In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a 10+5 game against a player rated 1493 on Chess.com. In the previous CTRL video (   • The Explosive Potential of Nc3-d5 in ...  ), we saw the Nc3-d5 jump in the Sicilian Defense being used as a dynamic weapon, sacrificing a minor piece to rip open lines towards the Black king. In this game, a Closed Sicilian, my opponent responds to my f4-f5 push with ...e6-e5, which creates a permanent weakness on d5. This is a perfect outpost for a White knight, and I endeavor to aim both of my horses towards this square, making sure to remove a key defender (Black's f6 knight) in the process.

Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/84833...

Support the channel: https://streamlabs.com/johnbartholomew or via PayPal: https://t.co/VBFOLJHt2m

Follow me on Twitch:   / johnbartholomew  

Follow me on Twitter:   / fins0905  

Add me as a friend on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/member/fins0905...

My 100 Endgames You Must Know Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/100-endgame...
My London System (1.d4 and 2.Bf4) Course on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/the-london-...
The Checkmate Patterns Manual (with CraftyRaf): https://www.chessable.com/the-checkma...
My Scandinavian Course (1.e4 d5) on Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/book/im-joh...

I offer private online chess lessons. Navigate to my "About" section, and then click on "For business inquiries" to reveal my email address.

Recommended chess books and equipment:
1950 Dubrovnik reproduction set (Bobby Fischer's favorite!) on Chess Bazaar: https://www.chessbazaar.com/the-repro... You can use coupon code JOHN30 for 30% off!
Wood board: https://amzn.to/2H9iATl
Tune Your Chess Tactics Antenna: https://amzn.to/2xJ2auH
Amateur to IM: https://amzn.to/2Dph3IG
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal: https://amzn.to/2zq741X