Top 5 Pawn Structures You Should Know

[@Samsunaattori]

11:50 My man really just referenced an opening he named after himself in a lesson just as if he was casually talking about some well known opening line

[@xgallomx]

That's how you sneak it into the history books

[@bubrub23]

Rubinstein been mad quiet since levy stole his variation

[@kkelly1138]

I've been having fun with that opening since I watched his video so more power to him

[@owencrawford5984]

gxf6 has been played 107 times at grandmaster level, not sure why he named it after himself

[@TJasonSimon]

This is how you know you've made it. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@hueychan6907]

Never knew I need this until this video.

[@Captinstark3999]

Am just about to watch this let’s see if I need this

[@kkyt_9154]

true

[@nirajbothe6336]

I knew it but wasn't getting it

[@cloudiib3471]

@@Captinstark3999 did u need it

[@raymonds.9021]

The first minute I had this same thought

[@ezra8021]

Gotham pins more comments than pieces

[@GMPranav]

lmao

[@pranithaditya6173]

This needs to be pinned

[@juan.s]

levy

[@doctorlaughtor9884]

Lame

[@ezra8021]

@@doctorlaughtor9884 Thanks doc

[@abhishekchakraborty2316]

There is a book on isolated pawn structures and hanging pawn structures, it is called winning pawn structures by Alexander Baburin. It helped me learn a lot about such pawn structures.

[@independentnature295]

Pawn Structure Chess by Soltis is a book I liked. Helped me to think about the openings more in terms of pawn structures and it looks at the associated middlegame pawn objectives for the structures. Somewhat like the great content in this video.

[@rayzimmerman6740]

Thank you.

[@rayzimmerman6740]

@@independentnature295 thank you

[@dbeacunnmyan3989]

And here I was thinking I knew everything about pawn after knowing En passant

[@musique-ef3rz]

Within his mind he withholds divine knowledge of a forbidden rule known as en passant.

[@normalmighty]

I used to think en passant was made up or a weird variation rule, until I played online and saw a pawn make an illegal move as my pawn suddenly vanished.

[@musique-ef3rz]

@@normalmighty yeah its a cheaters mod hackers use to farm points illegally off of unsuspecting ladder players smhmyhead.

[@Flaruwu]

@@musique-ef3rz chess.com need to work on their cheating detection tbh, happens far too often and they always get away with it.

[@stalforgotme154]

I really wanna say this, for all the people who say that you have gotten popular of featuring in other popular streamers streams don't realize the amount of vids(super informative btw thanks for that) you put out. I subscribed only recently and damn, that's a lot of vids(really really love your opening and endgame vids btw!!!)

[@chasemerritt1944]

Both are true. Without Hikaru and other steamer's larger audience he wouldn't be as big, but if he wasn't putting in work on great content those viewers wouldn't stay. If didn't Have great content AND larger content creators giving him eyes, he wouldn't be as big.

[@ric6611]

@@chasemerritt1944 I agree, I think he might be my favourite chess youtuber, but if I hadn't seen him in other people's streams and videos I might have never checked him out. But it's not a bad thing, it's thanks to this exposure I found his channel and obviously he can back it up with the quality of his content.

[@dragonwingz1]

I've been following Levy since before he changed his channel name, and after avidly following a plethora of chess channels, can confidently say I think he is the most appealing to the most amount of people. There is always going to be an appeal to have someone with an English accent like PowerPlay or Eastern European accent like MatoJelic and agadmator, which Levy can't fulfill. But he has short instructional videos, long in-depth dives, openings, tactics, popular and notable games, fun and interesting crossover content, mixes comedy with his style and provides high level and low level understanding in nearly every video he puts out. He purports an affable personality, which isn't all too common for chess commentators (more common in the last year or so, admittedly), and seems to be "normal" in terms of social capacity. If you have a friend that wants to get into chess, there really isn't any instructor that is more suited to getting someone hooked and engaged in improving than Levy.

[@nathansalinas1669]

@@chasemerritt1944 well that's how the youtube thing works. you collab with bigger youtubers. same with any industry. new artists will randomly have a big name on their first album.

[@serxuegoldisprettyuselessi2683]

@@chasemerritt1944 the thing that matters is that he deserves this popularity. Cuz his content is good. Doesnt matter if ppl came from other yts or streams what matters is that he deserves it

[@GaussianEntity]

New aspiring Chess players: Wait, it's all pawn structures? GMs: Always has been.

[@nklp6232]

Hell, today played in the Maroczy out of the dragon. Traded down and made a passer, exactly as you said, very helpful and on point.

[@LFSPharaoh]

19:44 I call them hanging chads

[@raymonds.9021]

Knowing pawn structure is probably the most important aspect of the game besides controlling the center, but even then you control the center most of the time with what piece exactly? Pawns. They shouldn't be overlooked

[@BigBandos]

I’m early so now I can use this in my game without anybody knowing it for a few hours

[@Killopotamus]

I don’t think that’s quite how it works lmao

[@designz3660]

This is not like opening traps that don't work after everybody studied them, pawn structures are important knowledge in general

[@designz3660]

@@Killopotamus he's a bit confused but he got the spirit

[@xgallomx]

This is so relatable

[@miner4236]

@@designz3660 xdddd

[@stickershock66]

7:45 Levy slipped on his chair to demonstrate how dangerous imbalanced structures can be.

[@daviddave2789]

Me: oh wow this is very instructive. Finally I will win some games by understanding what to do in various pawn structure Me: *proceeds to hang a queen on move 8*

[@rayzimmerman6740]

Life is wonderful!!

[@CJ-vc7ts]

man every video levy releases right now is a homer, absolutely killing it

[@jkljajic]

The more i play, the more i realise how hard it is to play with pawns.

[@tfaith08]

I’m sure you’re aware how the information you convey matters differently to varying levels of players, but I can see how I could have benefitted from this at every level of play that I’ve been at over the years. This is easily one of your best videos.

[@MrSupernova111]

Yep. I reached 2200 online with abysmal opening theory knowledge and never heard of this pawn structure topic until now. I see how those knowledge gaps hindered my growth. But its ok because I find memorization to be much easier to learn than calculation. Hoping for 2400 soon once I fill in those knowledge gaps.

[@sjegannath6295]

Gotham: Pawn structures you must know. Me a 1100: Interesting.....

[@grantfoster2191]

😂😂

[@absidyabsidy2727]

Some of these will actually really help you as an 1100

[@tachyon3.14]

Everyone with gangsta names like Vs Sicilian and caro Kann Suddenly: hi/hello

[@cpgautam172]

wow, i always thought about studying pawn structure myself but was too much for me. i ended up studying qgd only.

[@jovindsouza3407]

The QGD is my main opening lol, the structures and plans in that system are relatively constant (especially the Cambridge Springs, I love that system). It's a very easy and basic opening for all players (as well as the Caro-Kann against 1.e4).

[@vincentoei]

@@jovindsouza3407 sorry im a new what is qgd?

[@Steven-nv7qu]

@@vincentoei Queen’s Gambit Declined

[@jovindsouza3407]

@@vincentoei The Queen's Gambit Declined

[@vincentoei]

@@Steven-nv7qu thanks!

[@georgeeboy913]

Can you make one to tell us where pieces are most effective in the different structures? it would be very helpful!

[@jonxina7263]

hey levy just wanna tell u.I am struggling at 1300 since lockdown and just quit chess. But I started watching your channel and my rating took a hugh jump in just 1 month. Now I am 1600

[@VeggiePatch]

I’m stuck at 1300, RIP me

[@jonxina7263]

@@VeggiePatch update im at 1500 now

[@jonxina7263]

@@VeggiePatch lost 100 points in 2 days

[@jonxina7263]

lost every game i played 😭

[@VeggiePatch]

Same, I was almost at 1400

[@jovindsouza3407]

Channels like this one are the reason I love chess so much.

[@rayzimmerman6740]

That's a tad convoluted. KZbin thanks you, I guess.

[@FelwinMathew]

This is the video i was looking for

[@exquisitecorpse4917]

"Pawns are not people, but they are important!" - GM Jesse Krai

[@CUNDUNDO]

But many people are used as pawns !

[@amazinginsight-z5p]

Nothing wrong with an "Interesting Nose," just adds to the glamour of the presentation. It's the glasses that make a Spectacle...

[@fx4d]

booo

[@rayzimmerman6740]

did you see what I did there? Eh, eh - nudge, nudge ....ain't I clever??!!!! ROW: Loud groan

[@pnarimani6055]

The only structure that you need is wooden shield.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

One of your best videos to date, Levy. Understanding pawn structures is just not covered enough and I feel all of us need to spend more time on our front line defenders.

[@volmehen]

Top 6 would have been Stafford Gambit's indestructible Pawn Cube

[@nitishc4]

Just commenting early so that I can say been here since 25k subs and love your content love the way you explain everything and roast the shit outta everyone

[@klmnocds]

Big fan.Chess is more entertaining because of YT creators like you.Keep it up and best wishes from India ❤️

[@rayzimmerman6740]

And best wishes from humans, who are not jingoists.

[@dino3902]

Been waiting for this all dayy

[@fanstar141]

we can forgive you levy 21:20

[@JaShooUh]

I've been a subscriber of yours for sometime now (you do great work), and this has to be one of my favorite videos of yours. It has inspired me to think differently about how I study/learn new openings, and how I evaluate my own games/positions. Thank you.

[@jasongellrich5127]

First thing I do look at in a new video? The amazing names of the "opponent" in the overview on the right side. Keep that flow up!

[@johndeluy2482]

Thank you so much Levy for your instructionals vids. I got to beat my grandpa last week who, btw, was a chess champion TWICE in his company. And he worked in the bank. I can say he pretty much had good competition with the number guys lol. Merry Christmas dude and continue doing these vids. You helped a lot improve in this game. God bless you, man! 👌🏼

[@tayuba1034]

Such a great video! I feel this is the kind of stuff I struggle the most and I find it very difficult to find good content to explain these concepts. There are thousands of videos showing all the most complex lines of some openings, but without giving the keys to understand the resulting positions and how to play them. Thank you Gotham, keep rolling!

[@arwinprieto9957]

You are a very excellent teacher. GM & other IM will give these teachings. They keep this secret. I have seen many of your excellent video. You Rock , keep it up. 😁

[@Socrates...]

Please make more serious fundamental videos like this, it is pure gold

[@legueu]

21:54 I'll try this... 2 min later: Ok I have to learn the Carlsbad. With your last comment you bring us right back at the theory and make us find a concrete application. A+ for the teaching.

[@audigex]

Any chance of some endgame pawn strategy in a tutorial sometime? I never really know what to do

[@j.davidkotchinsky7446]

Levy, sorry for putting this in comments but just had to say thanks right away!! I'm a 2000 puzzler but a lowly 1600 blitz and watched your race to 2500 for a few hours today and thanks to you I got over a mental block thinking I'm not good enough, playing for draws expecting to lose not realizing until I watched you that 2000 is not that strong! I'm in an arena & just Gothamed every game beating 1600s, 1700s, 1800s and I just Morphied a 1965 sacrificing almost every piece for a beautiful mate. Right after payday I'm subscribing to everything!!! Thanks dude!

[@Kevin-xg9rb]

Most helpful video for me yet, absolute legend of a chess teacher. So happy to see how quickly your channel is growing, you deserve it!

[@milehighslacker4196]

"There are dynamics left and right, depending on which way the sides castled." I see what you did there!

[@killaavenged]

This is some stuff I feel like I could only get from a coach and only a well informed one and only after a long time with that coach. I haven't seen anyone else talking about this concept, but it's importance in quick development of skill was blatant to me the instant you introduced it. Thanks Gotham!

[@giacomorocchetti7163]

Me: "All right, time to get back to work". Levy "Cena" Rozman after releasing a new video: "Are you sure about that?"

[@joeshmo546]

These more instructive videos have really helped me with my games. Thankyou Levy!

[@berobeer6285]

Oh me too!

[@JimLadBossMan]

I’m a beginner and this video was exactly what I needed. Thanks man, subbed

[@DiscDoctore]

I feel basic pawn structure knowledge is so much more important than memorizing opening lines. The openings have points, and you can get into trouble not knowing them, but I believe it is more damaging to learn openings without this knowledge, or in the end you are just pushing wood and wasting positional advantage or failing at dismantling the opponent's advantage

[@jakobmorningstar]

I realize this is already a 22 minute video, but does anyone else feel like he shreds through this stuff? I’ll admit I’m not a highly advanced player, but I tend to pride myself on my ability to learn concepts quickly and this still is crazy fast

[@smithmichael8144]

It's cause it's more about familiarity than mastery. You just gotta understand the fundamental ideas rather than memorize the specific scenario. Like choking and halting pawns with the space in between or creating rows and then lining it up to control with bishops or skip or sacrifice with knights. Pawn structures is the whole reason the london is so strong so if you know about that then you kind of understand 80% of this.

[@envoxzerth3312]

It’s still so impressive to see someone know so much about something just running through it off of memory with the 1st 2nd and 3rd most common moves without even thinking it’s so crazy to see

[@BlastS01]

Love your videos man . They've helped a lot especially your video on the Vienna opening. Would love to see a video on the Leningrad Dutch

[@shahdarshan1711]

Detailed videos on middle games. How to navigate pieces and put them on optimum squares and stuff for mid range players.

[@dontdononthings7265]

This might be the most densely packed video I've seen from this channel, every time i come back to it I learn something

[@suryaneelakandan3359]

Levy I'd like to have your video on the concept of assessing a position and fixing our motive as to defend, attack or what to do. Develop an intuition for chess positions please! Love your vidoes btw!!

[@chaddoyle7719]

Great vid would love another video like this focused on pawn structures it helps a lot because lower rated people tend not to go into theory but knowing ideas based on the pawns give lots of insight on how to more forward when your out of the theory and finished development

[@TheBlurayHacker]

Had to comment again.... I believe this is the best video of yours ever.......you effectively compiled so many ideas of what to do in middle games concisely. Thanks

[@krazy-kavman59]

I feel like this video instantly helped improve my overall strategy with pawns.. You've allowed me to see plans more clearly based on my pawn structure.. Thanks for yet another instructional video!

[@c__________________]

This is such a huge lesson for me. Thank you!

[@rohithjacob4699]

Whats ur rating

[@lehmankulli69]

@@rohithjacob4699 currently 348

[@TheBlurayHacker]

What a great video.....thanks,.......

[@adrielau5041]

Can you talk about time management in different time format games? And also how to navigate through rook vs 2 minor pieces

[@kyleangelocastro9460]

He made it now

[@davidrobertson3526]

Dude you're the only guy I have seen who can do every video with bed hair and get away with it lol..... Can't wait to see the polished version of Levy :) Keep it up man!

[@Trishan03]

Hey Levy can you plz make an opening video to play against d4

[@amro_fit]

Thank you gothem! I look forward to these videos everyday! They are simply very entertaining and massively improve my chess! In fact, you were the first chess youtuber I have ever watched you have just brought me back in to chess!

[@prlarora1869]

Man u are awesome u really take care of ur comments in previous vedio people were demanding pawn breaks and pawn structure and here it is love u bro❤. Lots of love from India 🇮🇳

[@lolfaceno3980]

Im loving your newer content Levy keep it up!

[@koustavchowdhury8210]

Love ur explanations!!

[@Cl0ne66]

And if you’re 700elo or lower you can get pawn structures in which your opponent has 3 isolated pawns…

[@samcalvert9087]

Can you do something on converting middle games and piece structure for endgames. Such as setting up different mateing net variations, pawn storms, passed pawns, enpassant tactics. Also on the defense of side of endgames the best piece formations to protect your king and work towards a draw or stellate in a survival mode kind of scenario. I am very new to chess and I have been learning alot form your videos. All your fine work is much appreciated.

[@aidanang]

22:55 Gotham said stay awesome... does that make this an Anna Akana video?

[@kkelly1138]

I love videos like this. Watching your videos have made chess so much more fun for me because you explain the concepts rather than focusing on specific sets of moves.

[@giorgioadamforlani1770]

One of the most useful video of chess. Thanks.

[@DrugzMunny]

Note: when white creates the Maroczy Bind formation, black usually likes to counter with the Hedgehog formation.

[@ajarnray4115]

Thanks for the upload this is a subject that is very complex and not often we see videos about pawn structures.

[@judahslion5611]

Levy-- please make a video explaining counter play; how it works and when to use it. Thanks.

[@ga3680]

You forgot to mention the ...d5 break that Black sometimes plays against the Maroczy bind. Good video.

[@iDeathSparky]

Levy is certainly getting into his videos more and more. Shows an unbalanced opening, loses his balance in his chair. Man's committed.

[@bradharper641]

Please keep making more educational videos, i have become way better at. Chess just by watching your videos, you're a great teacher levy

[@OutsidePawn]

Desperately needed this. Thanks a lot.

[@yannasaito]

Super useful video, thank you

[@elaadt]

Wow! A real eye opener. Awesome stuff. Thanks.

[@dougjennings]

The Hi sicilian and Hello sicilian variations have been well guarded secrets for hundreds of years. Thank you Levy for showing us the secrets

[@jusren]

Another awesome video Levy! Good advice at the end 👍🏼

[@liilianalopez1155]

Game reports always recommend me isolated pawn tactics. This helps. Thanks.

[@aaaabb1666]

This is seriously an awesome resource - Merry Christmas!

[@shamx27]

I suck at handling my pawns this would be helpful

[@Socrates...]

This isn't a video of how to handle pawns per se, but rather showing that different structures of pawns dictate the flavour of the game. He should make a video of dealing with the handling of pawns in the middlegame going into the endgame

[@Maxime-bz2oe]

What about the pawn cube and the elusive big dipper made famous by Eric Rosen ?

[@acsmith1771]

Thanks, Levy. Most of my experience comes from Shogi, and so the thing I mess up the most while playing chess is the functions of Pawns. (In shogi, Pawns move and attack forward only.) So I've been trying to study more Chess Pawn structure to get accustomed. Thank you for the great video, as always. ^^

[@wiebenijenhuis1825]

Shogi is so hard I tried it and overextended and got anilhilated

[@meandering_melancholy3414]

Wow, that was by far one of the most informative chess vids I have ever seen. Thank you so much Levy. I play the London and can't wait to check out pawn structures there. Btw, Rozman French? Is that named after that Potter lookalike dude who "apparently" makes lame chess vids on KZbin?

[@scaramorey128]

Man these videos just keep getting better.

[@joed3857]

Super informative. Keep up the great work!

[@ФесКультура]

Love your way of explaining! Thank you☺

[@marcoballarin8605]

Very helpful video Levy, thank you from italy 🇮🇹

[@tonym2513]

You’re improving my vast knowledge. I’ll tell my friends at the bar and the library.

[@thebus3181]

Day one of telling Levy that he is the best chess instructor.

[@kevinvigi.mathew6350]

Extremely instructional,provided insight on a topic thats not covered in any youtube video

[@monaipsm]

Yes!! Im been waiting for this!!

[@daves9492]

Really good video! Had you also thought about doing more videos with deeper dives into some of the most common structures via example games?

[@garveiveyiv2562]

i literally never thought of this

[@alexdougal8968]

This the stuff that makes you actually good at chess thanks Levy

[@crlx2810]

for some reason i find it so hard to imagine Levy playing chess in real life