A podcast dedicated to the journey of adult chess improvement. Each week a guest will join me to discuss what has worked for them, what hasn't worked as well, and the status of their journey.
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Ep. 88 IM Kostya Kavutskiy
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.
Ep. 87 Sholom (USCF 1000)
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.
Ep. 86 Cody (USCF 1830, Peak 2000)
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.
Ep. 85 Kristan (2000 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kristin 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! Kristin 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.
Ep. 84 Nick (1900 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nick. We talked about his rapid climb with the Steps method. But then also his lengthy plateau. We discussed topics such as focusing on basic tactics for success, finding one’s best learning method, and the value of coaching. Nick specifically recommended Step 2 Thinking Ahead as an important resource for working on visualization. He also recommended Hellsten’s pawn structure videos on Chesscom. 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.
Ep. 83 Peter (1500 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I am joined by Peter. He’s an adult improver that picked up the game as a child and played in high school but put it aside for 20 years. After coming back to the game, he had a quick rise to 1300, and then a slower rise to 1500. However, since then, he has been stuck in a plateau, or possibly, a pit of despair. We talked a lot about his struggles with losing, learning to appreciate the game, the benefits of coaching, and what has worked for me. It was a fascinating dive into the mind of someone who has been able to find an alternative to raging after losses. 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/ 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.
Ep 82 Aiden (1500)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Aiden. He’s an adult improver who has been able to create a business geared towards chess improvement. We talked about his journey as a chess player. Aiden talked about his initial struggles and then his rapid acceleration after focusing on visualization. The interview got quite personal as I discussed my own brain and aphantasia. I really appreciate Aiden’s approach of leaning into how your brain works to help your improvement. I think you will find it to be an enlightening episode! Be sure to check out Aiden’s free materials on: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/ 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/ 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.
Ep. 81 Tanner (650 USCF - 1500 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, Tanner stopped by to talk about his journey and experiences at his first tournament. Tanner came back to chess more seriously with the Queen’s Gambit boom and just played in his first tournament. He played a lot of kids and got a rating of 623. We talked about his goals, process, and why Michigan is such a hotbed for chess. 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/ 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.
Ep 80 FM Peter Giannatos
This week owner of the Charlotte Chess Center, Peter Giannatos stopped by Chess Journeys. We talked about his own journey, the ALTO tournaments, and how to improve as adults. Peter provided many helpful tips such as don’t do the same puzzle twice. He also gave some book recommendations. We also talked about a wide variety of topics such as how good at chess 1500 level players are and the importance of celebrating the reaching of goals. If you are interested in a beginner tactics book be sure to check out: Everyone’s First Chess Workbook 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/ 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.
Ep. 79 FM Nate Solon (2400 USCF / 2600 blitz) - Year in Review
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nate Solon. We had a lengthy chat about our chess experiences in 2022. I reflected on my progress, tournaments, ratings gains, and why I was successful after a year of plateauing. Nate reflected on his many chess projects and life changes that had him re-evaluating what chess success was in 2022. We also talked about our goals for 2023. Be sure to check out Nate’s newsletter: https://zwischenzug.substack.com/ Also, Nate’s book is amazing: https://www.amazon.com/Evaluate-Like-Grandmaster-Eugene-Perelshteyn/dp/B0BHNF5CWB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2N0UILGEJM6WQ&keywords=evaluate+like+a+grandmaster&qid=1673931161&sprefix=evaluate+li%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-1 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/ 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.
Ep 78 Matthew (1850 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Matthew. He’s a dedicated chess improver who picked up the game at 48. He initially struggled greatly, but with dedication and focused study, he has lifted his rating as high as 1900 USCF. Matthew spent a lot of time talking about the adult brain, its limitations, and how he has sought to overcome them. It was a wonderful interview for us older adult improvers that face the reality of slower data acquisition and processing power. Brain Resource: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2020/02/24/age-learning/ 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/ 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.
Ep. 77 James (1000 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with James. He’s a busy lawyer and family man that makes time for chess nearly every day. We talked about having bare minimum goals such as the Chesscom daily puzzle. We discussed his emphasis on tactics training and move by move game collections. We spent the majority of our time discussing the North American Open. We talked about preparation, hotels, and our lessons learned. I posted about my lessons learned here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/north-american-76669414 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/ 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.
Ep. 76 Omar Returns Again Pt. 2 (1200 Rapid, 850 USCF)
In part 2 of my conversation with Omar, we focused on preparing for your first chess tournament. We covered 3 categories, pre-tournament, during the tournament, and tournament etiquette. This spanned a wide range of topics such as taking notation, eating food, when to resign, and playing 3D games before a tournament. I posted a video covering this topic in more depth for anyone interested: Tips for Your First Chess Tournament: https://youtu.be/OYn-nCl8pak 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/ 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.
Ep. 75 Omar Returns Again Pt. 1 (1200 Rapid, 850 USCF)
This week I spoke with Omar. We had an amazing almost 2 hour conversation. It seems best to split it over two episodes. In part 1, we focused on the last year of Omar’s journey. We spoke in detail about his approach to chess improvement diving into his obsession / addiction. We discussed his current approach of playing games rather than studying. We also talked about whether or not his chess obsession has become an addiction that has a negative impact on his life. Omar’s honesty and openness are always refreshing and enjoyable! 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/ 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.
Ep. 74 Jesse (900 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke to Jesse. He’s a dedicated improver who joined during the Queen’s Gambit craze. We talked about his journey from strictly online blitz player to his current status as only playing OTB. Jesse carves out about an hour per day for study including mostly tactics and endgame work. He talked extensively about first OTB experiences and the importance of working with a coach. Jesse also discussed the value of endgame work even at lower rating bands. 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/ 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.