The simplified Caro-Kann is virtually unstoppable

[@AlexBanzea]

Waitlist for my upcoming Jobava course: alexbanzea.com

[@kpay10]

i'M 800 RATING, can I still buy your course?

[@DrasticSkuba]

Concerning game 2: I think assuming someone is cheating because they know the first 4 moves of an opening is a bit unfair. Since the game has become more popular online, the standard of play at lower levels (at least in the opening) isn't as poor as it was a few years ago. I'm 300 rating points lower than your opponent and knew immediately that f4 was the move to play. What separates me from a higher rated opponent is knowing WHY that is the move. I, and people my level, don't know how to capitalise on deviations from the book because we don't understand the nuances of the position. Your opponent proved that by making basic and fundamental mistakes later on. Learning the first 5 moves of an opening is easy, understanding them is the challenge

[@gregowy_chess]

Agree, I am around 1800 rated and didn't know this line. I guess f4 is quite natural for a random beginner : it may just play it with the simple idea of protecting the pawn on e5 + with the feeling of "advancing more pawns" simply.

[@alext5497]

The standard of play is magnitudes lower than it was 20 years ago.

[@giant05]

Plus his opponent did have like 4000 games which can explain why he knows some lines

[@elc3776]

@@alext5497lol. Where’d you pull that “fact” from?

[@sweetchiliyeet]

@@alext5497source: I made it the fuck up

[@AleksiBennettGuitar]

I had 100% loss rate trying to learn the Caro-Kann. This video has gotten me a few wins now, even though I'm definitely still making blunders. Thank you!

[@bakuretsu9187]

How are you doing now?

[@AleksiBennettGuitar]

@bakuretsu9187 Taken from my aimchess report: "Caro-Kann Defense (e4 c6) This is a strong opening for you. You tend to have a solid advantage heading into the middlegame (1.7 points), which you are able to convert into an above-average winning percentage." It's one of my favourite openings. I could do with more middle game ideas in all my openings though - I'm still learning.

[@bakuretsu9187]

@AleksiBennettGuitar Great, what is your elo? Might be interesting to play each other some time :)

[@idocare6538]

What is your gaming name? I want to see Caro-Kann master skills.

[@GuusBronkhorst]

The Caro got me from 800 to 1000+. However, still looking for a good easy beginner opening with white

[@JD-ow6sc]

I just came across your videos randomly for the first time and I am super happy I did! Not only are you a great coach but there's something about your demeanor that I truly enjoy. And the one thing that I absolutely appreciate about your coaching is that you don't go off on crazy tangents about all the dozens of different variation possibilities with every single move, which for someone like myself whom is average at best it can become really overwhelming to take in. So thank you for playing down and keeping it simple!

[@digikaininja5]

perfectly said.........thank u for speaking my thoughts

[@AbhishekKumar-lp5rc]

He is like Ronaldo's young brother. Thats Portugese accent

[@user-rs1fv2dl6p]

Yes! Thats the worst when 3/4s of the video is on the moves that weren't played.

[@MrJeffjonesy]

In game 2, f4 is the 3rd most commonly played move. It is wild to me that you immediately jumped to thinking he was cheating.

[@gauthierthomas4171]

i agree he was just defending his pawn

[@joaoruxa]

yup as 1100 elo player f4 was also my first thought, also wild calling people cheaters when he is smurfing lmao

[@mikeoxlong7268]

@@joaoruxawhat’s smurfing

[@ahuman32478]

@@mikeoxlong7268It’s when a super pro player acts like a noob or plays on a low rated account so that they can play and destroy noobs

[@virajdeshpande3701]

​@@joaoruxa Not smurfing

[@bgrowsmars3918]

You are slowly moving up the ladder for me.... I truly enjoy your caro videos

[@antonibz]

I'm just starting in chess and I'm in love with this opening. I want to specialize in it and Alex has encouraged me a lot with his videos. Thank you!

[@RealWorldMaverick]

3 months later. I hope you have continued to develop your skills! Have you stuck with this opening or have you found another you have been enjoying?

[@antonibz]

At the moment I have been unable to play for two months due to work, but in the weeks following my comment I kept using the opening and it was getting better and better... when I resume chess in the fall I will continue with the caro-kann, I think it's a great opening and yeah, I will stuck with it.@@RealWorldMaverick

[@ad_cfc]

Before learning Caro-Kann, my win % with black was only about 38%, while with white it was about 55%, now after leaning Caro it has increased to 44% for black, and my chess has improved in general , my win % with white also increased to 60%

[@watchdominion00]

Thanks for the longer video, this content helps me so much 🙏

[@Trsyup]

chess speaks for itself

[@steveshepyepyep]

Chess is fair

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

Trsyup... get lost you are boring!

[@ramongalvez3053]

Lol

[@usibistro]

*leaves like a boss*

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Cheese speaks for itself

[@nightmaresnightly]

Your Caro Kann and London systems have been absolutely inredibly helpful my friend. Thank you so much for these videos!

[@johngrimsley8848]

I enjoy your enthusiasm and joy for chess. You make watching/playing chess more fun and greatly appreciate the content/tutorial!

[@ronaldepsom8291]

You can read my mind, i guess.

[@kylebenyamin5948]

Lmaoooo 17:28 has me dying…. Comparing a blunder to a guy sending a girl a d*** pic on the internet was a spot on analogy. 😂😂

[@joshbraaksma7455]

"this guy is fighting for his life". Sounds like count Dracula 🦇

[@bhev5376]

“We all suck in the game of chess”. We are all in this together 😂

[@QuickPlayShowcase]

The Qe2 mpve is a trappy line that eric rosen recommends against Caro-Kann

[@PEBBLETHEREBEL1985]

no one decent level falls for it though, noob trick, maybe bullet

[@Frodo.Baggins]

He doesn't, he only recommends it in the two knights variation not classical.

[@stark_syndrome7857]

Why don’t you play people that are actually at your elo. What is this

[@scabbyburns334]

@@stark_syndrome7857 a speed run. It's helpful for him as well he's a teacher so it helps his videos as he comes up against new theory ie what moves beginners make.

[@flqff7067]

@@stark_syndrome7857they get there Elo back lol

[@onnoquinten2944]

f4 is not a suspicious move... nor is any logical move. If it looks weird, but IS the top move, then it's suspicious. Also if they play perfect moves consistently.

[@bryanblaine1798]

Watched video. Immediately played. First game fantasy variation, 6 move resignation. Second game - put knight on e4 outpost with support from f and d pawns. This well-placed knight was so frustrating my opponent sacked their rook for this piece. I took with the f pawn opening the f file for my rook, a 2nd resignation soon followed. Thank you.

[@justinacevedo4353]

I’ve been playing the Caro for about 2 years now and it’s definitely become my favorite opening to play.

[@Yu2uf.]

@@alfa-psi lmao

[@motoporn9055]

White, London is my favorite

[@asztapaszta9]

Yessss, the ROCK SOLID CaroKann! I love these videos, thanks for sharing!

[@josebatxu32]

"It's just like a guy who sees a girl on the internet and for the very first message he sends a dick pic" perfect explanation

[@regnara3753]

so is that wrong?

[@d.s.8733]

@ 16:38 the queen covers for the knight, while you're shocked, it's a very normal move for the unlearned because all we're thinking about is staying even and not positionally as we have no idea what that means:)

[@CarlWGriffin]

Hey @alexbanzea, I got my first Tartakower checkmate using your Queen, black bishop setup. I own both your London and Caro-Kann courses, and i'm following your guidance in approach for low rated players. Enjoying your chessable courses which really go nicely along with your youtube videos. Very good value and fun to work with.

[@jeffwynn3719]

I really enjoy your videos. And I am working to improve with you Chessable London courses. The added video is very informative and helps to explain the thought processes. Can’t wait until the Caro course finally drops.

[@saapman]

Great video! Good job. Better than a lot of other chess videos online. :D

[@oliconran2258]

I'm sure your game 2 opponent wouldn't appreciate being called a cheater.

[@ibrahimalizaini9411]

Hello, Alex when you are going to publish your Caro-Kann course in Chessable? Can't wait for it

[@sammydavis5628]

I see quite a lot of F4 in advance games. I wouldn't think it's overly suspicious.

[@crust_no_tuna]

God forbid someone plays one decent move. This guy is soo quick to call someone a cheater.

[@geoffmurphy1631]

So glad I found you! My game has reached a plateau over the last 10 years.

[@jeremymenage1566]

13.55 : "This is like.. you get yourself a Lamborghini but you don't have a driving licence". Priceless!

[@alexmckinley79]

I'm really glad that in the last game you realised that your mating plan wouldn't have actually worked. I ponder plans and worry that it won't work, so I don't try them sometimes, but you just going for your plan even though the post mortem analysis said it was bad, gives me confidence to just try anyway. Thanks, that was a great video. I'm sure I'll gain 69 Elo, and 5mm of penis growth.

[@asynced15]

wake up to reality... you will always have 1 inch size 😭😭

[@kevinmorris4517]

I'm not sure if after watching these videos I play better or the opponents play weaker: but either way, good things happen for me on the chess board! Thanks for taking the time to create these instructional videos.

[@anidea8012]

but why it shows 2 blunders and 4 mistakes in first match ?

[@reyanshop1199]

*Kings Indian attack* allow me to introduce myself 😂😂

[@davidstar2362]

this move is the equivalent to sending a Dic pix...Classic!!

[@richardfredlund8846]

Actually the only opening I've really managed to learn is Caro. I played against computer many many times, taking it's moves and repeating. In the end arriving at a drawing line as black with the Caro. Which was a couple of years ago, and now I can't say I remember much, but kind of have a good educated guess in most positions having played a lot of speed chess with it. I play c5 against the advance and really do quite well in that line. 67% win rate (for black). Basically with Caro if you don't mess up it holds against almost anyone and very often once you finally get developed you're usually the one with the initiative.

[@glaucoa.9214]

The best thing I did was buying your course, thank you very much! I saw a random video of yours about traps in the London System, I liked it and I took a look at the course, it was the best purchase I made on chessable. Thank you bro!

[@DrasticSkuba]

The most common response I encounter when I play 1. e4 c6 is white playing 2. Nf3. I know that continuing the Caro as normal with 2. d5 is the best response, but it definitely poses a challenge for me at my level on how to best take advantage of the position afterwards

[@TLOU_RareRealisticViciousPlay.]

Pin the knight to the queen if they defend with the bishop take the knight after bishop takes take the pawn on d4 with your knight but make sure to defend it with queen b6. I had the exact same problem but it’s actually a really good position once you know how to trick your opponent I’ve had games where they blunder there queen because I’ve made a trap for them if they take my knight Edit: Pin the knight with bishop to g4 if they defend against it take the knight

[@TLOU_RareRealisticViciousPlay.]

You can even defend the knight with the knight if you manage to move it to e7 and then f5

[@TLOU_RareRealisticViciousPlay.]

More options than you would think spent hours looking for ways to defend and attack against this exact problem

[@janjet169]

Why is f4 a suspicious move^^ I mean it’s one of the only moves to protect the threatened e pawn ^^

[@tellahsage6477]

It isn't. This guy just saw his "low-rated" opponent make a natural move that happens to be theory and then went batshit. It's arrogance.

[@LumocolorARTnr1319]

38:09 You could force a trade off his queen for your rook there by moving G6 pawn. After the trade he is losing very soon.

[@serrasalmus111]

As always, thank you.

[@m42orion12]

Alex....Need that course,sounds amazing...

[@marcelplch8725]

Androsop: *plays a move Levy from gothamchess mentions in almost every caro video* Alex: *squeek* I think this guy may be a cheater.

[@Allyourneedsmet]

🤣"Losing like a real man", that was cold

[@kaidoChess]

Yes brother

[@freekynft2898]

Hello, new player here, I have one question. At 42:20 would it be stronger to do QA1 check, followed by QxA2 check and if king goes back to file 1 you have another QA1 check combined with a fork on C3 pawn. If king goes in file 3 queen can move to C4 to protect the knight. I'm only 400 so I'm probably missing something here, would appreciate any answers

[@jimbothesailor4217]

Only just found this channel. Great way to spend an hour and I really like your style of presentation. Great smile, too!

[@20jurinho]

38:12, Alex, is it possible to trap his queen by pushing the pawn on g5? he has to take with the queen, than rook to g6. i might be wrong, idk if there are any tricks for white.

[@nudgemepapi2804]

yeah g5 traps the queen im surprised he didnt see it

[@scabbyburns334]

Please do a caro kahn course om chessable! I love your London one!

[@theNfl_Esq]

Just started. Went from 400 to 200 and back to 450ish rn. They seem to bring out the Q early and often so I can’t say for sure but usually E4, QF or E4 xF3 seems to be the most common for me.

[@dariusjurgea2545]

Just pulled off the fantasy variation on my friend😂 Thanks!

[@ariklumbatis4492]

“Get yourself a Lamborghini but don’t have a drivers license”😂😂

[@RedHatcc]

Ne8 to defend g7 has never crossed my mind in 3 years. Wow.

[@moseskhaemba8094]

The first player was bullied though is much underrated.

[@josebatxu32]

40:20 My dad always says "When in doubt, check"

[@Julian.u7]

After Qe3 you do Qe5. He has to take black’s Queen with white’s one. After that NxQ g2xB and Nxf3 with check capturing the Bishop after the king’s move

[@TheMarkSpurs]

Game 2 hahaha... "Oh Boy..." So good @Alex!

[@carolingrimaldi]

46:50 You did not mention: don't take the pawn : avoid stalemate.

[@MuralidharAreti]

34:50 “You still suck!” My kinda guy!

[@tomtoss2463]

Qe2 is for a smothered mate. If you play QN-Q2 then Nd6 checkmate.

[@ymeraliu7723]

Very good , very simle an very sweet. I like your style of teaching.

[@gouravchouhan1790]

47:25 making a knight would be cooler mate❤

[@swilliams140]

I love your relaxed confidence in your moves. It's my goal.

[@BugsWisely]

I wish you the best sir. Right on time.

[@griffin8225]

You’re a phenomenal teacher my friend

[@HowardEliteBasketball]

4:20 if you move queen to b4 game over check mate!!! 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️ am I missing something. You move bishop instead

[@AlexBanzea]

He can block in like 4 different ways!

[@HowardEliteBasketball]

Ok thanks 🙏🏾

[@mrPuuuuurple]

I literally watched 4 mins and 2 secs of this video and started crushing my opponents. Lol

[@sliceserve234]

...Bxf2+, Kd2. "Taking his King out for a walk, we definitely want to talk to him." hahaha

[@Pieter_Holland]

Love these videos, they help my chess a lot!!

[@mathias6185]

At 57:57, would Queen to d2 have been good? It looked promising to me, but I'm only 1500 rapid (I don't play blitz).

[@LumocolorARTnr1319]

I think it's a very good move!

[@ReissBXNG]

By far the funniest chess youtuber

[@jongler9775]

Alex Banzea is the man.

[@mikhails5483]

Great video. Although I find it unfair to Androslop that you accused him of being a cheater multiple times throughout your game with him.

[@hypercubemaster2729]

Agreed. That irritated me as well.

[@tdleach]

Excellent presentaion! Thanks!

[@janjet169]

Game 5 you had some nice tactic which u missed. Also missed to cover in the analysis. Since u pinned his knight it was a free pawn in the opening. And then when he had his queen on g3 and bishop on f4 (after he played knight d2) you had the beautiful line knight h5 hitting the bishop and queen. His best response is queen e3 or g4, either way u take on f4 with knight he takes back with his queen and u play bishop g5 lining up the attack on his queen and knight and giving him no possibility to defend this knight while saving his queen. Only saw it by reconstructing your game ^^

[@dopagony9946]

theres a whole channel about 1 opening, ran by a young GRU - fascinating.

[@nicohermans1029]

i dont know where you get your comparisons, but im actually lmao here! love the content!

[@stormshadow626]

Good analysis. Has me thinking of possibilities when learning this line/theory. Thanks!

[@strykah41]

Great caro-kann concepts highlights!

[@nudgemepapi2804]

38:12 g5 trapped queen lmao what

[@maikoui]

amazing video, this is addictive ;p thanks for the valuable queen endgame and the Caro-Kann moves. Will check your chessable too. Feels good you are Romanian too :)

[@marcossandoval7048]

Just lost two games in a row, back to mid 900s. Got too cute on my last game. I need your guidance Alex.

[@OCMeditationGroup]

All of us Scandi Gambit players are turning into jealous girlfriends over your love of Caro! LOL. Please give some love back to your incredible Scandi Gambit course.

[@KevinBryden1]

I bought your Chessable course. I'm really enjoying the extra inches. Soon I'm going to have to start folding it in half. Each day I'm getting closer to being able to lick my eyebrows too. Really great stuff. Love your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@AlexBanzea]

we are all in this together mate!

[@MM-tt3np]

4:55 8...Bg4 gives -1.3 but 8...g5!! is -2.5 according to Stockfish so 8...Bg4 that was a small blunder. You just challenge whites black bishop like crazy in a series of moves and soon it ends up -4.0 for black. If I'm not mistaken ;) But it said "simplified Caro-Kann" so I'll give you that :) Great video after all!

[@uthoshantm]

"We all suck in this game of Chess". Yep, let's stay humble and give respect.

[@mathr1x]

The ending of Game 5, I expect the knight checkmate with allowing opponent to promote 🥺

[@RonnyPettersen]

Thanks pal, this has really helped me, before I got baked,not to just use it,but nice to know how the best defense is! 🤗🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@PastorShabow]

“No you still suck… We all suck compared to Magnus!” 😂😂😂

[@mkmasterthreesixfive]

"Play the caro, shoot up in elo!" -200 elo points later with a 2-12 W/L later...

[@grad83]

38:18 Spectacol.............wowowowowo

[@miloguichard9179]

Of course he brings up food when making a chess video 😂 love everything about Italian people ❤😂

[@mydogniko]

Kind of weird being suspicious of someone cheating when theyre rated 1300 after playing almost 4500 games and average 70 accuracy.

[@Ionnico9891]

Rlly nice content Alexi 👀

[@johnedward71]

I like it. A white and black pawn cube.

[@rsgomlftw]

loved the way u phrased that at 6:20. I have to get better at accepting that I'm not gonna be able to get a brilliant win sometimes

[@mattluck2826]

17:05 telling us to wake up made me laugh

[@evil_dodo9830]

4:35, why no Qxb2

[@baydrixnewzealandwarrobotf2681]

Watched the first game we nearly got a fantasy.. few pro moves and tips and finished off with a smooth tricky royal fork into a resignation! Great.. now to game 2

[@marktowne]

Wonderful teacher personality. Thoroughly enjoyed the lessons. First contact with you.