Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Matthew. He’s a dedicated chess improver who picked up the game at 48. He initially struggled greatly, but with dedication and focused study, he has lifted his rating as high as 1900 USCF. Matthew spent a lot of time talking about the adult brain, its limitations, and how he has sought to overcome them. It was a wonderful interview for us older adult improvers that face the reality of slower data acquisition and processing power. Brain Resource: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2020/02/24/age-learning/ Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Adam. He’s a member of the weekly club I play at. Adam’s had an impressive run of late, gaining 170 points in about 5 months. He explained his simple process of playing rapid games, analyzing them, and doing lots of tactics. He also talked about fixing the mental side of chess such as slowing down, especially in critical moments. He attributes this mental change to a lot of extra wins. If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Matt. Having played a bit as a child, we talked about his reintroduction to chess as an adult. Matt’s story is especially compelling since he has gained about 250 points in his 40’s only spending 1 hour a day on chess. Matt has a narrow study plan of playing games, reviewing his games, doing tactics, and working with his coach. It certainly seems to be paying off in a big way! If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with FM Dalton Perrine. We discussed his time as a scholastic chess player, high school player, and continuing to play as an adult. We discussed topics such as setting goals, coaching, playing as an adult and creating Chessable courses. You can find Dalton at: https://nextlevelchesscoaching.com/ If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Benji. We talked about his own journey into chess, including the thriving London chess club scene. Then we talked about Benji’s work with mindfulness and chess. Benji gave a lot of useful suggestions about how tournament players can think about their situation and how breathing and other exercises can address these issues. We wrapped up with a conversation about how data science can interact with chess. Check out Benjamin’s Mindfulness Course: https://mindfulness-for-the-tournament-player.teachable.com/ Check out Benjamin’s substack: https://mindcreaser.substack.com/ If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Spenser. He’s a former scholastic player that has returned to chess as an adult. He heads up the impressive Richmond chess club. We talked about his progress with openings, endgames, and tactics. We discussed his coaching, and what it takes to run a successful chess club. If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with GM Noel Studer. We took a look at my games and progress in 2024. We examined my chess, my rating improvement, and my study plan. We also discussed Noel’s near course: Beginner Chess Mastery.  If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Noel Studers New Course Beginner Chess Mastery and Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Thomas. We spoke about OTB chess is Paris and his preference for OTB games. We focused on his struggles to play online and the anxiety that comes with those games. Thomas had a sudden ratings gain, and we discussed what motivated that jump. He also, gave us his list of the 5 best chess books. If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Rachel. She’s a former scholastic player, who has returned to chess as a college student. We talked about how she studies chess, her preference for OTB chess, and the importance of coaching. We also discussed her desire to stay away from labeling progress with numbers. Rachel talked about her approach to streaming chess, and her lack of desire to play a lot of online chess. You can catch Rachel streaming at: https://www.twitch.tv/rachangel225 If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with David about his journey through life and chess. He talked about books and resources that helped him improve. We spent time talking about the value of process over rating goals. David also talked about his experiences with coaching and tournaments.  If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link: https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60 Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Andrew. He’s about 1 year into his journey. He and his wife got into the game together as a way of being ready to help their daughter learn chess. Andrew has been bitten hard by the chess bug and we discussed his approach to learning and playing chess. He started with random books, some accessible and some well My System?!? Andrew talked about why he joined the Chess Dojo and playing in his first OTB events. We finished with a discussion about the small steps in his daughter’s journey.  Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with FM Nate Solon. We talked a lot about the best ways to improve your skill at chess. We discussed my current training program, and where it could be improved. We also talked about the Chess Gym, and its role in my training. Nate provided a lot of useful insights. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, the habit master Neal Bruce checks in. We talked about his return to and recent success with OTB chess. We discussed in depth his program, why he changed it, and why he got a coach. We also examined the question of if an adult can reach master, including Neal’s thoughts on the Chess Dojo episode. Neal talked about burnout, his dream tournaments, and gave some endgame book advice. This is a long, but great episode. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Anna. We focused on her emphasis on OTB play. Anna plays 1 to 2 games every week OTB and spends a lot of time examining them. We discussed several book that Anna has used to improve her chess such as the Polgar 5334 book. Near the end we discussed Anna’s goals and strategy for bringing more women in to chess. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with David. We focused a lot on his ability to carve out 20-30 hours a week for chess. He believes that most people can make a lot more time, if they are willing to make sacrifices. We also discussed the benefits of the Chess Dojo and direct coaching. David talked about his favorite resources including Tactics Time, Everybody’s First Chess Workbook, and Learn Chess The Right Way 3: Mastering Defensive Techniques. It was an inspiring conversation with someone who has changed their goals and approach to chess during plateaus that allowed them to keep enjoying the journey. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Chris. His journey has taken him from 800 to 1700 Chesscom in about 8 years. He got into chess by coaching kids as a beginner. He spent the next several years playing and working on tactics with the ultimate goal of not blundering! Chris provided a lot of tips on eliminating the dreaded blunder. Chris and I spent a lot of time talking about the value of coaching and how to choose a coach.  Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys  

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Will about his rapid ascent from 1000 to 2000 Rapid Chesscom. Will talked a lot about his focus on playing chess and examining his games. When asked questions like how did you learn strategy or endgames his answer was usually by playing games. The interview was a fascinating take on how just playing the game you love can be fun and help you gain piles of raing points! Most shocking may be that Will didn’t drill thousands of chess puzzles. He mainly focused on books containing tactics associated with his openings. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, we did something a little different. I turned the show over to I Jay Garrison and he interviewed me about my year in chess. It was a wild ride, dropping 200 points and then gaining them all back and more at the end of the year. We talked about my focus on turning knowledge into skill this year, the challenges of losing for months on end, and how great it feels to turn things around. I’ve vowed to continue not worry about ratings, but with 1800 on the horizon, it’s hard to resist. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Eric. He’s a father of a young child trying to carve out time for chess. We talked about his plan of about 1 hour of study per day. Eric said something shocking, he doesn’t do tactics. He did complete Everyone’s First Chess Workbook, but puzzles are not part of his daily training. Eric focuses mainly on playing rapid games. He did note a few books that helped his journey such as Silman’s Endgame Course and the Amateur's Mind. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the local club that he started and runs.  Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Forest, the 11 year old that has been dominating our local chess club of late. The goal of the episode is to figure out how children get so good at chess. Forest didn’t surprise me with his statement that he doesn’t read books, but I was surprised to hear that he doesn’t use many online resources either. Forest mostly takes lessons, plays tournaments, rapid games on chesscom, and has done a lot of tactics. He is currently working on slowing down and playing better positional chess. Hopefully, this episode will give us all some insight into how kids get better and what we can borrow from their process. Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.