Mastering Visualization in Blindfold Chess

The chapter explores the techniques and challenges of blindfold chess, with a self-taught grandmaster sharing insights on board visualization. From overcoming struggles to increasing mental radius, the journey described is both challenging and rewarding for enhancing chess skills.

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Episode notes

This week’s guest is Grandmaster and Chessable Author, Raven Sturt. Raven was a National High-School champion, but considers himself a late bloomer in chess because he had to work very hard to earn the Grandmaster title in his 20s. During this period, GM Sturt intensively trained his board visualization and pattern recognition skills, and he shares the fruits of his labor in his excellent Chessable Course, Developing Chess Intuition: Domination & Other Lesser Known Positional Concepts. During our conversation, we discuss the course, his book recommendations, and his unique approach to studying openings. Raven is working on a course on the Bird Opening (1. f4) , and has come to believe it is an underrated weapon for White. We also discuss Raven’s unique life trajectory. Raven grew up in New York City, went to McGill University in Canada, and has recently settled in Paraguay after traveling extensively. I really enjoyed chatting with Raven, and if you are interested in improving your chess game, you will definitely enjoy this conversation!

Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com!

Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess.

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

02:00- What does Raven think are the core tenets of chess improvement?

07:00- What has Raven noticed in the differences in how kids and adults learn?

09:00- After graduating from McGill University, Raven ended up pursuing chess full-time. What went into that decision? How did he approach his chess study?

11:00- Raven offers helpful visualization and calculation advice

Mentioned: Evaluate Like a Grandmaster

16:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Does Raven find that his focus on improving intuition resonates with adult students?”

22:40- Is competing OTB overrated as a method of chess improvement?

25:00- How did Raven get better at practical play without competing frequently?

Mentioned: MVL on C-Squared Podcast, GM Giga Qupardaze

31:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What tips does Raven have for getting good at blindfold visualization?”

Mentioned: Book Recap #10- Blindfold Chess, Improve Your Chess Now by GM Jonathan Tisdall

Domination by Kaspayan

38:00- How does Raven recommend dividing chess study time?

Mentioned: Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual

45:00- Raven’s favorite chess books:

Chess for Zebras, Dvoretsky’s Positional Play, Book Recap #32- Chess for Zebras, Strategic Play by GM Jacob Aagaard, Shankland’s Small Steps to Giant Improvement

50:00- What made Raven decide to study at a university outside of the U.S., to travel extensively, and to relocate to Paraguay?

53:00- What international open tournaments are Raven’s favorites to attend?

Mentioned: Sitges International, Floripa Chess Open, Paleochora International Chess Tournament in Crete

1:00:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Why doesn’t the U.S. offer more tournaments with one round per day?”

1:03:00- Is Raven training and competing right now?

1:04:00- Why is the Bird opening underrated for White?

1:06:00- What are Raven’s plans for his Youtube channel?

1:08:00-

Thanks to Raven for joining! Here is how to keep up with him:

Chessable course

YouTube

Blog