Hi Bullrock,

nice vids I liked your Caro Kann game and good Q trap. Alas your English game wasn't as impressive. Not any sharp criticism but a few points. I don't think giving up your light square bish was good once you' ve played g3 as it weakens the light squares so much and you were very lucky later on. You went on a Q raid picking up loads of pawns and got away with it despite your Q side being completely undeveloped. Your own pawns blocking in your bishop on c1 and your rooks unconnected.

These are general points. However when black played 19...Rd6?? I think you said you were well aquainted with R lufts and that the R was headed for h6. Indeed it was but 20.QxR solves that problem as the R is hanging! You then play 20.Qb4 and then his Rh6 and I think you say something like you know how to deal with his intended battery threatened on the h file by playing 21.h4 so you'll just go on harvesting pawns and 21.Qxa4?? and black replies....Qh5??. He returns the compliment as you now can play 22.h4 and it's just a matter of developing and cleaning up with your material advantage. However things turn out a lot different if black plays 21....Qh3! Now black threatens mate and you have to move the R probably to d1. Black then has so many killing options but Nf5! is mating while Qxh2+ is pretty strong too.

Not trying to undermine your play and I hope you take these comments in the spirit they are intended but Q excursions, picking up pawns here and there, can be fatal if your opponent takes his chances and knows what he's doing. It's not a good habbit to get into. Development, king safety and avoid exchanges (unless they give a clear advantage, like 2 bishops, superior pieces and liquidating to a won ending). These are good habbits. It's the best way to learn.

I was playing a correspondance game and missed three chances to trap my opponents Q! so who am I to criticise you for missing a mere hanging rook LOL. Here is the game if you want a laugh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWPrMrjMMEg
Regards Bruce

Bruce:

First, let me say that I can take criticism with the best of them, so don't worry about it. Secondly, I am grateful for your response because I know you want to help me. Third, you are absolutely correct in that I should practice good habits and quit the bad ones if I really expect to get any better! Thank you for watching and please know that I do appreciate your comments and hopefully I can demonstrate in the future that I have learned from them.

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Kingsblade,

I don't think I can take credit for the rush of videos on this site. I think it is just a coincidence. But, I am very much enjoying all the videos that are being posted right now. This site is already very good, but it has potential to be GREAT! I really hope everyone continues to keep posting videos...I know I'll be watching them.

Yes, I believe the key to a good video is explaining the ideas behind each move. Even if those ideas aren't well-founded, solid ideas, it still allows the viewer to know why the move was made, which is entertaining and educational simultaneously.

Concerning Bruce: I can't thank him enough for taking the time to help me in my pursuit to become a better chess player. I hope he knows I appreciate him.

Also, thanks for the kind words about my videos. I'm my own worst critic and I think my videos aren't up to snuff! But, making them is fun and it helps to actually say out loud what I was doing during a game in order to hear how crazy a move I made was or how well a move worked out.

And you are right about my missing the winning of the rook using the discovered check. Shame on me. I'll be looking for those in the future, for sure.

Caro Kann game move 12. Bb4 check

why not move 10?

English game: Am I an idiot for thinking that 20. Qxd6 wins a rook?