Here's a great tool for learning openings: chessbook.com/hanging-pawns Chessbook allows you to import and practice your repertoire. It focuses on moves people actually play as well as your mistakes. Connect it to your lichess or chess com accounts to correct the biggest gaps in your repertoire!
This is without a doubt the best chess channel out there. No jokes, no small talk, no wasting our time. Learning chess IS the entertainment. There's nothing better than a youtube channel that actually treats your time as something valuable to you.
I'm a simple man. I see an introduction to an opening I want to study posted by HangingPawns, I click the video and develop calmly. "Hi everyone, Stjepan here" - I feel relief now as I master this opening.
This is probably the best chess channel to learn new openings. Your explanations are well detailed and easy to understand. I appreciate all the effort you put into creating content of such good quality. 🙏🏼
I am so glad to see the nimzo indian opening on your channel eventually. It's my favourite response against 1 d4 and I had quiet good results. Please keep up with your superb work! I appreciate a lot your vidios I have learned so much from it.
Excellent video, thank you Stjepan. You have a very direct, clear style which is quite rare and makes for splendid, instructive viewing. I like your chess philosophy and your infectious enthusiasm. I will be joining...
I played for years kings indian defence and i come to my limits with that. Now i play more and more Nimzo on Lichess because of your Nimzo series. And what can i say: My positions are very often better than with Kings Indian. The only problem which i have is that i have complete different position types than in Kings indian and i need to learn how to deal with this positions. But i practice. Your explaination of the Nimzo is great. Thanks for that.
Stjepan is Caissa's gift to us chess learners who don't have time and/or money to invest in extremely elaborate chessable courses. Thank you so much, and I wish you the best in terms of your chess (and life) goals.
Also popular now is the move 3. G3 to avoid the nimzo and open door to Catalan type positions. We all can thank Avrukh for that moves popularity as his d4 book suggests the move order
fantastic way of teaching you have - love the explanation of the types of flexibility in this opening and what you trade for what and how that guides the strategy for the rest of the game for both sides
Hi Stjepan, thank you very much for the as always very instructive introduction video. As I know there is even one more setup with Ne4 and after f5 for black transposing into a classical dutch setup. I would be great if you would mention it and may refer to a later dutch opening serie. Eager to watch all your videos and warm regards, Thomas.
to be honest with you ! you are the best ever on explaining trust me am praying to you from my heart thank you so much for the simple expiation thanks a lot
Great videos!!! But...I'm amazed about the sound quality... I've never heard it before until i put in these headphones because the volume is so so low!
What are good openings for black against e4 that follow all the main classical principles like controlling the center, developing pieces and king safety that aren’t the Sicilian? I heard Sicilian is crazy theoretical and I’m only a 1100 so I’m scared of it lol
Stjepan, will you be covering the Black Knight's Tango (aka Mexican Defense)? It's rather unorthodox (Stockfish thinks it's an outright inaccuracy), but it's a better opening than many give it credit for - and extremely fun! Carlos Torre Repetto once destroyed Frank James Marshall in 7(!) moves with the opening. Nice to see the Nimzo! Very nice opening to play against Queen's Gambits, too.
I don't want to pick on Mr. Stepen, but it relieves me that I'm not the only person who occasionally messes up the 4 for the 5th ranks, like at 1:30 :3
Love your vidoes and I learn a lot from them. I'm suprised your rating is not much about 2000 since your opening knowledge is much greater than mine. Is it possible that your opening knowlege is much stronger than your tactics and endgame? Thank you for your videos and look forward to watching more.
My opening theory book calls 4. a3 the Sämisch variation, and 4. f3 simply the f3 system of the nimzo-indian. Not that it changes much, but does someone knows what is happening here? The book is by an italian chess player, Claudio Pantaleoni, and is called “Il libro completo delle aperture”, which means “The complete openings book”. Thanks in advance
when I start as white with queen's pawn to d4, and black responds with his first move as king's side knight to fc6 (presumably initiating the Nimzo-Indian defense), is there a specific attack (? Catalan, ? London, ? other) that works best against the Nimzo-Indian defense (in order for me to know what best 2nd move I should make as white) ? thank you for all you have done for the chess community!
I never saw any potential for this opening. I think I'm just stupid, but if I want to attack I play a benoni and if I just want an active game then slav and you don't have to give up the bishop pair, so you can also play well in the endgame. However, apparently everyone loves the nimzo-indian. What makes it better then benoni or slav?
The mainline Benoni just allows white to play e4, and the Nimzo doesn't. It also give white an even better space advantage. The slav deprives your knight of c6 and it also doesn't really put as much pressure on white's center, it just restricts it from growing (although I still think it's a top tier response to d4). With the Nimzo, unlike the Slav, you also have the flexibility to choose where you place your center pawns after you've seen white's setup.
But in the Benoni, you have clear advantages, queens side majority and the dark-squared bishop is perfect. I see the time advantage in the nimzo, but no clear target to attack in the opening, we can stop e4 and pressure c4 but still white has better center. And in the slav, you get nice development and cramp white's development a bit, so you can push your pawns in the center, c5 ir e5 enough to equalize, while in the nimzo one pawn in the center is not enough.
How is black supposed to play Bb4 if white can just play a3 (or g4 and vice versa for white)? This move is kryptonite to bishop on knight pins in my games
So is the Bogo next? I think that would be the logical continuation. Are you planning on covering some more rare defenses? For example, d4, nf6, c4, c6? I'm just wondering as my benoni hasn't been treating me well and I can't wait to see what else is on the menu. Lastly will you ever go over the QGA for black,?
I must thank you for your hard work on these videos. I found your channel only a few days ago, but I instantly subscribed and turned on notifs when I realized the quality content you upload! Thanks very much for the vids ! Keep it up!
Very nice video , I play Nimzo long time, I would recommend everyone. Could you do a video about Variation Gligoric System, if it is possible . Thank you ❤
I'm terrible at chess so this will be a series I watch multiple times to try and improve. You and Agadmator are both crazy helpful and enjoyable to watch and expand my limited knowledge and experience. Keep it up and all the best to you my friend!
Very excited for this series! And you addressed my top question, what about 3.Nf3? I know the QID is perhaps the most common black response, but I'm curious on your thoughts for how to pick which defense to pair with the Nimzo? (As this is what I'm asking myself now as I'm also re-doing my repertoire!) Besides QID, there is the QGD Ragozin, Bogo-Indian, and for me a fan of 1...e6 and French and counter-attacking lines, pairing with a Benoni!? That has the side benefit of avoiding all the f4 lines of Modern Benoni as you only play it after knight is committed to f3 :) I'm also strongly thinking I want a "main" defense I play 75% of the time and a secondary defense to make it harder for foes to prepare and to allow different tools for different tournament situations. Thoughts on picking pairs of openings for these purposes, and for Nimzo partner in particular? Thanks in advance :)
Larry Baxter Benoni is a great opening and if you know what you're doing you have great results. However, a single inaccuracy in the opening can cost you the game
@@tomassklenar8277 Yes, that's what scares me a bit :) It would be the "second" opening. I do need to look in more detail about Ragozin and QID before deciding in either case. Thanks!
I definitely think the QID is great to combine with the Nimzo. Makes perfect sense because you are prepared for Nf3 and because the structures are similar
I used to play the Nimzo-Indian with black. I liked it, too. The biggest problem I had with it was that the more I played it, the more my opponents started playing 3. Nf3, and I really don't like the Queen's Indian as much.
Your videos are always very interesting and informative....Most of my online theory lessons come from you and to a self taught noob chess player like me you are a great teacher. However i have a very small suggestion that is you can make the main line videos first and then move on to the side lines....For me who is an ardent follower i usually end up seeing all the videos and by the ending i tend to lose concentration and miss some essential theory on some of the most important lines .
I can't understand why White would want to allow Black to play the Nimzo. Why would you want to give Black a a sudden headstart in development and to control the squares through e6 and Nf6. And then allow Black to then neutralise the effectiveness of its knight on c3 with it's bishop on b4. Of course if White is willing to allow me to play the Nimzo as Black then I would take the opportunity to play it. Apparently I read that at the Highest levels for many years, players playing White would avoid it by playing Nf3.
its just like the catalan; if your opponent * ALLOWS * it, you're in for a good ride. i really dont like the concept of '' asking my opponent to allow me to do something '' unless it puts him in a clear disadventage anyway. Unless you're aiming for that 2400 + spot, this is such a waste of time.. unless you want to learn to counter it, then i guess it makes sense to learn the basics of it. non the less, really good work !
As in mainline of the nimzo white play e3 blocking his Bishop normally he wants it on b2 so he just puts his Bishop where it shouldn't be it's not a very big advantage but yeah it's ok
I am an Indian that's why I really like the thumbnail I think you should also cover the Taimanov variation of the nimzo indian which Tal played against Botvinnik in their 1960 WCC game - 14
Here's a great tool for learning openings: chessbook.com/hanging-pawns
Chessbook allows you to import and practice your repertoire. It focuses on moves people actually play as well as your mistakes. Connect it to your lichess or chess com accounts to correct the biggest gaps in your repertoire!
This is without a doubt the best chess channel out there. No jokes, no small talk, no wasting our time. Learning chess IS the entertainment. There's nothing better than a youtube channel that actually treats your time as something valuable to you.
Well said
I just wish he explained more stuff ~ 900 elo player
@@realDominik586 he does explain a lot
Megoh I'm also 900 elo....and this guy helped me to prepare a fine d4 repertoire
I most definitely agree.
I'm a simple man. I see an introduction to an opening I want to study posted by HangingPawns, I click the video and develop calmly.
"Hi everyone, Stjepan here" - I feel relief now as I master this opening.
This is probably the best chess channel to learn new openings. Your explanations are well detailed and easy to understand. I appreciate all the effort you put into creating content of such good quality. 🙏🏼
@@altamashukaye7775 But he does not cover openings is as depth as hanging pawns
@@DendrocnideMoroides yes
I strongly agree, but for strategic comprehension and tactics what channel would you recommend? Currently I'm around 1200-1300
@@GuillaumeT96 You should check out IM Andras Toth's channel. He has several videos on calculation, tactics and strategic/positional chess.
Your video thumbnails always look great! Nice, simplistic, and classy.
I've always thought this too! Love the style with the pieces in the position related to the video.
Agreed
Yeah! Dude is a talented graphic designer.
Qc2 Line 12:15 b6 then Bb7; 13:00 d5
15:00 e3 Normal
15:40 Nf3 Kasparov
16:40 f3 Kmoch
I am so glad to see the nimzo indian opening on your channel eventually.
It's my favourite response against 1 d4 and I had quiet good results. Please
keep up with your superb work! I appreciate a lot your vidios I have learned so much from it.
Thanks a lot Niklas! I will try to!
I was just looking for the nimzo thanks alot man, great videos!!!! GOAT
Thanks mate:D
Clear, concise, cool introduction. Your channel is a wonderful resource. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and promoting chess.
Seconded
Thirded
One of the best for simple yet detailed in-depth chess videos. A fantastic resource!
Excellent video, thank you Stjepan. You have a very direct, clear style which is quite rare and makes for splendid, instructive viewing. I like your chess philosophy and your infectious enthusiasm. I will be joining...
I played for years kings indian defence and i come to my limits with that. Now i play more and more Nimzo on Lichess because of your Nimzo series. And what can i say: My positions are very often better than with Kings Indian. The only problem which i have is that i have complete different position types than in Kings indian and i need to learn how to deal with this positions. But i practice. Your explaination of the Nimzo is great. Thanks for that.
Thx Stepan. Great video condensing the main points for Nimzo players. Very helpful spring board for further study..
Stjepan is Caissa's gift to us chess learners who don't have time and/or money to invest in extremely elaborate chessable courses. Thank you so much, and I wish you the best in terms of your chess (and life) goals.
My favourite channel. Clear and seamless. Thank you GM
Also popular now is the move 3. G3 to avoid the nimzo and open door to Catalan type positions. We all can thank Avrukh for that moves popularity as his d4 book suggests the move order
13:25 Black has bxnf6, you can't take with queen cause you'll hang c7 so you have to take with g7 pawn breaking you pawn structure and king side cover
fantastic way of teaching you have - love the explanation of the types of flexibility in this opening and what you trade for what and how that guides the strategy for the rest of the game for both sides
I just found your channel and it's so amazing. Great work man!🔥
I know very well you are the best youtuber in chess, we respect you make more videos
Magnus plays this opening in tournaments so it is indeed a best to know opening.
Hi Stjepan, thank you very much for the as always very instructive introduction video. As I know there is even one more setup with Ne4 and after f5 for black transposing into a classical dutch setup. I would be great if you would mention it and may refer to a later dutch opening serie. Eager to watch all your videos and warm regards, Thomas.
I agree with many, that this is one of the best chess channels out there. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a methodic and didactic way.
Thank you for this, a perfect intro to this great opening for beginners, saves me having to buy a Chessable course (for now)
Such great videos. Thank you, Stjepan
Brilliant video! It perfectly demistifies this opening. Thumbs up! Thanks!
Your videos are much better than gm's.You explain main lines and strategic elements quickly and the viewer never get bored.
Perfect timming I was just looking for a video on the nizmo
Haha glad to hear that! Hope you like the series!
Hanging Pawns in sure I will. I actually just started a couple of weeks ago. Basically everything I know about chess is from your videos.
@@Joe-nh8eq Shouldn't be learning the Nimzo if ur a beginner player, stick to the normal QGD
to be honest with you ! you are the best ever on explaining trust me am praying to you from my heart thank you so much for the simple expiation thanks a lot
Great video! Made the case for me! Sold!
Amazing video, thank you !
Very interesting as always. Thanks Stjepan.
your videos are so simple and enlightening
Great video, very informative, I will also watch others following your advice.
Great videos!!! But...I'm amazed about the sound quality... I've never heard it before until i put in these headphones because the volume is so so low!
Please I wait for the queens indian defense serie as said in this video.
Thank you in advance.
I've always waited for this video and the Queens gambit
great videos about theory. Greetings from Belarus
Best chess channel.. No doubt
Comprehensive intro mate thanks ... as good as your others ... top work ❤️
Your video is very deeply you takes that's only I appreciate you
Great content!
WOW I am truly grateful to you for making this type of chess videos.... its truly a wonderful resource
What are good openings for black against e4 that follow all the main classical principles like controlling the center, developing pieces and king safety that aren’t the Sicilian? I heard Sicilian is crazy theoretical and I’m only a 1100 so I’m scared of it lol
Could you have some videos of traps in the lines?
Stjepan, will you be covering the Black Knight's Tango (aka Mexican Defense)? It's rather unorthodox (Stockfish thinks it's an outright inaccuracy), but it's a better opening than many give it credit for - and extremely fun! Carlos Torre Repetto once destroyed Frank James Marshall in 7(!) moves with the opening.
Nice to see the Nimzo! Very nice opening to play against Queen's Gambits, too.
I don't want to pick on Mr. Stepen, but it relieves me that I'm not the only person who occasionally messes up the 4 for the 5th ranks, like at 1:30 :3
Love your vidoes and I learn a lot from them. I'm suprised your rating is not much about 2000 since your opening knowledge is much greater than mine. Is it possible that your opening knowlege is much stronger than your tactics and endgame? Thank you for your videos and look forward to watching more.
What can I do after 1d4.Nf6 2 c4.e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bd2 ?
thank you for sharing your knowledge brother
My opening theory book calls 4. a3 the Sämisch variation, and 4. f3 simply the f3 system of the nimzo-indian. Not that it changes much, but does someone knows what is happening here?
The book is by an italian chess player, Claudio Pantaleoni, and is called “Il libro completo delle aperture”, which means “The complete openings book”.
Thanks in advance
My favourite defense against d4. Thanks!
No problem!
Please make a few videos on the queens gambit both declined and accepted
Just amazing
@
Hanging Pawns mate the video and the series is very good but can you share the pgn files of all lines loved the explanation
Great content as always!
when I start as white with queen's pawn to d4,
and black responds with his first move as king's side knight to fc6 (presumably initiating the Nimzo-Indian defense),
is there a specific attack (? Catalan, ? London, ? other)
that works best against the Nimzo-Indian defense
(in order for me to know what best 2nd move I should make as white) ?
thank you for all you have done for the chess community!
wow your channel is really good!
Thank you sir 😊
Thanks for the great video. Subbed!
I never saw any potential for this opening. I think I'm just stupid, but if I want to attack I play a benoni and if I just want an active game then slav and you don't have to give up the bishop pair, so you can also play well in the endgame. However, apparently everyone loves the nimzo-indian. What makes it better then benoni or slav?
The mainline Benoni just allows white to play e4, and the Nimzo doesn't. It also give white an even better space advantage. The slav deprives your knight of c6 and it also doesn't really put as much pressure on white's center, it just restricts it from growing (although I still think it's a top tier response to d4). With the Nimzo, unlike the Slav, you also have the flexibility to choose where you place your center pawns after you've seen white's setup.
But in the Benoni, you have clear advantages, queens side majority and the dark-squared bishop is perfect. I see the time advantage in the nimzo, but no clear target to attack in the opening, we can stop e4 and pressure c4 but still white has better center. And in the slav, you get nice development and cramp white's development a bit, so you can push your pawns in the center, c5 ir e5 enough to equalize, while in the nimzo one pawn in the center is not enough.
Love this video. Keep working hard and day you will get what you desire. Good luck.
And I am really looking forward to a London system video.
Thanks a lot for the wishes! I'm glad you like the vid! London coming up in about 3 weeks!
Thanks man
Very great chess channel
Very nice and informative video. Can you please make an instructive video on Richter Veresov Attack?
How is black supposed to play Bb4 if white can just play a3 (or g4 and vice versa for white)? This move is kryptonite to bishop on knight pins in my games
Superb!
So is the Bogo next? I think that would be the logical continuation. Are you planning on covering some more rare defenses? For example, d4, nf6, c4, c6? I'm just wondering as my benoni hasn't been treating me well and I can't wait to see what else is on the menu. Lastly will you ever go over the QGA for black,?
Great video... Again... As usual...
Thank you!
Helps a lot
Great content
I must thank you for your hard work on these videos. I found your channel only a few days ago, but I instantly subscribed and turned on notifs when I realized the quality content you upload! Thanks very much for the vids ! Keep it up!
Isn’t 4.A3 the faster continuation?
Nice video. Thanks
Very nice video , I play Nimzo long time, I would recommend everyone. Could you do a video about Variation Gligoric System, if it is possible . Thank you ❤
I'm terrible at chess so this will be a series I watch multiple times to try and improve. You and Agadmator are both crazy helpful and enjoyable to watch and expand my limited knowledge and experience. Keep it up and all the best to you my friend!
thx a lot!!
Your work is phenomenal sir!! Thank you so much!
Very nice!
Very excited for this series! And you addressed my top question, what about 3.Nf3? I know the QID is perhaps the most common black response, but I'm curious on your thoughts for how to pick which defense to pair with the Nimzo? (As this is what I'm asking myself now as I'm also re-doing my repertoire!) Besides QID, there is the QGD Ragozin, Bogo-Indian, and for me a fan of 1...e6 and French and counter-attacking lines, pairing with a Benoni!? That has the side benefit of avoiding all the f4 lines of Modern Benoni as you only play it after knight is committed to f3 :) I'm also strongly thinking I want a "main" defense I play 75% of the time and a secondary defense to make it harder for foes to prepare and to allow different tools for different tournament situations. Thoughts on picking pairs of openings for these purposes, and for Nimzo partner in particular? Thanks in advance :)
Larry Baxter Benoni is a great opening and if you know what you're doing you have great results. However, a single inaccuracy in the opening can cost you the game
@@tomassklenar8277 Yes, that's what scares me a bit :) It would be the "second" opening. I do need to look in more detail about Ragozin and QID before deciding in either case. Thanks!
I definitely think the QID is great to combine with the Nimzo. Makes perfect sense because you are prepared for Nf3 and because the structures are similar
Hi Stepan! I am having a hard time punishing the move 4. Bd2 what would you recommend? Thank you!
I have a question: Which other openings besides the Gruenfeld, Nimzo - Indian and the kings Indian defense will be covered in the d4 series?
All of them. Some weird gambits perhaps not. All the sensible openings.
Very Nice!
Unlike the boring queen's gambit with black, Nimzo is a fantastic answer to d4. If white refuses with Nf3, then I play Bogo indian.
I used to play the Nimzo-Indian with black. I liked it, too. The biggest problem I had with it was that the more I played it, the more my opponents started playing 3. Nf3, and I really don't like the Queen's Indian as much.
Try the Bogo Indian then. Bb4+
I have one question, how do you punish 4. Bd2?
I asked the same question.
Please make a separat Video about the Queen‘ Indian Defence
Great
Today I tried the nimzo...was met with the trampowsky attack :( I've yet to meet 2c4
I won a game using nimzo Indian by learning from u
Nice! Glad to hear that!
I love it
Your videos are always very interesting and informative....Most of my online theory lessons come from you and to a self taught noob chess player like me you are a great teacher. However i have a very small suggestion that is you can make the main line videos first and then move on to the side lines....For me who is an ardent follower i usually end up seeing all the videos and by the ending i tend to lose concentration and miss some essential theory on some of the most important lines .
Thanks
I can't understand why White would want to allow Black to play the Nimzo. Why would you want to give Black a a sudden headstart in development and to control the squares through e6 and Nf6. And then allow Black to then neutralise the effectiveness of its knight on c3 with it's bishop on b4. Of course if White is willing to allow me to play the Nimzo as Black then I would take the opportunity to play it. Apparently I read that at the Highest levels for many years, players playing White would avoid it by playing Nf3.
its just like the catalan; if your opponent * ALLOWS * it, you're in for a good ride. i really dont like the concept of '' asking my opponent to allow me to do something '' unless it puts him in a clear disadventage anyway.
Unless you're aiming for that 2400 + spot, this is such a waste of time.. unless you want to learn to counter it, then i guess it makes sense to learn the basics of it.
non the less, really good work !
Every opening works like that. You have to see what your opponent allows you to play.
@@CatSurfer Yea i did not realize That back then^^
@@AcVinicious 👍
At least now I'm going to be able to play Nf6 followed by the popular e6 like GMs😋
Bas sam se pripremao za protivnika ko igra d4 i nasao tvoj video ima 2000 nacionalni na juniroskoj ligi.... nadam se da ga dobim.
Sretno! Nadam se da ces dobiti!
What if 4. Be2? That was the first move I got and I got shocked. I ended up losing.
So yeah, what if 4. Be2?
As in mainline of the nimzo white play e3 blocking his Bishop normally he wants it on b2 so he just puts his Bishop where it shouldn't be it's not a very big advantage but yeah it's ok
Super. Croatia leads world chessification
Finally!!! I was getting sick of QGD!
Haha;D I think everyone is
I am an Indian that's why I really like the thumbnail
I think you should also cover the Taimanov variation of the nimzo indian which Tal played against Botvinnik in their 1960 WCC game - 14
I will have a look at it. Thanks
@@HangingPawns if you do plan to do it, please let me know