Dr. Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor and avid chess improver, shares his journey from a 1650 to a 1913 rating, driven mainly by visualization techniques. He discusses how these methods unlock potential for adult players facing unique learning challenges. Nick emphasizes the value of productive failure as a learning tool and the need for personalized teaching approaches. He highlights how psychological insights can help in overcoming chess plateaus, making the learning process both engaging and effective.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Rating Jump with Visualization
Nick Vasquez significantly improved his chess rating by using the Step Method and visualization training.
He progressed from 1650 on chess.com to 1913 on lichess.
insights INSIGHT
Visualization: Natural for Kids, Learned for Adults
Children naturally visualize in chess, but adults must consciously develop this skill.
Visualization exercises, like anticipating moves and controlled squares, significantly boosted Nick's performance.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Prioritize Visualization
Prioritize visualization training above all other chess improvement methods, especially for beginners.
Focus on one skill at a time to avoid information overload and make learning emotionally relevant.
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Silman's Endgame Course is a comprehensive guide to chess endgames, renowned for its clear explanations and practical approach. It covers a wide range of endgame themes, from basic checkmates to complex pawn structures and piece combinations. The book emphasizes understanding the underlying principles of endgame strategy rather than rote memorization. Silman's engaging writing style and numerous examples make it accessible to players of all levels. It's considered a valuable resource for players looking to improve their endgame skills and understanding.
Studying Chess Made Easy
Studying Chess Made Easy
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Andy Soltis
Make It Stick
The Science of Successful Learning
Henry L. Roediger
Mark A. McDaniel
Peter C Brown
Make It Stick challenges conventional wisdom on learning and teaching by presenting evidence-based strategies that replace less effective but widely accepted practices. The authors explain that effective learning comes from self-testing, introducing certain difficulties in practice, waiting to re-study new material until a little forgetting has occurred, and interleaving the practice of one skill or topic with another. The book uses real-world examples and stories to illustrate these principles, making it an indispensable guide for students, educators, and lifelong learners.
In this episode, I talked to Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses.
Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential.
Nick shares his personal journey in chess, including how he started taking the game seriously in 2020, progressing from a 1650 chess.com rating to an impressive 1913 in classical games on lichess.
Along the way, Nick overcame plateaus by embracing visualization exercises that significantly boosted his performance. In our discussion, he explains how targeted visualization training can be a game-changer, especially for adult players who often struggle with seeing ahead on the board, and why this approach is key to building stronger chess habits.
We also explore evidence-based learning methods, discussing the balance between direct instruction and productive failure. Nick’s experience highlights the importance of making chess learning personal and relevant, emphasizing that true growth often comes from hands-on experimentation and learning from mistakes.
Whether you're an adult chess improver or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of learning and practical strategies for breaking through barriers in your chess journey.
00:00 Intro
02:58 Visualization Training/Step 2 Thinking Ahead
11:14 Information Overload and Finding Relevancy
14:24 Direct Instruction vs. Productive Failure
21:48 Craft Learning vs. Academic Learning
24:14 Science Behind Chess Improvement
31:38 Visualization Drills
41:01 Positional Chunks and Patterns
47:22 Evidence-Based Learning Approaches
55:31 Testing Nick: Position 1
01:01:51 Testing Nick: Position 2
The Chess Cognition Podcast 
