TROJAN HORSE | Speedrun Episode 35

[@LordSluggo]

I maxed out at 1104 rapid last month. Now, after several weeks of diligent study, I'm almost at 1050

[@danielward7008]

That's usually the case after learning a bunch of new ideas at once as it forces you to reset your usual game. That's natural, don't let it out you off.

[@ThatRaisinTho]

I know absolutely nothing about you and have no reason to be able to predict your success, but I believe in you. Youll get there.

[@KF1]

Yeah, what he said. Giver, buddy ​@@ThatRaisinTho

[@sebu1301]

Don't worry bro, there are always fluctuations. Just keep at it, the study time pays off with a delay of maybe some months, rating is not gonna skyrocket overnight when you're out of the hundreds

[@gundarsmiks4889]

Classic :)

[@dumbledorelives93]

"Average amateur rating" EMOTIONAL DAMAGE

[@Ben-py2xq]

BRAH I SPENT A YEAR GETTING TO 800

[@Spanky00Cheeks]

@@Ben-py2xqdidn’t you start at 1200 when you started account?

[@KingPanda-lp5ir]

@@Ben-py2xq thats sad if u diligently studied most of the days

[@TectonicLacklustre]

Yeah, this one hurt 😂

[@manfrom20xx13]

@@Ben-py2xqdawg one year of study should’ve got you to 1200 what you been doingg

[@stronkde]

980! I would be higher but my opponents keep playing different moves than the ones your opponents do.

[@mudcrab1317]

I have the same problem 😢

[@danielward7008]

Translation: "I would be higher but my opponents keep playing moves that thwart my plans!"

[@mookz34]

@@danielward7008 That is the joke.

[@danielward7008]

@@mookz34 Yeah, my autistic tendancies make me pedantic 🤪

[@Timlareit]

@@danielward7008not really. They’re playing dumber moves than Eric’s opponents.

[@parlabaneisback]

I'm 1850 blitz, 2050 rapid on LiChess, and learning loads from this speed run - thanks very much. (19:00 I did manage to spot that tactic during the game. Tactics are always easier to spot when you're not the one playing the game.)

[@FrankBatistaElJibaro]

In this video Eric says he's rated between beginner and master. Thanks Eric. That clears it all up.

[@danielward7008]

IM Rosen is a bonafide master. LMAO 😂

[@psaini1999]

He said he's rated almost exactly between those two

[@tomabud8700]

​@@psaini1999that's where he is currently rated in the speedrun

[@FrankBatistaElJibaro]

@@tomabud8700 nearly 99% of all humans that have ever lived are rated there also, that's the funny point of the statement.

[@scottwible1532]

Eric is actually so fun to watch. I really like your personality and charm.

[@nicallen2137]

26:48 Eric has a moment of extreme anger.

[@abictor3312]

the cutest anger ever

[@radosawkarwacki4386]

This violent outburst was really scary to watch. I think Eric should consider anger management therapy. Also, this video should be age restricted.

[@stevemotocrayz2892]

😂​@@radosawkarwacki4386

[@stevemotocrayz2892]

😂

[@ArturoSubutex]

I didn’t see the Queen sac during the game, although I could smell that there might be something and I was trying to find it. But when I saw your face looking at the engine with that position on the board it instantly became obvious to me. Crazy how easier it is to find a tactic when you _know_ there’s one.

[@StoicTheGeek]

Same. I had been sniffing around pawns on a2 and b2 as well and didn’t think of the Queen sac until Eric said “Oh wow!”

[@SparkyForce]

Same thing for me as well. It looked fishy but I have a terrible habit of assuming the opponents queen has a random move to escape.

[@KreatorX1029]

Wondering if this is why it’s a bit easier to execute tactics in puzzle rush but harder in real games :P

[@ArturoSubutex]

@@KreatorX1029 I would definitely say so

[@Greg763]

Eric, I recently hit 1700 on lichess RAPID. Really enjoying this series ! You are a great teacher, thank you from all of us.

[@mhqa_]

Eric bro i started following you in 2018 and I was feeling very nostalgic yesterday still remembering those old days and the state of chess at that time. I went through a lot of your old stuff, you were my first chess teacher my repertoire was all of your opening recommendations and I still play some of them. Chess has come too far I am happy for the growth of the channel, keep it up!

[@doublekicker2253]

I'm currently around 1350 rapid on lichess. I've gotten a friend of mine into chess over the past year and a half and that has really helped me to improve my rating. Love the series.

[@viktorsjogren6436]

In my first game after watching this video I faced the French defense and it went in to the exact same variation as your last game but with Kxh7, what a feeling to play Qd3 instead of throwing the game away and deliver that checkmate 😍 thanks for creating the best content on KZbin!

[@JamesThompson-Lodge]

First time ever commenting on your channel. Surprised when I did see the temporary queen sac on the first game. Of course I paused the video after each move which gave me plenty of time to find such moves. Thanks for the many hours of great content. Forever a fan.

[@Steven_Williams_]

My rating is so low it gets mistaken for the high temperature of the day.

[@jonathanharris9261]

My man said it's chilly outside 😂

[@danielward7008]

Well carry on watching IM Rosen showing you how it's done. It'll soon rise 👍

[@davidwithington140]

Celcius or Fahrenheit 😅

[@phenomePaul]

What's a rating?

[@mikek6073]

😂

[@drpeafowl]

Hello, Eric! I am very happy to see your speedrun videos. I was focusing on my rating climb for a week, also streaming my way to 2000 elo and I just reached 1600 in rapid with pseudo Trompowsky and Tronpowsky as white and the Sicilian and Scandi and Benoni with black. I really hope you’ll play the other openings on your way to master

[@nuismus]

I'm 1715 Lichess, loving this series so far Eric! Cheers from The Netherlands.

[@jeffwill6288]

Same! Lets play!

[@yamahapiano]

Started chess app in May and immediately dropped from 400 to 228. Now in Oct with my highest 479 and a 10 game win streak on Rapid 10/15 after watching the first 20 or so episodes of this series. TYVM Rosen. I feel like I made legit progress. Used to play boring defensive only chess with no attack at all. This is so much fun actually winning and knowing why I make each move.

[@ChrisLoty]

Eric I was rated 700 and i have used the speed run, which is very clear and informative, to reach a rating of 1000. Thank you for the excellent content. I have watched all 35 episodes, and many multiple times. I look forward to seeing out the full speed run. cheers. chris

[@tylerschon900]

At 11:10 instead of gxf4 taking the bishop right away I saw another in between move I think you should have played using the same idea you mentioned several times. Bd5! forces the queen to move off the diagonal so it will never be able to take b2, then you take the very strong bishop on g2 with check. And finally you can play gxf4 with no consequences. Would have been a very clean win if you had played this I think. Also possible but not as good was Bxf5 in between move. But I think forcing the bishop trade would've been crushing here.

[@watchoutimcoming]

I saw Bxf5 and thought I must have been missing something when Eric didn’t play it but Bd5 is even more beautiful

[@xandapandagd]

18:50 yea i was almost yelling "SAC THE QUEEN!!!" out loud when you had that opportunity but i assumed you'd just calculated it was a bad trade in some way that i'd missed lol, well played regardless :))

[@thecakeredux]

Easily the best speedrun episode so far.

[@4dragonzzz]

I'm a bit behind but I love this series and will absolutely watch them all some day!!! Some I have already revisited and I'm sure that will continue to be the case. Thank you so much for doing this series. :)

[@andrewjrivers]

1164 rapid on Lichess - Your thought process in these videos is very helpful. I still have to constantly remind myself to check all of my pieces and not just where the action is. Because that's where I end up losing. Or I take too much time and blunder with 30 seconds left. Thanks for the up;loads

[@javiermargo]

Couldn’t wait any longer for another episode

[@Unifire-alt]

that 2000 years later cracked me up ;) great content eric i love this content great instructional value

[@wsemenske]

At this point can you even call this a speedrun if it takes more than 2000 years?

[@badgerbadger5061]

Another great episode. Looking forward to more spicy endgames.

[@mburg33]

On Monday this week, I have achieved the Bishop & Knight Checkmate on the Chesscom Kingdom App against a 1100 bot in a full game. Thanks to you, Ross, Lichess lessons & Diamondcutter’s general lessons have really improved my game play and board vision.

[@OregonMikeH]

IT JUST KEEPS ON GETTING EVER MORE EXCITING! VIGOROUSLY SHARING ON OTHER PLATFORMS AND THROUGH EMAIL WITH FRIENDS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES, ALONG WITH OUR CHESS CLUB MEMBERS. SUCH INSIGHTS AND PURE JOY! BLESS YA ERIC. MIKE.

[@bergi98]

9:49 and interesting line here could be: sac the queen Qxf1 Bxf1 so then Bd5 pinning the queen to the king and forcing Qxd5 Rxd5 if Bc4 you might save the F pawn by forcing a trade with the horsey and you may end up with a rock up vs bishop Maybe Im missing something idk, Im not even close to a IM so😂 Love your videos Eric, greetings from Spain❤ Edit: Nevermind, I saw the review at 18:41 😂

[@alexishoguet5453]

Hey :) Rated around 1200 at the moment and I've been following this speedrun since day one ! You're an awesome teacher Eric. Being that calm and good at explaining every modes makes a big difference to understand the depth one single move can have. Big thanks from France !

[@qwe1231]

Did not see the Queen sac. But then I didn't understand going all-in protecting the pawn with the Queen either!

[@SiteReader]

I'm rated 1334 on Lichess. I play mostly 10+5 games. Your rapid game videos help a lot. I've gone up over 100 points watching you and doing a little studying, analyzing my games and experimenting. I usually do best when I've got a new idea to try out--although sometimes it can be a disaster at first.

[@alipakdin7372]

As always, it's very instructive. Thanks, Eric

[@johnberlin1037]

A master class; thanks Eric. Your analysis and explanation of options are very helpful.

[@ebwvanced590]

I'm 2300-2400 blitz and bullet on both sites. Love these videos nonetheless. You explain things so well that there is always something to takeaway.

[@joe0633]

Thanks Eric! This series so so fun and interesting to watch

[@koenhoffer5753]

Around 11:00-11:30 => was now moving to d5 not the best, prior to taking the black Bisshop... or would then the opportunity to capture that Bisshop be lost?

[@millms74]

Yay! Another speedrun episode! My favorite youtube content!!

[@Ermagerd2000]

19:17 yes it was seen. As soon as I saw you missed this, I figured you'd have something to say about it in the game review. We can't catch all the tactics all the time 🤷🏾‍♂

[@michaelbrown8834]

This is my favorite chess content on YT

[@3TQHAJSHNQ]

Wow Eric. Crazy first game.

[@MARIOISDabombe]

I havent been studying a whole lot of chess, but I appreciate you taking the time to expand on variations of some of your most recent games. I'm currently 601, I barely remember openings after 10 moves but I can beat opponents who obviously blunder 😅 I've only been playing for about a year, and before that I hadn't played since elementary school. Thanks for helping rekindle my love for a classic game I was better at when I was 10 😂❤

[@MarcEstrovica]

I play over the board in my local chess club, rating +/- 1650, current playing level in this series is ideal for me, your commentary during the games is top !

[@Keanegleeson]

~1500 rapid lichess mid 1300 blitz, thanks for all the great instructional streams, Eric!

[@jot2b]

I am 1044 in Rapid games, and I saw the bishop-Queen pin! A+ Nice win, Eric!

[@LoreTunderin]

Danya would love that pawn endgame! He's got a fantastic end game series with similar pawn promotion puzzles.

[@jonathanharris9261]

Thanks for the content, Eric!

[@YellowRice101]

at 10:48, was it possible to take f5 knight with the bishop on e6 instead of taking their bishop with pawn? That way the queen is attacked and the threat of pawn taking bishop is still there too. The queen could retake with check, but after king moves safely then it should still be a good position for black?

[@ozludo]

19:10 Hi 🙂 That 2N was a beauty

[@lindsaym.r.o.1746]

I'm 1750 Lichess rapid right now. I've watched every episode because I learn something every time, even when you tactically smash beginners.

[@johnsaeger4416]

OK, my rating today is around 525. I've had brief periods above 600 but normal right now is high 500s. Honestly I feel like this rating is under rated because I get some good games at this level. We usually both make mistakes which is part of the fun I guess. Sometimes I make it through a game without too many mistakes and the game review often gives me an accuracy above 80% and thinks I'm above 1000, so I think dumb mistakes are still my main problem. I'm really enjoying this series though. I've watched them all so far. I really appreciate your calm demeanor. I think it makes it easier to learn. Thanks so much for all that you do!

[@I3njamin]

I hit 1878 this weekend, just 122 points away!

[@abictor3312]

any tip for a 1000 rated player like me?

[@parlabaneisback]

@@abictor3312 I really like the 'Predator at the Chessboard' website for getting better at tactics. It's what I wish I'd had when I was around 1000, and it's still useful now I'm over 1800. The site seems down at the moment, but can be viewed through Wayback Machine. (It's so good I ended up buying the book version.)

[@doublekicker2253]

Congratulations. 1800 is my long term goal.

[@FelixRigg]

I’m not sure why it would interest you what your viewers and fans are rated but, since you ask, I am about 800 playing 10 min games. My worst fault is playing too quickly and not acknowledging threats. When I take my time, I tend to blunder less frequently. My rating even totters above 800 very occasionally, before slumping back down after doing something idiotic. I really appreciate and enjoy your videos and your enthusiasm for the game. Thanks.

[@EnglishroG]

I play rapid on Lichess quite a lot. My current rating there is 1596, although it fluctuates between about 1520 and 1620 depending on me and my opponents. Thanks so much for this series, Eric. I'm really enjoying it. No, I didn't see the Queen sac in the best game.

[@nkryptu2]

Hugely enjoy watching these (1800 graded player). Much to learn from!

[@panklovatina3329]

0:47 Eric's an oracle. He knew about F4 (Vienna Gambit) before it was played.

[@juliustuskenis]

I noticed the queen sac. Great content, Eric.

[@Danny-dn5pj]

Started playing in December and i just crossed 1000 elo! im really proud of the progress I've made, i just watch a ton of chess content and play every single day so thats how i was able to improve quickly

[@BentHestad]

Thanks for a very nice series! I am 1780 Fide. Greetings from Trondheim, Norway!

[@alanstein4229]

I’mat 1350 now, having gone up 100 points since watching your speed runs. (Rapid chess 15/10) Thanks so much for teaching.

[@scheimong]

I remember in one of his lectures Ben Finegold gave a rule on judging whether a Greek gift will work: it probably works unless black can play Bf5 in response to Qh5. Different move but same mechanism and reason in this case.

[@MrFrowneyface]

I’m 1240 daily, 1050 rapid and 850 bullet and blitz. Keep up the great content I’ve been keeping up since episode one

[@7robertdavies7]

really instructive endgame in the Vienna Gambit game

[@brennenjavorsky2846]

Rated 1250. Your Speedrun is the best chess content on KZbin. 😊

[@mr.schoko8032]

Usually between 2000-2100 rapid and Blitz on Lichess. Love your speedrun series!

[@parzingtheasian]

10:46 was there bxf5 hitting the queen? and if qxf5 gxf4 etc

[@Danny-dn5pj]

Hey eric (or anyone else who knows) in this position 20:59 why does Nxg3+ not work? It allows you to capture the g pawn with check, which also allows you to take the h pawn, and then if white takes on d6 it looks like Nf6 is just in time to stop the pawn and you can start pushing your a pawn

[@ufs7678]

c6 instead of cxd6 and white wins

[@juleslondon3088]

I guess Eric’s now learned why it’s called the Greek Gift. 😂

[@wayne-d1z]

Great series. Slowly watching them all.

[@user-vx3rw2mz4t]

21:39 What about Nxg3+ though, winning two pawns with the fork?

[@brandoncastillo1752]

min 19:20 I did see that queen trade, but I thought it was bad bc you didn't mention it. I just thought, "he probably sees something better." lol

[@romagorgoshidze]

I saw that tactic on f1 and was so frustrated that you missed it 😂

[@IIIRobIII]

I am somewhere around 1400 rapid, but i'm kind of half-assing it because i mostly play to battle boredom and end up playing idiotic, risky openings and losing a lot. I'm at a point where i'd have to seriously study openings and refine my Theory to further improve in rating, but as of right now i dont really have the time or the incentive to do either. Love watching your videos !

[@joehaddad4945]

Around 2100 rapid on lichess here. Love your content Eric!

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

26:20 Camera warranty expires. 26:21 Camera expires.

[@humphreyszilambalala3755]

I saw the tactic of taking on f1 as you were playing in that position. I had to calculate a couple of times to make sure I didn't miss it

[@oliverglaser2281]

Im beginner for about 1 year,rated 8-900,your Channel is a pleasure to watch and to learn this game😎👍🏻💪

[@quazzydiscman]

9:46 Can't the rook be taken because then after recapture with the bishop black can pin the queen with light-square bishop? Edit: 18:51 Yup!

[@mburg33]

21:35 I’m so happy I found this move

[@TheTobbeF]

Thank you Eric for a great series! I just found it, watched 4 of them sofar so I have many episodes to catch up on🙂 I am 1650 Rapid on Lichess

[@theherk]

When reviewing the Vienna gave, as soon as you noticed you'd missed a tactic, I saw what it was. But only for the same reason I can see tactics when doing tactics training; because I know it's there. But I definitely didn't spot it during the game.

[@samgreer8596]

I saw the queen sac right after the engine found it and you brought it to my attention.

[@iJoxy]

19:02 proud of myself for finding this!!!

[@catac83]

You re too much for these guys ;) thanks for the video

[@NotPeteMcCabe]

1) I play all my games in Lichess, so my rating is specific to that platform. 2) Ratings are specific to different time controls. I play mostly blitz, with a rating currently around 1700. But my bullet rating is under 1400. Every now and then I play a few bullet games to get over 1400, but I can’t seem to do it. 3) Different time controls have different strengths of players. I played several hundred 3/2 blitz games and my rating hit 1600 and was pretty stable. I switched to playing 5/3 games, and in a week my rating went to 1700, where it has generally stayed. My theory is that the shorter the game, the better the players on Lichess playing that time control, even within the somewhat arbitrary bullet/blitz/rapid categories. . 4) I don’t really have a sense of what my rating number actually means except in relation to someone else’s rating. A more meaningful number to me is the “percent of players you’re better than” number that Lichess gives you. At least I know what that means.

[@FreakingThomas7]

My rapid rating is ~1550 while my blitz is ~1350, both on lichess. Mostly thanks to Eric. This series has been a big help.

[@arthurdut7959]

I saw the 'Oh no, my queen' moment, but I have usually lost before getting the chance!

[@Nikeforged85]

545 Rapid...started playing a couple months ago. Struggling still 😅

[@slowlearner46]

It's okay brother, soon you can be like me at 800 with 3000 games played. We're going to make it bro

[@Steven_Williams_]

Keep at it man, those early days are the best because you can really start crushing your opponents once you learn some solid openings and simple tactics.

[@danielward7008]

Then carry on watching these videos. The best way to improve is by learning from stronger players than yourself 👍

[@vermithrax-pejorative]

I’m with you. Started playing a year ago and I’d be happy if I could sit as high as 545.

[@nb-eq6rw]

12:45 why not Ne3 to attack both pawns?

[@mariostajduhar3523]

2k, rapid, 1850 blitz on lichess. Got 500 rating almost solely thanks to you. Thanks for that!

[@richtigerfeger]

at 1:18 , why didn't he play Qh4? looks like a free rook

[@arturotlk]

I also spotted to take the rook on F1 with the temporary sacrifice of the queen!

[@gigagigauri6334]

still trying to get to 900 rating, im close tho :D its my 4th month playing chess and you helped me a lot, thank you and keep it up, u're doing a good job. my favorite chess streamer for sure

[@S1D94]

from 8:30 to 10:05, isn't there Qxf1 bxf1 Bd5 pinning the white queen to the king effectively winning a rook for a bishop? EDIT: okay explanation came at 18:38 with engine analysis, still happy I found it during the game though :P

[@pawelrzymkiewicz5032]

I was wondering why you didn't go for the queen sack :) Great content Eric. You reignited my passion for chess!

[@jonnyhallsworth]

To answer the question in the beginning, I'm 39 and never played chess until a week ago. I've had about 30 games and rated at 300. I've not lost for about 10 games now after binging loads of episodes of this. I've also found going from 10 minute games to 15 minute games has helped. I lost games by time quite often in the beginning. Enjoying the game quite a bit, even if it's stressful 😅

[@fcat409]

I'm around 1100 Lichess, but play very little, I enjoy watching speedruns too much. But I did see the queen sac, which makes me very happy and might be the pinnacle of my chess career :)

[@mahummel8042]

Ive never played rated. Love chess but for some reason im super nervous to play online. Love the videos!

[@thecakeredux]

Consider giving yourself a handicap, like only playing the "egg opening" (e pawn, g pawn, g pawn move in that order, first). Or only hunt Rosen Trophies in general. It will be interesting to see where you can get being at a clear disadvantage and you'll have something to blame for your losses to preserve your ego while also getting used to rated play in general. I fully get rating anxiety, but there are ways to face it.

[@mahummel8042]

That was really nice advice I appreciate this comment

[@mahummel8042]

I might give the rosen trophy thing a go

[@nicksdrumsticks]

As a 1500 rapid player this video is a perfect representation of this level of chess. Navigating a relatively sharp position, a few wonky moves, some moments of true resourcefulness but ultimately missing some important tactics. Next game: falling for some preparation you've never seen before and losing instantly.

[@Gabscrazyy]

I was close to plateau at around 1100 and since I started watching this series I have recently broke through 1300 and still improving. Rapid rating that is.