Chess Lesson # 58: Best Opening for White | Opposite Side Castling Attack | London System

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 YouTube channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇️

Many of you know the London system is a great Chess opening for white. However, you never thought of it as an aggressive set-up that could incorporate the ideas of opposite-side castling attack. In this Chess class, you will learn how to play the London system. You will see how it is possible to play it positionally if that’s what you prefer. However, I will try to convince you to play it aggressively because attacking an opposite-side castled king effectively is a skill you must learn regardless of your style or opening preference. It just doesn’t depend on you. If your opponent castles to the opposite side, an aggressive war is declared and you have to know how to attack!

Join to access members-only content and perks:

Learn how to play Chess the right way from beginner to master level. National Master Robert Ramirez will take you up the pyramid by following a proven Chess training program he has been improving and implementing for over 10 years.

Benefits of Playing Chess:
​- Promotes brain growth
- Increases problem-solving skills
- It exercises both sides of the brain
- Raises your IQ
- Sparks your creativity
- Teaches planning and foresight
- Teaches patience and concentration
- Optimizes memory improvement
- Improves recovery from stroke or disability
- Helps treat ADHD
Chess is an intellectual battle where players are exposed to numerous mental processes such as analysis, attention to detail, synthesis, concentration, planning and foresight. Psychological factors are also present on and off the board; playing Chess stimulates our imagination and creativity. Every single move a player makes is the result of a deep analysis based on the elements presented on the battlefield.

Chess in its essence teaches us psychological, sociological and even moral values. In a Chess game, both players start with the same amount of material and time. The fact that the white pieces move first is considered to be practically irrelevant —especially because a player typically plays one game as white and one game as black. Consequently, the final result of the battle solely depends on each player. It doesn’t matter if you win by taking advantage of your opponent’s mistakes or by simply avoiding mistakes yourself. Truth is that Chess is an extremely individual sport and our defeats can only be blamed on ourselves and no one else. And this, in the end, only benefits us because we learn to be and feel responsible for our actions and never come up with excuses to justify ourselves.

We also learn that when it comes to our victories on the board, our opponent's mistakes play a more significant role than our own skills. Let’s not forget that a Chess game without any mistakes would be a draw. This way, Chess provides us with another valuable life lesson: be humble at all times.

About National Master Robert Ramirez:

With an outstanding background as a professional Chess player and over 8 years of teaching experience, Robert Ramirez brings both his passion and his expertise to the board, helping you believe & achieve!

Robert Ramirez was introduced to the fascinating world of Chess when he was 5 years old and has participated in prestigious tournaments such as the World Open Chess Tournament and the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Championships. Thanks to his performance, he has earned his National Master title from the United States Chess Federation.

[NMRobertRamirez]

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 YouTube channel, it’s all about consistency over an extended period of time 😎💪 ⬇

[prasadshrivatsa]

I am using these openings in my games. With these openings, I can now think clearly and face my opponents with confidence. I don't have what it takes to be an advanced player. I don't play tournament matches. I play Chess simply because it's so fascinating. These lessons by NM Ramirez are a big help and they have made me enjoy playing Chess all the more.

[briangorman]

what have i stumbled upon here? i just watched this and the Pirc defense video for black - these are the best chess lessons i've ever seen. great job and please keep it up - subscribed!

[boomernality]

As someone who doesn't play chess much but when he does he only plays the london. You've opened my eyes. I usually play purely positional and only care about tactics when it suits me, but this is so much more active and more effective. Especially the idea of pushing the pawn before castling it makes so much sense. Great lesson.

[alancoe]

I think the Jobava variant of the London with Nc3 coming as the first Knight move would speed the goal of queenside castling.
Thanks for this lesson.

[matthewadkisson]

wasnt expecting to see the London system as a suggestion for white in the course at all. very interesting. i stopped playing it a while back because people were attacking hyper aggressive as early as move 3 trying to prevent the structure. i didnt know how to respond and wound up with some very chaotic games. i'll give it another go. good to have a plan. thanks again for these videos.

[leonume]

I watched your course up until this video, and I got my rating up from 600 to 1000 in the span of about 3 weeks thanks to it!!! Chess is my new favorite hobby. Thank you so much! :)

[itzelaguacate]

You’re my favorite chess YouTuber! As a beginner but very committed and passionate student, I can say your content has been the best for me! Thank you for your content!

[andstuff]

Since recently getting back into chess on my free time, this particular opening and attack sequence has given me my quickest win so far. Awesome videos btw.

[paolomarsico]

These are by far the best chess lessons I've ever watched. You are a fantastic teacher.

[danno]

This is absolutely BRILLIANT! Thank you very much for putting this lesson online. I will try it soon and I have subscribed…much appreciated.

[pierosolari]

Estimado Robert, !no sabes cuánto valoro tus enseñanzas! Estoy muy agradecido por tu generosidad y talento. Eres un maestro excelente. Abrazo desde Perú

[Viva_la_natura]

You changed the way I play chess forever. Thank you!

[urielPa]

Each lesson makes me look at chess more deeply and in a practical way that I see the results and this is only the beginning. I really enjoy learning from you. Just keep going please, thank you very much

[skimanu]

Mate, I just love the way you express yourself. Putting this ideas in place with nice results so far...thanks a lot and keep it rolling!! 👍👍👍

[CSH]

I’m already hooked on the pirc and now I’m kinda putting the Vienna on the back burner while I learn this.
As always, great video

[stampdealer]

This is a great video, coach. There are a lot of great tips and hints besides the London system specific teachings. I found the places where you pointed out, "watch out here when this happens" or "if you go here this could happen, but if you go here instead..." to apply to any situation we might find ourselves in. Very good lessons in learning how to think about and "see" Chess moves.

[alfredstrout]

These lessons are wonderful! I have seen this variation of the London called the Barry Attack. I tried it in the past but wasn't attacking with the pawns properly. .Thanks for the great lesson! I will give it another try.

[magnustorque]

Wow ! That strategy and the awareness about the decision which side to castle on and then push the other side pawns just allowed me to beat 1300. Also noticing which color squares the other player has and which bishop to think about helps too. What I'm starting to learn is that pawns can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

[andrewmays]

Outstanding instruction and commentary!!! Thank you!! You are a CREDIT to the world of chess players!!!!😇