The Chess Experience

008 Thinking about your first OTB classical tournament? Or perhaps you still want some guidance for your 2nd or 3rd event? This episode will help you successfully navigate an OTB chess tournament.  While you may still have to face down an adorable 7-year-old in battle… It WILL reduce the number of surprises you encounter and help calm your nerves. Inside you’ll find:  What to do before, during, an...

007 Are you studying chess like crazy but not improving? You may be missing a critical component to your potential chess improvement: A well-developed thought process. Sure, this topic may lack the allure of studying the Sicilian Dragon or becoming a tactical wizard who shreds your opponents in minutes. But as my guest, NM Dan Heisman, says, “Chess is a thinking game.” So, you must - at some point...

006 One of the hardest parts of being an adult improver is making the most of your limited (and energy-drained?) free time for chess. To help me dive into this subject and reach a few solutions for this problem, I talk with NM Laura Smith, who brings a refreshing positive energy and enthusiasm to our discussion of chess. Born and raised in Queens, New York, she now lives in Brooklyn. Laura is an e...

005 In 2020, the chess world was gifted an extraordinary film.  Yet not nearly enough of us saw it.  The pandemic blunted its theater release. So, it never received the attention it deserved. That movie is Critical Thinking , starring John Leguizamo, who also directed the movie. The film is about the true story of a high school chess teacher who leads the first inner-city school to win a US Nation...

004 What makes chess improvement so difficult? Crafting a study plan you're confident will work has to be high on the list. In this episode, I dive into what makes a great study plan for any rating level with IM Andras Toth. Plus, he busts some harmful myths. Andras is a renowned coach to adults with a blunt, no-nonsense approach to teaching that's refreshing. He has a highly regarded Yo...

002 In 2021, I made a HUGE return to chess after decades away.  Yep, all inspired by that little Netflix series. But this was no ordinary return to chess.  I spent roughly 3-4 hours a day, 7 days per week studying and playing chess.  For an entire year. That’s at least 1100 hours. I’ve boiled it down to 26 minutes of my Top 7 Lessons. If you’re hoping to boost your rating, I'm confident these...

003 Sure, chess is a game of logic.  But it’s also a game of emotions -  both on and off the board. Often, the negative emotions that join us on our chess journey can get the best of us. This episode is designed to help you reduce their harmful impact on your game and enjoyment of the experience.  To help me, I’m joined by International Master and renowned chess coach, Yuriy Krykun. Yuriy has had...

001 The newest chess podcast has arrived! And it’s a bit different than the others. The goal is to make improvement at chess for adults easier and simpler.  Plus, I’ll inject some fun and humor into the experience. This is a down-to-earth approach to chess for amateurs and enthusiasts who want to improve. In this episode, I dive into why I created this show, what you can expect, and a little about...