Climbing the Rating Ladder: 1400-1600

Links to games:

Disclaimer: If you purchase a course or membership via the above links, I will earn a commission. I only recommend courses and sites I use myself. Thank you for supporting my channel!

[KUWAITGRIPSVEVO]

When John plays a 1500 they blunder all their pawns in the opening. When I play a 1500 they invent a brilliancy in the taimanov, take all my dark and light squares and blitz out 10 move deep tactics

[doctordave]

I'm now committed to watching this whole series just to find out when he starts to worry he might lose.

[shteebo]

It's beyond me how you can maintain calm coherent commentary while playing under single-digit time pressure. Just phenomenal.
Entertaining and enlightening. The best chess channel on YouTube. Well done.

[TheSpikeCanada]

Legend says Garazda is still blundering material to this day

[DavidEsotica]

John I think this is fantastic :) Perhaps you can cycle this every 2 weeks? I've already become a better player from your commentary.

[euclid]

His ability to vocalize his thought process checking various lines instead of just mentioning the best one really sets him apart.

[alexhoffmann]

I watched this whole series about 3 years ago, when I was rated maybe 750 or so. Now I'm over 1500; if I make it to grandmaster in another 7 years, I'll let you know. Thanks John!

[dmtree__]

It's insane how much your channel helps. When I started watching at summer, I was about 800 rated. Now I'm in this section, having just hit 1500 recently.

[cowabungao]

"As soon as you involve emotions in you decisions you're going to make mistakes" true story :)

[BentHestad]

Excellent series! Highly recommended! Common players will pick up tons of useful tips through this well commented games! Thank you IM Bartholomew!

[tonyrigatoni]

That was a really helpful comment at around 30 minutes in when you mentioned that the classical response to an attack on the wings of the board is to launch your own counterplay in the center. That gives me yet another tool to consider when planning out my games. Thanks, John!

[AndeePandee]

I can't believe players of almost 1600 ratings are blundering left and right when I'm over here getting schooled by 1400s

[Mtn_Dewpider]

Your videos are the best John, I've watched your for about a year and a half and improved my rating from 550 starting out to around 1250 now. This series alone make a big difference

[AudoraAudio]

This is my range and where I'm stuck - This is the one I was waiting for. Thanks +John Bartholomew !!

[penknight]

These Climbing Videos are really good John.
It is amazing how good and fast you are.
It's so impressive how you can break down every move while under 5 minute time pressure.
You are really helping my game with these videos so just wanted to say thank you!

[TheGroundedCoffee]

That bullet chess part was insane. I watched some bullet chess the other day and i honestly cant keep up. What these guys achieve is out of this world!

[christophertaffard]

Great series John but please stick to 5/5. The quality of the game and your analysis decreases significantly with 3/2 and below. My 2 cents.

[chaddonschaddons]

This is the epitome of what all instructional videos should be but sadly no one does. Thank you very much for the brief thought-line during game, and then the expanded reasoning after the game. This was absolutely what I needed. I wish more people would follow this format.

[ashglos]

I feel like I’m learning a lot more than just chess from this series. A lot of self improvement in general. Thanks John, this is great content.

[poochpoints]

It is great to have someone explaining chess in such a clear manner, very articulate with so many helpful tips guiding the way.