Perpetual Chess Podcast

EP 383- Dan Bock: An Accomplished Adult Improver on How He Leveled Up in his 40s.

May 21, 2024

Software engineer and dad Dan Bock shares his inspiring journey of chess improvement in his 40s, focusing on strategic study methods and social connections in the chess world. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in study hours, leading to a remarkable USCF rating increase. Dan's story serves as motivation for adult improvers seeking progress in their chess journey.

01:06:05

Episode guests

Dan Bock

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Building a supportive chess community enhances the tournament experience and offers valuable connections.

Focusing on process goals like daily routines and consistent training leads to more meaningful progress.

Maintaining physical fitness is crucial for classical chess tournaments to enhance overall performance and stamina.

Deep dives

The Importance of Community in Chess Tournaments

Building a community and connecting with others is crucial in chess tournaments beyond just the games themselves. Socializing between rounds, sharing experiences, and forming friendships can be as rewarding as the chess games.

Introduction

2min

Interview with Accomplished Adult Improver in Chess

3min

Journey of Rediscovery and Improvement in Chess

20min

Chess Improvement Advice and Mysterious Game Narration

2min

Mastering Time Management in Chess Games

25min

Striving for Chess Improvement in Your 40s

7min

Community, Balance, and Socializing in Chess and Poker

6min

A Grateful Farewell and Mutual Appreciation for Chess Community Support

2min

This week the Adult Improver Series returns with an extremely insightful guest. Dan Bock is a North Carolina-based software engineer and dad, who finally got serious about chess improvement in 2021. At this time, Dan began to compete frequently, utilize digital flashcards, and make a conscious effort to make friends in the chess world in order to help make his hobby more fulfilling. Dan’s results have been rare and inspiring, as he has seen USCF rating rise from the high 1500s to the high 1900s (USCF) in the last 3 years. As Dan explains, while he is very directed in his decisions of how to approach chess study, he does not put in outlandish an number of hours of study per day. He is very focused on what actually decides the outcomes of his own games, and has made constant progress by keeping that as his North Star. I find Dan’s story very inspiring and am excited to see his continued progress!

You can find the Adult Improver Spotify Playlist here:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=29035838af4d4345

0:00- You can find more information about the National Open here:

https://www.vegaschessfestival.com/national-open/

The live “My System” podcast with GM Alex Fishbein will be on Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 PM.

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:

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

0:02- When did Dan decide to get serious about chess improvement? How did he know how to approach studying?

Mentioned: Chess Journeys Episode 93 with Dan:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Xg3JotQTg4NoThsn9pPhw?si=14bfea1e50df4df5

Mentioned: Dan’s post 11 Things I did to Take my USCF Rating from 1547 to 1976

https://chessimprovementlab.substack.com/p/11-things-i-did-to-take-my-uscf-rating

09:00- Why did he decide to emphasize OTB chess for improvement?

10:45- How does Dan use checklists to help his thinking processes?

Mentioned: Dr. Nick Vasquez’s post discussing checklists:

https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/simpler-chess-ask-questions

16:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does Dan suggest spending one hour per day on chess?

Mentioned: Anki flashcard app: