Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 184 NM Gopal (Dr Scull’s Coach) Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with NM Gopal Menon. He’s a coach, player, author, and openings guru. We discussed his journey playing chess as a child and beyond. He provided suggestions for improving one’s chess, which focuses on learning that you can apply. We wrapped up the episode with an examination of my game. Gopal provided insights across a wide range of topics that will surely prove helpful to your game.

Gopal’s Lichess Blog:https://lichess.org/@/Vitamixbrand/blog

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess ->https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8

Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently ->https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess:https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series:https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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 onhttps://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 athttps://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page atwww.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 183 Rob (1600 Chesscom) Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Rob. He’s trying to juggle career, family, and chess improvement. We discussed his recent rapid success, reaching 1600, and where to go next. Rob has decided to focus on studying for a few months to outline a process that will help him improve more. He’s been focused on Polgar’s mate in 2 puzzles, Calculation: A Complete Guide for Tournament Players, and Youtube videos. Rob is especially impressed by Daniel Naroditsky’s speed run series. Recently Rob started going to a chess club, and we reflected on the transition to 3d chess and interacting with actual people.

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8

Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 182 Shaun (1100 USCF) Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Shaun. He’s an ICU nurse trying to juggle a demanding career with chess improvement. We discussed a wide range of topics such as his study plan, chess bootcamps, living in St. Louis and Charlotte, and chess anxiety. Most notable is Shaun’s emphasis on the positive aspects of chess. He told many stories about his encounters with chess personalities. This is a fun and uplifting interview.

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8

Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 181 Mike (1150 Chesscom) Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Mike. He’s a newer chess improver that has made quite a bit of progress in a short time. He talked about the importance of tactics. Mike emphasized doing them despite not enjoying them. To him they are simply essential building blocks for a successful chess player. Mike also discussed the positive impact of changing his black opening. It forced him out of his comfort zone (that was losing) and helped him play chess more aggressively. We also discussed his tournament experience and some tips for playing in your first weekend event.

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8

Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 180 Tony - Chess Sharkz (2000 USCF) Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Tony. He’s a busy family man and co-founder of the Chess Sharkz. In addition to constant streaming, Tony squeezes in tactics whenever possible. We discussed the claim that everyone under 2200 should be focusing on tactics, Tony’s career in chess, his move to Charlotte, and why he plays so many Chess tournaments. We also talked about tournament preparation and why it’s so important to play in them.

Be sure to check out the Chess Sharkz at: https://www.twitch.tv/chesssharkz

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoSFdAEsr0vXGSQqEoN4fg

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8

Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 179 Deven (1600 Chesscom) Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Deven. We talked about his journey into chess as an adult. He quickly rose to 1200, but got stuck there for a while. We discussed the challenges of finding a coach that works for you, and his approach to chess improvement. Deven credits much of his rise from 1200 - 1600 to his coach, analyzing games, tactics, and working on endgames. It was a fun discussion about handling lengthy plateaus and difficult tournaments.

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8

Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 178 Dr. Scull Year in Review (1700 USCF) Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, friend of the show Jay Garrison hosted my recap of 2024. We examined the highs and lows of the year, including massive rating loss and winning the club championship (U1700). We discussed goals, study plans, and results. We also brainstormed new ideas for an adult chess tournament scene like the scholastic one. In short, we covered the entire year with all the ups and downs. It was fun for me to reflect on the year, and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 177 Dave (1600 USCF) Dec 26, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dave. He’s 69 and recently gained 200 points in 2 months. We talked a lot about his journey in chess tournaments spanning 20 years. We discussed the role videos and playing games have in his improvement. Dave’s story is certainly an inspiring one, chess improvement can happen at any age!

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 176 Dennis (1720 Lichess) Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dennis. He talked about his rise from 1000-1700 Lichess. An important part of this process was cataloging the mistakes in games and doing puzzles to address them. Dennis primarily learns from videos and provided some videos series recommendations. We also dove into the challenges of staying present during chess tournaments.

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 175 Dan/James (1200 USCF) Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dan/James. He’s made a lot of progress in a short amount of time going from 700-1200. We talked about his focus on openings, tactics, and his time with a coach LionChess. We talked a lot about the joys and challenges of OTB chess.

Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices