The Chess Angle

Welcome to Season 6! Sadly, renowned chess educator IM Jeremy Silman passed away recently. Many consider his content to be essential for amateur improvement. He is probably best known for his system of imbalances and its application to the middlegame. This week, we'll give an overview of his approach and discuss some of his books and online content.  Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 07:58 - The Imbalances 11:38 - The Amateur's Mind 15:05 - Complete Book of Chess Strategy 17:11 - Reassess Your Chess 19:59 - Silman's Complete Endgame Course 24:37 - Chess.com Lessons 34:17 - Outro Books Referenced (Amazon links): The Amateur’s Mind The Complete Book of Chess Strategy Reassess Your Chess, 4th Ed. Silman’s Complete Endgame Course  Lessons Referenced (Chess.com links): Silman Teaches Tactics 1  Silman’s Lessons in Strategy 1  Silman’s Lessons in Strategy 2  Roots of Positional Understanding  Now What? Rook and Other Endgames  Mental Domination  Previous Episodes Referenced: #6: The Amateur's Mind #60: The Complete Book of Chess Strategy 🎯 Support the Show:  Patreon  Buy Me a Coffee 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🔗 Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Patreon Buy Me a Coffee ♟The Amazon and chess.com links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

This episode is our Season 5 Finale. Season 6 coming soon! Our guest this week is Brian  Karen, a Candidate Master, chess educator, historian, and regular contributor to the podcast. We discussed the evolution of chess clubs and the amateur tournament scene, specifically from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s until now.  Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 09:26 - Rise of International Players 14:00 - Postmortems 18:38 - Analog vs. Digital Clocks 28:11 - Speed Chess 30:35 - OTB vs. Online Ratings 38:37 - Female Attendance at Chess Clubs 43:59 - Outro FB Groups Referenced: Chess Book Collectors FIDE World Chess Championship 2025 🎯 Support the Show:  Patreon  Buy Me a Coffee 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🔗 Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Patreon Buy Me a Coffee

In this episode, we unravel the English Opening from Black's point of view for club players and adult improvers. We tackle the unfamiliarity and anxiety that comes with confronting 1. c4 and share three variations that will boost your confidence as Black. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 05:50 - Symmetrical Var. (1...c5) 10:33 - Nimzo-English (1...Nf6) 16:58 - English Defense (1...b6) 26:52 - Outro Referenced: Starting Out: The English (Amazon) PGNs: After 1. c4: Symmetrical English: 1. ...c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nf3 Nf6 Nimzo-English: 1... Nf6 2. Nf3 2... e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3 6. Qxc3 b6 English Defense: 1... b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. Nc3 e6 4. g3 Bxf3 5. exf3 c5 6. d4 cxd4 7. Qxd4 Nc6 8. Qd1 Rc8 🎯 Support the Show:  Patreon  Buy Me a Coffee 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🔗 Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Patreon Buy Me a Coffee ♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

Ready to shake up your chess game with some unconventional openings? In our latest episode, we make a case for occasionally adding complexity to your game. By getting higher-rated opponents out of their comfort zone early on, you can create an unbalanced, non-theoretical position that might just give you the upper hand.  We also bring attention to the "piece polishers" - those players who love sticking to conventional theory. This episode explores how you can disrupt them. We delve into the effectiveness of off-book openings, such as 1. e3. Please note that this isn't an exhaustive guide to every unconventional opening, but a general overview. Finally, we explore some exciting opening ideas that can lead to tactically rich positions. These can disorient a classical player who is not prepared for the unexpected. We discuss the Grob, otherwise known as the Spike, and the  Scandinavian Defense. We also delve into the Evans Gambit, and the Orangutan Opening. These might seem a bit out there, but with a basic theoretical study, you could gain a significant advantage by occasionally springing these surprises on your opponent. So, let's get ready to catch your opponent off guard!  Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 09:15 - 1. e3 10:43 - Fianchetto Structures 16:00 - Early h4 and ...h5 Ideas 19:05 - 1. d4 e6 22:08 - The Grob (1. g4) 24:35 - Scandinavian Defense 26:43 - Alekhine's Defense 28:54 - Orangutan Opening (1. b4) 32:52 - Benoni Defense 36:20 - Evans Gambit 39:01 - Outro 🎯 Support the Show:  Patreon  Buy Me a Coffee 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🔗 Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Patreon Buy Me a Coffee

Did you know that the world of chess ratings can be as intriguing and mysterious as the game itself?  How significant are tactics, game analysis, and a consistent opening repertoire for players rated below 1800? We go a step further, shedding light on the pros and cons of competing in higher rating sections and the unreliability of online ratings. As we wrap up, we serve up practical tips and strategies to help bolster your rating, including the pitfalls to avoid like dual-rated games. But above all, we celebrate the sheer love for the game and the joy of tournament play. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Listener Mailbag 28:55 - Playing Up 32:46 - Online Ratings 37:34 - Rating Deflation 42:48 - Dual-Rated Games 51:44 - Outro Referenced: Blindfold Chess Podcast Audible Chess  Blindfold Chess Offline (Android app) Blindfold Chess Training (Android app) Chess for Tigers (Amazon) The Seven Deadly Chess Sins (Amazon) 🎯 Support the Show:  Patreon  Buy Me a Coffee 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🔗 Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Patreon Buy Me a Coffee ♟The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a chess tournament? Join us as we converse with return guest National Master Nick Panico, who takes us on a captivating journey. This episode is a deep dive into the world of chess, the importance of taking lower-rated opponents seriously, and much more. The discussion gets even more interesting as Nick recounts a suspicious game. This fuels a conversation about potential cheating in chess and the rules about phone usage during play. We also explore the contentious issue of chess etiquette among kids, including whether asking for an opponent's score sheet during a game is considered acceptable or not.  In the final part of our conversation, we delve into Nick's thoughts about taking a hiatus from chess and his goals to continue playing, albeit less frequently. We discuss just how important having a tournament director present is and how age, coupled with rating deflation, can affect one's game. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a unique insight into the chess tournament atmosphere. Don't miss out on this episode packed with engaging discussions and enlightening experiences from the amateur chess scene! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:27 - Kreitner Tournament Recap 13:06 - Chess Cheating 29:48 - Chess Etiquette and Kids 59:45 - Hitting One's Rating Floor 01:15:56 - Chess Hiatus and Future Goals 🎯 Support the Show:  Patreon  Buy Me a Coffee 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🔗 Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Patreon Buy Me a Coffee

This week, we'll be exploring some common themes for club-level players by analyzing a typical amateur game that featured a lot of miscues. Concepts include: stopping counterplay, open vs. closed center, impatient pawn pushes, "phantom" tactics, and much more. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:50 - Nimzo-Indian Defense 14:12 - Phantom Tactics 15:15 - Impatient Pawn Pushes 16:57 - Feel-Good Checks 23:08 - Players who Stand 31:00 - Outro Referenced: Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian (Amazon) Game Analyzed: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 b6 5. Nf3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 Bb7 8. Bd3 f5 9. O-O O-O 10. a4 a5 11. Ba3 Rf6 12. Be2 d6 13. Rad1 Qe8 14. c5 Bc6 15. Bb5 Bxb5 16. axb5 Qxb5 17. c4 Qe8 18. cxd6 cxd6 19. Rb1 Nd7 20. Rfd1 Rc8 21. d5 exd5 22. Rxd5 Qf7 23. Rbd1 Ndc5 24. Bb2 Rh6 25. Be5 Qe7 26. Bf4 g5 27. Bg3 Rf8 28. Qb2 Nxg3 29. hxg3 Ne4 30. Qd4 Qf7 31. Rb5 Qh5 32. Kf1 Qh1+ 33. Ng1 Rh2 34. Ke2 Qxg2 35. Qd5+ Rf7 36. Qa8+ Kg7 0-1 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube The Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

Our episode features an engaging analysis of a chess game from the Long Island Chess Club. We dissect every plan, delving into the nuances of a Queen's pawn opening and strategies for preventing Black's e5 idea from White. We also unravel the mystery around the hyper-modern idea of striking in the center. In addition, we're sharing our insights on tackling higher-rated opponents, the significance of game review using an engine, and the importance of a positive mindset. Lastly, we touch upon chess's cognitive aspects, particularly decision fatigue and brain fog, and their impact on players. If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by the mental energy needed to navigate a chess game, you're not alone. We share valuable advice on taking breaks, resetting your mind, and doing so without falling into time pressure. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you on your quest to improve your chess skills. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Mailbag: Starting a Chess Club 15:08 - Game Analysis Begins 26:07 - Mistake Frequency 27:03 - Decision Fatigue and Brain Fog 37:05 - Solutions for Decision Fatigue 40:30 - Production Notes 46:20 - Outro Referenced: Guide to a Successful Chess Club (US Chess Federation) Do You Suffer From Decision Fatigue? (NY Times article) Game Analyzed: 1. d4 d6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 Nd7 5. c3 e5 6. Bg3 Nh6 7. Be2 O-O 8. h3 e4 9. Nfd2 f5 10. h4 b6 11. Qb3+ Kh8 12. c4 Nf6 13. Bf4 Qe8 4. Nc3 Nhg4 15. Bg5 Bb7 16. Bxf6 Rxf6 17. Nd5 Bxd5 18. cxd5 Rf7 19. Qc2 Nf6 20.h5 g5 21. h6 Bf8 22. Bh5 Nxh5 23. Rxh5 Rf6 24. Rh2 Qf7 25. Qc6 Re8 26. O-O-O Rxh6 27. Rdh1 Rxh2 28. Rxh2 f4 29. g3 Re7 30. gxf4 gxf4 31. Qc4 Qf5 32. Kb1 Bg7 33. Qc6 h5 34. Qc1 Bf6 35. Qc6?? Bxd4! 36. Qa8+ Kh7 37. Qd8 Bf6 38. Qf8 Qg6 39. Rh1 Rg7 (no remaining score due to time pressure) 0-1 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube

Meet high school student and Candidate Master Jessica Hyatt, the highest-rated female African-American chess player, and National Master Tyrell Harriott, her coach and mentor. Be intrigued as the duo sheds light on Jessica's inspiring journey from her initial rating of USCF 350 in fifth grade to her current rating of USCF 2100, and her quest to achieve the title of National Master (USCF 2200). Advancing in chess is a long trek, but it's filled with numerous exciting turns, as Jessica recounts her experiences at recent tournaments and the time she won the prestigious Daniel Feinberg Success in Chess Award. We'll also learn about her recent victories against GMs Michael Rohde and Abhimanyu Mishra. Are you eager to gain insights into strategies for today's faster time controls? Well, Jessica has you covered. She shares her game plan, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and strategic thinking. You'll be amazed by Tyrell's unique teaching style, which involves playing even the most disadvantageous positions and embracing the art of resilience. Listen to how he motivates his students using his own tournament experiences, pushing them to become stronger while enjoying the journey. It's all about focus, discipline, and determination. Join us for this engaging conversation with one of the rising stars in the chess world and learn what it truly takes to achieve your chess goals! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:33 - Marshall Chess Club 06:31 - College Aspirations 08:27 - Discovering Jessica's Talent 10:27 - Beating Two GMs - Tyrell 12:54 - Beating Two GMs - Jessica 15:48 - Tyrell on Coaching & Improvement 19:12 - Jessica on Coaching & Improvement 25:05 - Jessica's Chess Beginnings 31:24 - Outro Links for Jessica Hyatt: Appearance on CBS News Jessica and Tyrell on Twitch Jessica's Win vs. GM Abhimanyu Mishra If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube

Tune in as we delve into the mind of a seasoned tournament player, Dan Levin. A regular at the Long Island Chess Club, Dan brings a unique perspective to this episode as he shares his experiences from the recent Eastern Class Championships in Connecticut, and the National Open in Vegas. Listen in as we uncover the reasons behind a peculiar resignation and a puzzling rating discrepancy in his games. Get ready for an in-depth exploration into the complexities of strategic moves as Dan shares his insights on how he navigated through different stages of the tournaments. Learn about the critical task of weighing the pros and cons of each move, understanding the opponent's style, and how to swiftly recover from a lost advantage. In this jam-packed episode, Dan walks us through some of his game highlights, revealing how he maneuvered his way to a clear winning advantage even after losing an initial lead. We also dissect his opponents' strategies and discuss how he countered them effectively. Join us on this epic journey through the intriguing world of OTB chess tournaments. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Game 1 - Queen's Gambit Exch. Var. 06:32 - Game 2 - QGD Tartakower Var. 10:16 - Game 3 - Trompowsky Attack 14:12 - Game 4 - Fast-Moving Opponents 21:31 - Game 5 - Blunders, Time Pressure, Playing "Up" 28:05 - Game 6 - Material Imbalances 31:35 - Game 7 - Caro-Kann 33:56 - Game 8 - Trompowsky Attack 38:22 - Game 9 - QGD 39:50 - Game 10 - Dutch Defense 44:12 - Game 11 - Playing Against Kids If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube