two knights attack? Engine gives near even.

[@howlingwolf317]

Kind of hilarious that your opponents are never letting you play a normal Caro Kahn. I really want to see you play it but they keep doing weird stuff and making you diverge into a better line.

[@Desperoro]

I mix Eric's videos with Hikarus. It like DJing

[@nowakows]

In the final game, couldn't black have played Be4, just before Nd2, getting the queen and rook on the diagonal?

[@nicomolina]

why my 1300 opponents don't blunder like that😭

[@AbdusSalam-jd3ku]

Cause we do bro , we dnt find the best way to reply 😅

[@Infyllic]

I think I'll gopher this

[@Grannyknockers]

If you give a 1300 a chance to take a poison pawn, they will snatch it off the board 100 times out of 100.

[@avaescaner]

Maybe in the second game, with Ne5, Nikkyiv wanted to induce f6 to play 3. Qh5+ g6 4. Nxg6 to get the pawn and hopefully the rook?

[@johnboyd2130]

What time of day do you normally play these speedruns?

[@donaldcreech7782]

It seems this rating level is still blundering basic tactics left and right. I was stuck at 1400 for 1.5 years and as soon as I started consistently studying mate in 2 puzzles and really training my visualization, my rating went up to 1550.

[@kartman4114]

Can you play a French defense game please

[@MJ-mi9qc]

Anyone notice how the last opponent lost 24 rating points? Maybe opponent made a new account to climb and is actually stronger.

[@aarondcmedia9585]

In before Vladimir Kramnik analyses your game winning streak!

[@JiveDadson]

"The question is what to do next." - Eric Rosen, 2024

[@Thogstacker]

Makes you wonder why everyone still loves caro kahn. It seems it’s loaded with fragile positions

[@paultharp4626]

3rd opponent played well

[@andeolevain]

They lost 24 points for this game (no worries, they'll be refunded). That's more than the usual, which means it's a recent account. Probably a stronger player whose rating didn't have time to catch up to their real level yet.

[@coloradodafronteira]

I feel we missed an important comment on last oponent's profile picture

[@fishlobs]

Hey Eric do any of your opponents ever get upset about playing against you without knowing they were laying a IM? ggs

[@DaviniaHill]

don't let Kramnik see that streak

[@kumagoro]

Kramnik is watching you😂

[@WisdomThroughGod]

Yeahhhh

[@BottleOfCoke]

It hope I'll be paired against you when you pass 1550~ 🎲

[@user-bb2zo9wj1w]

8:43 Couldn´t he play rook d5 attacking your bishop and defending his rook?

[@amorty456]

I'm so surprised you haven't encountered a cheater thus far!

[@DanielWalvin]

"The Simple Key to Win At Chess" Play opponents with much lower ratings than your (true) rating!

[@mrjohnadams620]

No alien gambit in game 1 :(

[@aeraor]

I’m early for the first time

[@User-hx1sb]

please play the italian game

[@AbdusSalam-jd3ku]

3rd game , 36.08 time stamp. What's wrong with a5? What is the best reply to a5?

[@rakhatthenut3815]

Nothing wrong with this move. Best reply is probably rc4

[@royplayer]

What a bunch of fishes lol. Great video.

[@michigan53105]

Tik tok trap? Tik tok is the trap