Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 94 NM Philemon May 11, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I had the honor of talking to Philemon. He is the rare person that climbs from new player to master as an adult. Phil shared the secrets to his success: love the process, immersion (putting in the time), and well timed breaks. Phil provided several resources that he used to improve such as The Art of the Attack, My System, Silman, and Tal’s Life and Games. Philemon is certainly an inspiration to adult improvers everywhere, and I hope you enjoy the episode!

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. 93 Dan (1850 USCF) May 04, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dan. We focused on his comeback to chess in 2021. In about a year he gained almost 300 rating points! Better yet, his approach to improvement was fairly simple. Dan focuses mainly on analyzing his games, categorizing blunders, eliminating blunders, controlling time issues, and turning knowledge into skill. I hope you will find this episode as exciting as I have!

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. 92 NM Matt (Chessgoals) Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I had the pleasure of talking to Matt. We spoke briefly about his journey as a child and adult. Most of the interview was spent discussing his thoughts on adult improvement. His conclusions are motivated by data analysis. His most shocking assertion is that adult improvers should spend less time studying and more time playing! We also went over the advanced program from his improvement website Chessgoals. It was an insightful interview that has certainly made me rethink my own journey.

Check out Chessgoals at https://courses.chessgoals.com/

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. 91 Solveig (1260 FIDE) Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I had the pleasure of connecting with Solveig. She started chess just over a year ago, but has dove in head first. We talked about her first months in chess, tournaments, video recommendations, and the value of coaching. Solveig discussed her nervousness around going to tournaments and the intense emotions they cause.

Be sure to check out Solveig’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@RookieRedhead

Twitter Contact - https://twitter.com/RookieRedhead

Solveigh’s coaches:

WIM Sheila Barth Stanford: www.Sjakksheila.no

IM Petter Haugli: listeners can contact Soveigh for his info.

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. 90 Graeme (1270 fide) Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Graeme. He recently relocated to Brazil, and we discussed using chess as a key to fitting into a new community. Graeme also talked about his journey in chess as a Queen’s Gambit joiner. We discussed coaching, OTB tournaments, nearly quitting chess, goals, and book recommendations. Graeme recommended Silman’s Complete Endgame Course and 1001 Chess Exercises for Club Players.

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. 89 Iris (1500 Chesscom Rapid) Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Iris. Iris picked up chess during the pandemic, and has fallen in love with the game. We spoke extensively about her first over the board tournament experiences, the value of coaching, and how she jumped from 1000 to 1500 in a short amount of time. Since Iris is a librarian, I made sure to get some book recommendations and she chose How to Beat Your Dad at Chess and the Steps program.

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. 88 IM Kostya Kavutskiy Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with IM Kostya Kavutskiy. We focused on three main topics: his chess improvement journey, endgame studies, and the Chess Dojo. It was refreshing to hear Kostya’s journey sounds so similar to other adult improvers that I’ve talked to. Wrestling with time and many holes to fill is such a challenge even for an IM. We talked a lot about the value of Endgame Studies and the contribution of his work Chess Studies 101.

Be sure to check out Kostya’s amazing Chessable Course - Endgame Studies 101 https://www.chessable.com/endgame-studies-101/course/81472/

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. 87 Sholom (USCF 1060, Rapid 1300) Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Sholom. He’s a dedicated OTB chess player. We talked a lot about the joys of OTB chess. We also focused on how to keep one when your rating is improving much. Sholom shared some book recommendations such as SayChess’s Ratings Ladder books and the Polgar Mates book. We spent extra time talking about the ALTO events run by the Charlotte Chess Center. It’s an event I’m looking to attend as soon as possible.

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. 86 Cody (USCF 1830, Peak 2000) Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Cody. We played together 20 years ago during my first run. I always knew him as a tactical player then and he still is today. When I knew Cody he was around 1700, but he was able to peak at over 2000! He provided a lot of tips about books, rating gain, and rating loss. Until his last tournament, he had lost 150 points in 6 months. He shared his response to the situation. We also discussed our performance and takeaways from the Western Class Championships.

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. 85 Kristan (2000 Lichess) Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kristan about her journey and rapid chess development. She started as an adult at the bottom of the online chess ladder. In 2 years, she was able to jump to 2000 Lichess! Kristan talked about her process which involves experimentation, opening work, tactics, and playing. We also talked about her experiences with OTB play.

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/

My daughter and I made a new mug that might interest you: https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/listing/caffeine-time?product=1565

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