This by far has been an excellent series for aspiring 1.d4 players like myself; I frequently find myself in not similar but the exact same positions discussed in the videos. Thank you Shalom for providing us viewers with your extremely instructive games accompanied by your analysis!

These videos are so useful. This adult improver loves them!

Nice game analysis

Really enjoyed this series! Thanks Andras!

Above 2000 I would say it’s fine. Defo not a first opening

I am going back through your series now. A nod of respect to an IM who knows his business.

This game feels like me playing 3+2 on Lichess :D

Marvelous Video!

Def makes me want to play the French 👍

Thanks Coach

"Is this a human move?" Only someone with no familiarity with the French would say such a thing. Black has two "pawn breaks" against White's center: c5 and f6. If both can be neutralized, Black will have a miserable game if not a loss. And as for castling: about half my French Defense games do not involve castling. Best advice ever: The French is not for novices.

Anyway just got the beginner's E4 course and am super excited because I have been playing French and Caro, and "opting out" with the English as white. Never seen a Sicilian in my life. Too scared of it. Got 2 of 3 CPR courses done. At least coach says I did a solid by choosing QGD as repertoire against D4. Never touched the Nimzo. Man I skipped a lot of chess openings that rely heavily on principle.... Argh. Morphy rolls over in grave.

After the mediocre 6. Be2 black could've played 6. ... f6 right away.

Kind of confused by the final comment... "French is ok for FM or IM" but not beginners? What about "club players" or even NMs?

@tyrelljeffries2527

Жыл бұрын

I liked it as a beginner due to the fact that it is not theory heavy. However, Andras doesn't like it for beginners because I think he said it creates bad habits and doesn't exercise the chess principles.

@hideomituns2184

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His video "the amateurs mind part 3 - a big rant about..." Will answer your question very well. One of the best videos

@alforest9634

Жыл бұрын

It has to do with the fact that the structures you'll face in e4 e5 are far more diverse, making them far better for beginner chess improvement compared to the French opening. Andras explains this in one of his opening rants.

In the middle game and onward pawn moves are often the ones I spend the most time on. Pawn moves are permanent and transform positions. Pawn moves are hard. Posted for the algorithm. I love the French but I’m old.

Like or Dislike: Like. The reason I play the French is it avoids a host of traps and gambits White can play against 1...e5.

@JanKowalski-je7qf

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Then play sicilian :D

@physics2112

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@@JanKowalski-je7qf Given my recent rating collapse, I've been considering it. But which variation? One KZreadr recommends the O'Kelly as a first step, but others warn against it.

@JanKowalski-je7qf

Жыл бұрын

@@physics2112 something straight forward would be accelerated dragon. It doesn't have that much theory and I doubt opponents up to 2000 lichesz would know it. So I think it's ok for the starters, then Scheveningen (but starting as a najdorf) is probably the most flexible option

@simonhinkel4086

Жыл бұрын

Embrace the traps. If you get caught in one, Look it Up, learn from it and so it better next time :)