Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement Ep. 212 Alex (1700 Lichess)
Aug 14, 2025
Alex shares his chess journey as a teacher aiming for a 2000 Lichess rating and an arena grandmaster title. He favors daily games for organic learning over memorization. The importance of consistent practice, structured guidance, and effective game analysis strategies are discussed. The conversation also touches on the transformative role of coaching, the joys of community support, and the significance of balancing training with life. Plus, Alex's exciting preparations for his first tournament are highlighted!
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Daily Minimums Build Consistency
- Do set a small daily baseline you can always hit, like 10 puzzles and clearing daily games.
- Consistency compounds: 10 puzzles daily becomes hundreds over months and builds strong habit momentum.
Slow Games Teach Openings Better
- Daily correspondence games let you think deeply and learn openings organically without rote memorization.
- They slow your thinking and reveal practical opening plans you retain better than isolated memorization.
Use Correspondence To Explore Lines
- Do use slow games to force yourself to think and avoid time-pressure blunders.
- Use the opening explorer and correspondence experience to see master and peer ideas over time.
