Navigating Psychological Hurdles in Chess

Dr. Joel Sneed, a psychologist and dedicated adult chess improver, discusses the challenges of learning chess later in life, his struggles with perfectionism and obsession over openings, and how psychological techniques like ACT and CBT can help manage chess-related anxiety.

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Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Dojo Talks; guest Dr. Joel Sneed's background in psychology and chess.
00:38 – Discussion on Sneed’s chess journey, starting late and reaching a 2000+ rating.
01:54 – Sneed’s transition from Freudian psychoanalysis to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and ACT therapy.
03:49 – Adapting to new technology as an older adult and learning struggles.
05:57 – Comparison between changes in psychology and changes in chess over time.
13:54 – Sneed’s crisis moment: forgetting opening prep in a Blitz game and quitting chess.
17:11 – The frustration of learning but failing to apply knowledge in real games.
33:15 – Dealing with an "action crisis"—considering quitting chess and reevaluating goals.
53:16 – Focusing on process-oriented goals instead of rating-based goals.
1:16:35 – Sneed’s new goal: playing more tournament games and prioritizing enjoyment over rating.