Grandmaster Insights On Mindset & Openings with GM Alex Colovic
Jun 18, 2024
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GM Alex Colovic discusses the struggles of non-elite chess players, creating certainty of winning, and maintaining a fighting spirit in games. He also talks about his latest opening courses for White on Chessable.
Pro chess players outside the Top 50 struggle financially due to limited earnings opportunities.
Developing a winning mindset before games enables better performance on the chessboard.
Embracing humility and a thirst for learning enhances strategic thinking and overall chess skills.
Deep dives
Simplified Openings for White
In his podcast episode, Alex discusses his motivation behind creating simplified opening courses for White in chess. He explains the complexity of developing these courses, delving into the research and analytical work required to streamline and organize various opening lines. By condensing vast theoretical knowledge into manageable courses, Alex aims to equip club players with practical and effective opening strategies that enhance their understanding and playing experience.
Fighting Spirit and Humility in Chess
Alex delves into the concept of bringing a fighting spirit to chess through humility. He emphasizes the importance of humility in approaching the game, enabling players to concentrate on understanding different positions and making informed moves. By adopting a mindset of continuous improvement and openness to learning, players can enhance their overall chess skills and strategic thinking.
YouTube Channel and Content Creation
Alex provides insights into his recent increase in YouTube content creation. He highlights the demand for instructional videos and his desire to share knowledge on different chess topics. With a focus on simplified opening series and diverse instructional content, Alex aims to engage viewers and offer practical insights to enhance their chess learning experience.
Favorite Players and Openings
Alex reveals his admiration for Bobby Fischer and Jose Raul Capablanca as his favorite players. When it comes to favorite openings, Alex expresses a former preference for the Ruy Lopez and a current inclination towards the Sicilian Najdorf as his top choice. His strategic insights and personal preferences underscore his deep passion for the game of chess.
Chess Wish and Career Aspirations
In a fun segment, Alex shares that his ultimate chess wish would be to calculate like Stockfish, highlighting the universal challenge of avoiding blunders in gameplay. Reflecting on a potential career outside of chess, Alex humorously envisions himself as a Formula One driver, showcasing his imaginative spirit and love for competitive pursuits.
Closing Remarks and Reflections
Alex expresses gratitude for the engaging conversation and dynamic questions posed during the interview. He reflects on the value of discussing chess insights, instructional methodologies, and personal preferences, showcasing a deep dedication to advancing the learning experiences of chess enthusiasts. With a focus on continual growth and knowledge sharing, Alex embodies a commitment to empowering players and fostering a vibrant chess community.
095 GM Alex Colovic is an exceptional course creator and an engaging writer on all things chess. He returns to the pod to discuss some intriguing subjects from his weekly newsletter. I hand-picked three topics Alex wrote about that I found fascinating. We dive deep into each one:
Why pro chess players (outside the Top 50) can't make a living competing anymore?
Can you create a certainty of winning before the game begins that helps you play better?
How can you ensure you bring a fighting spirit to each game you play?
Finally, we discuss his latest opening courses for White that have been released on Chessable, and why it may be worth learning to play 1.e4 and 1.d4.
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