The fact that to this day, you still answer comments in this video shows how much you really care about the community. I thank you for your dedication John, I think Twitch streaming got chess into people's screens, but you managed to put it in our hearts.
+CLERGYBOY CR It wasn't necessary to tell him that it wasn't necessary. And it's not necessary for me to tell you that it's wasn't necessary to tell him that it wasn't necessary. We should all just look for the bare necessities, the bare necessities of life will come to you.
As a 59 yr old beginner who has been pouring over internet chess info this fundamental series is the most helpful I’ve found for 3 main reasons. 1) The actual game pace is slow enough for you explain your moves and why you’re making them. 2) You have a very teachable attitude and voice that’s easy on the ears. 3) You understand the target audience for these particular videos, and you are good at not speaking over our heads. Very well done!!!
I'm glad to see someone respond like that, honestly. It's always disappointing to ask for advice or tips and either get a patronizing answer like that one or the idiotic "git gud." Roasting the givers of those types of answers brings a smile to my face :)
Thank you to catering to beginners. I can actually understand what you’re teaching rather than most videos which give like ten moves which I can’t follow.
I can't thank you enough for this. I'm a beginner, know all the rules but can't form any plan while playing. Everyone says Develop Develop Develop or Defend but only after watching this video I know what everyone means! Edit after 45 mins - Till this day I couldn’t even beat lichess computer level 1, I was that bad. After watching this video, I went to play. And its like I could see everything so clearly! Protect, Overprotect. Computer played f pawn and I smirked :v And won in 27 moves. Pretty big deal for me!
This is one of the best chess tutorials that I've seen on TH-cam. I actually learned something. (Usually analyses of chess games merely explain the motives of the moves; they don't focus on developing a particular skill (here, recognizing undefended pieces and then exploiting them).) You really are a good teacher. No wonder you've had so many students. Thanks for producing and posting this video.
John, i have been poor player my entire 35 years. On one hand, i never made any effort to better my game. But your three videos immediately improved my game to a whole new level I have never played at. Thank you so much.
@@hogrideeeeer - Instead of laughing at him, I think your question answers itself. Besides, he's saying your videos helped him now. Also, are you expecting a serious reply from him after he made his comment 3 (!!!) years ago? All these factors combined make your comment rather unnecessary imo.
@@hogrideeeeer - I don't see how that's so funny. Most likely he played simply for fun without seeing any need for improvement. That's why I said your question answered itself.
Saw someone on Reddit recommend this series and this lesson alone has improved my game a lot as a beginner. Thank you so much, looking forward to learning from this series on fundamentals.
Bro, this is the first video I saw from your channel. Back then, I was merely a 1200 rated player. Now I am 1900. I occasionally beat opponents who are above 2100. My life time achievements are beating 2 FM and a NM in standard 15 minute match. Thank you. All of your videos are responsible for my growth.
@@AF-fo9zv They never specified the window of time when they first saw the video, unless you’re saying it’s unrealistic for a 1200 to become a 1900 in 6 years
I just beat someone I had never beaten before-rather convincingly too, I might add-by simply following your instructions in this incredible video. Kept my eyes out for undefended pieces in the position and capitalised on blunders I would ordinarily have missed. Thank you, John.
I mostly watch Daniel Naroditsky to learn, who of course is an amazing player AND teacher. But this video alone is by far the most useful video I've ever watched, so simple yet so elegant
I just used to know how pieces move from years, wasn't really playing chess at all, recently got into it, was doing a ton of these mistakes which you mentioned in the video. And I must say I'm mighty impressed just how the very basic is very effective against even 1200 rated players. Also, I'm watching this in 2023, watching this 8 years after it was published and this remains the most helpful chess content I have consumed till this date! A mega thanks John! All the best!
Excellent video. You have a gift for instruction! This is my second in the series as I started with your chess fundamentals on pawns. Both these videos have been incredibly helpful. I really really appreciate hearing the reasons you give for each move you make while playing an actual game. Very informative. I have a very nice chess library and I must say your two videos have come pretty close to rivaling them by sheer learning experience. There is something very powerful about watching you play and demonstrate chess logic and theory on the actual chess battle field. I am very excited to know I have 3 more of your videos in this series yet to watch! Thank you for offering your time and talent to help us aspiring chess fans.
Of all the tutorials I have watched claiming to target beginners, this is the first I found to actually teach me to play better without trying to memorize openings. Thanks! Immediately improved my online games!
I wasted a lot of time thinking I was above this level, not realizing that simply protecting my own pieces and finding undefended opponent pieces was how I could improve.
Saw a random comment on a chess video telling me to come to your channel as a beginner and after watching hundreds of hours of educational chess content, this is the one video that has 1. Humbled me and 2. Showed me the importance of fundamental play and how to immediately improve drastically. Thank you and I cant wait to get through the entire series 🙏
This video helped me more than anything else I had read or watched. You made the game possible for me... I could have gone on for years not realising the error of my ways. Like others have said, your communication style is a big part of why I kept watching. THANK YOU!
I recently started playing chess, and I've gotten so into it, someone reccommended me to watch your series and I loved this first video. Will watch the rest of the series thanks for putting these out :)
Such an important lesson to grasp and if you do, it will virtually eliminate blunders. Anyone can blunder when under time pressure, but if you do it with tons of time on the clock, that is completely preventable. I love this series of fundamentals.
After all these years I am still rewatching these great lessons and always picking up something new. Slowly but steady I'm rising that rating ladder. Thanks John
Wow. I used to play chess as a kid with my grandpa, who used to win local competitions and taught me enough for me to win some school competitions. I haven't played since I was 11, when he died. I literally forgot everything I know. I'm 30 now. I just started to get into chess again and felt really discouraged because I lost every single game. I only rememberd a couple of openings but not even the strategies behind it, just to open up with it. After watching this one video of yours, I feel like I'm getting back into it again! I'm winning games, albeit at low ELO, I'm still winning. I know this is a long and boring story to read, but it means the world to me. I feel like I'm not disappointing my grandpa. I have tears in my eyes. I'm glad there are people willing to teach beginners. Thank you, John.
I'm a bit late to reply, but you have such a cool story. Love to hear about people getting back into chess, and I'm positive that your grandpa is smiling somewhere knowing that you've taken the game back up. Thanks for watching and reading a heartfelt comment. Keep us posted on your progress!
@@JohnBartholomewChess I appreciate the lovely words, John! It’s been great, I’m totally obsessed with chess! I bought a book, reading it through - learning openings and the strategies behind them. I need to practice end games with couple of pieces on the board. Sometimes raging and sometimes laughing at my blunders. Not to be a suck up, I’m really enjoying your videos. I always end up coming back to your channel - great, simple explanations. I retain a lot of information. I feel like I can relax while learning loads. Cheers!
Excellent video! To me, the way you present your lessons so that anyone at any level can benefit from watching your TH-cam and Twitch content, is extremely commendable. For example, at 15:16 you explained very articulately how h5 was a bad move. A lot of even the very top chess players do not have this ability you have; they may just laugh when their opponents make a move like h5, and so people who are of a relatively low level at chess find it very intriguing to want to learn more about chess, when you are so good at explaining things to a wide audience. -Kent
Used to be 1700 in '20. Then stopped playing for 3 years- just decided to come back to the game and decided to start again by learning from this amazing series of Chess Fundamentals. One video in and I already feel like I can get my old rating back easily, haha. Thanks and keep up the great work, John!
Please do more videos in this format! As a begginer i found this really really instructive. I think what a begginer really needs is to understand the tought process behind the decisions, and where to look in a chess game, and this video was the best that i could find, because your commenting your own game while it happens, your tought process and decision making. Sorry for bad english.
Hi, Igor - thanks so much for your comment! It's nice to hear that this video resonated with you as a beginning player. Thanks for watching. By the way, your English seems perfectly good to me! Cheers :)
I'm a chess beginner I often don't know what piece to play and, in the broader context, why? This video improved my game immediately. I started to get a sense of purpose behind coordinating piece movement from a defense perspective. You're an excellent teacher, and quite clearly, player. Thank you.
When he said be paranoid reminded me when I was learning to drive. My driving instructor mentioned 'healthy paranoia' by that he meant as a learner you over check everything. As a beginner chess player it's good to have the same mindset check that everything is defended well and you should be fine. This video has been very helpful for me as I've found myself being far to complacent.
I've been struggling to make progress for a while. I felt plateau'd and even stopped playing for awhile. This video really gave me what I needed , to have something clear to focus on; especially in the early middle game, but really throughout. Thanks! Excellent. Can't wait to watch the rest.
This series is what got me into chess so I wanted to say thanks for this. I think this is an underrated predecessor to the educational "speed runs" you see in the modern era of chess and I still try to watch your videos whenever I can dedicate the time to it. John brought me from amateur to novice, Danya brought me from novice to intermediate (or beginning intermediate) and hopefully the both of you will keep helping me climb the rating ladder :)
I think this is absolutely the best instructional chess channel on youtube! So much value in your clear analysis. I have been watching your videos for about a month and am already remembering so many nuggets during my games. I haven't kicked the habit of playing blitz, but at least I'm playing with a delay now (5|5) and throwing in some 10 & 15 minute games, and just that has also helped improve my patience and analysis versus straight 5 minute games.
I've been struggling to get better for a while, but after watching this I've gone up 225 rating points. Thank you for the helpful video. I appreciate you.
Was struggling and stranded at 850ELO for months before watching this video. Shot up to 1076 in just a week's time after watching this. Amazing lesson, just being aware of undefended pieces changes so many things
Just wanted to say, I am a beginner. Modern day chess seems to have taken off where the average person knows quite a bit of theory, everyone has opening repertoires. But this video has really helped solidify my principles and has improved my game quite a bit. I think its actually one of the most important things I've watched, youre a solid teacher.
I've been visiting several chess analysis channels and of none have I learned as much as with this channel. The level of analysis and explanation is amazingly helpful. Thanks!
John, thanks so much for your videos. I've been a very casual chess player for years, and have always stopped playing because I had a tough time improving beyond a certain point. Your videos, especially this one (and the climbing the rating ladders series) have done more to help my game than countless other videos and books I've come across in the past. THANK YOU!! And please keep posting stuff for beginner-intermediate level players.
+czarmogul Hey, czarmogul - glad to hear from you!! Really happy to learn that these videos are helping you and encouraging you to continue playing chess. Keep it up!
I watched this and have gone from losing to 500 rated computer matches to winning 900 rated computer matches in a day! Thanks for the awesome video! Can’t wait to improve more with the rest of the series
Thanks for taking the time to put up such a great, instructive lecture!! You know what is just AWESOME? the opportunitty to watch you (a higher rated player) playing a normal rated one (like one of us) and making the game look like a very, very easy one, because the moves are so obvious to you, like the instant mates you can see, but I have to take my time to check it. It is just awesome how the human mind can achieve such a high understanding of a subject. Congrats, John!
I just had a wonderful time watching those two games. I’m new to chess, I’m afraid I have a rating around 700, however, I was able to keep up with all the theory and making sure your pieces are protected. I feel like that at some point someone has to jump to get things started. I avg about 2 blunders a game with 3 mistakes and inaccuracies. I subscribed to your channel- thank you!
Thank you so much John. This video proved to be immensely helpful. Nothing has improved my game as much as this video. I employed the "scanning for danger" step you taught in my games, won the games that I would have lost otherwise. Thanks again.
"Be paranoid about undefended pieces" i think i really need to develop such awareness about my undefended pieces, i knew how undefended pieces are a Tactical motif but i didn't know how important this concept is until i saw this video, the moment an unprotected piece appears Boom ! you Exploit this motif and your suddenly up a pawn! , i had an OTB classic game a few days ago (I'm 1229 fide) against a 1653 rated opponent. i was up a pawn. In the game I was looking for the best square for my bishop, and i found that square and i simply but my bishop there without even considering if my bishop is protected or not, Then suddenly.. CHECK ! and my opponent went on to collect my bishop and secure the win. Next time i will be PARANOID about my unprotected pieces. I learned my lesson. Thank you John 🙏.
this video is unbelievably helpful. thank you so much. i just played the most sound, controlled, thoughtful game i have so far (just learning) bc of these principles. i'm still wobbly, and clumsy, and all the other things beginners are, but i felt a noticeable improvement and won! thanks so much :)
Great video, John! When I look for advice to improve, most people just say stop making blunders and learn tactics, but they don't say how. This is one of the clearest instructional videos out there.
This is a must see for every chess player!! So instructive not just on moves you can make, but also on how to consider what moves to make. Very good work!
Just starting out in the chess community still get nervous playing other people. But thanks to your instructions my game has improved dramatically. So thankyou for putting in the time to make this clip and showing us the fundamentals. Much appreciated.
What an incredibly helpful lesson! Ive just started playing some weeks ago, and starting off this series -- and eventually finishing it'll get me on my way to improving heavily mate. I really gained from this, youve got my sub.
Can't tell you how much it's helped to hear your train of thought as you analyze the board. It's really improved my game as a beginner greatly in a short amount of time. Thanks!
If I have to rank youtube tutorials over all topics I've learned so far(i.e. programming, maths, life hacks, chess etc). This video is ranked number 1. You just upgraded my lichess ranking by 200 with this 1 video. Thanks.
John I've been only playing for a week now and this instructional was very helpful. I love seeing the live play and explanation for each move. most videos that I've watched so far have multiple moves in seconds without any explanation. I'm addicted thanks!
OH MY GOSH!! I just found this series, and (this video at least) is by far THE BEST chess instruction I have ever seen. Most instruction is way too complicated - or situational - to do any good for players who are trying to learn. Presenters often come at the video from their own level of knowledge, NOT from the learners level of knowledge, making the lesson is basically useless. This however makes every step make sense at a pace that works for a learner. More of these PLEASE!! Sorry it took so long to find them, but well worth it once I did.
I watched this day before yesterday and I must admit it has had an astounding impact on my playing right away...and this is only 2 days in. I stuck to the defend and develop strategy like my life depended on it and it helped me get really far ahead in the game. Of course, by the time I had cleared out the other side's pieces, there was still a question of an effective offensive, but I reckon I'll learn that in time to come. Thank you very much for this helpful lesson.
Thank you so much for this! It's embarrassing to admit, but I've been stuck at 700 for weeks and I think this will be really helpful in getting me to a higher rating. Wishing you the very sloppiest of toppy in your future my friend 🙏🏿
This has been the most helpful instruction I have seen. My games have been about who blunders the most. My son has been trying to tell me to pay attention more, but you've demonstrated it wonderfully. In writing, they say "show don't tell". I think that is true of chess instruction too. Great job!
Sub 500 player but after watching this video, I was able to string together two solid victories. Seriously an eye opener for such a newbie like myself.
As an 830 I watched 39 minutes of this video last night and fired up a game and got a 1014 who resigned after going down 8 points of material. I got white and play the London so that helped a lot. Highest opponent I ever beat! Great content so far! Now to finish the video!
One of the best video lessons i have found on youtube . I have spent hours on theories but your few videos has helped more and has given new perspective and ways to form strategies and has helped a lot.
Super glad my friend told me about this series!! Having seen a lot of chess theory already, I'd say I 100% knew most of the concepts in this video beforehand... but I'd say it really was not obvious to me how to turn it into habits. Really like the phrasing in these videos, especially stuff like "should send off alarm bells in your head" and "be paranoid about undefended pieces". My goal is to have a simple checklist to rely on during my beginner to intermediate skill levels, with expounded notes and video references to review when my memory is rusty; and I feel that videos like this will be very helpful with that!
It's ridiculous how helpful it is to hear something as simple as "if your in lower levels focus on defending your pieces" now I know to do that it seems so simple and foundational and yet no chess lesson or tutorial has ever explained that.
After going thru so many tutorials on chess I finally find one that really helped my game, I am definitely going to watch the whole series and anything else by you. Thank you so much.
Great video John! After watching it my games really improved significantly, both ways, I noticed the opponents undefended pieces and went after them and protected my won pieces better. Thanks.
I loved this video. Much of what is discussed on the various (all really great) instructional youtube channels is sufficiently advanced that it is beyond my ability to benefit much from it. It was really great to have something that targets a lower level audience added to the mix. Thanks for thinking of us beginners!
My pleasure, Michael! From the feedback I'm receiving, it definitely seems like there are a lot of beginning/improving players who benefit from videos like this. Therefore I'll continue to make them! :) Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this. What I love most about your videos is that even without being proficient in algebraic notation, I can still easily follow along. Thanks so much for all the hard work.
Hi John, this video has been a real turning point in my (still ongoing) chess odyssea. It marked a real transition from being beginner to becoming an experienced amateur. With your advices I really managed to develop a form of intuition and awareness of how all pieces are interlinked, and this diminshed my blundering rate a lot. I now have much more systematic vision of the opponent's weaknesses (as well as mine), which ultimately guides my choice of moves. Thanks for this fantastic series!
It's amazing how these little things make you a much much better at this game. It's like you are seeing a beautiful scenery after your vision being obstructed for a long time.
Ooohlalaa! I just used this concept of protecting and attack their undefended pieces. And I won. I am a super newbie, but I did a defence of my two knights and queen. Knights protect each other, while queen backs one kngiht. My god was it fancy to look at! Hahahaha :D feels good man! Thanks! A few more games and imma proceed with other lessons. Great stuff !!!!! Love it!
This video series was mentioned in a discussion I had come across online regarding people who wanted to play chess but didn't have the time and/or desire to put tremendous amounts of effort into memorizing openings, mid game, end game, etc etc. They were more casual players, not looking to climb ranking ladders or the like and were wondering if there was "a place" for them in the chess world. The overwhelming response was in the affirmative, and these videos were shown as an example of knowing some fundamentals which would allow you to play better and enjoy your games if you weren't looking to become the next GM. They were praised for their ability to speak to people on all levels of chess, and for their thoroughness. I am looking forward to watching these and learning what I can from them to do just that - learning the fundamentals to be able to improve my game and still play it as a game and enjoy it without the deep diving and learning required by those who MUST win or MUST improve to the highest levels of rankings.
Shoutout to Nostardamus, the unsung hero of this channel.
He couldn’t have predicted that
@@Za1987cfc Quasimodo could've predicted that.
The fact that to this day, you still answer comments in this video shows how much you really care about the community.
I thank you for your dedication John, I think Twitch streaming got chess into people's screens, but you managed to put it in our hearts.
By far the most helpful lesson I've ever watched...improved my game tenfold
+mykeydrive Pleased to hear this video helped you, mykeydrive.
+John Bartholomew it wasn't necessary to write 'mykeydrive'
He's just being formal
+Zach Goldberg Are you Bill Goldberg's son?
+CLERGYBOY CR It wasn't necessary to tell him that it wasn't necessary. And it's not necessary for me to tell you that it's wasn't necessary to tell him that it wasn't necessary. We should all just look for the bare necessities, the bare necessities of life will come to you.
You're so devestating and yet friendly to your opponent, it's scary
Obama
koensieben622, I hate our society today and it's all your fault.
That's the mark of a true master.
Julius Caesar
True :)
As a 59 yr old beginner who has been pouring over internet chess info this fundamental series is the most helpful I’ve found for 3 main reasons.
1) The actual game pace is slow enough for you explain your moves and why you’re making them.
2) You have a very teachable attitude and voice that’s easy on the ears.
3) You understand the target audience for these particular videos, and you are good at not speaking over our heads.
Very well done!!!
John he looks, like as homie guy who should be proud of going down deep into another' guyses hole as deep as he can.
@@ネーブルオレンジ-p7i what?
Gene, you should check out Daniel Naroditsky's channel too
A beginner for 59 years
*poring not pouring
"yeh get better" "I don't need advice from a 1600" GODDAMN SON
Ahmed Hassan rekt
Fucking Destroyed
BTFO
when they ask you to roast him and you literally fry them alive
I'm glad to see someone respond like that, honestly. It's always disappointing to ask for advice or tips and either get a patronizing answer like that one or the idiotic "git gud." Roasting the givers of those types of answers brings a smile to my face :)
Thank you to catering to beginners. I can actually understand what you’re teaching rather than most videos which give like ten moves which I can’t follow.
I can't thank you enough for this. I'm a beginner, know all the rules but can't form any plan while playing. Everyone says Develop Develop Develop or Defend but only after watching this video I know what everyone means!
Edit after 45 mins - Till this day I couldn’t even beat lichess computer level 1, I was that bad. After watching this video, I went to play. And its like I could see everything so clearly! Protect, Overprotect. Computer played f pawn and I smirked :v And won in 27 moves. Pretty big deal for me!
Sounds like a great start. Chess only keeps getting interesting, and victory sweeter.
Good for you moyeen
Well done mate 👍
Updates pls
Do you know what en passant is?
This is one of the best chess tutorials that I've seen on TH-cam. I actually learned something. (Usually analyses of chess games merely explain the motives of the moves; they don't focus on developing a particular skill (here, recognizing undefended pieces and then exploiting them).) You really are a good teacher. No wonder you've had so many students. Thanks for producing and posting this video.
bro did you just put a parenthesis inside another pair of parenthesis
@@ThatOneHandsomeGamer Sal Bundry in disguise
Cosimos Cendo Bro. He couldn’t leave the first parentheses un-defended. He was just trying to apply what he learned in the lesson. 👌🏻😂
@@jaybee4694 lmfao
@@ThatOneHandsomeGamer very mathematical.
As I keep playing chess, I re-watch this series every couple of months and every time I internalize something new.
John, i have been poor player my entire 35 years. On one hand, i never made any effort to better my game. But your three videos immediately improved my game to a whole new level I have never played at. Thank you so much.
How do you play poorly for 35 years LOL
@@hogrideeeeer - Instead of laughing at him, I think your question answers itself. Besides, he's saying your videos helped him now. Also, are you expecting a serious reply from him after he made his comment 3 (!!!) years ago? All these factors combined make your comment rather unnecessary imo.
@@Orodin4444 i just find it funny that someone can play chess poorly for 35 years, even 2 years is a stretch
@@hogrideeeeer - I don't see how that's so funny. Most likely he played simply for fun without seeing any need for improvement. That's why I said your question answered itself.
Akdas It’s all relative. You have played poorly all your life, compared to a titled player.
Saw someone on Reddit recommend this series and this lesson alone has improved my game a lot as a beginner. Thank you so much, looking forward to learning from this series on fundamentals.
I came from the same reddit post
flgoyens?
Bro, this is the first video I saw from your channel. Back then, I was merely a 1200 rated player. Now I am 1900. I occasionally beat opponents who are above 2100. My life time achievements are beating 2 FM and a NM in standard 15 minute match. Thank you. All of your videos are responsible for my growth.
No way you made that big a jump so fast.
@@AF-fo9zv They never specified the window of time when they first saw the video, unless you’re saying it’s unrealistic for a 1200 to become a 1900 in 6 years
Nice, top tips to improve daily?
I just beat someone I had never beaten before-rather convincingly too, I might add-by simply following your instructions in this incredible video. Kept my eyes out for undefended pieces in the position and capitalised on blunders I would ordinarily have missed. Thank you, John.
as someone who recently started getting into chess, this is exactly the type of video I have been looking for. Thank you
Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.
I mostly watch Daniel Naroditsky to learn, who of course is an amazing player AND teacher. But this video alone is by far the most useful video I've ever watched, so simple yet so elegant
I just used to know how pieces move from years, wasn't really playing chess at all, recently got into it, was doing a ton of these mistakes which you mentioned in the video. And I must say I'm mighty impressed just how the very basic is very effective against even 1200 rated players. Also, I'm watching this in 2023, watching this 8 years after it was published and this remains the most helpful chess content I have consumed till this date! A mega thanks John! All the best!
John this hands down the best begginers lesson ever. You just brought my game to a whole new level of awareness. Thank you.
+J Pasieka Awesome to hear! Thanks for watching :) I plan on making more videos geared toward this level, so stay tuned.
That last game was masterful, all the pieces just lined up so well to make a beautiful game
Excellent video. You have a gift for instruction! This is my second in the series as I started with your chess fundamentals on pawns. Both these videos have been incredibly helpful. I really really appreciate hearing the reasons you give for each move you make while playing an actual game. Very informative. I have a very nice chess library and I must say your two videos have come pretty close to rivaling them by sheer learning experience. There is something very powerful about watching you play and demonstrate chess logic and theory on the actual chess battle field. I am very excited to know I have 3 more of your videos in this series yet to watch! Thank you for offering your time and talent to help us aspiring chess fans.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Sean. I'm pleased these videos were useful to you.
basically what he said.
Yes, JB does have a teaching gift...love his vids.
Of all the tutorials I have watched claiming to target beginners, this is the first I found to actually teach me to play better without trying to memorize openings. Thanks! Immediately improved my online games!
I wasted a lot of time thinking I was above this level, not realizing that simply protecting my own pieces and finding undefended opponent pieces was how I could improve.
Saw a random comment on a chess video telling me to come to your channel as a beginner and after watching hundreds of hours of educational chess content, this is the one video that has 1. Humbled me and 2. Showed me the importance of fundamental play and how to immediately improve drastically. Thank you and I cant wait to get through the entire series 🙏
And *I* am humbled by your comment! :)
Thanks so much for dropping a line - I'm happy this video has helped you. Cheers!
This video helped me more than anything else I had read or watched. You made the game possible for me... I could have gone on for years not realising the error of my ways. Like others have said, your communication style is a big part of why I kept watching. THANK YOU!
I recently started playing chess, and I've gotten so into it, someone reccommended me to watch your series and I loved this first video. Will watch the rest of the series thanks for putting these out :)
Fantastic! Thanks so much for checking out my stuff - best wishes for your further chess improvement.
Such an important lesson to grasp and if you do, it will virtually eliminate blunders. Anyone can blunder when under time pressure, but if you do it with tons of time on the clock, that is completely preventable. I love this series of fundamentals.
After all these years I am still rewatching these great lessons and always picking up something new. Slowly but steady I'm rising that rating ladder. Thanks John
Wow. I used to play chess as a kid with my grandpa, who used to win local competitions and taught me enough for me to win some school competitions. I haven't played since I was 11, when he died. I literally forgot everything I know. I'm 30 now.
I just started to get into chess again and felt really discouraged because I lost every single game. I only rememberd a couple of openings but not even the strategies behind it, just to open up with it.
After watching this one video of yours, I feel like I'm getting back into it again! I'm winning games, albeit at low ELO, I'm still winning.
I know this is a long and boring story to read, but it means the world to me. I feel like I'm not disappointing my grandpa. I have tears in my eyes.
I'm glad there are people willing to teach beginners. Thank you, John.
I'm a bit late to reply, but you have such a cool story. Love to hear about people getting back into chess, and I'm positive that your grandpa is smiling somewhere knowing that you've taken the game back up.
Thanks for watching and reading a heartfelt comment. Keep us posted on your progress!
@@JohnBartholomewChess I appreciate the lovely words, John!
It’s been great, I’m totally obsessed with chess! I bought a book, reading it through - learning openings and the strategies behind them. I need to practice end games with couple of pieces on the board.
Sometimes raging and sometimes laughing at my blunders.
Not to be a suck up, I’m really enjoying your videos. I always end up coming back to your channel - great, simple explanations. I retain a lot of information. I feel like I can relax while learning loads. Cheers!
Excellent video! To me, the way you present your lessons so that anyone at any level can benefit from watching your TH-cam and Twitch content, is extremely commendable. For example, at 15:16 you explained very articulately how h5 was a bad move. A lot of even the very top chess players do not have this ability you have; they may just laugh when their opponents make a move like h5, and so people who are of a relatively low level at chess find it very intriguing to want to learn more about chess, when you are so good at explaining things to a wide audience.
-Kent
Very much about your kind words and feedback, Kent. Best wishes for your chess improvement, and thanks for watching!
Used to be 1700 in '20. Then stopped playing for 3 years- just decided to come back to the game and decided to start again by learning from this amazing series of Chess Fundamentals. One video in and I already feel like I can get my old rating back easily, haha.
Thanks and keep up the great work, John!
how the fuck is 2020 3 years ago
@@dw3yn693bro right? 😭 if someone says 3 years ago im thinking 2018 instantly
Did you get your old rating back? How was it? Have you noticed a difference in beginnerskill level since 2020?
Please do more videos in this format!
As a begginer i found this really really instructive.
I think what a begginer really needs is to understand the tought process behind the decisions, and where to look in a chess game, and this video was the best that i could find, because your commenting your own game while it happens, your tought process and decision making.
Sorry for bad english.
Hi, Igor - thanks so much for your comment! It's nice to hear that this video resonated with you as a beginning player. Thanks for watching. By the way, your English seems perfectly good to me! Cheers :)
I'm a chess beginner I often don't know what piece to play and, in the broader context, why? This video improved my game immediately. I started to get a sense of purpose behind coordinating piece movement from a defense perspective. You're an excellent teacher, and quite clearly, player. Thank you.
When he said be paranoid reminded me when I was learning to drive. My driving instructor mentioned 'healthy paranoia' by that he meant as a learner you over check everything. As a beginner chess player it's good to have the same mindset check that everything is defended well and you should be fine. This video has been very helpful for me as I've found myself being far to complacent.
I've been struggling to make progress for a while. I felt plateau'd and even stopped playing for awhile. This video really gave me what I needed , to have something clear to focus on; especially in the early middle game, but really throughout. Thanks! Excellent. Can't wait to watch the rest.
This series is what got me into chess so I wanted to say thanks for this. I think this is an underrated predecessor to the educational "speed runs" you see in the modern era of chess and I still try to watch your videos whenever I can dedicate the time to it. John brought me from amateur to novice, Danya brought me from novice to intermediate (or beginning intermediate) and hopefully the both of you will keep helping me climb the rating ladder :)
I think this is absolutely the best instructional chess channel on youtube! So much value in your clear analysis. I have been watching your videos for about a month and am already remembering so many nuggets during my games.
I haven't kicked the habit of playing blitz, but at least I'm playing with a delay now (5|5) and throwing in some 10 & 15 minute games, and just that has also helped improve my patience and analysis versus straight 5 minute games.
LA Fresh Life what's the point on playing 5 minute chess? it seems pretty silly. chess is not about speed.
@Kyle Whitehead yeah maybe. It's probably more a sign of my lack of skill than anything:)
Winston Smith You are kinda right, because the more time you have, the less difference there will be between amateurs and masters.
I've been struggling to get better for a while, but after watching this I've gone up 225 rating points. Thank you for the helpful video. I appreciate you.
Just started in chess because it's insanely fun. Wish i knew it before, thanks for the content man! It will surely help a lot!
Love to hear that! Welcome!!
Was struggling and stranded at 850ELO for months before watching this video. Shot up to 1076 in just a week's time after watching this. Amazing lesson, just being aware of undefended pieces changes so many things
Love it!! Keep climbing!
what is your rating now?
@@itachiedits5920 1200 fluctuating, had stopped playing for a couple months
Just wanted to say, I am a beginner. Modern day chess seems to have taken off where the average person knows quite a bit of theory, everyone has opening repertoires. But this video has really helped solidify my principles and has improved my game quite a bit. I think its actually one of the most important things I've watched, youre a solid teacher.
This is one of the most informative, clearly explained chess video I have ever seen on TH-cam! Definitely subscribing.
High praise, wow!! :) Thanks, TheTimosey. Appreciate you checking out my channel.
I've been visiting several chess analysis channels and of none have I learned as much as with this channel. The level of analysis and explanation is amazingly helpful. Thanks!
John, thanks so much for your videos. I've been a very casual chess player for years, and have always stopped playing because I had a tough time improving beyond a certain point. Your videos, especially this one (and the climbing the rating ladders series) have done more to help my game than countless other videos and books I've come across in the past. THANK YOU!! And please keep posting stuff for beginner-intermediate level players.
+czarmogul Hey, czarmogul - glad to hear from you!! Really happy to learn that these videos are helping you and encouraging you to continue playing chess. Keep it up!
I watched this and have gone from losing to 500 rated computer matches to winning 900 rated computer matches in a day! Thanks for the awesome video! Can’t wait to improve more with the rest of the series
Thanks for taking the time to put up such a great, instructive lecture!! You know what is just AWESOME? the opportunitty to watch you (a higher rated player) playing a normal rated one (like one of us) and making the game look like a very, very easy one, because the moves are so obvious to you, like the instant mates you can see, but I have to take my time to check it. It is just awesome how the human mind can achieve such a high understanding of a subject. Congrats, John!
+mtomazza Thanks for your positive feedback, mtomazza. I'm pleased you enjoy these videos! Thanks for watching.
This was the single most illuminating and practical hour of chess advice I've ever encountered. Thank you!
I just had a wonderful time watching those two games. I’m new to chess, I’m afraid I have a rating around 700, however, I was able to keep up with all the theory and making sure your pieces are protected. I feel like that at some point someone has to jump to get things started. I avg about 2 blunders a game with 3 mistakes and inaccuracies. I subscribed to your channel- thank you!
Thank you so much John. This video proved to be immensely helpful. Nothing has improved my game as much as this video. I employed the "scanning for danger" step you taught in my games, won the games that I would have lost otherwise. Thanks again.
I thought Nostardamus played well given their rating. If not for the pawn move, it could have been a bit more interesting.
I agree, other than pawn move I would say he has a well awareness of danger.
Or just used an opening book for those first ten moves like lots of online players do
cody weeter online players? Don’t you mean.. players in general? Lol
"Be paranoid about undefended pieces" i think i really need to develop such awareness about my undefended pieces, i knew how undefended pieces are a Tactical motif but i didn't know how important this concept is until i saw this video, the moment an unprotected piece appears Boom ! you Exploit this motif and your suddenly up a pawn! , i had an OTB classic game a few days ago (I'm 1229 fide) against a 1653 rated opponent. i was up a pawn. In the game I was looking for the best square for my bishop, and i found that square and i simply but my bishop there without even considering if my bishop is protected or not, Then suddenly.. CHECK ! and my opponent went on to collect my bishop and secure the win. Next time i will be PARANOID about my unprotected pieces. I learned my lesson. Thank you John 🙏.
this video is unbelievably helpful. thank you so much. i just played the most sound, controlled, thoughtful game i have so far (just learning) bc of these principles. i'm still wobbly, and clumsy, and all the other things beginners are, but i felt a noticeable improvement and won! thanks so much :)
Great video, John! When I look for advice to improve, most people just say stop making blunders and learn tactics, but they don't say how. This is one of the clearest instructional videos out there.
This is a must see for every chess player!! So instructive not just on moves you can make, but also on how to consider what moves to make. Very good work!
Just starting out in the chess community still get nervous playing other people. But thanks to your instructions my game has improved dramatically. So thankyou for putting in the time to make this clip and showing us the fundamentals. Much appreciated.
What an incredibly helpful lesson!
Ive just started playing some weeks ago, and starting off this series -- and eventually finishing it'll get me on my way to improving heavily mate.
I really gained from this, youve got my sub.
Can't tell you how much it's helped to hear your train of thought as you analyze the board. It's really improved my game as a beginner greatly in a short amount of time. Thanks!
so yeah, I just watched a fifty four minute chess video and learned something.
Love to hear that.
This is the clearest I've seen any chess instructed explain .
John, this lesson helped me greally, as all the mistakes you talk about are part of every game I play. Thanks!
If I have to rank youtube tutorials over all topics I've learned so far(i.e. programming, maths, life hacks, chess etc). This video is ranked number 1.
You just upgraded my lichess ranking by 200 with this 1 video. Thanks.
I honestly never knew chess was this interesting.
Your Chess Fundamentals series are hands down the most instructional on TH-cam. Thank you so much for your time and knowledge!
Terrific instruction!!! I love your simple clear playing style and feel like I'm learning more than any book I've ever read.
John I've been only playing for a week now and this instructional was very helpful. I love seeing the live play and explanation for each move. most videos that I've watched so far have multiple moves in seconds without any explanation. I'm addicted thanks!
I like your use of vocabulary.
same here, jb is easy to understand
SinnDexx prophylactic
My thoughts as well. He is very well-spoken and precise in his use of language. I wonder where he is from. New England maybe? *checks Wikipedia*
@@pokemonguy99 Minnesota. And yes,he speaks Queens english.
"discombobulate"
OH MY GOSH!! I just found this series, and (this video at least) is by far THE BEST chess instruction I have ever seen. Most instruction is way too complicated - or situational - to do any good for players who are trying to learn. Presenters often come at the video from their own level of knowledge, NOT from the learners level of knowledge, making the lesson is basically useless. This however makes every step make sense at a pace that works for a learner. More of these PLEASE!! Sorry it took so long to find them, but well worth it once I did.
Thank you so much. This video is gold! My game has been suffering badly and you helped me see why.
+Vladimir Molitvenik Glad to hear you picked up some useful knowledge from this video, Vladimir! Best of luck.
I watched this day before yesterday and I must admit it has had an astounding impact on my playing right away...and this is only 2 days in. I stuck to the defend and develop strategy like my life depended on it and it helped me get really far ahead in the game. Of course, by the time I had cleared out the other side's pieces, there was still a question of an effective offensive, but I reckon I'll learn that in time to come. Thank you very much for this helpful lesson.
I am a 1200 player and I'm very excited about this series! Awesome video.
Thanks, Alen! Appreciate you tuning in.
Thank you this video made me go from 100 elo to 200 in 1 day , you are a great teacher. I will watch the rest of chess fundamentals playlist 🙏
1:04 first game
26:30 Second Game
40:29 Third Game
Definition of timeless! Most played RTS ever, and no patches. Love it!
I’ve just started playing Chess during these strange times and this video is so incredibly helpful for me. Cheers Sir.
Freedom is Everything Hey, we both picked up chess right about the same time! Happy learning ☺️
Bruh same
What is your rating. Ive just started too
We can play on chess.com
@@ducluongdo8012 im new on chess.com ill play anyone I want to learn more
Fantastic video! This series and the lichess piece positioning studies are skyrocketing my elo and understanding of the game. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this! It's embarrassing to admit, but I've been stuck at 700 for weeks and I think this will be really helpful in getting me to a higher rating. Wishing you the very sloppiest of toppy in your future my friend 🙏🏿
This has been the most helpful instruction I have seen. My games have been about who blunders the most. My son has been trying to tell me to pay attention more, but you've demonstrated it wonderfully. In writing, they say "show don't tell". I think that is true of chess instruction too. Great job!
Thanks John, for your time spent by creating these great videos...
+Pavel Horčička Thank you for your time spent watching and commenting, Pavel!
Sub 500 player but after watching this video, I was able to string together two solid victories. Seriously an eye opener for such a newbie like myself.
As an 830 I watched 39 minutes of this video last night and fired up a game and got a 1014 who resigned after going down 8 points of material. I got white and play the London so that helped a lot. Highest opponent I ever beat! Great content so far! Now to finish the video!
One of the best video lessons i have found on youtube . I have spent hours on theories but your few videos has helped more and has given new perspective and ways to form strategies and has helped a lot.
Great video. I appreciate the clear, logical commentary for every move.
Thank you, Sam! Clarity is what I strive for. Appreciate you checking out my channel.
Super glad my friend told me about this series!! Having seen a lot of chess theory already, I'd say I 100% knew most of the concepts in this video beforehand... but I'd say it really was not obvious to me how to turn it into habits. Really like the phrasing in these videos, especially stuff like "should send off alarm bells in your head" and "be paranoid about undefended pieces". My goal is to have a simple checklist to rely on during my beginner to intermediate skill levels, with expounded notes and video references to review when my memory is rusty; and I feel that videos like this will be very helpful with that!
I just love this theory and to avoid unprotected pieces.
+James Ickes It really works! And it's satisfying to feel like you're in control of the game :)
always remember to rubber your piece!
@@JohnBartholomewChess That is exactly how i feel;i keep saying while i play"keep it safe and the opportunity will come" and it's exactly what happen.
It's ridiculous how helpful it is to hear something as simple as "if your in lower levels focus on defending your pieces" now I know to do that it seems so simple and foundational and yet no chess lesson or tutorial has ever explained that.
this is underrated, as a beginner I didn't even know how to get better...
@Jay L what the fucking kind of autistic psycho babble did you type out?
After going thru so many tutorials on chess I finally find one that really helped my game, I am definitely going to watch the whole series and anything else by you. Thank you so much.
"I see a mating opportunity" - said no chess nerd ever XD
Help, I can't stop hearing David Attenborough's voice narrating this now.
Revisiting this after playing chess for 3 years, honestly so grateful for this series that helped me build on basics! Thanks a lot John!
Great to hear! Welcome back!!
Good stuff, John...thanks! This lesson has helped me more than any other.
Great video John! After watching it my games really improved significantly, both ways, I noticed the opponents undefended pieces and went after them and protected my won pieces better. Thanks.
I loved this video. Much of what is discussed on the various (all really great) instructional youtube channels is sufficiently advanced that it is beyond my ability to benefit much from it. It was really great to have something that targets a lower level audience added to the mix. Thanks for thinking of us beginners!
My pleasure, Michael! From the feedback I'm receiving, it definitely seems like there are a lot of beginning/improving players who benefit from videos like this. Therefore I'll continue to make them! :) Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this. What I love most about your videos is that even without being proficient in algebraic notation, I can still easily follow along. Thanks so much for all the hard work.
This transformed my game forever! Thank you. It was awesome.
Hi John, this video has been a real turning point in my (still ongoing) chess odyssea. It marked a real transition from being beginner to becoming an experienced amateur. With your advices I really managed to develop a form of intuition and awareness of how all pieces are interlinked, and this diminshed my blundering rate a lot. I now have much more systematic vision of the opponent's weaknesses (as well as mine), which ultimately guides my choice of moves. Thanks for this fantastic series!
I got backrank mated while being +9. I really need to watch this video
It's amazing how these little things make you a much much better at this game. It's like you are seeing a beautiful scenery after your vision being obstructed for a long time.
32:45 "He's suffering from some development problems"
*32:39
Ive been hooked on chess lately, and Ive watched hundreds of videos so far, but only subscribed to you because you make it very realistic and simple.
Thank you, I really appreciate that feedback! Best wishes with your chess improvement 👍
Ooohlalaa! I just used this concept of protecting and attack their undefended pieces. And I won. I am a super newbie, but I did a defence of my two knights and queen. Knights protect each other, while queen backs one kngiht. My god was it fancy to look at! Hahahaha :D feels good man! Thanks! A few more games and imma proceed with other lessons. Great stuff !!!!! Love it!
This video series was mentioned in a discussion I had come across online regarding people who wanted to play chess but didn't have the time and/or desire to put tremendous amounts of effort into memorizing openings, mid game, end game, etc etc. They were more casual players, not looking to climb ranking ladders or the like and were wondering if there was "a place" for them in the chess world. The overwhelming response was in the affirmative, and these videos were shown as an example of knowing some fundamentals which would allow you to play better and enjoy your games if you weren't looking to become the next GM. They were praised for their ability to speak to people on all levels of chess, and for their thoroughness.
I am looking forward to watching these and learning what I can from them to do just that - learning the fundamentals to be able to improve my game and still play it as a game and enjoy it without the deep diving and learning required by those who MUST win or MUST improve to the highest levels of rankings.