Chess Journeys podcast explores Anna's emphasis on OTB play, book recommendations like Polgar 5334, and strategies for increasing women's participation in chess
Emphasis on over-the-board play boosts Anna's improvement and analysis skills in chess.
Utilization of diverse resources like books and online platforms enhances Anna's training regimen.
Facing challenges in the Greek chess scene highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
Deep dives
Bringing more women into chess
The speaker, a non-passing trans person, has a strong interest in bringing more women into chess. They believe that creating a more welcoming environment for women in chess will also make it a more welcoming environment for themselves. They have been actively introducing the game to women and girls, offering tutorials, teaching basic rules and principles, and providing resources such as chess books and sets. Their goal is to diversify the chess community and create a more inclusive space for all players.
Their approach to training
The speaker spends a significant amount of time playing over-the-board games and analyzing them. They prioritize their own games and seek advice from their coach, JJ Lang, who provides personalized guidance. They also make use of the Chess Dojo, a resource that offers additional positions, resources, and tactics training. They dedicate time to studying tactics through books and solving puzzles. The speaker also works on endgames, although they have reservations about certain endgame manuals. Their training regimen involves a mix of different resources and approaches tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Challenges in the Greek chess scene
The speaker highlights some challenges they face in the Greek chess scene, particularly regarding the low participation of women. They discuss the high barriers to entry, including financial requirements, medical examinations, and membership fees, which discourage new players, especially women, from participating in over-the-board tournaments. The speaker emphasizes the need for more accessibility and opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in chess.
Reflecting on strategy books
The speaker discusses their experience with strategy books. They enjoyed books like 'Simple Chess' and found them helpful, but also felt that they were more suitable as a second or third strategy book rather than a beginner's guide. They express a preference for learning strategy through real games and personalized coaching. The speaker believes in the importance of hands-on practice and finding a balance between introducing strategy concepts and practical application.
Prioritizing over-the-board play
The speaker emphasizes their commitment to over-the-board play. They dedicate significant time to playing tournament games and analyzing them. They find value in experiencing the nuances and dynamics of face-to-face competition. While they also play online for practice, they believe that over-the-board games provide a different learning experience and contribute to their improvement as a player.
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Anna. We focused on her emphasis on OTB play. Anna plays 1 to 2 games every week OTB and spends a lot of time examining them. We discussed several book that Anna has used to improve her chess such as the Polgar 5334 book. Near the end we discussed Anna’s goals and strategy for bringing more women in to chess.
