Top Chess YouTube Channels to Follow for Improvement

GothamChess

Entertaining and Educational Content for All Levels:
Levy Rozman, also known as GothamChess, is an International Master whose content combines humor, entertainment, and accessible instruction. Whether you’re looking to learn openings, analyze games, or enjoy entertaining commentary, GothamChess has something for everyone. His unique teaching style makes complex concepts easy to understand, making him a favorite for beginners and intermediate players.

• Best For: Beginners and intermediate players.
• Notable Content: Opening principles, game breakdowns, and online chess speedrun series.

Agadmator’s Chess Channel

Historical Games and Insightful Analyses:
Agadmator’s Chess Channel is one of the most popular on YouTube, known for its detailed analyses of historical and modern games. Antonio Radic (Agadmator) has a knack for making game reviews engaging, helping viewers appreciate the beauty of chess.

• Best For: Chess history enthusiasts and players of all levels.
• Notable Content: World Championship match reviews, iconic game analyses, and puzzles.

ChessNetwork

Deep Dives into Openings, Puzzles, and Live Commentary:
Jerry of ChessNetwork has been a long-standing figure in the online chess community, offering in-depth tutorials and live commentary on his games. His calm and methodical teaching style is perfect for players who want to build a strong foundation.

• Best For: Players seeking a mix of instructional and live content.
• Notable Content: Endgame tutorials, bullet chess commentary, and puzzle-solving techniques.

Hanging Pawns

Beginner and Intermediate Lessons on Strategy and Tactics:
Hanging Pawns focuses on helping beginners and intermediate players grasp essential chess principles. His structured approach to openings, positional play, and game analyses provides a clear pathway for improvement.

• Best For: Beginners and intermediate players.
• Notable Content: Opening tutorials, positional chess strategies, and annotated games.

The Chess Dojo

Collaborative Learning for Aspiring Players:
The Chess Dojo is a community-driven channel run by International Master Kostya Kavutskiy, GM Jesse Kraai, and NM David Pruess. Their content emphasizes interactive learning, helping players understand the practical aspects of chess improvement.

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced players.
• Notable Content: Structured training plans, endgame theory, and tournament preparation.

ChessBrah

High-Energy Streams and Blitz Action:
If you enjoy high-energy chess content, ChessBrah is the channel for you. Grandmasters Eric Hansen and Aman Hambleton create engaging streams filled with blitz games, banter, and practical tips. Their games offer insights into the thought processes of elite players.

• Best For: Blitz enthusiasts and casual players.
• Notable Content: Live blitz sessions, subscriber matches, and candid commentary.

John Bartholomew

Fundamental Chess Concepts Explained Clearly:
John Bartholomew is known for his instructional series, especially "Climbing the Rating Ladder," which provides practical advice for players at various skill levels. His teaching style is calm and approachable, focusing on fundamentals.

• Best For: Beginners and players looking for step-by-step improvement.
• Notable Content: Rating ladder series, positional play lessons, and chess fundamentals.

Daniel Naroditsky (Chess Dojo Speedrun)

A Grandmaster’s Practical Tips for Improving Your Play:
Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky’s Chess Speedrun series is a favorite among players looking to understand the decision-making process of an elite player. His explanations are thorough yet accessible, offering insights that can be applied immediately.

• Best For: Intermediate and advanced players.
• Notable Content: Speedrun series, bullet chess strategies, and practical endgame tips.

Power Play Chess

Positional Play and Advanced Strategies:
Daniel King’s Power Play Chess channel is a treasure trove for players who want to refine their positional understanding and advanced strategies. His analyses are in-depth, with a focus on clarity and instructional value.

• Best For: Intermediate and advanced players.
• Notable Content: Strategic planning, historical game analyses, and chess puzzles.

NM Chess Vibes

Accessible Lessons with Practical Advice:
Chess Vibes is ideal for players who want to improve quickly by focusing on practical aspects of chess. The channel emphasizes easy-to-follow tutorials, game reviews, and tips tailored for players aiming to climb the rating ladder.

• Best For: Beginners and players aiming to improve quickly.
• Notable Content: Common mistakes, tactics training, and practical tips.

FAQs

Can YouTube help me become a better chess player?
Absolutely! Many YouTube channels offer free lessons, game analyses, and practical tips, making it an excellent platform for learning and improving chess skills.

What is the best YouTube channel for beginners?
GothamChess and Hanging Pawns are great for beginners due to their clear, accessible teaching styles and beginner-friendly content.

Are there channels for advanced players?
Yes, channels like The Chess Dojo, Daniel Naroditsky, and Power Play Chess cater to intermediate and advanced players with more in-depth strategies and analyses.

How should I use YouTube to improve my chess?
Start by focusing on specific topics you want to improve, such as openings, tactics, or endgames. Watch videos, take notes, and practice the concepts in your games.

Is watching YouTube enough to get better at chess?
Watching videos is helpful, but combining them with active practice, puzzles, and game analysis will lead to faster improvement.

Conclusion

YouTube is a fantastic resource for chess players of all levels, offering free access to expert instruction and engaging content. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to reach new heights, the channels listed here provide valuable insights and lessons to help you grow as a player. Subscribe to a few that resonate with your goals, and enjoy the journey of chess improvement.