Explore every episode of the podcast The Chess Angle
Dive into the complete episode list for The Chess Angle. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Ep. 171: Adult Chess Improvement Q & A
09 Nov 2025
00:37:09
It's another listener mailbag episode! We answer your questions about adult chess improvement, balancing study with real life, and everything in between. Plus, we share a few listener comments that hit close to home for the club player grind.
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Ep. 170: The Colle System (The Working Adult's Opening)
02 Nov 2025
00:40:51
Between work, family, and everything else, who has time to learn 20 moves of opening theory? The Colle System offers a solid, low-maintenance way to get a good game every time. Learn the basic plans, the Colle–Zukertort twist, and why this simple setup still scores at the club level.
The Chess Angle will be taking a break for the remainder of the summer. I realized I needed more time to recharge after Season 9, and this pause will allow me to refocus and come back stronger. Thanks for your support - see you in the fall! ♟️🎙️
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Ep. 71 (S5 Premiere): A Journey to Chess Mastery feat. NM James Altucher
02 Jul 2023
00:50:26
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.
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 Outro
♟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.
Ep. 70 (S4 Finale): Chess Openings & Using a "Forever" Repertoire (Ep. 1 Reboot)
21 May 2023
00:30:43
This week's episode is our Season 4 Finale. SEASON 5 COMING SOON!
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 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.
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.
Ep. 68: Weekend Tourneys, Rating "Donators" & More feat. NM Nick Panico (Chess Coffee Talk #1)
07 May 2023
01:29:34
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.
If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Ep. 67: The "Puzzle Rush Plus One" Chess Study Plan for Busy Adults
30 Apr 2023
00:37:44
Neal plays a round of Puzzle Rush during the episode!
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.).
Ep. 66: Starting Chess at a "Late" Age feat. NM Anthony Levin
23 Apr 2023
01:00:13
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:
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.
Ep. 65: Your First Chess Tournament - Tips & Tricks
16 Apr 2023
00:57:46
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:
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
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.
Ep. 63: The French Steiner Variation, 1. e4 e6 2. c4!? & More (Game Analysis #4)
02 Apr 2023
00:34:43
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:
Ep. 62: How To Succeed At Club-Level Time Controls (G/90, G/75, etc.)
26 Mar 2023
00:41:31
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:
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...
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.
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.
Ep. 160: "Old Man" Chess: The Slow, Boring Way to Win More Games
20 Jul 2025
00:38:05
This week's show begins with some Listener Mailbag questions about opening choices. We then discuss the concept of "Old Man" Chess, which emphasizes a safe, ultra-solid, and risk-averse playing style that is often very effective at the club level. The conversation also explores the balance between tactical and positional play, the advantages and disadvantages of "Old Man" Chess, and insights from this Reddit post.
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Ep. 60: Review of "The Complete Book of Chess Strategy," the Best All-In-One Reference Book for Improvers
12 Mar 2023
00:40:01
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:
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.
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.
Ep. 59: Why Is My Lower-Rated Opponent Playing So Well?
05 Mar 2023
00:45:39
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.
Have a question or topic for consideration in a future episode? E-mail us at 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.
Ep. 58: Gambit Openings, Students Cheating During Lessons, Bishop & Knight Mate, Sandbagging, Time Controls, Improvement & More feat. NM Nick Panico
26 Feb 2023
01:35:28
This week I spoke with National Master Nick Panico. Nick is a fellow educator with a background in science and has also been active as a storm chaser. Nick shared his vast experience from the amateur chess scene and our conversation went in a lot of interesting directions. Some of our talking points include the following:
Ep. 57 (S4 Premiere): GM Alex Lenderman on Adult Improvement, Chess Cheating & More
19 Feb 2023
00:58:16
To kick off Season 4, Neal spoke with Grandmaster Alex Lenderman. Alex resides in Brooklyn, NY where he was a member of the famous chess team at Edward R. Murrrow HS that won multiple national high school titles. This was depicted in the 2007 book TheKings of New York (retitled Game of Kings) by Michael Weinreb (Amazon). Alex was the winner of the 2021 US Open and is active as a chess coach for both children and adults. Some of this episode's talking points include the following:
The Amazon link above is an affiliate link which earns us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
Ep. 56 (S3 Finale): Active Pieces feat. NY Chess Legend IM Jay Bonin, the "Iron Man of Chess"
This week's episode is our Season 3 Finale and features International Master Jay Bonin, a legend of the New York chess scene. He is one of the most active tournament players ever, having amassed an estimated 30K - 40K rated OTB games, sometimes playing over 700 games in one year. As such, he is known as the "Iron Man of Chess." Neal spoke with Jay recently via phone where he shared his experiences and knowledge. The basis of this conversation is his 2016 book, Active Pieces (Amazon) which discusses Jay's approach to chess with explanatory prose and annotated games. Some of the talking points in this episode include the following:
Why Jay feels draw offers are best made when capturing a piece
The influence of Bobby Fischer
Winning with the "rope-a-dope" method
Jay's strong friendship with fellow NY chess legend Asa Hoffmann
The "Bonin-Kann" opening (1...c6, 2...a6!?, holding back ...d5, which often throws the opponent off balance)
Thoughts on mate with the bishop and knight
Playing Queenless middlegames
His win against chess giant GM Samuel Reshevsky
How Jay adapts his style and openings for specific opponents
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.
Ep. 55: WFM Maaike Keetman on the Nimzo-Indian, Grinding Out Wins, Attacking Play, Openings, & More
This week's episode features WFM Maaike Keetman. We covered a number of important topics for adult improvers and amateur players. Maaike is the VP of Content for Chessable and is active with the ChessQueens Foundation which promotes the game of chess for women and girls in the Netherlands. Her Chessable course, The Fierce Nimzo-Indian, is designed for amateur players and is highly recommended. Some of our talking points include the following:
Inducing errors from your opponent
Why the Catalan may be the most dangerous opening at the amateur level
The Amazon link above is an affiliate link which earns us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
Ep. 53: NM Robert Guevara on Why He Declines All Draw Offers
Offering or accepting a draw is often a critical decision in a chess game and is the subject of much discussion and debate. Our guest this week, National Master Robert Guevara, is a tenacious player who declines virtually every draw offer thrown his way. He explains his reasoning for doing so, and it's not because of an obsession with winning. His thought process is highly instructive. We covered some other areas including:
The dangers of perfectionism
Achieving NM despite not entering the tournament scene until age 25
This episode is dedicated to all of the school teachers out there. Our guest this week, Dr. Stephen Wefer, is an adult improver (USCF 1691), HS science teacher, and Long Island Chess Club regular. He has also worked as an adjunct professor. We spoke about academia, chess improvement, tournaments, and a lot more. Some of our talking points include the following:
Applying an academic mindset to chess improvement
Stephen's tips for balancing work, family, and chess study/play
Chess openings philosophy
Rating goals
Facing underrated opponents
Playing speculative sacrifices
Is there a limit to one's chess improvement past age 45?
In this episode, Neal shares his experience from a recent night at the LI Chess Club, discussing the challenges of tournament conditions and the nature of 'ugly wins.' The conversation transitions into listener questions, covering topics such as the value of attending chess clubs, the etiquette surrounding draw offers, and the effectiveness of coaching for improvement. Neal also discusses various opening systems for White, emphasizing the importance of having a set repertoire while being open to mixing strategies. The final segment is a commentary on the excellent article 10 White Opening Systems. This episode is a follow-up to Ep. 100: The Hippopotamus Defense and Other Chess Opening Systems for Black.
Key Takeaways:
Not every game will be perfect; some wins are messy.
Playing in uncomfortable conditions can affect performance.
Online chess serves as a tool rather than a primary focus.
Draw offers can be seen as disrespectful if made prematurely.
Higher-rated players often won't accept draws against lower-rated opponents.
Coaching can provide insights that engines may miss.
Mixing up opening strategies can be beneficial.
Applying new systems can enhance gameplay without extensive memorization.
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.
Ep. 51: Non-Resigners, Faulty Queen Trades, the Jobava London, & More
04 Dec 2022
00:34:17
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable.Check out a list of our favorite courses! In this solo episode, Neal shares some thoughts on a number of topics related to tournament chess. Talking points include:
Non-resigning in overwhelmingly worse positions with no time-pressure issues
Ep. 50: Becoming a Chess Master feat. NM Nick Figorito
20 Nov 2022
01:03:17
Nick Figorito is a member of the Long Island Chess Club who recently earned the title of National Master (USCF 2200). In this episode, Nick shares his journey to Master, busts some common chess improvement myths, and offers some additional insight. Nick can be reached at nfigorito@ymail.com. Some of our talking points include:
Is there a "formula" or systematic study plan to achieve a Master rating?
Can anyone make Master?
Nick's surprising viewpoint on opening theory
Why he hates the Najdorf Sicilian
Chess improvement while working full-time
Nick's belief that simply "not blundering" may boost your rating more than any other strategic or tactical approach
Fide Master Carsten Hansen is a prolific writer who has authored an astounding 46 chess books and is a #1 best selling author on Amazon. Recently published books include The Anti-Alapin Gambit and The Chess Wizardry of Wotawa, co-authored with Cyrus Lakdawala. Carsten is also an active chess coach and trainer. In addition, he is working to achieve an IM title, and does all this while holding down a full-time day job, so his work ethic is quite impressive. In this episode, Carsten offers some outstanding insight on the opening phase of the game for amateur players. Some of our talking points include:
Carsten's quest to achieve an IM title
How club players should approach openings
How to beat higher-rated opponents
Should you play gambits?
A full assessment of Neal's opening repertoire
Theory vs. themes
Dealing with nerves and avoiding time pressure
Carsten's chess coaching philosophy
The one glaring weakness with many opening courses
Ep. 48: The Nimzo & Queen's Indian Defenses: A Complete System Against 1. d4
06 Nov 2022
00:47:28
This episode is a primer on the Nimzo & Queen's Indian Defenses for adult improvers and club-level players. These two openings can be used as a complete system against 1. d4. Fighting for control of the e4-square is a major theme. Lines discussed include the following:
Samisch Variation with 4. a3: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. a3 Bxc3 5. bxc3 and Black can begin an attack on the weak c4-pawn (...Nc6-a5, ...b6, ...Ba6, etc.)
QUEEN'S INDIAN:
Main Line: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Be7 6. 0-0 0-0 7. Nc3 Ne4! 8. Qc2 Nxc3 9. Qxc3 (9. Ng5?? Nxe2! 10. Qxe2 Bxg2 11. Qh5 h6 -+) c5 (9...Be4 is also good in the main line)
Petrosian System with 4. a3: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5! (stopping 6. d5 by White)
Errata: When discussing odds & ends, I mentioned that you can sometimes trick your opponent into playing the French Defense after 1. d4 e6! 2. e4 d5. I said 2. ...e5 by mistake (though I suspect most of you knew what I meant).
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.
Ep. 47: The Chess Cheating Crisis: Implications for the Amateur Player feat. CM Brian Karen
30 Oct 2022
01:17:33
Candidate Master and renowned chess educator Brian Karen returns to the podcast to discuss the chess cheating crisis as it relates to the amateur player, among other topics. Some of our talking points include:
How the prevalence of chess cheating is affecting amateur events
Why the Carlsen/Niemann controversy has become irritating & tiresome
Are cheat detection algorithms legitimate?
Chess coaching philosophies
Why do many players drop out of tournaments after losing just one game?
Are large cash prizes hurting the Royal Game?
Is bullet chess harmful or helpful?
Is solving extremely difficult chess puzzles really beneficial?
Ep. 45: The Truth About Chess Engines for Club Players
16 Oct 2022
00:26:29
Analyzing your tournament games with a computer program such as Fritz or Stockfish is perhaps the most important component of any improvement plan. However, using a chess engine can sometimes be confusing at the amateur level. In this episode, we review some tips on how club players can use an engine effectively to improve. Some of our talking points include:
Why +/= or =/+ is really the same as =
Identifying inflection points in your game
A technique to avoid repeating a mistake in future tournament games
Avoiding the mindset of "I don't need to review the game - I know where I went wrong"
Ep. 44: "Waiting" Moves, Chess Podcasts, & Other Musings
09 Oct 2022
00:45:35
💻Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!💻 We have preview clips for select episodes and are gradually adding content. Please join our community!
This season's first solo episode is divided into two main segments with some additional subtopics thrown in. First, Neal argues that "waiting" moves or "passive" moves can sometimes be very effective and possibly the best choice in certain situations. Next, he shares his thoughts on the chess podcasting space.
Ep. 43: Are Electronic Notation Devices Legit? feat. Joey Troy, Creator of ChessNoteR
02 Oct 2022
01:15:03
💻Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!💻 We have preview clips for select episodes and are gradually adding content. Please join our community!
Electronic Notation Devices (ENDs) offer a convenient way for players to keep score during chess tournaments. No more messy scoresheets or missing moves. ENDs, however, have their detractors, with some worried that players can cheat by sideloading a chess engine. We explore this in detail and show that these concerns are overblown. My guest this week is Joey Troy, creator of ChessNoteR, the only END available for purchase at the time of this recording. Joey gives us the full scoop on electronic notation.
We also reached out to the Continental Chess Association about their decision to not allow ChessNoteR devices, even though they're USCF certified. Find out how they responded, and hear Joey's reaction...
Joey is offering all Chess Angle listeners a 10% discount on ChessNoteR devices (all are USCF certified) through 11/1/22. Use the promo code CHESSANGLE on the ChessNoteR site below.
Disclosure: The Chess Angle was provided with a ChessNoteR unit at no cost. We stand by our recommendations and only endorse products we believe in and have used personally.
Ep. 42: Playing in Tournaments With a Full-Time Job feat. Dan Levin (USCF 1724)
25 Sep 2022
01:06:23
💻Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube channel!💻 We have preview clips for select episodes and are gradually adding content. Please join our community!
We've all heard of players who study several hours a day. Nice work if you can get it, but that's not viable for most adult improvers who have responsibilities and commitments outside of chess. My guest this week is Dan Levin, a Long Island Chess Club regular and New York attorney. We discussed what it's like being a tournament player while adulting, among other topics. Some of our talking points include:
A thematic analysis of two of our games played at the club
Why do some 800-rated opponents play like they're 1800?
The Caro-Kann opening: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5
Major events vs. local clubs - Which is better?
How Dan got to play former world champion Boris Spassky
Ep. 158: Why Your Fancy Chess Study Plan and Four-Year Book Hierarchy Aren't Working
06 Jul 2025
00:40:38
Many club-level players follow a highly structured study plan but have poor tournament results. We explore this phenomenon and offer some possible solutions.
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. Qualifying purchases help support this podcast at no additional cost to you.
Ep. 41 (S3 Premiere): IM Justus Williams on Chess Improvement, Brooklyn Castle & More
18 Sep 2022
00:48:32
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. Check out their courses today!♟
For this Season 3 Premier, Neal spoke with IM Justus Williams. Justus is featured prominently in the 2012 chess documentary Brooklyn Castle, which chronicles the famous chess team from Intermediate School 318 in Brooklyn, NY. At age 12, he was the youngest African American to achieve the NM title. Currently, Justus runs Black Squares Chess, which brings the game to kids in underserved communities. Some of the talking points from this episode include:
Justus's quest for the GM title
Behind the scenes info from Brooklyn Castle & the IS 318 experience
A technique to improve tournament results when facing critical positions
Why Justus prefers chess study using physical books over computers
How playing in Washington Square Park helped his development
Is it possible to get a good slice of pizza outside of NY?🍕
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. Check out their courses today!♟
Grandmaster John Emms is a distinguished chess professional. He is one of the UK's top players, as well as a prolific writer, educator, and chess coach. The bulk of our conversation focused on his amazing (and highly recommended) book, The Survival Guide to Competitive Chess (Amazon). Club players and adult improvers of all levels should find our discussion highly beneficial. John reviews several topics from the book and offers practical strategies for tournament play at the amateur level.
Discovering Chess Openings : Building a repertoire from basic principles
More Simple Chess: Moving on from the Basic Principles
This episode is our Season 2 Finale. Season 3 begins September 2022. 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.
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. Check out their courses today!♟
This episode is a discussion of common endgame ideas, themes, and mistakes at the club level.
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.
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. Check out their courses today!♟
This episode explores possible reasons why your rating is not increasing. It may have little to do with study time or knowledge of chess theory.
The London System has become one of the most popular openings for White. While it's a staple at amateur events, many top players use it as well, including GMs Magnus Carlsen, Gata Kamsky, Simon Williams, and Anish Giri. The London System is easy to learn, yet very sound and solid. It can lead to slow positional play or dynamic attacking play. The London can be used as a complete opening repertoire for White or as an occasional surprise against an unsuspecting opponent. Regardless, Black can easily get crushed if he's not careful or plays on autopilot. Some of this episode's talking points include the following:
"System" openings defined
What exactly is the London System?
Why the London is so effective at the amateur level
While I currently recommend the recent De Prado book above as your starting point (as far as physical books), you should be aware of the seminal text Win With the London System by Johnsen & Kovacevic (Amazon), which contains both illustrative games and an in-depth analytical section.
The resources above include affiliate links, which earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. Check out their courses today!♟
The French Defense (1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5) is one of the most respected openings for Black, and is particularly effective at the amateur level. This is recommended as a complete repertoire against 1. e4. Some of this episode's talking points include:
Why amateurs should avoid the Sicilian defense (1...c5) and open games (1. e4 e5)
Why the French Defense is so effective at the club level
Three variations that will cover 95% of your games versus 1. e4
Some additional thoughts about confidence and patience
The resources above include affiliate links, which earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. Check out their courses today!♟
This week I spoke with my friend Jay Kleinman, a fellow chess amateur and social worker in NY. Jay recounted some fascinating experiences from the amateur tournament scene, and an overriding theme in our conversation was how becoming a parent changes the narrative of adult improvement. Some of our talking point include:
The unfortunate decline of OTB post-mortem analysis
The dangers of mimicking super-GMs
How Jay almost gave a lesson to the late William Lombardy (Fischer's coach)
Jay's encounters with some now-famous GMs ("I knew them when...")
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Check out their courses today!♟
Happy Father's Day to all the chess dads out there! In this episode, I will discuss the chess thought process through the lens of two of my recent OTB games. Some of the talking points include:
♟This podcast is sponsored by Chessable. Neal is currently enjoying the course entitled The Agile London System, based on the book of the same name.♟
We've all been there: the opponent who won't sit still or who keeps adjusting every piece. Distracting behavior at the chess board can be so infuriating that it adversely affects your results. In this episode, we discuss many of these behaviors and offer some solutions (hint: SAY SOMETHING to your opponent or call the TD over). Some of the behaviors mentioned include:
For this interview episode, I spoke with USCF Expert Jarrod Tavares. Jarrod is an amateur/club player who has achieved tournament success with an unconventional, anti-book style. Amateur players and adult improvers of all levels should find this conversation enlightening and provocative. Some of our talking points include:
Should the London System be banned from chess?😉
Endgame theory and the amateur player
Making unconventional moves to get into your opponent's head
Ep. 31: The Benefits of Speed Chess feat. NM Tyrell Harriott
29 May 2022
00:44:15
🎤NEW Twitter page for the podcast: @TheChessAngle 🎤Be sure to follow us!
While some favor slower time controls, blitz & rapid games are more popular than ever, mainly due to the explosion of online chess. Can speed chess actually help you in slow games and improve your chess overall? National Master Tyrell Harriott believes it can. Tyrell is very active in the New York chess scene and runs the Kings of Queens Chess Club. He also streams on his YouTube channel. Tyrell shared some great insight on the benefits of speed chess, as well as his approach to playing and his thought process. Some of our talking points include:
Ep. 30: Dubious Study Plans, The Comparison Game, & More
22 May 2022
00:47:46
Are you constantly comparing your chess progress to that of others? Are four, five, or six-hour-a-day study plans effective for amateur players? I offer opinions on these topics and more. The segments in this episode include:
The "tournament hall" vs. the "study hall"
Handling decision fatigue from all the available study material
The essential areas of focus for beginners
OTB vs. online strategy
The comparison game
Talent vs. hard work
Is studying several hours a day actually necessary at the amateur/club level?
Ep. 29: "The Seven Deadly Chess Sins" (advanced chess psychology)
15 May 2022
00:38:58
This episode is a book review/discussion of the acclaimed text The Seven Deadly Chess Sins (Amazon) by Jonathan Rowson. This is a follow up to Episode 16 which discussed Chess for Tigers(Amazon) by Simon Webb. I believe these two outstanding books are probably the only resources you need for chess psychology at the amateur and club level. Chess for Tigers is an excellent primer, while The Seven Deadly Chess Sins is more advanced. The seven chess sins include the following:
Thinking (erroneously)
Blinking
Wanting
Materialism
Egoism
Perfectionism
Looseness
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