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Ep. 108: Checkmate Confessions: The Harsh Realities I Learned from Chess Tournaments
5 mei 2024 · 32 min
This week, Neal shares some tips, tricks, and harsh realities he learned from playing in chess tournaments over the years. Lees meer
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🎯 Our Links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 107: Check, Mate, Cheat: Unveiling the Dark Side of Chess Tournament Shenanigans
28 april 2024 · 55 min
This week, Neal puts on his tournament director hat to discuss rule violation scenarios using real examples from amateur chess tournaments. We also include common mishaps and misunderstandings at the club level regarding rules and procedures. Amateur players of all levels should find this episode both informative and entertaining! Special thanks to Pat Barron, friend of the pod and fellow TD from Pennsylvania whose correspondence was the basis of this episode. Lees meer
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🎯 Our Links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 106: GM Max Illingworth on Adult Chess Improvement, Why YouTube Videos May Not Help, "Potholes & Detours" on the road to 1600, "Unlearning" Chess, & More
21 april 2024 · 58 min
This week's guest is Australian Grandmaster Max Illingworth. Max is a coach, author, and blogger who has lots of experience working with adult chess improvers and a sincere interest in helping them get better. His chess.com blog is instruction rich and formed the basis of our conversation. Max shared his thoughts on why many adult players have trouble improving, including the erroneous thought processes and approaches that hinder progress. Lees meer
As a reminder, you can become a Patreon member of The Chess Angle. For just $2 a month, you can support the show while receiving a few perks including access to a members-only blog, Neal's personal episode notes/outlines, priority consideration for questions/topic suggestions, and early access to select episodes. If you're interested in a single donation, we also have a Buy Me a Coffee page, where you can buy us a "virtual" coffee as a one-off contribution. We appreciate your support of the pod!
Links for GM Max Illingworth:
Chess.com Blog
Twitter/X
YouTube
Dismantling the Sicilian (Amazon)
Coaching inquiries: Email illingworthchess@gmail.com or DM at https://m.me/max.illingworth.16
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🎯 Our Links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 105 (S7 Premiere): Declutter Your Chess Study Plan
14 april 2024 · 35 min
Welcome to Season 7! Lees meer
As a reminder, you can become a Patreon member of The Chess Angle. For just $2 a month, you can support the show while receiving a few perks including access to a members-only blog, Neal's personal episode notes/outlines, priority consideration for questions/topic suggestions, and early access to select episodes.
If you're interested in a single donation, we also have a Buy Me a Coffee page, where you can buy us a "virtual" coffee as a one-off contribution. We appreciate your support of the pod!
This week, we discuss how to "Marie Kondo" your chess study plan if you're rated about 800-1200 and you're looking to break the 1400 barrier. You don't need to buy 100 chess books, 25 courses, and join seven different online training programs. A streamlined collection of chess study materials covering each phase and theme of the game combined with lots of OTB experience is probably all you need for quite some time. In this episode, we cover:
Why playing is just as crucial as studying
How much study material do you need?
How often should you study?
Using chess study materials appropriately
What NOT to study
Putting it all together
Referenced:
Ep. 99: How to Approach Chess Study as a Beginner or Advanced Beginner
The Amateur's Mind
Chess for Tigers
Starting Out: The Caro-Kann
Winning Chess Strategies
Pandolfini's Endgame Course
Silman's Complete Endgame Course
How to Study Chess on Your Own
Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual
Introduction to Tactics
Endings, Openings, A Taste of the Middle
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🎯 Our Links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
♟Some of the links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.♟
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Ep. 104 (S6 Finale): Ten Ways to Lose a Chess Game
24 maart 2024 · 35 min
This episode is our Season 6 finale. We'll be taking a short break and will return with Season 7 on April 14, 2024. This week, we discuss ten common reasons why players at the club level lose games: Lees meer
1 - Non-processing
2 - Rushing against odd opening moves
3 - Neglecting development/premature attacks
4 - Misplaying castling
5 - Rook posing
6 - Too much French pastry
7 - Trading down to a losing King and pawn ending
8 - Trying too hard to win
9 - Being cavalier against lower-rated opponents
10 - Poor clock management
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 103: Wild Chess Tournament Stories: Cheating, Collusion, Pushy Parents & Other Tall Tales from the Amateur Chess Scene feat. Tim Just, National TD and US Chess Rulebook Editor
17 maart 2024 · 49 min
This week's guest, Tim Just, is a major figure in tournament directing and chess administration. He is a National TD, editor of the 5th-7th editions of the US Chess Rulebook, author, and columnist. When it comes to directing amateur chess tournaments, he's done it all and seen it all. In this episode, Tim shares a number of wild and entertaining anecdotes from the amateur chess scene. You can't make this stuff up! Lees meer
Links for Tim Just:
My Opponent is Eating a Doughnut
Just Law
Rules | US Chess.org ("Just the Rules" column)
A Guide to Scholastic Chess
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.♟
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Ep. 102: Chess Improvement & Tournament Skills Roundtable feat. Nick Visel
10 maart 2024 · 1 uur 6 min
Nick Visel is a dedicated club player with a long term goal of achieving the title of National Master. He is well known in the adult improver community and is very popular on Twitter/X. You may be interested in subscribing to Nick's Substack where he shares book reviews, analysis of his OTB tournament games, and more. This week, Nick joined Neal for a candid conversation about chess improvement, the ups and downs of playing at the club level, and how the amateur chess scene has changed over the years. Lees meer
We cover:
Is online blitz helpful or hurtful?
Openings
The psychology of facing lower and higher-rated players
Ratings & improvement
Study plans
Tactics vs. positional play
And more...
Links for Nick Visel:
Twitter/X
Substack
New York 1924 Review
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 101: Candidates Tournament Preview 2024 feat. GM Daniel Gormally
3 maart 2024 · 1 uur 3 min
In this jam-packed episode, return guest Grandmaster Daniel Gormally discusses the upcoming 2024 Candidates Chess Tournament: the players, controversies, history, and more. The winner of this event will challenge Ding Liren for the title of World Chess Champion. The Candidates begins on 4/3/24 in Toronto, Canada. Lees meer
Links for the Candidates Tournament:
Chess.com Article
FIDE Article
Links for GM Daniel Gormally:
Ep. 96: GM Daniel Gormally on Adult Chess Improvement, the Cheating Epidemic, & More
Mating the Castled King (Amazon)
Pandemic Shark: A Journey Through the World of Chess Improvement (Amazon)
Play Chess Like the Pros (Amazon)
Sharp Middlegames (Chessable)
Facebook
Twitter (X)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 100: The Hippopotamus Defense and Other Chess Opening Systems for Black
25 februari 2024 · 43 min
Welcome to our 100th episode! Be sure to check out our new and improved website. Same address, updated look. This week, we explore five universal responses for Black. These can be played against any first move by White. Lees meer
In this episode:
Listener Mailbag
1…g6 (Modern Defense)
Hippopotamus Defense
1…e6
1…b6
1…Nc6
Referenced:
10 Black "Opening Systems" (ThePawnSlayer chess.com blog)
The Amateur's Mind
Winning Chess Strategies
Simple Chess
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 99: How to Approach Chess Study as a Beginner or Advanced Beginner (Tips and Suggested Resources)
18 februari 2024 · 37 min
Chess improvement can be overwhelming and daunting for beginners looking to reach the intermediate level and beyond. This is especially true for busy adults with limited study time. In the episode, we provide a general overview of what we believe beginners and advanced beginners should focus on and provide a number of suggested resources to get you started. Lees meer
Suggested Books:
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond (Levy Rozman)
The Amateur's Mind (Jeremy Silman)
Winning Chess Strategies (Yasser Seirawan)
Winning Chess Tactics (Yasser Seirawan)
Pandolfini's Endgame Course
Suggested Online Lessons from Chess.com:
Basic Checkmates and More
Essential Checkmate Patterns
Introduction to Tactics
A Kaleidoscope of Openings
Pawn Endings: Beginner to Expert (good for ALL levels)
Rook and Other Endgames (a little advanced, but very thorough and good for ALL levels)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 98: The Worst Chess Mindsets for Tournament Players
11 februari 2024 · 51 min
The week, Neal dives into the listener mailbag to discuss the parallels between music and chess, handling losses, and dealing with frustration at the chessboard. This is followed by an open and candid discussion about mindset and attitude at the chessboard during OTB tournaments. There's definitely an emphasis on chess psychology for this episode. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:48) - Chess and Music
(07:38) - Dealing with Losses
(17:00) - Frustration at the Chessboard
(22:49) - The Chess Mindset (what to avoid)
(49:42) - Outro
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 97: Chess Ratings, Improvement, the 3...Qd8 Scandinavian & More feat. NM Daniel Lowinger
4 februari 2024 · 59 min
This week's guest is National Master Daniel Lowinger, a high school Chinese teacher who cut his teeth playing chess on the New York scene. Dan offers some thoughtful and philosophical ideas about amateur chess improvement, titles, being honest with oneself, and much more. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:48) - Dan's Beginnings
(06:24) - Thoughts on Chess Titles
(23:44) - Honesty with Oneself
(29:43) - Adult Improvement
(44:18) - 3...Qd8 Scandinavian Defense
(55:29) - Opening Originals: Strong Sidelines for Club Cats
(58:37) - Outro
Links for NM Daniel Lowinger:
The 3...Qd8 Scandinavian: Simple and Strong
Opening Originals: Strong Sidelines for Club Cats
Facebook
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 96: GM Daniel Gormally on Adult Chess Improvement, the Cheating Epidemic, & More
28 januari 2024 · 1 uur
Our guest this week is English Grandmaster Daniel Gormally. Daniel is a professional chess player and coach who has written several books on the game. He is also the author of a 3-part Chessable series entitled Sharp Middlegames. In addition, Daniel has represented England in the European Team Championship and is a two-time winner of the English Rapid Play Championship. He earned his final GM norm in 2005 in a tournament where he scored a 2693 performance rating. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:32) - English Chess Scene
(10:25) - Computers, AI, & Engines
(21:24) - Chess Cheating Epidemic
(33:15) - Adult Improvement & Daniel's Instructional Content
(58:59) - OutroLinks for GM Daniel Gormally:
Mating the Castled King (Amazon)
Pandemic Shark: A Journey Through the World of Chess Improvement (Amazon)
Play Chess Like the Pros (Amazon)
Sharp Middlegames (Chessable)
Facebook
Twitter (X)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 95: How to Use a Chess Engine as a Developing Player
21 januari 2024 · 1 uur 4 min
This week we discuss how to analyze your chess games with an engine to increase learning, avoid mistakes, and explore your thought process. Neal addresses some listener mail and then reviews one of his OTB games where he was having an off night. There were miscues from both players throughout which is typical at the club level. Lees meer
Referenced:
Ep. 45: The Truth About Chess Engines for Club Players
Bellon vs. 1630:
1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d6 3. e3 Nbd7 4. Nf3 e6 5. Be2 Be7 6. h3 b6 7. c4 Bb7 8. Nc3 d5
9. cxd5 Nxd5 10. Nxd5 Bxd5 11. O-O O-O 12. Rc1 c5 13. dxc5 Nxc5 14. b3 Bd6 15.
Bxd6 Qxd6 16. Qd4 Rfd8 17. Rfd1 Qe7 18. Qf4 Bb7 19. Ne5 f6 20. Nc4 e5 21. Qh4
Rxd1+ 22. Rxd1 Rd8 23. Rxd8+ Qxd8 24. Qg4 Nd3 25. Qe6+ Kf8 26. Nd6 Qe7 27. Qxe7+
Kxe7 28. Nxb7 Nc1 29. Bf3 Nxa2 30. Kf1 f5 31. Be2 Nb4 32. Ke1 Kd7 33. Kd2 Kc7
34. Kc3 a5 35. Nxa5 bxa5 36. Kc4 Kb6 37. f3 f4 38. exf4 exf4 39. Kd4 Nc2+ 40.
Ke4 g5 41. Bc4 Ne1 42. Kf5 h6 43. Kg6 Nxg2 44. Kxh6 Kc5 45. Bf7 Kb4 46. Kxg5 a4
47. bxa4 Kxa4 48. h4 Nxh4 49. Kxh4 1-0Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:36) - Opening Repertoire (Listener Mailbag)
(09:10) - Puzzle Rush and Skill Retention (Listener Mailbag)
(17:58) - Using a Chess Engine
(1:03:10) - Outro🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 94: Sicilian vs. Caro-Kann, Neal's 2024 Chess Study Plan, & More
14 januari 2024 · 49 min
Happy New Year! For our first episode of 2024, Neal answers some questions from our listener mailbag and shares his chess study plan for 2024. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:20) - Neal's 2024 Study Plan
(09:57) - Are YouTube Videos Helpful?
(14:43) - Chess Club Attendance
(34:37) - Sicilian vs. Caro-Kann
(41:33) - Aggressive vs. Timid Opponents
(48:02) - OutroReferenced:
Practical Chess Exercises (Amazon)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 93: Holiday Message 2023
17 december 2023 · 3 min
Happy Holidays! This week, Neal shares a brief holiday message. Thank you to everyone for supporting the show. We saw a major uptick in downloads in 2023. We'll be taking an extended holiday/end-of-year break and will resume on Sunday, January 14, 2024. If you're a new listener, now is a great time to binge and catch up. We hope you win your next game! Lees meer
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 92: Stop Being Afraid of 1. d4: Tips for Club-Level Chess Players
10 december 2023 · 35 min
Many club-level players consistently have trouble facing 1. d4. This week, we explore why that is, and offer some practical and philosophical advice. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:40) - 1. d4 General Thoughts
(07:00) - Social Media and 1. d4
(12:12) - 1. d4 vs. 1. e4
(15:10) - Nimzo & Q. Indian Defenses
(22:30) - Fighting the London System
(26:54) - Fighting the Catalan Opening
(34:05) - OutroReferenced:
Ep. 48: The Nimzo & Queen's Indian Defenses: A Complete System Against 1. d4🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 91: The Botvinnik System: An Easy-to-Learn Opening for White
3 december 2023 · 27 min
The Botvinnik System is a solid opening choice for White that is easy to learn. We also discuss system openings generally and how they can benefit club players with limited study time. **Errata: In the episode at (23:31), it should be 8. d3, not e3. Please refer to the .pgn below. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:37) - System Opening Benefits
(15:54) - Botvinnik System
(24:26) - OutroReferenced:
Silman Article
Chess Openings: How to Play the English Opening! (YouTube)
Win with The Botvinnik System in The English Opening (YouTube)
Ep. 37: The London System for Club Players
Botvinnik System Main Line: 1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. e4 Nf6 6. Nge2 O-O 7. O-O d6 8. d3 Ne8
🎯 Support the Show:
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Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 90: Common Club-Level Chess Mistakes: Matching, Punishing, "Temper Tantrum" Chess & More
26 november 2023 · 48 min
This week we take a deep dive into some of the most common thematic mistakes that club players make on a regular basis. Most of them have to do with misguided tournament strategies and mishandling your opponent, rather than a lack of chess theory. Lees meer
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(04:08) - The 3 Most Missed Moves
(08:19) - Misreading Defensive Moves
(11:20) - Brain Fog
(13:40) - Matching
(16:45) - "Temper Tantrum" Chess
(20:34) - Punishing
(25:29) - Chess Theater
(30:27) - "Active" Moves
(33:33) - Early Pawn Overextensions
(36:06) - Clock Management
(42:02) - Accepting Disruptive Behavior
(47:07) - Outro🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 89: Chess "Backsplaining" & the "Null Move" Strategy for Club Players feat. FM Alex King
19 november 2023 · 1 uur 1 min
FM Alex King returns to the podcast to share his journey from NM to FM. In addition, we discuss some practical improvement topics that club players of all levels should find useful. Check out Episode #23 if you missed Alex's first appearance on the pod. Alex resides in Memphis, TN and is an active player, coach, and writer. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
26:54 - Rating Deflation
35:42 - Backsplaining
42:55 - Null Move Strategy/Hypothesis
59:36 - Outro📚 Referenced:
Winning
Grind Like a Grandmaster
Links for FM Alex King:
Facebook
Twitter
lichess
Null Move article
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 88: Amateur Chess Legend Andy Ansel on his Massive 15,000+ Book Collection, Playing 3 World Champions, & Whether Club Players Should Use Classic or Modern Books for Improvement
12 november 2023 · 53 min
Andy Ansel is a devoted chess enthusiast who is well known for his impressive book collection which features over 15,000 items. He also has an extensive tournament background with a peak rating of USCF 2100. His playing experience includes games against three World Champions (Symslov, Tal, and Kasparov). Currently, Andy is active in correspondence chess and recently earned the CM title. In this episode, Andy discusses his book collection in detail and gives his opinion on classic vs. modern books for adult improvers looking to become stronger. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
07:49 - Correspondence Chess
13:20 - Playing 3 World Champions
18:40 - Book Collection
42:45 - Classic vs. Modern Books
52:09 - OutroReferenced:
Chess Book Collectors Facebook Group
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 87: David MacEnulty, Renowned Chess Coach Portrayed in the 2005 Film "Knights of the South Bronx," on Teaching, Learning, Improving, Tournament Skills, Cheating, & More
5 november 2023 · 50 min
David MacEnulty is a legendary chess coach best known for his work with disadvantaged children at Community Elementary School #70 in the South Bronx in New York City. He took them from beginning players to national scholastic champions, an astonishing feat. David was portrayed by famed actor Ted Danson in the 2005 TV-film Knights of the South Bronx which details his experience at CES #70. In this episode, David shares his remarkable story, including some wild cheating incidents his students encountered. He also provides some insight on teaching, learning, developing a "warrior mentality," preparation, and much more. Be on the lookout for David's upcoming book (release date TBD) entitled "Sunrise in the Bronx" where he recounts his experience at CES #70 in vivid detail. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
03:50 - Bruce Pandolfini & Teaching
05:00 - Teaching at CES #70
06:33 - David's Background
17:55 - Guiding Principles
31:10 - Cheating Incidents
43:19 - Knights of the South Bronx film
48:45 - Outro📚 Referenced:
Knights of the South Bronx (YouTube full film)
Knights of the South Bronx (DVD)
My System (Nimzovitch)
1000 Best Short Games of Chess (Chernev)
Complete Chess Strategy (Pachman)
How Not to Play Chess (Znosko-Borovsky)
Oceana (Ted Danson)
♟Links for David MacEnulty:
Amazon Author Page
CBS News Feature
Think Like a King
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 86: Chess Improvement Without Books feat. Xilin Chen (USCF 2144)
29 oktober 2023 · 50 min
For this season's first interview episode, Neal spoke with Xilin Chen, a 24-year old student at Stonybrook University and a Long Island Chess Club regular. Xilin described his chess improvement activities: lots of 3-0 and 1-0 online games, analyzing his own games, chess.com study resources, and virtually no chess books. He also shared his thought process when playing OTB tournament games. Lees meer
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
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Ep. 85: Trendy Chess Improvement Advice
22 oktober 2023 · 35 min
There's a lot of chess advice out there, but is all of it sound? Will these suggestions really help you, especially if you're an emerging player looking to get to the intermediate level? While this episode is primarily aimed at players rated about 1000 USCF, we believe improvers of all levels will enjoy it. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
07:22 - Classic Games
10:05 - Chess Engines
13:39 - Daily Study Plans
25:28 - Openings
31:07 - Outro📚 Books Referenced:
Willpower (Amazon)
How to Study Chess on Your Own (Amazon)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 84: Mastering the Middlegame, Part 2: Are There Flaws With Silman's Imbalances?
15 oktober 2023 · 37 min
This week we continue our discussion of IM Jeremy Silman. Some are critical of his method, and while Neal considers Silman's system to be essential for improvement, he shares a few nitpicks of his own in the spirit of thoroughness. Referenced: Silman's response to his critics. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:45 - Nitpicks
24:46 - Other Criticism of Silman
35:48 - Outro🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 83 (S6 Premiere): Mastering the Middlegame for Club Players: The Legacy of IM Jeremy Silman
8 oktober 2023 · 35 min
Welcome to Season 6! Sadly, renowned chess educator IM Jeremy Silman passed away recently. Many consider his content to be essential for amateur improvement. He is probably best known for his system of imbalances and its application to the middlegame. This week, we'll give an overview of his approach and discuss some of his books and online content. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
07:58 - The Imbalances
11:38 - The Amateur's Mind
15:05 - Complete Book of Chess Strategy
17:11 - Reassess Your Chess
19:59 - Silman's Complete Endgame Course
24:37 - Chess.com Lessons
34:17 - OutroBooks Referenced (Amazon links):
The Amateur's Mind
The Complete Book of Chess Strategy
Reassess Your Chess, 4th Ed.
Silman's Complete Endgame Course
Lessons Referenced (Chess.com links):
Silman Teaches Tactics 1
Silman's Lessons in Strategy 1
Silman's Lessons in Strategy 2
Roots of Positional Understanding
Now What?
Rook and Other Endgames
Mental Domination
Previous Episodes Referenced:
#6: The Amateur's Mind
#60: The Complete Book of Chess Strategy
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
♟The Amazon and chess.com links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 82 (S5 Finale): My Opponent is Smoking a Cigarette: Chess Clubs Then vs. Now feat. Brian Karen (Chess Coffee Talk #3)
17 september 2023 · 45 min
This episode is our Season 5 Finale. Season 6 coming soon! Lees meer
Our guest this week is Brian Karen, a Candidate Master, chess educator, historian, and regular contributor to the podcast. We discussed the evolution of chess clubs and the amateur tournament scene, specifically from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s until now.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
09:26 - Rise of International Players
14:00 - Postmortems
18:38 - Analog vs. Digital Clocks
28:11 - Speed Chess
30:35 - OTB vs. Online Ratings
38:37 - Female Attendance at Chess Clubs
43:59 - OutroFB Groups Referenced:
Chess Book Collectors
FIDE World Chess Championship 2025🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 81: The English Opening (1. c4) from Black's Perspective
10 september 2023 · 27 min
In this episode, we unravel the English Opening from Black's point of view for club players and adult improvers. We tackle the unfamiliarity and anxiety that comes with confronting 1. c4 and share three variations that will boost your confidence as Black. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
05:50 - Symmetrical Var. (1...c5)
10:33 - Nimzo-English (1...Nf6)
16:58 - English Defense (1...b6)
26:52 - OutroReferenced:
Starting Out: The English (Amazon)PGNs:
After 1. c4:Symmetrical English:
1. ...c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nf3 Nf6Nimzo-English:
1... Nf6 2. Nf3 2... e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3 6. Qxc3 b6English Defense:
1... b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. Nc3 e6 4. g3 Bxf3 5. exf3 c5 6. d4 cxd4 7. Qxd4 Nc6 8. Qd1 Rc8🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 80: Chess Opening Surprises to Trick Your Opponent
3 september 2023 · 42 min
Ready to shake up your chess game with some unconventional openings? In our latest episode, we make a case for occasionally adding complexity to your game. By getting higher-rated opponents out of their comfort zone early on, you can create an unbalanced, non-theoretical position that might just give you the upper hand. Lees meer
We also bring attention to the "piece polishers" - those players who love sticking to conventional theory. This episode explores how you can disrupt them. We delve into the effectiveness of off-book openings, such as 1. e3. Please note that this isn't an exhaustive guide to every unconventional opening, but a general overview.
Finally, we explore some exciting opening ideas that can lead to tactically rich positions. These can disorient a classical player who is not prepared for the unexpected. We discuss the Grob, otherwise known as the Spike, and the Scandinavian Defense. We also delve into the Evans Gambit, and the Orangutan Opening. These might seem a bit out there, but with a basic theoretical study, you could gain a significant advantage by occasionally springing these surprises on your opponent. So, let's get ready to catch your opponent off guard!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
09:15 - 1. e3
10:43 - Fianchetto Structures
16:00 - Early h4 and ...h5 Ideas
19:05 - 1. d4 e6
22:08 - The Grob (1. g4)
24:35 - Scandinavian Defense
26:43 - Alekhine's Defense
28:54 - Orangutan Opening (1. b4)
32:52 - Benoni Defense
36:20 - Evans Gambit
39:01 - Outro🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 79: Everybody Loves Ratings
27 augustus 2023 · 56 min
Did you know that the world of chess ratings can be as intriguing and mysterious as the game itself? How significant are tactics, game analysis, and a consistent opening repertoire for players rated below 1800? We go a step further, shedding light on the pros and cons of competing in higher rating sections and the unreliability of online ratings. As we wrap up, we serve up practical tips and strategies to help bolster your rating, including the pitfalls to avoid like dual-rated games. But above all, we celebrate the sheer love for the game and the joy of tournament play. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - Listener Mailbag
28:55 - Playing Up
32:46 - Online Ratings
37:34 - Rating Deflation
42:48 - Dual-Rated Games
51:44 - OutroReferenced:
Blindfold Chess Podcast
Audible Chess
Blindfold Chess Offline (Android app)
Blindfold Chess Training (Android app)
Chess for Tigers (Amazon)
The Seven Deadly Chess Sins (Amazon)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 78: Cheating at Local Chess Clubs feat. NM Nick Panico (Chess Coffee Talk #2)
20 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 20 min
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a chess tournament? Join us as we converse with return guest National Master Nick Panico, who takes us on a captivating journey. This episode is a deep dive into the world of chess, the importance of taking lower-rated opponents seriously, and much more. Lees meer
The discussion gets even more interesting as Nick recounts a suspicious game. This fuels a conversation about potential cheating in chess and the rules about phone usage during play. We also explore the contentious issue of chess etiquette among kids, including whether asking for an opponent's score sheet during a game is considered acceptable or not.
In the final part of our conversation, we delve into Nick's thoughts about taking a hiatus from chess and his goals to continue playing, albeit less frequently. We discuss just how important having a tournament director present is and how age, coupled with rating deflation, can affect one's game. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a unique insight into the chess tournament atmosphere. Don't miss out on this episode packed with engaging discussions and enlightening experiences from the amateur chess scene!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:27 - Kreitner Tournament Recap
13:06 - Chess Cheating
29:48 - Chess Etiquette and Kids
59:45 - Hitting One's Rating Floor
01:15:56 - Chess Hiatus and Future Goals🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
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Ep. 77: Phantom Tactics, Impatient Pawn Pushes, the Power of 1...Nf6, Nimzo-Indian Defense, Stopping Counterplay, & More (Game Analysis #7)
13 augustus 2023 · 34 min
This week, we'll be exploring some common themes for club-level players by analyzing a typical amateur game that featured a lot of miscues. Concepts include: stopping counterplay, open vs. closed center, impatient pawn pushes, "phantom" tactics, and much more. Lees meer
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Nimzo-Indian Defense
14:12 - Phantom Tactics
15:15 - Impatient Pawn Pushes
16:57 - Feel-Good Checks
23:08 - Players who Stand
31:00 - OutroReferenced:
Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian (Amazon)
Game Analyzed: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 b6 5. Nf3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 Bb7 8. Bd3 f5 9. O-O O-O 10. a4 a5 11. Ba3 Rf6 12. Be2 d6 13. Rad1 Qe8 14. c5 Bc6 15. Bb5 Bxb5 16. axb5 Qxb5 17. c4 Qe8 18. cxd6 cxd6 19. Rb1 Nd7 20. Rfd1 Rc8 21. d5 exd5 22. Rxd5 Qf7 23. Rbd1 Ndc5 24. Bb2 Rh6 25. Be5 Qe7 26. Bf4 g5 27. Bg3 Rf8 28. Qb2 Nxg3 29. hxg3 Ne4 30. Qd4 Qf7 31. Rb5 Qh5 32. Kf1 Qh1+ 33. Ng1 Rh2 34. Ke2 Qxg2 35. Qd5+ Rf7 36. Qa8+ Kg7 0-1
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 76: Decision Fatigue and Brain Fog at the Chessboard (Game Analysis #6)
6 augustus 2023 · 47 min
Our episode features an engaging analysis of a chess game from the Long Island Chess Club. We dissect every plan, delving into the nuances of a Queen's pawn opening and strategies for preventing Black's e5 idea from White. We also unravel the mystery around the hyper-modern idea of striking in the center. In addition, we're sharing our insights on tackling higher-rated opponents, the significance of game review using an engine, and the importance of a positive mindset. Lees meer
Lastly, we touch upon chess's cognitive aspects, particularly decision fatigue and brain fog, and their impact on players. If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by the mental energy needed to navigate a chess game, you're not alone. We share valuable advice on taking breaks, resetting your mind, and doing so without falling into time pressure. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you on your quest to improve your chess skills.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:49 - Mailbag: Starting a Chess Club
15:08 - Game Analysis Begins
26:07 - Mistake Frequency
27:03 - Decision Fatigue and Brain Fog
37:05 - Solutions for Decision Fatigue
40:30 - Production Notes
46:20 - OutroReferenced:
Guide to a Successful Chess Club (US Chess Federation)
Do You Suffer From Decision Fatigue? (NY Times article)
Game Analyzed: 1. d4 d6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 Nd7 5. c3 e5 6. Bg3 Nh6 7. Be2 O-O 8. h3 e4 9. Nfd2 f5 10. h4 b6 11. Qb3+ Kh8 12. c4 Nf6 13. Bf4 Qe8 4. Nc3 Nhg4 15. Bg5 Bb7 16. Bxf6 Rxf6 17. Nd5 Bxd5 18. cxd5 Rf7 19. Qc2 Nf6 20.h5 g5 21. h6 Bf8 22. Bh5 Nxh5 23. Rxh5 Rf6 24. Rh2 Qf7 25. Qc6 Re8 26. O-O-O Rxh6 27. Rdh1 Rxh2 28. Rxh2 f4 29. g3 Re7 30. gxf4 gxf4 31. Qc4 Qf5 32. Kb1 Bg7 33. Qc6 h5 34. Qc1 Bf6 35. Qc6?? Bxd4! 36. Qa8+ Kh7 37. Qd8 Bf6 38. Qf8 Qg6 39. Rh1 Rg7 (no remaining score due to time pressure) 0-1
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
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Ep. 75: Jessica Hyatt, the Highest-Rated Female African-American Chess Player (with NM Tyrell Harriott)
30 juli 2023 · 33 min
Meet high school student and Candidate Master Jessica Hyatt, the highest-rated female African-American chess player, and National Master Tyrell Harriott, her coach and mentor. Be intrigued as the duo sheds light on Jessica's inspiring journey from her initial rating of USCF 350 in fifth grade to her current rating of USCF 2100, and her quest to achieve the title of National Master (USCF 2200). Advancing in chess is a long trek, but it's filled with numerous exciting turns, as Jessica recounts her experiences at recent tournaments and the time she won the prestigious Daniel Feinberg Success in Chess Award. We'll also learn about her recent victories against GMs Michael Rohde and Abhimanyu Mishra. Lees meer
Are you eager to gain insights into strategies for today's faster time controls? Well, Jessica has you covered. She shares her game plan, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and strategic thinking. You'll be amazed by Tyrell's unique teaching style, which involves playing even the most disadvantageous positions and embracing the art of resilience. Listen to how he motivates his students using his own tournament experiences, pushing them to become stronger while enjoying the journey. It's all about focus, discipline, and determination. Join us for this engaging conversation with one of the rising stars in the chess world and learn what it truly takes to achieve your chess goals!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:33 - Marshall Chess Club
06:31 - College Aspirations
08:27 - Discovering Jessica's Talent
10:27 - Beating Two GMs - Tyrell
12:54 - Beating Two GMs - Jessica
15:48 - Tyrell on Coaching & Improvement
19:12 - Jessica on Coaching & Improvement
25:05 - Jessica's Chess Beginnings
31:24 - OutroLinks for Jessica Hyatt:
Appearance on CBS News
Jessica and Tyrell on Twitch
Jessica's Win vs. GM Abhimanyu Mishra
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
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Ep. 74: Inside the Mind of a Tournament Chess Player feat. Dan Levin
23 juli 2023 · 52 min
Tune in as we delve into the mind of a seasoned tournament player, Dan Levin. A regular at the Long Island Chess Club, Dan brings a unique perspective to this episode as he shares his experiences from the recent Eastern Class Championships in Connecticut, and the National Open in Vegas. Listen in as we uncover the reasons behind a peculiar resignation and a puzzling rating discrepancy in his games. Lees meer
Get ready for an in-depth exploration into the complexities of strategic moves as Dan shares his insights on how he navigated through different stages of the tournaments. Learn about the critical task of weighing the pros and cons of each move, understanding the opponent's style, and how to swiftly recover from a lost advantage.
In this jam-packed episode, Dan walks us through some of his game highlights, revealing how he maneuvered his way to a clear winning advantage even after losing an initial lead. We also dissect his opponents' strategies and discuss how he countered them effectively. Join us on this epic journey through the intriguing world of OTB chess tournaments.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - Game 1 - Queen's Gambit Exch. Var.
06:32 - Game 2 - QGD Tartakower Var.
10:16 - Game 3 - Trompowsky Attack
14:12 - Game 4 - Fast-Moving Opponents
21:31 - Game 5 - Blunders, Time Pressure, Playing "Up"
28:05 - Game 6 - Material Imbalances
31:35 - Game 7 - Caro-Kann
33:56 - Game 8 - Trompowsky Attack
38:22 - Game 9 - QGD
39:50 - Game 10 - Dutch Defense
44:12 - Game 11 - Playing Against KidsIf you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
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Ep. 73: The Chess Conundrum: Balancing Online and OTB Play
16 juli 2023 · 36 min
Have you ever wondered about the differences between playing chess online and over-the-board? How does it impact your strategies and even your enjoyment of the game? Welcome to the first solo episode of the fifth season of The Chess Angle. We're making our podcast experience more user-friendly by introducing chapter markers and experimenting with video versions of our interview episodes on YouTube. This week, Neal dives into the mailbag to answer your questions. Lees meer
In a light-hearted discussion, we compare online chess to the more traditional OTB format. We explore whether using a physical chessboard while playing online can help you practice for real-life tournaments, yet we also emphasize that nothing can truly replicate the thrill of a live game. Neal shares a personal strategy he uses when he's overlooked a crucial move in an OTB game. We even discuss the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) variation!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro.
00:35 - Opening Remarks/Video versions
05:34 - Listener Mailbag Intro.
07:01 - Online Chess with Physical Board
12:56 - OTB Time Controls
18:29 - Move-by-Move Books
24:40 - World Champ. Format Suggestions
28:18 - English Opening
32:50 - ICBM Variation
35:36 - Outro.Referenced:
Logical Chess Move by Move (Amazon)
Understanding Chess Move by Move (Amazon)
The Amateur's Mind (Amazon)
Everyman Chess: "Starting Out" series (publisher site)
ICBM Variation (YouTube): 1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. d3 exd3 5. Bxd3 h6?? 6. Nxf7! Kxf7 7. Bg6+ Kxg6 8. Qxd8 (the Queen is like a "missile" going across the board)
The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
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Ep. 72: NM Jerald Times on Mastering the Chessboard: Insights, Strategies, and Transformations
9 juli 2023 · 53 min
Get ready to sharpen your chess skills with National Master Jerald Times, a revered chess educator and CEO of Chess Across Borders. We'll traverse across the chessboard of Jerald's experiences, from his nostalgic moments playing chess on a Navy ship to his enlightening journey of teaching and transitioning to a more dynamic playing style. Lees meer
Ever wondered about the psychological transformation of chess players? Our conversation reveals the intriguing shift from reactionary to responsive play, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the power of desire and will to succeed. We'll also analyze the recent world championship match between Ding and Nepo, discussing the match format and its potential bias towards particular player styles.
In addition, we'll touch upon the evolution of chess, from its romantic period to the modern era where it's viewed as a data game. Our chat provides a rare insight into the chess culture at Washington Square Park and the importance of tactical skills for adult improvers. Listen in for Jerald's sage advice that when it comes to improving tournament play, the battleground is indeed the learning ground. Tune in for an episode packed with chess strategies, experiences, and transformations.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro.
03:52 Opening Preparation
07:11 Chess Eras & Evolutions
14:00 Learning Zone vs. Performance Zone
19:18 Ding/Nepo Recap & Championship Format
26:55 The Journey to Master & Chess as a Data Game
29:31 Washington Square Park stories
35:32 Ratings, Thinking Patterns, & Tactics
42:00 Lawsuit update
46:02 Chess Across Borders
51:54 OutroReferenced:
Chess for Tigers (Amazon)
Better Thinking, Better Chess (Amazon)
Links for NM Jerald Times:
Twitter
Chess Across Borders
The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links…
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Ep. 71 (S5 Premiere): A Journey to Chess Mastery feat. NM James Altucher
2 juli 2023 · 50 min
Are you ever too old to get better at chess? Join me as I sit down with National Master, top podcaster, successful entrepreneur, and best-selling author James Altucher, who is on a thrilling journey to regain a rating of 2200. Despite being in his 50s, James is determined to prove that age is just a number when it comes to mental capacity and improvement. Lees meer
From discussing strategies of the game to understanding the importance of physical and mental health, our conversation is full of insights that will leave you eager to push your own boundaries, no matter your age. James shares both the joys and challenges he's encountered as an adult player, including meeting and learning from top players like Magnus Carlson and Gary Kasparov. He also opens up about the memory techniques he learned from the World Memory Champion, and how these methods have significantly improved his game.
The crux of our conversation centers around a question that has intrigued many chess players: Do adults "age out" of improvement? James takes us on a deep exploration of how raw calculation ability and memory start to decline in our 30s and 40s, but how wisdom improves with age, allowing us to recognize patterns and connect the dots between them. Tune in to our enlightening discussion to discover James' practical tips/strategies, and how he applies life lessons to the game he loves. Whether you're a chess enthusiast or just someone looking to challenge your own limitations, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro.
00:36 Announcements
05:58 Thoughts On Playing Kids
08:06 James' Study Regimen
15:54 Taking Byes at Weekend Events
22:06 Chess Coaching
25:06 Chess Improvement and Memory
34:57 James' Professional Experience
40:18 Handling Losses and Tilt
43:25 The Third Door for Improvement
49:28 OutroReferenced:
Skip the Line (Amazon)
The Third Door (Amazon)
Links for James Altucher:
Website
Twitter
📚Amazon Author Page📚
🎯 Become a Member: Patreon
📧 If you hav…
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Ep. 70 (S4 Finale): Chess Openings & Using a "Forever" Repertoire (Ep. 1 Reboot)
21 mei 2023 · 31 min
This week's episode is our Season 4 Finale. SEASON 5 COMING SOON! Lees meer
This is an updated version of the very first episode of this podcast, "Chess Openings and the Club Player." We cover:
The main goal of the opening
System and thematic openings
Is there an advantage to having the white pieces?
Should you play complicated, theoretical openings?
The importance of a consistent opening repertoire
Neal's personal opening choices
Referenced (Amazon links):
The London System in 12 Practical Lessons
Win With the London System
Play the London System
Starting Out: The French
Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian
Starting Out: The Queen's Indian
Master the Hedgehog Structure (article)
🎯 Support the Show:
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
🔗 Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Patreon
Buy Me a Coffee
♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 69: Passed Pawns, Piece Sacrifices, & More (Game Analysis #5)
14 mei 2023 · 50 min
We cover: Lees meer
Touch move
Trapped pieces
Does playing through Master games really help?
Is a knight on the rim always dim?
Should you move the same piece twice?
Speculative vs. combinational sacrifices
"Shuffling" moves
Initiative vs. development
Referenced:
Winning Chess Tactics (Amazon)
Introduction to Tactics (chess.com)
Step Up In Tactics (chess.com)
Game Analyzed:
1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 Bf5 4. c4 c6 5. Qb3 Qb6 6. c5 Qxb3 7. axb3 Nbd7 8. Nc3 e6 9. h3 Be7 10. b4 O-O 11. Be2 b5 12. Nf3 a6 13. O-O Ra7 14. Ra2 Rfa8 15. Rfa1 h6 16. Ne5 Nxe5 17. Bxe5 Nd7 18. Bg3 Bd8 19. Bd6 Nf6 20. Ra3 Ne4 21. Nxe4 Bxe4 22. Kf1 a5 23. bxa5 Rxa5 24. Rxa5 Rxa5 25. Rxa5 Bxa5 26. f3 Bc2 27. Kf2 Bd2 28. Bf1 Ba4 29. Bc7 Kf8 30. Ke2 Bb4 31. Kf2 Ke8 32. Bd3 Kd7 33. Bb6 g6 34. Ke2 Kc8 35. g4 f5 36. h4 h5 37. gxh5 gxh5 38. e4 Kd7 39. exf5 exf5 40. Bxf5+ Ke7 41. Bg6 Bb3 42. Bxh5 Bc4+ 43. Kf2 Bd2 44. Bg6 Bc1 45. Bc7 Bxb2 46. Be5 Bc1 47. f4 b4 48. h5 1-0If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Amazon and Chess.com links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 68: Weekend Tourneys, Rating "Donators" & More feat. NM Nick Panico (Chess Coffee Talk #1)
7 mei 2023 · 1 uur 30 min
National Master Nick Panico returns to the podcast for our first "coffee talk" episode. These episodes will feature a guest and include the full conversation, including the pre/post interview segments that are typically off-air. Essentially, we'll press "record," let it run, and publish the whole thing. We covered a variety of topics for amateur players of all levels. Lees meer
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
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Ep. 67: The "Puzzle Rush Plus One" Chess Study Plan for Busy Adults
30 april 2023 · 38 min
Neal plays a round of Puzzle Rush during the episode! Lees meer
For most of us, "life happens," and lengthy chess study sessions are not possible on a consistent basis. Neal recently created a simple, condensed study routine that can be used intermittently when life gets busy. This allows your chess abilities to stay sharp during those times. The basic idea is a daily study plan of about 15-30 minutes (as your schedule allows) consisting of one 5-minute Puzzle Rush, followed by one other short segment of chess study (e.g., book, online course, reviewing your games, etc.).
Referenced:
Chess.com: Puzzle Rush
Article: Are You Addicted to Puzzle Rush?If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
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Ep. 66: Starting Chess at a "Late" Age feat. NM Anthony Levin
23 april 2023 · 1 uur
For this interview episode, Neal spoke with National Master Anthony Levin, a NY based chess player and the News Manager for chess.com. Anthony shared his insights on adult improvement and his own personal journey. Talking points include the following: Lees meer
Puzzle Rush vs. speed chess
The mythical "phase out" of classical chess
Anthony's role as News Manager for chess.com
Chess improvement tips
Endgame realities for amateur players
Referenced:
Shereshevsky's Endgame Strategy
Smyslov's Endgame Virtuoso
Recognizing Your Opponent's Resources
Perfect Your Chess
Silman's Complete Endgame Course
Pandolfini's Endgame Course
Article: NM Juan Sena
Article: Is Classical Chess Being Phased Out?
Links for NM Anthony Levin:
Chess.com
Twitter
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Some of the Amazon links above are affiliate links, which earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
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Ep. 65: Your First Chess Tournament - Tips & Tricks
16 april 2023 · 58 min
Live, over-the-board (OTB) tournament play is the ultimate in chess competition. It's fun, exciting, and aesthetically pleasing. However, rated chess events are not always unicorns and rainbows. There's a harsh reality to tournament play that is often omitted from the discourse on chess. Neal discusses some hard truths about tournaments, shares some of his own personal journey as a player and TD, and provides some tips and tricks along the way. Some of this episode's talking points include the following: Lees meer
Chess equipment
Local clubs vs. major events
Ratings & pairing systems
Tips & tricks while playing
Should you play speed chess between rounds?
Things that will annoy the tournament director
Rules you may not be familiar with but should know
Openings and using a "forever" repertoire
Scorekeeping
Dealing with disruptive behavior
Referenced:
Tournament Announcement Terminology (Scroll down to "TOURNAMENT LIFE ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS")If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
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Ep. 64: Beating Higher-Rated Opponents: It's Easier Than You Think at the Club Level...
9 april 2023 · 28 min
This episode offers some direct and pragmatic ideas for club players when facing a higher-rated opponent. Talking points include the following: Lees meer
Why chess generally hates the underdog
Why there's often more pressure on the higher-rated player
Upsets happen quite often at the amateur level
Is creating complications the ONLY way to beat these players? (hint: no)
An effective mindset approach that you probably haven't tried before
Strategic draw offers to place pressure on your opponent
Referenced:
Chess for Tigers (Amazon) by Simon WebbIf you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
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E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses! The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 63: The French Steiner Variation, 1. e4 e6 2. c4!? & More (Game Analysis #4)
2 april 2023 · 35 min
This week's episode is a thematic analysis of an amateur game featuring the Steiner Variation of the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2. c4!?). Some other common French sidelines are discussed as well. Additional talking points include the following: Lees meer
Queenside castling
The Hedgehog formation
Does it make sense to to "prep for an opponent" at the club level?
Blind spots when analyzing
Game Referenced:
1. e4 e6 2. c4!? b6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 Bxc3 5. dxc3 h6 6. Qd4 Qf6 7. e5 Qe7 8. Bf4 Bb7 9. Be2 Nc6 10. Qd3 O-O-O! 11. O-O-O g5 12. Bg3 Qf8 13. h4 g4 14. Nd4 h5 15. Rhg1 Qh6+ 16. Kb1 Nge7 17. f3 Nxd4 18. cxd4 Nf5 19. Be1 gxf3 20. Bxf3 Bxf3 21. gxf3 Rhg8 22. Bd2 Qf8 23. Rxg8 Qxg8 24. Bg5 Re8 25. d5 Qg6 26. Ka1 Ng7 27. Qc3 Qf5? 28. Bf6! Qg6 29. Qd4 Nf5 30. dxe6?? Nxd4 31. exd7+ Kxd7 32. Rxd4+ Kc6 33. a3 Qg1+ 0-1If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
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E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses!
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Ep. 62: How To Succeed At Club-Level Time Controls (G/90, G/75, etc.)
26 maart 2023 · 42 min
This episode covers so-called "club-level" time controls, such as G/90 and G/60. These usually include a time delay ranging from 5 - 30 seconds per move. Neal also shares his thoughts on speed chess as it relates to amateur players and improvement. In addition, some helpful resources that may be underutilized by many are discussed. Additional talking points include the following: Lees meer
The (imaginary) decline of slow time controls
DAUT: Don't Analyze Unnecessary Tactics*
Your puzzle rating or online rapid rating is not your real rating...
Our inaugural Listener Mailbag segment
Mentioned:
Secrets of Practical Chess (Amazon) by John Nunn*Recommended Chess.com Lessons:
Errata: The tactics lessons below (the last 3) are listed here in the correct order of difficulty. In the episode, I switched the order of the last two.Now What?
Roots of Positional Understanding
Why Simon Loves the French Defense
The London System for the Busy Chess Player
Build Your Technique
Chess Potpourri
Pawn Endings: Beginner to Expert
Rook and Other Endgames
Introduction to Tactics
Step Up In Tactics
Intermediate Tactics
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
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E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses! The Amazon and Chess.com links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 61: Do Chess Training Programs Work?
19 maart 2023 · 41 min
This week's episode discusses study plans, training programs, and improvement as it relates to the amateur and club player. Lees meer
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
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E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses!
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Ep. 60: Review of "The Complete Book of Chess Strategy," the Best All-In-One Reference Book for Improvers
12 maart 2023 · 40 min
This episode is a review of The Complete Book of Chess Strategy (Amazon) by IM Jeremy Silman. This is an excellent all-in-one reference book for improvers and club players, covering all phases of the game as well as practical matters (blunders, time pressure, chess psychology, etc.). Neal shares his thoughts on how the concepts in this book apply to the amateur tournament scene. Talking points include the following: Lees meer
The "cat and mouse" technique
Opening principles and the correct way to develop your pieces
Understanding the imbalances of a position
Pawn structures
Middlegame basics
The minority attack
The battle of the minor pieces
Are the Lucena and Philidor endgame positions really a priority for most improvers?
The reality of most endgames at club-level tournaments
Draw offers
Have a question or topic for consideration in a future episode? E-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Our links:
Website
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E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses! The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 59: Why Is My Lower-Rated Opponent Playing So Well?
5 maart 2023 · 46 min
This episode explores the psychology of facing a lower-rated opponent who is playing really well. This is often highly frustrating for tournament players. Many times, however, it's more about your own mindset than your opponent's abilities. Conversely, this episode will explain the "ratings walk" phenomenon when facing a higher-rated opponent. Lees meer
Have a question or topic for consideration in a future episode? E-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Mentioned:
Chess for Tigers (Amazon)
The Survival Guide to Competitive Chess (Amazon)
Our links:
Website
Twitter
YouTube
Facebook
E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses! The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.