Why Early Knight Jumps often Backfire | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. Leganes66 (1246)

In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a pair of 5+5 game against a player rated 1246 on Chess.com. Out of a London system, I aim to seize the bishop pair. My opponent reacts with an h2-h4 attacking overture, ala Simon Williams. Although dubious, the knight jump that follows is what truly puts White's game in jeopardy. #Chess #ChessInstruction #ClimbingTheRatingLadder
Review this game on Chess.com: www.chess.com/...
Support the channel: streamlabs.com... or via PayPal: t.co/VBFOLJHt2m
Follow me on Twitch: / johnbartholomew
Follow me on Twitter: / fins0905
Add me as a friend on Chess.com: www.chess.com/...
My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: www.chessable....
My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: www.chessable....
The Checkmate Patterns Manual (with CraftyRaf): www.chessable....
My Scandinavian Course (1.e4 d5) on Chessable: www.chessable....
I offer private online chess lessons. Navigate to my "About" section, and then click on "For business inquiries" to reveal my email address.
Recommended chess books and equipment:
1950 Dubrovnik reproduction set (Bobby Fischer's favorite!) on Chess Bazaar: www.chessbazaa.... You can use coupon code JOHN30 for 30% off!
Wood board: amzn.to/2H9iATl
Tune Your Chess Tactics Antenna: amzn.to/2xJ2auH
Amateur to IM: amzn.to/2Dph3IG
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal: amzn.to/2zq741X

[@JohnBartholomewChess]

Thanks to everyone who sticks around for the analysis! 😁 Love reading your comments. You all choose to spend your scarce time on my vids in this 24/7 content universe, and I will never take that for granted. Much appreciated, and let's continue improving at chess together!

[@ragnarpal]

Love these videos! Analysis was so instructive. Thank you!

[@pabl048]

I'm proud to be a part of the x% of people who watch to watch all the way through. :) Great work as usual, John. Much appreciated. Your work is not in vain!

[@jamesgarberson9231]

Thank you for everything John. I wouldn’t be anywhere near my current level in chess without your videos, especially your standard, CTRL, fundamentals, and the endgame ones. Btw, you should bring back some videos with the actual chess set like your rook endgame ones, they’re enjoyable and a good break from the 2D chess we’re all playing👍👍

[@pastorseanB]

Very instructive. Love the post game show! Lots to learn, thank you. 😎👍

[@areyoucerealtube]

During the match I felt uneasy that you left the queen alone with so many pieces surrounding it, but my brain is way too slow to catch how white can actually trap the queen. Was glad I stuck around to find that my fears were valid lol

[@cfgauss71]

"A knight moves like a knight." -IM John Bartholomew

[@sketchyfile9132]

wait what i thought it moved like a horse

[@heikkisuora2500]

Doesn't it move like an L? I'm confused.

[@mtsarch]

I'm glad I stuck around for the analysis

[@danieltg4647]

Cc. ccz

[@theinacircleoftheancientpu492]

Yup, I felt a bit hairy about that queen deep in the white pieces but I didn’t see that.

[@pablourosa1443]

I'm glad I read your comment and stuck for the analysis

[@cesarjunqueira7289]

I also stuck for the analysis, and wow, very instructive

[@PK_Ave]

I stuck around too. Analysis really is key for improvement.

[@ahmadaliraja7426]

My journey from 800 to 1800 in 3 years is based upon your guidelines and analysis of the games. Thanks for all the amazing content and also for teaching me how to be a gentle and humble human being. You are my first chess mentor and I hope to learn more form you!

[@joshuawall2590]

How much chess did you play on average a week?

[@redr0sid210]

Pretty slow development tbh.

[@Golfina19]

Nice and congrats! Yeah, John’s videos have helped a lot of ppl for sure!

[@sherllymentalism4756]

@@redr0sid210 don't be rude

[@redr0sid210]

@@sherllymentalism4756 It’s not rude, it’s the truth. I got to a 1900 rating in half the time.

[@jakelabute5196]

Stuck around for the analysis because its my favourite part! Love these videos where you have the time to talk about each move in comparison to the 3 min blitz games

[@IanOkamoto]

The way you draw arrows, John. Smooth. Seamless. Satisfying.

[@Mike-jz9hr]

Right at 11:10 John talks about knight g5 being an "overly-optimistic move" of someone sub-1400. As someone who just crossed 1400 this is so accurate. Around this benchmark you see a lot less of those 'attack-looking' moves, that carry no real threat.

[@theinacircleoftheancientpu492]

As my music teacher used to call that type of thing. “Bash and hope.”

[@humungous09]

1. How long did it take you to go from 1000 to 1400? 2. Do you know a few openings or do you just depend on tactical game? 3. Your username on chess.com if any.. Thanks!

[@-ChrisD]

I'm just here to thank you for the analysis. Thanks John!

[@dakotaschwurtzwaw]

hi John, my name is Dakota, I'm your fan, but here where I live the girls can't play chess, then I bought a board and game that a little hidden, before going to school or at work I always try to play and learn, a lot thank you for your skills, you could play games in my country, thank you very much.

[@coleschemistrychannel4172]

Where are you from?

[@sherllymentalism4756]

You're doing very well 😊

[@terrymarshall8746]

Hello from Grand Forks! I never miss an analysis! It’s loaded with your knowledge and has improved my game. Thanks

[@raskeshades208]

Hello, Im from Sarpsborg, Norway, your sister city. Still remember the city name from having school pen pals from Nelson Kelly elementary school back in 2005. Hope everything is well and merry christmas.

[@ninjallama101]

you're one of my favorite chess content creators! always so classy and respectful. thanks for the educational videos John!

[@ninjallama101]

PS: stayed around for the analysis!

[@stardust4001]

I have watched nearly all of your rating the ladder series and never missed an analysis.I find them really useful

[@nijdis4959]

Thanks John - I really appreciate your analyses after your games. Lots of great information. I'll also take this opportunity to let you know that I really appreciate your style of teaching and the way you present ideas. Ditto on the way you talk through your moves so novices like myself can understand your reasoning. It's not only been helpful to advancing my understanding of chess but my enjoyment of the game as well. You are doing a great service to the chess world!

[@vaughnwampole3954]

John calling me out at 20:08.

[@samuelrickert6828]

Great analysis with a surprising possible queen trap. Thanks John!

[@bantaibaman5662]

Just one of those who sticks with your analysis through and through. Thanks for the content John! Also I'm baked as balls.

[@oldben7177]

Dude, if not THE best, you are one of the best instructive chessmasters on youtube!!!They way you play and talk to the audience helps us understand how an IM thinks in the chessboard during the game and at the same time helping us improve our thinking principles in chess.

[@komalchanchad667]

Thanks John for your commentary during the play... thats what makes it a good learning exp. Keep it up

[@davidmoss9926]

You are such a gifted commentator and player, making these games so accessible to a wide audience, spreading the love of chess.

[@orpheus6398]

I've been enjoying this series a lot. Thanks for this entertaining and informative content John. ❤️

[@lewiskobe7032]

Finally found a channel so straight forward on chess tactics LIVE in game. Very fun to watch and INSTRUCTIVE! Thanks John

[@tgolden34]

I always hang for the analysis - it's the most valuable part to me.Thanks, JB.

[@heikkisuora2500]

I always hang my pieces because I don't watch the analysis ;)

[@joelhoughton3543]

I stuck around for the comments. Thanks so much for the quality material! Your videos have really helped improve my chess. Always enjoy (and learn something) from analyzing my games after I play too.

[@ToshiDoodle]

Love the analysis! You are my go-to for breaking down games. I'm a beginner and watching your games then looking back at each move for its strengths and weaknesses has allowed me to advance my play immeasurably. Each video feels like a private lesson. Keep 'em coming!

[@carlofierens3773]

So happy I stayed for the analysis! ;) please keep on the hard work, it matters so much for all of us!

[@MrSupernova111]

hi John! I agree with you. I play in the 2000+ and its usually lower rated players that I see overusing their knight hoping for lucky forks. Usually it backfires for them. I'm a tactical player and I like to look deeper into the position to get long term advantages but often they just hang a piece in the process.

[@trikmandularlgaming2026]

you are NOT!!!

[@georgeforrester7539]

Hey John, just thought I’d comment to say that your videos really helped me. I started playing chess at the start of lockdown, and I’ve gone from 400 to 1700 blitz and Rapid on Chesscom, and to 1950 in bullet and I owe a great deal of it to you and your excellent catalogue of work. The careful, thoughtful style that you employ and advise is something that really resonates with me, and it’s really incredible how logical you’re able to make good moves sound where in the beginning, good player’s moves always seemed like individual flashes of genius. I feel like I understand chess a little more every time I watch one of your videos. Hope you have a great holiday season, all the best to you and yours!

[@ajarnray4115]

I'm also glad I stuck around to see the analysis that was quit a wake up call. I thought it would be all over for white and there was a defense possible. Great video John and thanks for the upload.

[@MrRogal00]

Stuck around for the analysis, totally worth it. You're probably the best chess teacher out there. At least one of the best.

[@analogical4090]

For me the analysis is the most instructive part of the videos, so I always stay for it. Thank you for your uniformly excellent content.

[@danielgatos2366]

Thank you for doing all this work! Always great to hear your thought process during the game and also see how you analyze!

[@kdawghomie]

18:40 Woahhhh, M Night Shyamalan couldn't write a better plot twist. Your play looked so perfect up to this point. Gives me hope that I can improve my rating despite all my blunders...

[@ahmedsafa8543]

Best Chess channel ever, I learned many things here, thank you John keep it up 👍🏼

[@patrickleduc7712]

Thanks for the video, John! I really appreciate all these videos that you put up as I consistently learn new material. Keep up the great work! I can't wait to see your Scandinavian course.

[@markbrown3595]

I always stay for the analysis. This one on Rf4 was a shocker. Thanks so much for all your helpful videos. You are my favorite by far.

[@user-sm4mj7ug9x]

Loving the commentary on why you are making the moves. It really helps me to learn the mindset of how to play better. Thank you, keep it up!

[@brianpavloff9442]

Def stick around for the analysis. Have to admit that I'm guilty of heading out after the game too often in these videos, but this video shows a valuable lesson in analyzing every game- win, loss or draw. Thanks John!

[@donaldstreeks6683]

I just subscribed a few days ago. Your video about not leaving unguarded pieces really changed my focus and I started winning regularly. Thanks! I agree with what you're saying about the post-game analysis.

[@drewhanna9057]

I love the analysis and also the rules of thumb and explanations for when you break them and why you did it. I take all of them to heart and it is improving my game a lot.

[@Duck72432]

Watch John like “Yep makes sense thats what I’d do real simple” *actually play get crushed

[@Jagdwurststulle]

That's my favorite series of yours! Really instructional, I learned so much. Thanks John!

[@aft41]

Glad I stuck around to see the snare your Queen almost stepped into! Thanks for contributing so much to the chess community.

[@danbentley8747]

Usually don’t stick around for all of the analysis but in this one I did, funny you mentioned that people don’t tend to stick around. Really informative as always John, thank you

[@ddillon2006]

I'm so bad I can't afford to not stick around for the analysis:) And it's probably obvious, but I will add that I typically learning more from analyzing the games I lose than the games I win. Keep it up in 2021, John--your videos are fantastic!!

[@Iceman_HSV]

I have paused my journey of active improvement but I am glad that I stuck around for the analysis. Chess is so deep! Love it.

[@MichaelGazin]

Dang, guilty, i don't often stick around for the analysis. Watching this one though has absolutely convinced me to change up that part of my KZbin viewing game. JB you are hands down the most valuable resource in my game development. Much love and appreciation 🙏🌟

[@Shahomme]

18:15 is a good example of why you can never relax in Chess. I'm sure a lot of us intermediate players have lost positions being up material because in our minds we won the game! Thanks for the vid John

[@matiasiozzia9547]

I said this before, I believe that this series has great value for all of us who want to be better at chess. Needless to say that the analysis part plays a major role in that. Thanks a lot John. Great content as per usual.

[@xyqueum]

I am so glad I stayed to watch the analysis. Thanks John!

[@cinemashow-5]

Thanks John, these videos of yours are always so instructive. I won a game today by trapping my opponents' queen after he took my a2 pawn which I didn't notice was hanging! My simple move c3 meant his queen couldn't retreat. I always do an engine analysis after every game and review the mistakes and blunders. The hard bit is sometimes understanding why they are mistakes/blunders. I understand and know a lot of the principles you explain to us low rated players. My biggest frustration and problem is that I can't seem to cut out "bad blunders" such as not noticing an attack on a major piece, or moving a major piece onto one of my opponent's squares!

[@Parsdeclined]

I learn so much from your videos John and it's such an easy watch too. Thanks for what you give us all.

[@starship1701]

Was watching this with my kitten when she reached out and clicked the mouse while it was right over the like button. Glad she has good taste. Great video John :)

[@carsonfeix2694]

I appreciate watching you analyze because I do struggle to analyze my own games, even though I know I should. Thanks for providing an example of how to do it, even after a relatively straightforward game!

[@preeve4061]

Rf4 WOW. Glad I stayed for the analysis! Thanks John, for your generous coaching. I haven't gone from 800 to 1800 in 3 years like ahmadali raja (below) but I am improving. And I thank you for that. Have a happy holiday season and here's to your success and happiness in the new year!

[@aude-y8571]

I sticked around for the analysis, and as always, I loved it! It's my favourite part, and it's very instructive that most of learning is under the iceberg and needs to be dug out - work must be mined and done on the underlying substrate. Thank you for the video!

[@joelafleur6544]

Rf4! I cant thank you enough for videos and teaching, I'm watching and re-watching everything I can under 1300...until I get there- pepeelflor.

[@johnstevenson9956]

I always stick around for the analysis. Thanks to you, I've worked my way up from third rate beginner, to second rate beginner.

[@ddmannion]

Listen people, definitely stick around for the post game analysis. So much interesting stuff is revealed.

[@michaelkugel2061]

Yeah I stuck around for that, you're absolutely right about the iceberg analogy! Great video, thanks very much

[@cadco1996]

Great video! I too watch the analysis. It's really what brings me to your videos, as someone looking to improve. I find that you break things down well enough that even I can understand what you are trying to show me, and although I do not see the board with the same depth, it helps me better understand how to analyze my own games.

[@gonzachambi3937]

Rf4 and Kf1 are awesome moves! Yeah, I look all your vids since one month ago I guess, from the minute to the end. Excellent and so instructive videos. Your style of thinking out loud is so cool too! ¡Gracias por compartir tu contenido! Greetings from Argentina.

[@anotherlane9441]

Yeah, I'm absolutely do stick around for the analysis, that's informative, hope that you keep up working on this series someday

[@mikenardini7840]

John I enjoy the 'Climbing the Rating Ladder' series. I always learn a lot from your analysis. Thanks for posting these videos.

[@arcturianbeing2534]

Hey John, I really love your CTRL and Standard videos. Always helpful to hear your thought process and analysis. Please keep uploading.

[@Suho1004]

I always watch the analysis. Of course I like watching you play and talk about your games as you are playing, but I find the analysis to be even more instructive. And when I saw how much time was left in the video after this game ended, considering how simple the game at first appeared, I thought: "Oh boy, there's going to be something juicy in the analysis!" I was not disappointed. :D

[@7pinkpenguins]

Easily becoming my favourite goto channel for great instructional content 👌👍 Love the way you take us through you post game analysis and thought process.

[@MilanBloem]

I'm guilty of not always watching the analysis...glad I stuck around for this one! There's a lesson if there ever was one!

[@clarklk]

Another VERY good analysis. I'm striving to get in the habit of analyzing my games after I play them. I'm going to bookmark this vid for sure!

[@curtisbogue5661]

I stuck around for the analysis. I don't always have the patience to do so, but I'm glad I did this time!

[@bazcuda]

I don't always follow the analysis quite as well as I follow your thoughts during the game, but I always watch the analysis on the off-chance that I'll get a shout out from you for doing so :D

[@BallinIsMyHobby34]

Oh IM Fins I stayed for the analysis and honestly as a beginner/intermediate player I can appreciate the value of these chess is such a deep game where one move can change the course of a game and even all the variations and different lines that can happen is just one of the major reasons why I love chess keep up the great work I’ve always admired how humble you are considering the fact you are a master it’s amazing happy holidays stay safe

[@andrewstrohman2122]

I always stay for the analysis, by far the best part of these videos

[@mikedevlin2048]

Great to see your analysis... I have learnt so much from your channel John... I learnt as a child over four decades ago and only recently became more interested in chess again as my twenty one year old son wanted to start playing again... I would really love to learn more about how to analyse my games myself and the best way to use the engines analysis etc. Thanks for all of the great content John 👌🏻

[@lukemperez]

I always stick around for the analysis, John. And wow. I did not see that coming, and it is very humbling to see that you did not either.

[@teddythegod1919]

I love the late night videos keeps the graveyard shift entertaining. Thanks John!

[@TheLeedsBoyz]

The analysis is the best bit! Great video as always

[@acraftman2823]

I never watched major sports analysis since I wasn't a major sports player but yes as a 1500 player you are providing more than just entertainment.

[@howboutdis3908]

The analysis was very instructive, thanks John.

[@lillcrumb]

I stayed for the analysis love the breakdown

[@rogerrambo5509]

I stuck around for your analysis John. Watching you play with and against my openings provides me with a wealth of information. Thank you for your highly educational chess content. Please be kind to yourself and buy a new keyboard for the Holidays!

[@TheBrodigy1]

I enjoy the endgame analysis quite a bit, I love learning about chess, and I think your analysis of the games is very informative

[@MikeDIY]

Glad to see the content and analysis. also glad your voice is doing better. THX!

[@elindauer]

Analysis is the best part! Rf4!! threat Nc4 and the queen is awkward to say the least. Keep up the good work!

[@andhag]

Always stay for the analysis, that's like half of the educational value!

[@Drip-and-Roll]

Ooooh that Rf4 Queen trap!... nasty, thanks for doing analysis of your games John.

[@mikechatterton759]

I love this series John, thanks for another video!

[@mikechatterton759]

Also, great analysis this time around :D

[@Grovesie35]

Takes me at least an hr to watch your vids lol. Don't want to miss anything and pause here n there to try and find moves. Anyway thank you for taking the time to go over them in depth in trying to help us! I finally got rid of the crappy app I was playing on and got chess.c mobile mainly for the ability to analize my games better. I'm not great at it thou so your explanations are a huge help in trying to get better all around.

[@Grovesie35]

18:30 prompted this comment heh, but it is all true! With that said Title Tuesdays are good for at least one night of entertainment, quite often more then one lol. Don't want to miss a bit of the action and dig trying to play vicariously!

[@shainpowers6016]

I always watch the Analysis. It’s very helpful and you are terrific at guiding your viewers through it. Being a beginning player myself it has helped me gain a lot of knowledge and helped me improve. Keep up the great work John! 😊 From a fellow Minnesotan. SKOL

[@nfmusic6131]

Thank you for the analysis after the video; it was very instructive!

[@chrishux4494]

Thanks for all the information John. Good stuff!!!

[@Freemoonminecraft]

I stay for the analysis, I do find analysis boring and I am guilty of not analysing my own games. However, you are very informative and I always learn something watching your games and your analysis

[@TheTobbeF]

Thank for a great video, watched all of it as usual 😊. Wish you all the best for the holidays

[@alpulley4894]

Stayed for the analysis to see your response on the rf4 possibility and the missed opportunity of ng4+. Surprisingly I saw both as I watched the video.

[@gcollins1992]

Rf4!!! Players of that range (I know because I am one) are sometimes tactically aware enough to find those moves in desperate situations, especially with our tendency to try to use the clock in "lost" positions. I often joke around that John shows no mercy, but games like this remind me that even the tiniest bit of room you give your opponent could be enough for them to wriggle out and draw/win.

[@emirafiq5358]

i really envy how calm u are when u play

[@marklouderback5438]

I stuck around. I think that your analysis is always worth watching. And yes, what an odd feeling it is to realize that your move could have screwed everything up. Keep up the fine work!

[@NastierNate]

I chuckled when you said the open h file attack from the London was overrated because it lined up perfectly with your advice to trade Bishops after Bd6 instead of dropping back to g3 in your London course on Chessable. Gotta respect the consistency.

[@brianjones4047]

Stuck around to the end and glad I did, thank you 😊

[@TRXSTA38]

The analysis afterwards is the best part! :D

[@aussierule]

I really enjoy your Chessable courses. I gifted myself quite a few for Christmas. Happy Holidays and thank you! Looking forward to the Scandinavian when I finish the current courses. I really appreciate the effort and work you put in and also making fairly extensive FREE courses unlike most Authors, which led me to choose to buy your courses.