We finally have a strong and well organized opening course for White and one for Black. With these and the FREE beginner to master level playlist from this TH-cam channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇ Course on Black Opening (Counterblow) www.chessable.com/ramirez Course on White Opening (First Strike) www.chessable.com/firststrike Free Playlist (beginner to master level) rb.gy/hw61wt All the Endgame Knowledge I have rb.gy/zels9y All the Strategy Knowledge I have rb.gy/g1iqro
Rob-I really appreciate these videos, brother!! I’ve been marching through your lessons and loving/learning a buttload. #TeamPircDefense, baby!!!! If I ever see a Bishop’s Opening video from you, I’ll name my firstborn son after thee.
These lessons have zero filler! Sooo good! I really learn a lot. You have a knack for creating situations I frequently get, then provide great solutions! Thank you!
Thanks a lot for your feedback, Scott! It means a lot to know you are finding value in these lessons. Please, let me know if you ever have any questions 👍
I have watched so many people teaching chess. You are so much better than the rest. I also love how you go over the moves from scratch sometimes, it just helps with the memory. This has helped me move from 1200 to 1300 in no time. Thanks.
Definitely a good lesson. What stood out to me was how delaying the castling helped you gain tempo and control the center so while the opponent was still trying to figure out a plan. How are you not a grand master?
I'm going through the Pirc playlist again, and this is really a terrific lesson. The way you explain your thinking is extremely helpful. I don't know if I can ever develop the thought patterns that come so naturally to you, but it's fun to watch!
Thank you, Mark! And you certainly will. I have an 80-year-old student who recently sent me what he described as a "break-through" game for him as he was in a similar fashion. It takes time, but you will make it if you train consistently 👍
A Brilliant Lesson! For position 1, I would try a tactic like Nxe4, and after a move like Bxe4, I would do Bxc3, and if black recaptures with pawn takes c3, I can simply recapture with Qxc3, winning the a1 rook. For position 2, I would just exchange the bishop for the knight and if black takes with queen, I would take back with my queen, creating 2 isolated pawns. I would also have the tempo as the bishop would be threatening the pawn.
what a delightful commentary. It is a good learning environment .. being inside the head of a player demonstrating what has been taught. Well done and thank you. Very useful.
I love this lesson I haven't finished it yet but it already answers a lot of my questions that I encountered during my games. I played a game against an opponent who played the same moves as your opponent in the beginning of the video I had the same idea idea as you because I followed your logic in the previous lessons but it answers a lot other questions thank you very much for what you do. really
Hey Robert: That was a great match of you and it shows the main ideas of the Pirc defence! I love that opening with the black pieces so much already now
I'm watching your video and on 11:50 when you ask us to study I think I found something interesting. Since they are threatening with Rxd6, I think you have Qxc3. If they take you with the queen Qxc3 you have Knight fork Ne2+, after that you collect queen and you're pawn up I guess. If they don't take you they can't attack d6 pawn with the rook because rook in the corner is hanging then and it would simply be Qxa8+. If I got this right, still a beginner.
I saw the same thing. I mean a pawn is a pawn if there is no other consideration. If white plays R-d1 to harass the queen black could play QxQ and then after the black queen is recaptured move K-e7 to defend the queen' pawn.
great job detailing thought and what and how to continue, that is the biggest key in chess, options chosen before that produce dividends later in the game as you so excellently demonstrated. Great
Your style of teaching is spot on. Loving your videos. Subscribed and totally hooked on watching every video you have. After just a couple of views on pirc i finally beat 1800 chess bot that was constantly beating me. That was an amazing feeling. Can't wait to get stronger from your videos.
Thank you for your kind words! It is always nice to see progress like yours. Please, let me know if you ever have any questions as you continue to move up the ladder and watch the more advanced lessons 👍
10:34 Bxc3 allows Qxf4, and black has to grab the second pawn with opposite colored bishops, the plan you were trying to avoid. If you prefer bishop vs knight with one extra pawn over opposite colored bishops with two extra pawns, you should play Nxg2 immediately.
in 11:27 i saw queen takes c3 then after queen takes queen Ne2 check forking the queen and king while getting an extra pawn. The rook cant also take the pawn on d6 because the queen will take the rook on a1
0:35 in the first position, I would do 1. ., Rb8 because of the semi-open file and the b2 pawn is a little vulnerable, I don't know if the right move to make
at 7:40 my plan changed to 1) Ba6 takes the Ne2, Q takes on e2. 2) N takes d6, e4 takes d6. 3) Bg7 takes on Nc3, b2 takes on c3 4) Q takes on c3 (forking the king and the rook),
I am really learning a lot from you thank you so much I am getting better and better day by day through pirc opening we also need to know more about other openings in details hope to see more versions in future lessons ................once again thank you so much
I believe that around 11:34 you could have played Qxc3 since the white can't play QxQ because of the fork N-e2+. The rook can't capture the queen because the queen rook is hanging. If R-d1 to harass the queen then perhaps you could have played QxQ and then played k-e7 to defend the d pawn.What is your assessment?
NM Ramirez tell me what u think of this, at 11:45 when you said to look for a move I came up with a plan that possibly is the best idea (without having any engine check, just an idea..)I feel that Qxc3 is an amazing move it wins that pawn for free with 2 free moves and the initiative if white doesn't take back. For example, after 1. Qxc3 Qxc3 there's a fork exchanging the queens with check by 2. Ne2+ and after K anywhere, and the knight is hitting the rook on d1. And so, a strong player won't accept trading on c3, and so, after black plays 1. Qxc3, the threat is after any random move by white to play 2. Qxf3 Bxf3 3. Nxh3+ winning another free pawn with check and if Kh1, then Nxf2+ forking the rook. Is this a good line?
Once again a very useful and informative chess video..i am sure it helps every chess player like me to craft their skills and tactics.. thanks again Rob!
Another lovely game based lesson! Very useful and this did give me some idea about the middle game plan!( like you said in our last comment conversation) Thank you ! Love from india
I'd love a video on time management, I've realized that's a big issue of mine. When I lose it's almost always on time.. been playing 10 min rapid games. In the first position, my initial inclination was Rb8, trying to prevent white going for a queen trade with Qb5+ and also attacking b2. I have a tendency to keep pieces on the board unless going for a mate, which I've been re-evaluating :-) In the second position, I was thinking Be5, expecting them to trade the knight on d5 or e2. I also tend to hold onto my bishops haha, especially the dark square fianchetto'd one in the Pirc or KID. This gives me a lot of food for thought. I'm learning to appreciate knight outposts more and have realized over time that I actually tend to find knight forks before some other tactics. I've also been spending a lot more time doing tactics puzzles, looking for tactics in positions instead of focusing so much on my positional strategy and just working to mate.
Hello Francis! We will certainly talk more about time management. For now, I can tell you that you will get better as you play more (I know you knew that hehe) but also, if you are losing so much on time, you should try to not overthink logical moves (only moves). When I go to a tournament and I have not played in a while, I am of course out of shape and tend to consume a lot of time. So, I have a rule to make "only moves" or at least the logical moves quickly especially early in the game. Sometimes, we start calculating variations and lines even though we already know what we are going to play. Leave that time for the ending and you will not find yourselves messing it up in time pressure. Everything else you mentioned, you will improve little by little as you study and get more exposure. Hope this makes sense 💪
i also always have time troubles. It got better after i forced myself to only play blitz games (5+3) and stick to a single opening like kings indian or pirc. After many repetitions you need to calculate less moves in opening/midgame as the right ones become more obvious and positions tend to repeat. Just dont judge urself too harshly for losing a few games at first when switching to blitz.
Well played Dr. Robert. I missed a few lessons preceding this and just watched. While I noticed white has a higher winning % against the Pirc according to the computer I looked at a game where a guy beat Fischer using it and now I have seen you use it fiercely. I will add this to my openings and hope for the best, although I've really been enjoying the Stafford Gambit, the Pirc can be used far more frequently it appears. We shall see if I can pick up some points, I'm overdue on reaching the next level.
Robert, at 11:52 instead of Ke7, what if we play Qxc3 winning a pawn. If QxQ, Ne2+ fork wins back the Queen and we're a pawn up. Rxd6 can't be played after Qxc3 as Rook on a1 would be hanging.
I've watched every lesson from #1 to this one (#76), and this was my favorite video! Thank you so much. Actually, all the videos on the Pirc put together make for a game-changing lesson in chess. I'll be playing the Pirc a lot. At 3:56, I wonder if you chose Bb7 before playing Nd7 because playing Nd7 first would leave the c6 pawn undefended and then White could do pawn to e5. At 15:41, I wonder if Kf8 is better than Ke8 because if Ke8, then White can sacrifice the bishop with Bxf7 (like you said, avoid checks). For position 1 you gave, I had the same analysis as you! For position 2, I didn't have the same plan as Nf4 and pawn to e5 because I was afraid of having the backward pawn on d6. But the move Ke7 seems very good to address the weakness on d6. Now I 100% see the value of your plan. Great plan!
after seeing your 150 video I've been also using this delayed castling + Qa5 scheme against jobava london, and so far it's been working just fine. it seems to completely paralyze london players when their normal kingside cheese attack doesn't exist, but also I'm not pushing c5 either so they're doubly without a familiar plan.
For the first position, I was looking at d4 for the Knight outpost, but it would take 4 moves (castle and 3 Knight moves) to get it there. I saw the Bishop takes Knight with check tactic but also couldn't figure out how to execute it quickly enough. I knew I want to keep that Knight (to get the Knight vs. bad Bishop endgame), so it's tough to see that you can put your Knight "in danger" on d5 in order to get that tactic on the Knight and then Rook. I'm guessing that's just tactics training to see that more easily?
Many thanks Robert. learning from your games. I would have just played Nxc3, Rb8, 0-0. At my level of chess would be thinking endgame. Two pawn islands against 3. get the b file, pressure on the c3 pawn. I did consider Nf4 and would have played Ke7 too. Have noted watching your games that your opponent has chances against you but are 1 or 2 tempi behind.
I was wondering if at 1124 in the video would have it been good to trade the d pawn for his c pawn and create a passed pawn by doing ...Qxc3 Qxc3 Ne2+ king moves Nxc3 Rxd6 Rd8 to protect the passed pawn The first position that you showed i found the answer too it the second one i was not sure what you were trying to do
Great question! The problem with that variation is that they get some counter-play and even though I get a passed pawn, it is also isolated. Congrats on getting the right move correct on the first position. That means your tactics are sharp 💪
at 12:05 why didn't you castle, is it because the rook would be on a defensive side in a semi-open file ? and by doing Ke7 you are connecting the rooks
Hi Rob, i continue to study your PIRC lesson and when i watch again your video here i wonder one thing,: why didn't you play E5 first instead of C5 in this variation? I don't understand this.Thx a lot for your reply :) I am so happy to know You through your videos, what abless for a chess player like me! Your way of teaching is unique:)
@@NMRobertRamirez Thank you so much for replying. Wow! Amazing how you read into following moves so well. I have developed interest in chess at 50! 😅 so I am slow and trying to understand but love your videos. Also, I get stressed playing online games with people so unable to practice much. Don’t know how to overcome that. I am scared to make silly mistakes and lose games. That’s my problem but still find chess very interesting. Thank you once again👌👍
@@rdcal No problem at all! About losing to other people online, just remember that nobody knows you. You could even create a brand new account with a silly name 😎
@@NMRobertRamirez Thanks for the suggestion but somehow I get very stressed with the fear of losing and I know I can only learn from losing many games. It’s just my weak mind unfortunately.
When I play the pirc, I sometimes have trouble getting out my light squared bishop out of the bank rank because most of my oponents play h3 making my bishop not pinning the knight on f3 Do you have any advice for this on what to do?
i just finish the lesson and its just very helpful for me thank you soooo much master !!! i will review now the other variation of the pirk ithe other lesson for refrech my memory hehe and after i will do 2 or 3hours tactics and after some games . but realy thank you so much this lesson its just perfect !!!
@@NMRobertRamirez thank to you brother for helping me every day with your lessons and advices im feeling strong now thank to you . and i dont have difficulty or i dont feel tired when i visualize any position . thaannkk you so much . and i love chess more !!
Dear sir, your game on Pirc defense from black perspective is very interesting and informative and instructive as it raises confidence to play this opening and win the game attacking whites weakness step by step first creating weakness and exploiting them with alternating threats to finish off with mating attack. Your choice of keeping knight making light colored bishop almost deadly inactive in crucial position proved worth. Your analytical commentry explaining. Every possible threat gives logical way to play chess. Every chess player will welcome and like because the game has lot of value from black perspective. Looking forward for such nice sessions. Thanks and regards. Dmbhangaonkar
Hello Dmbhangaonkar! Thank you for taking the time to provide such a nice feedback. It means a lot to know you find lessons like this one helpful and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the lessons in this course 👍
Position 1: i calculated Kxe4, but after i calculated i realized that after my move i white gets a choice of 2 moves: Bxe4 which leads to black winning rook A1, or Qxe4 which leads black exchaing knight and bishop for knight and 2 pawns. Only then i found the move Kxd5, which, if white accepts the sacrifice leads to a forcing combination on c3 winning the rook. Position 2: Bxc3, if they take with the queen, Ke2 fork, if they take with the pawn, then their pawn structure is shit, im up a pawn, ill simplify the knight and rook and win by applying pressure on isolated pawns. Alternatively simplify all the pieces and win by creating a passed protected pawn using an advantage of a better structure and an extra pawn. 11:46 I would move king to e7 protecting the pan, activating the king, not getting pinned (just in case), and connecting the rooks ready to take control of b file and simplifying rooks if I can.
at 9:01 when you took with Nxd5 why did the opponent 0-0 insted they cud hav taken on exd5 also at 12: 54 why did you not castle 0-0-0 the rook cud protect the pawn instead move the king up Ke7
Hello! If they did exd5, we had Bxc3 followed by Qxc3 forking their king and rook 👍 At 12:54, 0-0-0 was risky since the b-file was open. Hope this makes sense 😎
I enjoy it. More when I get correct and less when I get it wrong of course. You're doing great man! Keep it up. The Pirc has provided me some great play in the last few weeks....and the London has been simple as well for me reach solid position in and blunder a nice position from in between victories.
@@MrShank12u that's excellent to hear! Keep training consistently and those occasional blunders will decrease significantly. We still have a long way to go. Hopefully I can help you take your Chess to the next level. And thanks a lot for your kind words, I really appreciate it.
Your explanation is way more easy to understand than others & that's why I like your lessons a lot. Sir I have a question. I'm currently at 1350 in rapid games in chess.com. I'm playing for 5 months. But in my games, sometimes I blunder and one move just ruins my whole game. I'm not sure it's about miscalculation, but it feels like it happens naturally. Even if i start winning materials I end up with a losing position...😐 I don't know what should I focus on and practice...
Hey Amit! We all go through that. The tip I gave on lesson # 75 might help you with it. As you get more experienced you will improve in this area. You will learn to doubt yourself. Many times, before I make a move, I think twice because I know how easy it is to make a decisive mistake. I got to that point after losing many games like you described. Also, try playing with increment such as 15|10, 5|5, 3|2 , etc
Position #1 castle, double rooks on semi-open b file, attack b2. maybe trade B with N. Position #2 e5 guarding N, castle, double rooks on semi-open b file attack b2 maybe trade B with N.
Nf4 + Qf3, b×Nc3 should have been followed by Q × f4 and allow black pick another pawn. Still not a good position for white due to the past pawn. Well played and very instructive.
#1 1) Nxd5 wins a pawn if exd5 then 2) Bxc3+ bxc3 3) Qxc3+ wins the rook #2 1) g5 keeps the knight at the f4 outpost and threatens to win a pawn 2) Bxc3 bxc3 [if Qxc3then Ne2+ wins the queen] 3) Qxc3 Qxc3 4) Ne2+ Kh2 5) Nxc3
Critical position 1: Nxd5 Critical position 2: Bxc3 with the intention of e5 later creating a knight outpost. If they take the knight instead of the bishop then Bxd2 simply wins a pawn
This is a great intructuve game coach you are doing great job thanx to you i usually played KID against d4 but my main opening became pirc anymore but sometimes When i try to attack at Q side without castling they May push e5 and we trade queens do you have any suggest for that
@@Mr354135 no problem. In that case, we are happy to continue with 8...,dxe5 9.dxe5, Qxd2+ 10.Rxd2 and then we do 10...,Ng4 putting pressure on their e5 pawn. It is true your attack is gone, but so is theirs and you have a good position.
Hello Ian! It's a personal choice, but I prefer the regular Pirc (fianchetto) since it's more dynamic and offer more to Black. We cover the Czech Pirc on lesson # 51 for you guys to start getting a feeling for these position types, but ideally you would eventually transition into the regular Pirc (lesson # 69) 👍💪
@@NMRobertRamirez Thank you so much NM RobRam.. I learned a lot of your chess lessons I hope you will continue making chess lessons for us. Thank you again NM, God bless!
Position #2: I will say the best move is 1... Bxc3 2. bxc3 e5. This way, we have: 1. A strong outpost at f4, unable to be chased away. 2. White's bishop becomes bad. 3. Kingside attack opportunities.
i am looking to improve my game....i have watched all the videos....i would like to improve even faster (keep watching you + read a book or watch some sort of a course) what do you recommend? (i reached 1700 rating just playing your london and pirc videos)
Nice! Thanks for sharing your progress with me. It is really rewarding! It sounds like you are doing the right thing already. Just make sure you are organized with your training. Are you covering all areas such as strategy, tactics, endgame, opening, playing games? If that's the case, structure it well and do it consistently. One day, you can do strategy and playing games. The next day, endgames and game analysis or tactics and so on 👍
@@shadyemad9676 covering them as studying them. For tactics, we typically do puzzles although there are other ways such as reviewing games like the one from this video where there were tactics. Regarding strategy, there are books and other material you can read to learn about it and so on.
We finally have a strong and well organized opening course for White and one for Black. With these and the FREE beginner to master level playlist from this TH-cam channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇
Course on Black Opening (Counterblow) www.chessable.com/ramirez
Course on White Opening (First Strike) www.chessable.com/firststrike
Free Playlist (beginner to master level) rb.gy/hw61wt
All the Endgame Knowledge I have rb.gy/zels9y
All the Strategy Knowledge I have rb.gy/g1iqro
Rob-I really appreciate these videos, brother!! I’ve been marching through your lessons and loving/learning a buttload. #TeamPircDefense, baby!!!! If I ever see a Bishop’s Opening video from you, I’ll name my firstborn son after thee.
You're a born educator. And you make it look so easy! Very nice stuff.
Thank you, Kalea! 💪
These lessons have zero filler! Sooo good! I really learn a lot. You have a knack for creating situations I frequently get, then provide great solutions! Thank you!
Thanks a lot for your feedback, Scott! It means a lot to know you are finding value in these lessons. Please, let me know if you ever have any questions 👍
I have watched so many people teaching chess. You are so much better than the rest. I also love how you go over the moves from scratch sometimes, it just helps with the memory. This has helped me move from 1200 to 1300 in no time. Thanks.
You are more than welcome! Thanks a lot for sharing your feedback. It means a lot! 👍
Definitely a good lesson. What stood out to me was how delaying the castling helped you gain tempo and control the center so while the opponent was still trying to figure out a plan. How are you not a grand master?
You're the best teacher on TH-cam. Thank you for this.
I'm going through the Pirc playlist again, and this is really a terrific lesson. The way you explain your thinking is extremely helpful. I don't know if I can ever develop the thought patterns that come so naturally to you, but it's fun to watch!
Thank you, Mark! And you certainly will. I have an 80-year-old student who recently sent me what he described as a "break-through" game for him as he was in a similar fashion. It takes time, but you will make it if you train consistently 👍
A Brilliant Lesson!
For position 1, I would try a tactic like Nxe4, and after a move like Bxe4, I would do Bxc3, and if black recaptures with pawn takes c3, I can simply recapture with Qxc3, winning the a1 rook.
For position 2, I would just exchange the bishop for the knight and if black takes with queen, I would take back with my queen, creating 2 isolated pawns. I would also have the tempo as the bishop would be threatening the pawn.
Thanks!
Thanks a lot, Mark, for all your support 🙌👍
what a delightful commentary. It is a good learning environment .. being inside the head of a player demonstrating what has been taught. Well done and thank you. Very useful.
I love this lesson I haven't finished it yet but it already answers a lot of my questions that I encountered during my games. I played a game against an opponent who played the same moves as your opponent in the beginning of the video I had the same idea idea as you because I followed your logic in the previous lessons but it answers a lot other questions thank you very much for what you do. really
Phenomenal game. Very good pawn structure movements. Mix of open and closed game structures along with use of tactics. Thanks for sharing.
You are more than welcome, Luis! Glad to see you found some value in this lesson 👍
11:00 a move like knight on f4 is something that I really hope I will be able to see in my future games. It is a good demonstration of vision.
Hey Robert: That was a great match of you and it shows the main ideas of the Pirc defence! I love that opening with the black pieces so much already now
I'm watching your video and on 11:50 when you ask us to study I think I found something interesting.
Since they are threatening with Rxd6, I think you have Qxc3.
If they take you with the queen Qxc3 you have Knight fork Ne2+, after that you collect queen and you're pawn up I guess.
If they don't take you they can't attack d6 pawn with the rook because rook in the corner is hanging then and it would simply be Qxa8+.
If I got this right, still a beginner.
I saw the same thing. I mean a pawn is a pawn if there is no other consideration. If white plays R-d1 to harass the queen black could play QxQ and then after the black queen is recaptured move K-e7 to defend the queen' pawn.
Very good videos. I try to watch all his videos...Ramirez is a gifted chess teacher with a good heart
Awesome! Every move was so logical and for the most part I expected a lot of your moves from from your previous 75 excellent lessons.
great job detailing thought and what and how to continue, that is the biggest key in chess, options chosen before that produce dividends later in the game as you so excellently demonstrated. Great
Your style of teaching is spot on. Loving your videos. Subscribed and totally hooked on watching every video you have. After just a couple of views on pirc i finally beat 1800 chess bot that was constantly beating me. That was an amazing feeling. Can't wait to get stronger from your videos.
Thank you for your kind words! It is always nice to see progress like yours. Please, let me know if you ever have any questions as you continue to move up the ladder and watch the more advanced lessons 👍
10:34 Bxc3 allows Qxf4, and black has to grab the second pawn with opposite colored bishops, the plan you were trying to avoid. If you prefer bishop vs knight with one extra pawn over opposite colored bishops with two extra pawns, you should play Nxg2 immediately.
I won a college tournament entirely using this setup as white and black that I learnt from your video. Thanks!!!!
Congrats! 💪🎉👏 Thank you for sharing it with us! It means a lot!
You are simply the very best chess tutor anywhere. And my daughter and I thank you greatly!
11:40 Qxc3, if Qxc3 then Ne2 forking the queen, Rxd6 allows the additional juicy alt Qxa1+
Very good, beautiful teaching. Thanks immensely.
You are more than welcome! Thanks a lot for your kind words! 👍
in 11:27 i saw queen takes c3 then after queen takes queen Ne2 check forking the queen and king while getting an extra pawn. The rook cant also take the pawn on d6 because the queen will take the rook on a1
Always a treat to find your new videos
Thanks for your kinds words, Shubham! Hope you found this one helpful 👍
Great game & lesson like always. Also, congrats on 2,000 subscribers!! 🥳
Thank you! for your comment and all your support 😎It means a lot!
0:35 in the first position, I would do 1. ., Rb8 because of the semi-open file and the b2 pawn is a little vulnerable, I don't know if the right move to make
at 7:40 my plan changed to
1) Ba6 takes the Ne2, Q takes on e2.
2) N takes d6, e4 takes d6.
3) Bg7 takes on Nc3, b2 takes on c3
4) Q takes on c3 (forking the king and the rook),
I am really learning a lot from you thank you so much I am getting better and better day by day through pirc opening we also need to know more about other openings in details hope to see more versions in future lessons ................once again thank you so much
Awesome lesson. Great play. I recently hit 1000 in blitz, bullet, and rapid and your Pirc lessons were a big help with that goal. Thanks so much!
I cannot reach 1000 since spring.
I believe that around 11:34 you could have played Qxc3 since the white can't play QxQ because of the fork N-e2+. The rook can't capture the queen because the queen rook is hanging. If R-d1 to harass the queen then perhaps you could have played QxQ and then played k-e7 to defend the d pawn.What is your assessment?
NM Ramirez tell me what u think of this, at 11:45 when you said to look for a move I came up with a plan that possibly is the best idea (without having any engine check, just an idea..)I feel that Qxc3 is an amazing move it wins that pawn for free with 2 free moves and the initiative if white doesn't take back. For example, after 1. Qxc3 Qxc3 there's a fork exchanging the queens with check by 2. Ne2+ and after K anywhere, and the knight is hitting the rook on d1. And so, a strong player won't accept trading on c3, and so, after black plays 1. Qxc3, the threat is after any random move by white to play 2. Qxf3 Bxf3 3. Nxh3+ winning another free pawn with check and if Kh1, then Nxf2+ forking the rook. Is this a good line?
Once again a very useful and informative chess video..i am sure it helps every chess player like me to craft their skills and tactics.. thanks again Rob!
Another lovely game based lesson! Very useful and this did give me some idea about the middle game plan!( like you said in our last comment conversation) Thank you ! Love from india
You are welcome, Anindya! As always, thanks a lot for providing your feedback!
amazing explanations ! you are helping me a lot in improving in chess
I'd love a video on time management, I've realized that's a big issue of mine. When I lose it's almost always on time.. been playing 10 min rapid games. In the first position, my initial inclination was Rb8, trying to prevent white going for a queen trade with Qb5+ and also attacking b2. I have a tendency to keep pieces on the board unless going for a mate, which I've been re-evaluating :-) In the second position, I was thinking Be5, expecting them to trade the knight on d5 or e2. I also tend to hold onto my bishops haha, especially the dark square fianchetto'd one in the Pirc or KID. This gives me a lot of food for thought. I'm learning to appreciate knight outposts more and have realized over time that I actually tend to find knight forks before some other tactics. I've also been spending a lot more time doing tactics puzzles, looking for tactics in positions instead of focusing so much on my positional strategy and just working to mate.
Hello Francis! We will certainly talk more about time management. For now, I can tell you that you will get better as you play more (I know you knew that hehe) but also, if you are losing so much on time, you should try to not overthink logical moves (only moves). When I go to a tournament and I have not played in a while, I am of course out of shape and tend to consume a lot of time. So, I have a rule to make "only moves" or at least the logical moves quickly especially early in the game. Sometimes, we start calculating variations and lines even though we already know what we are going to play. Leave that time for the ending and you will not find yourselves messing it up in time pressure. Everything else you mentioned, you will improve little by little as you study and get more exposure. Hope this makes sense 💪
i also always have time troubles. It got better after i forced myself to only play blitz games (5+3) and stick to a single opening like kings indian or pirc. After many repetitions you need to calculate less moves in opening/midgame as the right ones become more obvious and positions tend to repeat. Just dont judge urself too harshly for losing a few games at first when switching to blitz.
Well played Dr. Robert. I missed a few lessons preceding this and just watched. While I noticed white has a higher winning % against the Pirc according to the computer I looked at a game where a guy beat Fischer using it and now I have seen you use it fiercely. I will add this to my openings and hope for the best, although I've really been enjoying the Stafford Gambit, the Pirc can be used far more frequently it appears. We shall see if I can pick up some points, I'm overdue on reaching the next level.
You got it! Let me know if you have any questions as you go over the lessons 👍
Robert, at 11:52 instead of Ke7, what if we play Qxc3 winning a pawn. If QxQ, Ne2+ fork wins back the Queen and we're a pawn up. Rxd6 can't be played after Qxc3 as Rook on a1 would be hanging.
Good question! The problem is that they can do Rxd6 after QxQ and Ne2-Nxc3 👍
Once again excellent presentation with really good explanations
Great video. It helps me to understand Pirc Defence. Thanks for sharing.
You are more than welcome! 👍😎
9:23 did you analyze later if trading the knights and winning another pawn would've also been winning?
Hello! Yes, but we have to be careful with opposite color bishops since they significantly increase the chances of a draw 👍
Best teacher congratulations !!! And that is the first comment that i have ever made on TH-cam, Way to go 👍👍
I am honored! 😎💪 Thanks a lot for taking the time. I really appreciate your kind words 🙌
Your are so good for explaning things. Thank a lot for all these videos.
I've watched every lesson from #1 to this one (#76), and this was my favorite video! Thank you so much. Actually, all the videos on the Pirc put together make for a game-changing lesson in chess. I'll be playing the Pirc a lot. At 3:56, I wonder if you chose Bb7 before playing Nd7 because playing Nd7 first would leave the c6 pawn undefended and then White could do pawn to e5. At 15:41, I wonder if Kf8 is better than Ke8 because if Ke8, then White can sacrifice the bishop with Bxf7 (like you said, avoid checks). For position 1 you gave, I had the same analysis as you! For position 2, I didn't have the same plan as Nf4 and pawn to e5 because I was afraid of having the backward pawn on d6. But the move Ke7 seems very good to address the weakness on d6. Now I 100% see the value of your plan. Great plan!
It's excellent to see you studying these lessons like this! And yes, Bb7 first made me feel better about a possible e5 push from White 👍💪
after seeing your 150 video I've been also using this delayed castling + Qa5 scheme against jobava london, and so far it's been working just fine. it seems to completely paralyze london players when their normal kingside cheese attack doesn't exist, but also I'm not pushing c5 either so they're doubly without a familiar plan.
14:41 rh1
For the first position, I was looking at d4 for the Knight outpost, but it would take 4 moves (castle and 3 Knight moves) to get it there. I saw the Bishop takes Knight with check tactic but also couldn't figure out how to execute it quickly enough. I knew I want to keep that Knight (to get the Knight vs. bad Bishop endgame), so it's tough to see that you can put your Knight "in danger" on d5 in order to get that tactic on the Knight and then Rook. I'm guessing that's just tactics training to see that more easily?
Exactly! 💪 Thanks a lot for sharing your answers 🙌
Beautiful game!! My humble thanks.
Many thanks Robert. learning from your games. I would have just played Nxc3, Rb8, 0-0. At my level of chess would be thinking endgame. Two pawn islands against 3. get the b file, pressure on the c3 pawn. I did consider Nf4 and would have played Ke7 too. Have noted watching your games that your opponent has chances against you but are 1 or 2 tempi behind.
You are more than welcome, Carl! Keep it up! 💪
Am pleased I found that on puzzle 2, if they take our knight then we’re up a pawn. Great video 👍🏻
Excellent! And thank you for taking the time to let me know. It helps a lot 💪
Awesome…so much knowledge in thus,lesson thank you
Been winning after I view your blacks best opening video.. your a very good instructor
Fantastic way of teaching!
Thank you. Extremely important
Hi robert. U r anazing. Im learning chess with your lessons. Now im practicing london and pirc defense.
Very good game! Your explanations are superb.
I was wondering if at 1124 in the video would have it been good to trade the d pawn for his c pawn and create a passed pawn by doing ...Qxc3 Qxc3 Ne2+ king moves Nxc3 Rxd6 Rd8 to protect the passed pawn
The first position that you showed i found the answer too it the second one i was not sure what you were trying to do
Great question! The problem with that variation is that they get some counter-play and even though I get a passed pawn, it is also isolated. Congrats on getting the right move correct on the first position. That means your tactics are sharp 💪
at 12:05 why didn't you castle, is it because the rook would be on a defensive side in a semi-open file ? and by doing Ke7 you are connecting the rooks
Hello! That's partly it, but I also wanted my rook to attack White's king down the h-file and I figured my king would be safe on e7 for now 👍
@@NMRobertRamirez oh okay
10:34 why not Q-b5 check QxQ and NxQ threat of N-c7
Another great video !!! Also can you please explain to me what's gonna happen at 09:04 after Nxd5 if white play Qb5+ (!) . Thanks in advance !
Thank you, Dimitrios! And excellent question. In that case, I think Qxb5 followed by Rb8 and we are up a pawn and also have a powerful bishop on g7 👍
@@NMRobertRamirez. Thank you so much ! All of your videos are very instructive and intuitive !!!
Perfect timing, I'm right now on a 2h journy on train ;)
Hi Rob, i continue to study your PIRC lesson and when i watch again your video here i wonder one thing,: why didn't you play E5 first instead of C5 in this variation? I don't understand this.Thx a lot for your reply :) I am so happy to know You through your videos, what abless for a chess player like me! Your way of teaching is unique:)
Very good explanation, methodical and very helpful for lower level players like me. Thanks!
You are welcome, Jose! Thanks a lot for your kind words 👍
At 9:04 why can’t P at e4 take N at d5 ? Why did White Castle instead ? What am I missing ?
Hello! The problem is that Black can follow with Bxc3+ and after bxc3 there is Qxc3+ forking their king and rook. Hope this makes sense 👍
@@NMRobertRamirez Thank you so much for replying. Wow! Amazing how you read into following moves so well. I have developed interest in chess at 50! 😅 so I am slow and trying to understand but love your videos. Also, I get stressed playing online games with people so unable to practice much. Don’t know how to overcome that. I am scared to make silly mistakes and lose games. That’s my problem but still find chess very interesting. Thank you once again👌👍
@@rdcal No problem at all! About losing to other people online, just remember that nobody knows you. You could even create a brand new account with a silly name 😎
@@NMRobertRamirez Thanks for the suggestion but somehow I get very stressed with the fear of losing and I know I can only learn from losing many games. It’s just my weak mind unfortunately.
Excellent video, thank you so much!
You are more than welcome, Mark! 👍💪
When I play the pirc, I sometimes have trouble getting out my light squared bishop out of the bank rank because most of my oponents play h3 making my bishop not pinning the knight on f3
Do you have any advice for this on what to do?
i just finish the lesson and its just very helpful for me thank you soooo much master !!! i will review now the other variation of the pirk ithe other lesson for refrech my memory hehe and after i will do 2 or 3hours tactics and after some games . but realy thank you so much this lesson its just perfect !!!
You are welcome, Mehdi! As always, thanks for providing your feedback. It helps a lot!
@@NMRobertRamirez thank to you brother for helping me every day with your lessons and advices im feeling strong now thank to you . and i dont have difficulty or i dont feel tired when i visualize any position . thaannkk you so much . and i love chess more !!
That knight went super Saiyan 3 in a heartbeat ♟️♟️♟️
Dear sir, your game on Pirc defense from black perspective is very interesting and informative and instructive as it raises confidence to play this opening and win the game attacking whites weakness step by step first creating weakness and exploiting them with alternating threats to finish off with mating attack. Your choice of keeping knight making light colored bishop almost deadly inactive in crucial position proved worth. Your analytical commentry explaining. Every possible threat gives logical way to play chess. Every chess player will welcome and like because the game has lot of value from black perspective. Looking forward for such nice sessions. Thanks and regards. Dmbhangaonkar
Hello Dmbhangaonkar! Thank you for taking the time to provide such a nice feedback. It means a lot to know you find lessons like this one helpful and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the lessons in this course 👍
Position 1: i calculated Kxe4, but after i calculated i realized that after my move i white gets a choice of 2 moves: Bxe4 which leads to black winning rook A1, or Qxe4 which leads black exchaing knight and bishop for knight and 2 pawns. Only then i found the move Kxd5, which, if white accepts the sacrifice leads to a forcing combination on c3 winning the rook.
Position 2: Bxc3, if they take with the queen, Ke2 fork, if they take with the pawn, then their pawn structure is shit, im up a pawn, ill simplify the knight and rook and win by applying pressure on isolated pawns. Alternatively simplify all the pieces and win by creating a passed protected pawn using an advantage of a better structure and an extra pawn.
11:46 I would move king to e7 protecting the pan, activating the king, not getting pinned (just in case), and connecting the rooks ready to take control of b file and simplifying rooks if I can.
Thanks a lot for this. I really appreciate you taking ht time to provide your answers and study these lessons properly 👍
Thanks a lot, very useful.
at 9:01 when you took with Nxd5 why did the opponent 0-0 insted they cud hav taken on exd5
also at 12: 54 why did you not castle 0-0-0 the rook cud protect the pawn instead move the king up Ke7
Hello! If they did exd5, we had Bxc3 followed by Qxc3 forking their king and rook 👍
At 12:54, 0-0-0 was risky since the b-file was open. Hope this makes sense 😎
Brilliant game!
Excellent video as always Robert
🙌 Thank you!
Position one I may reroute my knight d7 then to e5. Position 2 Bishop Knight--- Q x c3--- N e2+ for the fork
Thank you for doing this! It helps a lot 👍
I enjoy it. More when I get correct and less when I get it wrong of course. You're doing great man! Keep it up. The Pirc has provided me some great play in the last few weeks....and the London has been simple as well for me reach solid position in and blunder a nice position from in between victories.
@@MrShank12u that's excellent to hear! Keep training consistently and those occasional blunders will decrease significantly. We still have a long way to go. Hopefully I can help you take your Chess to the next level. And thanks a lot for your kind words, I really appreciate it.
Thanks for Knight's middle gsme tactic
Your explanation is way more easy to understand than others & that's why I like your lessons a lot.
Sir I have a question. I'm currently at 1350 in rapid games in chess.com. I'm playing for 5 months. But in my games, sometimes I blunder and one move just ruins my whole game. I'm not sure it's about miscalculation, but it feels like it happens naturally. Even if i start winning materials I end up with a losing position...😐
I don't know what should I focus on and practice...
Hey Amit! We all go through that. The tip I gave on lesson # 75 might help you with it. As you get more experienced you will improve in this area. You will learn to doubt yourself. Many times, before I make a move, I think twice because I know how easy it is to make a decisive mistake. I got to that point after losing many games like you described. Also, try playing with increment such as 15|10, 5|5, 3|2 , etc
@@NMRobertRamirez Thank you sir...😊
@@AmitKumar-ze4tv 💪
Simply Spectacular!!
Position #1 castle, double rooks on semi-open b file, attack b2. maybe trade B with N. Position #2 e5 guarding N, castle, double rooks on semi-open b file attack b2 maybe trade B with N.
Nf4 + Qf3, b×Nc3 should have been followed by Q × f4 and allow black pick another pawn. Still not a good position for white due to the past pawn. Well played and very instructive.
1 ANSWER nd5 ed5 bc3+ bc3 qc3+ kd1 or qd2 qxa1+
for position #1 want to get my knight e4 since it is a outpost, but in a position like this should i waste the 6 moves of a knight to get there?
What would've your next moves been if after Rh1 white had responded with Rxd6?
#1 1) Nxd5 wins a pawn if exd5 then 2) Bxc3+ bxc3 3) Qxc3+ wins the rook
#2 1) g5 keeps the knight at the f4 outpost and threatens to win a pawn 2) Bxc3 bxc3 [if Qxc3then Ne2+ wins the queen] 3) Qxc3 Qxc3 4) Ne2+ Kh2 5) Nxc3
Amazing. Thank you
Critical position 1: Nxd5
Critical position 2: Bxc3 with the intention of e5 later creating a knight outpost. If they take the knight instead of the bishop then Bxd2 simply wins a pawn
Love the pirc defense
EXCELLENT game and a great choice for tutoring too!
Thank you Chris!
one of my fav videos
This is a great intructuve game coach you are doing great job thanx to you i usually played KID against d4 but my main opening became pirc anymore but sometimes When i try to attack at Q side without castling they May push e5 and we trade queens do you have any suggest for that
Thank you, Yusuf! Regarding your question, can you show the specific position?
@@NMRobertRamirez i couldnt load a foto but 1e4 d6 2 d4 Nf6 3 Nc3 g6 4Bg5 Bg7 5 Qd2 c6 7 0_0_0 b5 8 e5
@@Mr354135 no problem. In that case, we are happy to continue with 8...,dxe5 9.dxe5, Qxd2+ 10.Rxd2 and then we do 10...,Ng4 putting pressure on their e5 pawn. It is true your attack is gone, but so is theirs and you have a good position.
Which is better? czech pirc or pirc with the fianchetto? I appreciate your answers guys
Hello Ian! It's a personal choice, but I prefer the regular Pirc (fianchetto) since it's more dynamic and offer more to Black. We cover the Czech Pirc on lesson # 51 for you guys to start getting a feeling for these position types, but ideally you would eventually transition into the regular Pirc (lesson # 69) 👍💪
@@NMRobertRamirez Thank you so much NM RobRam.. I learned a lot of your chess lessons I hope you will continue making chess lessons for us. Thank you again NM, God bless!
Position #2:
I will say the best move is 1... Bxc3 2. bxc3 e5. This way, we have:
1. A strong outpost at f4, unable to be chased away.
2. White's bishop becomes bad.
3. Kingside attack opportunities.
Spot on! 💪
I just love your lessons
i am looking to improve my game....i have watched all the videos....i would like to improve even faster (keep watching you + read a book or watch some sort of a course) what do you recommend? (i reached 1700 rating just playing your london and pirc videos)
May I ask you what your chess.com username is? 😄
Nice! Thanks for sharing your progress with me. It is really rewarding! It sounds like you are doing the right thing already. Just make sure you are organized with your training. Are you covering all areas such as strategy, tactics, endgame, opening, playing games? If that's the case, structure it well and do it consistently. One day, you can do strategy and playing games. The next day, endgames and game analysis or tactics and so on 👍
@@NMRobertRamirez covering them as doing puzzels on them?
@@shadyemad9676 covering them as studying them. For tactics, we typically do puzzles although there are other ways such as reviewing games like the one from this video where there were tactics. Regarding strategy, there are books and other material you can read to learn about it and so on.
great material, thanks!
You are more than welcome, Alberto! Thank you for your feedback 👍
WOW, magic, amazingly beautiful products...I want to learn Chess...
Welcome aboard, Johnny! Thanks a lot for your kind feedback 👍
For the first position I want to move NE5 triple attack on the pinned piece should win at least a pawn
Great game and explanation
Thank you! 👍
Excellent.