Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement – Details, episodes & analysis

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Ben Johnson, host of the Perpetual Chess Podcast. We talked about his recent chess journey, his thoughts on consistent play, and his new Chessable Course, Identifying Critical Moments. I also provide a brief tournament report from the Southern California Open, where I went 1-5. We briefly discussed the games and discussed the challenges of dealing with poor tournament performances.

Ben’s Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/

Ben’s book: Perpetual Chess Improvement https://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Chess-Improvement-Practical-World-Class/dp/9083336549/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CbNXmcWHTM5XaWynIZL_VpkfiIpgEtDTW0chUZOmlzs1CjhS6OnQdReo9qy3p7MrSw6_X4iWVe3VctfsAloFV8tvNz0zuEa8AAxBlhTTK9akzwkXfkI7RG7yAtR_pdA2zjAbsV6ntOZCA0docgYMCynMsGN3hKfaAVx_K8UHUUhtnC3gQL42k6qv_i6YkN4e-4YOSXNRw8Qbi1GwvDuSFjLWOYgATMfZoEQqFeLE8tDxuVcmHzO-3JhGSt9Om7aaYymLfCpnKGvDTUGKxkx4qKn0s4kgtQleKDWiNHxFR1I.uSvFthLq1pY4JBfCN0xieSGm1ar-Gy69u2KF7bKqqYw&dib_tag=se&keywords=perpetual+chess&qid=1726111308&sr=8-1

Use this link and the code Scull20 for 20% off of your Chessbook purchases at https://chessbook.com/chessjourneys

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 Jan. He’s an adult improver with a career and horses to care for. He makes time for chess on his own time. We discussed his improvement approach which includes spending however much time he feels like spending with chess, studying with the Chess Dojo, and getting coaching through his Youtube channel: Chess Under Fire. Talking with Jan about chess improvement felt so free and fun. 

Chess Under Fire Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChessUnderFireALearningJourney

Use this link and the code Scull20 for 20% off of your Chessbook purchases at https://chessbook.com/chessjourneys

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 Shannon. During the last 20 years, he’s picked up chess a few times. However, in the last year, at 50, he’s improved about 400 points. We talked about the different sources he uses, the importance of openings in his improvement, and the impact of being 50 on one’s development. Shannon has studied a lot but sometimes struggles with actually playing enough games. 

Shannon’s Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@mostlyalive

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 was joined by Sam (@celestial_sam_). She has had a rapid rise from 800 to 1800 USCF. She credits much of her journey to regular OTB tournament play and working with coaches. She detailed her moments of triumph and disappointment in these tournaments. Sam has won events and had heartbreaking losses. I’m sure you will enjoy hearing about her journey.

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/

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 William. Since 2019, he has gone from 1200 USCF to 2000! What a journey indeed. We talked about what worked for William on his journey. We delved deeply into topics such as videos, introspection, tournament play, calculation, and coaching. William has thought deeply about his own chess and does a great job clearly explaining his ideas about chess improvement.

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/

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’m joined by Rafael. We had a wonderful conversation delving into each of Rafael’s ratings gains. He shared the secrets of his improvement at each level. He started with Youtube, worked on Chessable, and found a coach. I hope you enjoy the episode!

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/

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 Raptor. We talked extensively about his attempts at programming himself to be an effective chess learner. We spent quite a bit of time discussing Chessable and the Chess Dojo program. Raptor is quite interested in endgames, and we discussed why he spends so much time with them, as well as recommendations for methods of studying endgames.

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/

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 talked to NM Craig Clawitter. He’s a full time chess teacher still trying to improve at chess. We discussed his journey from 1200 to 2000 in 3 years and the struggles it took to crack master. Craig provided many resources and tips from his own journey and from his role as a teacher. This was an especially fun episode for me because Craig and I were in the same chess group nearly 20 years ago when I was last serious about chess. We reminisced about our time improving together.

You can catch Craig streaming at: https://www.twitch.tv/beerdedchessmaster

If you want to take lessons with Craig you can signup here: https://nmcraigclawitter.weebly.com/book-a-lesson.html

You can contact Craig at: https://linktr.ee/beerdedchessmaster

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/

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 Lindsey. We focused on her return to chess through OTB tournaments. She has a unique relationship with the Las Vegas events. We discussed her love of playing OTB, and why it’s so much more meaningful than online for her. We also talked about her goal of becoming a tournament director so that her area can have chess tournaments. We also discussed a wide range of topics such as parenting, chess teaching, having a coach, and the value of openings.

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/

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 Daniel. He’s an adult improver that started in 2020 at 100 blitz and is now 1400 rapid on Chess dot com. He was initially intrigued by Pog Champs and hooked by Daniel Naroditsky’s videos, which make chess look easy. We talked about a wide range of topics such as ratings anxiety, strategy books, and doing as much chess as you enjoy. Daniel attributes much of his success to developing an opening repertoire, which he believes goes against the normal advice of titled players.

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/

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.