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Chess improvement as an adult is harder than it should be. Plus, the journey can sometimes feel too stressful and serious. This show aims to fix that by 1) interviewing experts who can offer clarity on the best ways to improve; and 2) giving you a heap of fun with “chess entertainment” shows that discuss chess culture, events, movies, etc. Most episodes feature a guest, but sometimes I'll do a solo show on a topic. This is all brought to you by me, Daniel Lona. I’m a dedicated chess amateur and the owner of Adult Chess Academy. After listening to this podcast, I want you to have a clearer idea of how to improve, and have a more fun, dynamic chess experience. Please follow the show so you don’t miss an episode!
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089 It’s rare to see an adult club player make a career in chess. This week’s guest, Ono, has done just that. He started like many of us: inspired to dive into the game after watching the Queen’s Gambit. Which progressed into working studiously on his chess.Then, he embarked upon a chess blog, called The Ono Zono. Not long after the blog gained traction, Ono started coaching beginners.Since then, he’s developed a roster of students, appeared on several chess podcasts, and continues to create content for the adult improver community.In this episode, we discuss:3 strategies for managing limited study time as an adult so you can still make progress.Why tackling difficult puzzles too early in your chess journey can be a mistake.The top trait Ono observed in his most successful chess students.More From Ono: Ono’s WebsiteOno’s Free Coaching LessonOno’s BlogOno’s Twitter>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
088 Like many chess subjects, knowing what to study for strategy is a bit murky. Especially if you’re a semi-confused club player like myself. So, who better to chat with about this topic than an author who has written three books on the subject? Welcome today’s guest: IM Thomas Willemze.Over the past six years, Thomas has published three popular books and several courses on the subject of strategy, all specifically aimed at the club player.In this episode, we discuss:Why it’s helpful to study both master and amateur games to improve your strategy knowledge.Why Thomas chose less common strategy ideas for his foundational book on the subject (like exchanging pieces and utilizing your rooks.)The benefits of studying the games of the most recent world champions.More From Thomas:Thomas’ Chessable CoursesThomas’ Books (Amazon Link)>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
1087 Rarely have I publicly reflected on my experiences from running this podcast. Or what I’ve learned from talking to so many titled players, coaches, and commentators. But it’s been a little over two years since the show’s launch. And it has recently crossed 250K downloads (woohoo!)To top it off, we’ve delivered eighty guest interviews and counting.So, I figured a little reflection was due.In this episode, I share insights on the improvement, insights on the chess community, and a few “behind-the-scenes” thoughts from years of being a chess podcast host.I also dive into: My five most personally meaningful episodes.Why I believe the chess community is better than most other skill/hobby communities.Why this podcast has only just begun.My membership relaunch is just weeks away! Sign up for the waitlist here to be notified.Links to Other Episodes Cited:NM Bruce PandolfiniRochelle BallantineGM Irina KrushIM Eric RosenWGM Jennifer Shahade>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Quick update: No full episode this week. But we'll return on 4/16/24. Wanna tell me how your chess journey is going? Or have any feedback for the podcast? You can send me a message here.Also, I asked my Twitter followers what their answer would be to my frequently asked pod question below. Send me your answer and I may read it on next week's solo pod!"If a chess genie existed and could grant you one chess wish, what would you wish for?"Send your answer through my website or reply to this Twitter post.
086 She’s a rock star of chess accomlishments. WIM Natasha Regan has represented England in two chess Olympiads. She’s co-authored two award-winning chess books with GM Matthew Sadler. And, in recent years, Natasha has co-created three Chessable courses on strategy.Even outside of chess, Natasha impresses.She earned a degree in mathematics from Cambridge University, has had a career as a professional actuary, and is an accomplished Go player.In this episode, we cover:Three strategies to fight back against the effects of aging on your chess.Why counterattacking is often better (and smarter) than pure defense.How learning to recognize intermediate moves can help you become an overall better chess player.More From Natasha: Her Chessable Courses: Zwishensuzg: A Comprehensive Guide to Intermediate Moves Learn to Counterattack: Essential Guide to Active DefenseGame ChangerHer Books:Game ChangerChess For LifeNatasha’s Twitter>>Join my official FREE Club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
085 GM Noël Studer is a fountain of superb chess advice. Many folks loved his first appearance on the show (Ep. 67.) And that’s why he’s here a second time! It’s rare and special to have a Grandmaster working hard to help club players improve their game.And, now, he even helps beginners.A former Swiss chess champion and the youngest GM ever from Switzerland...Noël has just released a comprehensive course to help beginner players (links are below.)In this episode, we discuss:Three strategies to make your chess study experience more fun.Help your beginner friends and family improve by understanding what will help them get better results (and which resources they should avoid.)Two beginner-level concepts that even Grandmaster Noël didn’t know until he created his course.If you want consistent improvement, you MUST separate these two types of chess activities.More From Noël:Course: Beginner Chess MasteryCourse: Next Level TrainingWebsiteBlogTwitter>>Join my official FREE Club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
084 Hungary has a rich history of producing chess stars. Even at the adult improver level, you have the impressive accomplishments of our guest, Kincső Toth.She’s already reached 1900 FIDE and is gunning for the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title - which requires a 2100 rating plus norms.And she does this all while earning her computer engineering degree in Budapest.Kincső infuses even more chess into her life by moderating online events for Chess.com and running a Twitch channel with thousands of followers.In this episode, we discuss:What she changed in her chess to leap 250 FIDE rating points in just one year.Are amateurs qualified to coach chess?Will she pursue a full-time career in chess if she earns the WFM title?More From Kincső: TwitterInstagramTwitchTikTok>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
The life of a chess player is often emotional. There can be huge wins and the joy of learning, but also painful losses and sluggish improvement. Helping me gain new insights into how to address these challenges is clinical psychologist and co-host of the ChessFeels podcast, Julia Rios.Julia combines her professional knowledge with her chess experience to offer some brilliant insights into “chess psychology.”In this episode, we discuss:Does chess offer more emotional challenges than other endeavors?Should you not care about your rating?Does the expectation to improve hinder our enjoyment of chess? Bonus: A chess genie offers Julia one wish but she insists on getting three.More From Julia:ChessFeels Podcast ChessFeels TwitterJulia’s Twitter>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
082 Many adult improvers ask this question at least once: Should I get a chess coach? This episode is designed to help you figure out what to look for in a coach and how to maximize the experience.Helping me discuss this topic is IM Yuriy Krykun.Yuriy is a well-known course creator with Chessable, and a superb coach who’s helped countless students.In this episode, we cover: What are some of the qualities you should look for in a chess coach?Do you need to work towards a specific goal with your coach?Does it matter which title your coach has? (NM, FM, IM, etc.)What if you’re not improving after working with a coach?What are some of the traits of Yuriy’s most successful students?More From Yuriy:Yuriy’s Chessable CoursesYuriy’s Website (including contact form for coaching)Yuriy’s TwitterYuriy’s Coaching Page>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Renowned chess coach and co-founder of the Chess Dojo, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, returns to the podcast! Previously, we talked mostly about how to read annotated game books (Episode 17).This time, we cover a wide variety of topics. Including:What new insights the Chess Dojo has learned on helping adult improvers from running their online membership, called “Training Program.”Kostya’s recent OTB tournament experiences and how he chooses which ones to attend.His improvement approach for his personal chess goals, including earning the GM title.Whether the 2024 Candidates tournament had a fair qualifying process (and Kostya’s predictions for who might win.)Improvements questions from my Twitter followers.Where To Find More of Kostya/Chess Dojo’s Content: Training Program by Chess DojoChess Dojo - TwitchChess Dojo - YouTubeChess Dojo - TwitterChess Dojo - WebsiteKostya on TwitterKostya’s Endgames courseKostya’s Book
080 What can you learn from a year of coaching from one of the world’s best chess coaches More than can ever be packed into a single podcast episode! BUT we cover the top five lessons I learned from IM Andras Toth - with Andras doing a deep dive into each one.Andras is an extraordinary chess coach. He has a YouTube channel full of entertaining videos on powerful chess improvement help.Plus, he has a wide variety of Chessable courses on essential topics every adult club player should learn.In this episode, we cover:Why losing material is the last variable that matters in chess.Does Puzzle Rush help with calculation speed?Why do adults struggle to seize attacking opportunities?Is age a barrier to improvement?More From Andras:Andras's Chessable CoursesYouTube ChannelTwitch Channel Twitter>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
079 Sometimes a passion for chess runs so deep you want to make it your life. That’s the story of South Africa’s WIM Charlize van Zyl. While she earned the WIM at just age 13, she didn’t fully realize her passion for the game until she left it for five years and then returned to it as an adult.From there, she earned her way to multiple Chess Olympiads and is now gunning for the WGM title.Plus, she has a chess business and recently became a reporter for FIDE’s most elite tournaments.We also discuss:What chess skills she needs to develop to go from WIM to WGMWhat it’s like interviewing Magnus CarlsenWhat top chess player she’d most like to hang out withMore From Charlize:Charlize’s TwitterCharlize’s InstagramCharlize’s business, Chess KiddingJoin my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
078 Dedicating three years of your life to chess as an adult is huge. Especially when it includes OTB classical tournaments and running a chess YouTube channel. That’s been the story of Sam Canciobello.Inspired by the Queen’s Gambit, her passion for chess - now in its fourth year - has been consistent and impressive.In this episode, we cover the different stages of her chess life, her long-term goals, and lessons she’s learned along the way. We also discuss:Was it worthwhile for her to spend a large volume of time on openings at the beginning of her journey?What factors have helped her improve the most?Why great women players had a big impact on her chess life.More From Sam:Sam’s TwitterSam’s YouTube channel>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
077 Part of being a chess player is losing many games. But what if those experiences didn’t have to be so painful? To that end, I solicited advice on how to deal with the most difficult losses.I received feedback from the adult improver community on social media, a handful of chess coaches, and a dash of my insights.Then, I collected what I felt was the most helpful advice, categorized them, and put them into a 5-step process. It can be used anytime you endure a particularly emotional or upsetting loss.The advice here ought to help you reduce some of that emotional bite from a loss, as well as ensure you don’t beat yourself up too much over it.Here’s to making your chess journey more enjoyable! >> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
076 Jennifer Shahade returns to the podcast! 2023 was a major one for her, and we discuss the major milestones of her year.If you’re not familiar, Jennifer is a 2-time US Women’s Chess Champion, author of 4 chess books (including the recent hit Chess Queens), and a long-time advocate of making the chess community a better place for women and girls.In this episode, we talk about:A recent, fun chess experience she’s had on Jeopardy.Her new tactics book, Play Like a Champion, that features well-known women chess players (and why the book helps if you’ve only been doing online tactics.)The challenges she’s faced by stepping down as head of the US Chess Women and leaving US Chess.A peek into Jen’s next book, Thinking Sideways.More From Jen:Book: Play Like a ChampionBook: Chess QueensWebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
075 NM Dan Heisman is a world-renowned chess coach and author. He’s on the verge of publishing his thirteenth, and perhaps final, chess improvement book. In this episode, we take a retrospective of some of Dan’s best books and offer improvement advice relevant to each book.It’s an honor to celebrate Dan’s amazing multi-decade career as a chess author and his third appearance on the podcast.Some tips we discuss:Surprising advice from Dan on the #1 principle that should guide your study plan.How to avoid a common mistake club players make when choosing annotated game books.Three key categories of what to study to improve your chess - and how much time to focus on each one.Later this year (2024), Dan will publish a book based on his ongoing “Chess Tip of the Day” series that he’s posted daily for years on Twitter. Look for that soon!In the meantime, here are links to all of Dan’s fantastic books, his YouTube channel, and his website.More From Dan Heisman:Dan’s WebsiteDan’s YouTube ChannelDan’s BooksDan’s TwitterDan’s guide to annotated game books (scroll down to “Game Collections”)>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
074 Many great women players deserve more attention. Consider that even the games of women's world champions are rarely studied. This shouldn't be the case any longer since their chess is instructive, and their personal lives are rich and inspired.Thankfully, WIM Luciana Morales (along with co-author NM Bryan Tillis) shines a light on the first five women world champions in a new and unique course.Not only does it contain a hefty dose of chess improvement lessons for club players...But it’s also an important work that brings more attention to women and their impact on the chess community.In this interview, we dive into the surprising stories & lessons of these great women world champions, as well as some behind-the-scenes making of Luciana’s course. We also discuss Luciana’s unique upbringing as a rising talent in Peru.More From LucianaLuciana’s course: Queens of the Chess BoardLuciana’s Twitter>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
A second visit to the pod from chess coach & author, FM Nate Solon! In recent years, Nate has become a well-known chess educator.He’s co-authored the highly-praised book, Evaluate Like a Grandmaster. In 2023, he released his first Chessable course on the Reti opening for White. Plus, Nate regularly publishes a popular e-newsletter on improvement advice called, Zwischenzug. (Links to all these are below!)In this interview, we discuss:Preparation and performance lessons learned from Nate’s victory at the adults-only, classical tournament, called ALTO, at the Charlotte Chess Center.Why should you study positional play as a club player when everything is supposedly tactics and more tactics?How does playing the Reti (1.Nf3) - Nate’s new course! - give a club player a helpful advantage over 1.e4?More From Nate:Nate’s e-newsletter on chess improvement: ZwischenzugNate’s new Chessable opening course: Reti (1.Nf3)Nate’s book: Evaluate Like a GrandmasterNate’s Twitter>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
072 She’s been making a splash in the chess world. Not only is WIM Fiona Steil-Antoni a regular commentator for top-level tournaments...she’s also become a key commentator for Hikaru’s Twitch channel while he competes at the Candidates and other key events.Plus, this year she’s created video instruction for two Chessable courses. One is for the Scotch opening. The other covers tactics. Both courses are aimed at us: club players.This speaks to her strength of making complex chess easy to understand for adult improvers.Fiona has also had a rich competitive history. She’s represented her country, Luxembourg, in every Chess Olympiad since 2002 and has earned the title of Woman International Master.In this episode, we discuss:A behind-the-scenes look at attending the FIDE Grand SwissWhy is the Scotch opening ideal for club players?How many openings should a club player learn before it becomes harmful to improvement?Which players have the best chances in the 2024 Candidates tournament? To Win A Giveaway of Fiona's Course, follow me here on Twitter.More From Fiona:Fiona’s two Chessable courses: Starting Out: The Scotch & 1001 Chess Exercises for BeginnersTwitch channelYouTube channelTwitterInstagram >> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Not many chess resources are aimed directly at helping the adult improver. But the superb new book by well-known chess podcast host, Ben Johnson, does exactly that. Released this fall, it’s called Perpetual Chess Improvement.The book covers a broad range of topics for not only boosting your chess abilities but also answering difficult questions like: “Do you need to study endgames?” “How should you approach rating plateaus?”Ben’s book is pure gold for us adult improvers. Each page is chock full of helpful guidance, and it’s as easy to read as a page-turning novel.In this interview, we discuss:Why engaging with the chess community is just as vital as improvement for our chess experience.Is consistent study & play an overemphasized trait for our chess journey?Ben’s dream guests who have yet to appear on his show (other than Magnus!)More From Ben:Ben’s Book: Perpetual Chess ImprovementBen’s Podcast: The Perpetual Chess PodcastBen’s Twitter>>Join my official FREE Club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
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Great interview, it is clear that Daniel should have been more thoughtful about his questions and comments for this guest. Julia is a cognitive force whose insights are amazing and perspicacious. I learned a ton and it made me realize why I love the chess feels podcast so much, because the conversation takes place at a real different cognitive, meaningful, and emotional level. Instead of the ubiquitous how should you spend your time studying chess or the superficial why does chess have meaning