This pawn structure will boost your Caro-Kann win rate

[@AlexBanzea]

You can now...check out my Caro course! www.chessable.com/the-caro-kann-simplified/course/171080/

[@JacobBrumm]

Ive gone from 1150-1350 in the past 7 days because ive used caro kann and been going through your playlist. You are best chess youtuber on god

[@toothlesstoe]

I've been playing for many months and can't make it to 1000

[@someguyontheinternet7628]

@@toothlesstoe you'll have a breakthrough just keep at it. You must be making fundamental errors in the first 5-10 moves that need cleaned up. If you just play correctly for 5-10 moves you'll be past 1,000 easily. It'll happen.

[@joshuamodiba853]

I jus made 1100 but I knw I can take yu😏

[@ahmadalyassin7405]

I've went to 1430

[@handsome_man69]

He is god

[@majanielsen2480]

I'd love it if you could go over what makes an effective pawn break and how/ when to do it. Great video as per usual!

[@ThisIsTBChannel]

When the caro course will be out on Chessable? Can’t wait

[@GiveMePropps]

Rumor has it next month🎉

[@fminc]

I have bookmarked this to study properly. I was waiting for your upload on this. Thanks for your work Alex.

[@harryoscar588]

Dude just wanted to say your videos are amazing. Love the format and your sense of humour.

[@lindseymckirdy1830]

I have been watching your content for a few weeks and decided to start using the Caro-Kann. I would say I’m a relative beginner so theory is challenging but you process of playing simply and using ‘natural squares’ works more often than not it places me in a winning position - whether I convert it is another matter but I’m working on it! I’d say I have increased my rating in blitz and rapid by a couple of hundred points in a couple of weeks. Your content is excellent and makes me chuckle especially the bit about being a genius to lose the end game…(me)

[@kylezo]

"this guy must have downloaded his chess tutorials from Brazzers" LMAOOO WHAT BRO WHAT DID YOU SAY

[@Jacobjnewman]

Went from 550 to 900 just by playing the London with white and caro - Kann with black using the information and set Ups / tactics in your videos. Hopefully 1000 soon!!!

[@shlomolaufer]

Thanks a lot Alex. your videos are great.!!!!!!!

[@earntheweekend3731]

Wonder what percentage of us viewers have terrible anxiety when the 20 second warning sound goes off and Alex is still casually making jokes ha ha I know I do 😂

[@thenathanrox]

People demolish me in bullet when I play caro but In blitz and rapid it works wonders. I guess it’s kind of a slow build up due to the delayed king side development

[@ruslanbedoev9264]

Love your comments when you are surprised 👍😁

[@peterthegreat996]

Those pawns on h3 and a3 can be called the - dog ears

[@a1-h8]

" ... he plays h3 thinking that he is some kind of hundred IQ genius" Nice one Alex

[@872587]

Crazy rook is such a funny idea!

[@roylowry4798]

I love your content!!!!!

[@Destiny-hm3fy]

24:40 😂😂😂

[@shaniapaige4846]

Ha! The hoodie character is hilarious "i unsubscribe"

[@davidbatchelder85]

Just ordered your chessable course, I am very disappointed in the aspect of effort it takes, still can not view it, just get the run around on the site. I thought it would be smooth. Not very. NOW, they only wk during the wk. No support staff 24 7 It is no clear on how to view. This is a joke.

[@DavidfromMichigan]

Lol.. the beginning.

[@handsome_man69]

Handsome man

[@kylezo]

Alex: {spends 4:55 on 3rd move of theory} Opponent: {spends 35 seconds on really complex middlegame trap} Alex: i should report for stalling

[@kingkillah101]

that's why he's a boss!

[@zakopower88]

No, it doesn't mean he's the boss; it means he's a jerk if "he can," while someone else is reported right away.

[@kingkillah101]

@@zakopower88 interesting. Well, I suppose these are the chances we take when we agree to a timed on-line chess game where have NO idea who the opponent really is -- human or no!

[@antearaya2408]

Two days in a row?! Im telling you guys, Alex is a machine!!

[@taylorbrown2996]

Alex: spends 5 mins of all his time explaining moves Also Alex after opponent takes 1 min to think of a move: Hmmm let me report for stalling real quick

[@Sunyatasattva]

I have been following your videos for a while, so I'm a fan. But I have two pieces of constructive feedback: 1. It's not the first time I've seen you report for stalling someone who is genuinely just thinking about their next move. Considering that many times you take a lot of time in the early game chatting about the first moves (which is sorta annoying for the opponent to wait for), I think it's a bit unfair to report people for thinking a bit later on in the game. 2. I think these videos could perhaps benefit from a longer time control. I love your chat, jokes and banter, but many times, 80% of the game time goes away during the opening, and then you're left with like 20s for the rest of the game. And while I don't panic for you anymore as I know you're going to be able to convert, I still think the moves become less instructive because you are playing them so fast and without explanation. And mid-late game is often where I get lost the most in finding good moves and good reasoning. Anyways, still a fan of your content!

[@renobgm]

I asked students in my group the last thing they learned that totally changed their game, and one said this structure exactly. You have good timing

[@kaidoChess]

0:23 only people saying this are triple digits 😅😅😅

[@kebichlact6677]

could you play more competitive games? Didn’t get to see a lot of the concepts of these structures.

[@evaneugenescott]

Another video, love it. You have to cover the line where black sacs on F7 and best response from black.

[@evaneugenescott]

Excuse me where white sacs on f7

[@cameronmckenna6939]

I only play 1 game a day but I won 10 in a row. At 1060 now. I meant to say because of your teaching

[@john-ze7eu]

Everything you said is how i feel when i play white London and my opponents play chigorin or bring their queen out to attack b2.. Just messes me up. I find playing caro much easier

[@matthewwyjad]

I had a game yesterday where i ended up alone against a king and queen. My opponent backed me into a corner and then paused for a long think... then messaged me.... "how do i win this?... hard position" fortunately, they found the queen mate while i was writing the move down... but yes people in the 1000 range often don't know how to mate with a king and queen.

[@janneoksala6495]

I appriciate the content. I really like the minimal black backround better. Your game and the explaining of your thinking process is really great. In my opinion you don’t need the gimmicks.

[@rolo2415]

I'm getting so many inches this week.

[@SevenTheJester]

Here's the thing: if you're playing the Caro-Kann and your opponent doesn't know the theory, that's a *good* thing. If your opponent plays random, non-theory moves, you should win every game. If you're losing to people who don't know the theory, that simply means that *you* don't understand the theory, either, and you need to study it some more. The theory tells you how to win against people playing the best moves, so it should be easy to convert into a win if they're playing bad moves. If you can't win those games, don't blame the opening or the theory; you simply need to work on playing those winning positions better.

[@saketchaturvedi7824]

@AlexBanzea Alex dude, I started watching your video and stopped watching GothamChess cause you were more to the point type of guy. Now, I don't know why you shifted your presentation style; I don't like it but I get it. Maybe in order to get more views or subscribers you started that as nowadays it's all about money, but mate I miss your old style. And please Alex, start playing 10 or 15 minutes games where time pressure isn't that significant as we can clearly see even if you have 20-30 secs on clock, these guys are no match for you; please step up the competition. Thanks anyways, your videos are very impressive. Liked old you better but still

[@johnkarjalainen8003]

French Defense is not a bad opening for Black! Having French Defense as a background knowledge in your chess mind enhances the understanding of many of the Caro-Kann positions!

[@kingkillah101]

IM Banzea during a blitz clock: cracking jokes and waxing philosophical about why D4 loses, goes on to win. ME during a blitz clock: panic, sweat and then flag. I don't get it. This guy literally bends time itself.

[@digikaininja5]

Alex......the bg is a huge distraction.....just showcase the game splease.....its too jarring...also do a caro climb please from lowest elo to top rated.....but actually play the game and dont analyase and pause every move....keep it flowing

[@pipedreambomb]

Are you constantly saying "motive" or "motif"? I think you're saying motif, but that's pronounced like it rhymes with beef ("moh-teef") as it's from French.

[@loubest37]

Pawns on h3 and a3 (or h6 and a6), especially in the opening, are called "little horns" in Russian, or so I've read.

[@tobiasfuchslin511]

love the content. the jokes about "talking to girls/girlfriends" make it seem like Alex thinks no women are watching his videos. easy to fix!

[@frenzii8332]

Man at the beginning you show variations for under 1500 yet noone plays those they generally bring queen out or advance another pawn in most of my experiences

[@arthurwieczorek4894]

"After you are developed start looking for pawn breaks." Especially on the side opposite your king.

[@coconutchess69]

Can I play caro-kaan no matter what white is opening with or should I avoid caro-kaan for some white openings?

[@stevenfreshy1211]

Eifle tower in backround and not playing the french smh

[@462rob]

"Tae Kwon Do Bishops" is a movie that is begging....BEGGING to be made...

[@MansterBear]

That stalling tip helps. Had someone do that the other day and had to sit there for like 4 min just waiting

[@furanic8935]

When the white bishop takes the pinned knight on C6, when are you supposed to take with Queen and when with the pawn? In post analysis I tend to take with the wrong piece.

[@lgaynor1]

Yet another brilliant video Alex. Love the crazy rook trick. You make playing chess so much more fun. Thanks and keep the videos coming!

[@fredgandolfi2356]

Hilarious how the commentary goes on matter of factly while he's risking to lose on time.

[@invisiblelathatatlan]

Kc3? What about the Vienna?😉 😅👍 This is a very good channel. I might start watching your (J)London videos as well. Vienna and Caro-Kann are really useful.👏🙋🏻‍♀️♟️

[@PuddleLake1]

I’ve been watching your caro kann videos for a while now and floating around 1400 blitz and suddenly climbed up to 1700, 100% because of these videos

[@declanglynn6045]

I am from Caspiar, an Island in the Caspian Sea. It sunk. Great content!

[@jongler9775]

Double my Caro Kann win rate, you say ? Where do I sign up ?!

[@matthewwyjad]

Soo... what can women expect to gain from subscribing?

[@MrGuitarman8000]

Don't say G dam please. Your content is awesome your personality too

[@ianmcdonald8524]

At the end of the second game you might've had en passant mate with the f7 pawn?

[@G4zzzzz]

Great lessons..Still working on my speed though.

[@ErichStaufferVlog]

Came for the chess. Stayed for the philosophy on life.

[@chrisl3193]

I think Alex only makes these videos to shame us for being single

[@Nostalgiator]

thank you ma man

[@krul1138]

hello can you do a vid on what if they didn’t take the pawn in d5? thankyouu

[@pimverkerk1]

Yes! Let's double my 0% win-rate...

[@stefanoantognoli9883]

I took all thei pieces made so many queens I stealmated 😂👍

[@shawnmathis3843]

I feel like I see more fantasy and advanced as I progress. Creeping closer to 1k day by day. And the occasional hillbilly attack. 😂

[@shawnmathis3843]

My black win rate has improved so much bc your videos and honestly I’m at this stage where I’m actually more excited to play black. I think I’m getting a little burnt out on the jobava London. 😅 everyone seems to play it pretty safe, so gonna start trying out the Vienna. Just need to study up some.

[@a1-h8]

So excited to boost my Caro-Kann win rate to 20%

[@davidhibschman2390]

Really enjoy your delivery and cadence and mannerisms .2 thumbs up

[@jamesleach9444]

I think the H & A pawns are called bunny ears?

[@itsaboutdance898]

We want Queen's gambit speedrun 🔥✊🏽

[@ramgaire2270]

plzmake ur sound more louder vant hear properly.

[@rianweston-dodds6247]

You should talk to that random girl that you like 😂

[@cookiemonster-nk3xb]

Alex will beat the crap out of all of you!

[@The7up]

«You watch this channel too much instead of doing puzzles» is pure facts 😂😂😂

[@PapaB4947]

When is your Caro course coming out?????? I check everyday for it. Lol Also, we need a Vienna course as well. All your videos are golden. Thoroughly enjoy your thought process through out your videos. Really helps to understand concepts better. Thank you!!! ( I'm going to copy and paste this comment to all your videos until your course gets released. Hahaha)

[@brianjackson6167]

Thanks!

[@AlexBanzea]

Jesus, thank you!

[@davidoj4326]

Alex who was that weirdo in 0:27 😭😭😭

[@inconsteveable91]

I've watched probably 40 videos. and you getting the time down to ~1 min before u are out of the opening always stresses me out. IK u got it under control but i cant help but fee like I PERSONALLY am playing and in time trouble. Thanks for your videos.

[@BMWE-hm7uz]

Pretty sure you can get into the same positions from the petroff. A move longer to reach the same position in the Caro Exchange variation. I've always said opening theory is fun, but learning pawn structures practically is a lot lot lot better. An opening is essnetially to get a particular structure

[@robertisuto7469]

Within a week, I’ve watched 10 hours of your content

[@walterbrownstone8017]

Good queen trade offer in game 2.

[@lukeowens3999]

Alex Banzea is a fucking legend. Watched almost all of his vids and about to sign up for the courses as well. His humor in these chess videos also makes for a much more enjoyable experience. His roast on trolls talking shit about the background was hilarious. “Screw this”😂

[@Nightwalk444]

Caro-god himself

[@skimbleshanksify]

Dude I love how dry your humour is

[@ChristianSoschner]

As usual excellent content

[@asztapaszta9]

I wonder what Alex's opponents are thinking? The opponent takes forever on all moves then when he gets down to 9 seconds he gives you a trashing. lol

[@ProdYoshi101]

I absolutly love how he says every chance he gets "you suck because you suck" nothing else. And yes thats true, very true.

[@jefftinney3131]

Karo Kan has been good to me. What's better is Alex reaction to opponents moves. No stress helps make the right move and avoid a blunder. How about a little theory, like protecting you pieces?

[@pixelatedparcel]

Guess that makes me a cactus...

[@luukhoogma905]

Hahahah alex is too funny

[@siddharthjain2799]

Great content. But plz play higher rated opponents to see better execution of the basic ideas u teach. TIA

[@CyVinci]

What is your opinion on the Catalan opening? I’ve noticed that you haven’t uploaded any videos on it

[@watchdominion00]

Thank you so much for all these amazing videos 🙏 I too would really appreciate a video specifically on studying good pawn break strategy

[@chew2178]

“The taekwondo” 😂

[@jtekholm]

5:00 hahahaha

[@alvarosimon6373]

Thank you for your videos. Gained an extra hundred rating points within a week watching you.

[@sirkann3810]

I don't know why I found "your opponent drank water from the dog" so funny. Gonna use that one

[@kevienarizky7628]

I've been using kid/kia, london, and caro watching your playlist videos. Next, I'll push my rank using jobava and vienna. Vienna is a bit tricky, too many unknown lines. Thank you Alex for your daily booster for us amateurs. So funny and instructive

[@Chris.M]

It's so helpful! 🎉❤😊 You are freaking hilarious. 😂