The Chess Angle

Have you ever wondered about the differences between playing chess online and over-the-board? How does it impact your strategies and even your enjoyment of the game? Welcome to the first solo episode of the fifth season of The Chess Angle. We're making our podcast experience more user-friendly by introducing chapter markers and experimenting with video versions of our interview episodes on YouTube. This week, Neal dives into the mailbag to answer your questions. In a light-hearted discussion, we compare online chess to the more traditional OTB format. We explore whether using a physical chessboard while playing online can help you practice for real-life tournaments, yet we also emphasize that nothing can truly replicate the thrill of a live game. Neal shares a personal strategy he uses when he's overlooked a crucial move in an OTB game. We even discuss the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) variation! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro. 00:35 - Opening Remarks/Video versions 05:34 - Listener Mailbag Intro. 07:01 - Online Chess with Physical Board 12:56 - OTB Time Controls 18:29 - Move-by-Move Books 24:40 - World Champ. Format Suggestions 28:18 - English Opening 32:50 - ICBM Variation 35:36 - Outro. Referenced: Logical Chess Move by Move (Amazon) Understanding Chess Move by Move (Amazon) The Amateur's Mind (Amazon) Everyman Chess: "Starting Out" series (publisher site) ICBM Variation (YouTube): 1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. d3 exd3 5. Bxd3 h6?? 6. Nxf7! Kxf7 7. Bg6+ Kxg6 8. Qxd8 (the Queen is like a "missile" going across the board) 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. If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube

Get ready to sharpen your chess skills with National Master Jerald Times, a revered chess educator and CEO of Chess Across Borders. We'll traverse across the chessboard of Jerald's experiences, from his nostalgic moments playing chess on a Navy ship to his enlightening journey of teaching and transitioning to a more dynamic playing style. Ever wondered about the psychological transformation of chess players? Our conversation reveals the intriguing shift from reactionary to responsive play, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the power of desire and will to succeed.  We'll also analyze the recent world championship match between Ding and Nepo, discussing the match format and its potential bias towards particular player styles. In addition, we'll touch upon the evolution of chess, from its romantic period to the modern era where it's viewed as a data game. Our chat provides a rare insight into the chess culture at Washington Square Park and the importance of tactical skills for adult improvers. Listen in for Jerald's sage advice that when it comes to improving tournament play, the battleground is indeed the learning ground. Tune in for an episode packed with chess strategies, experiences, and transformations. Chapters: 00:00 Intro. 03:52 Opening Preparation 07:11 Chess Eras & Evolutions 14:00 Learning Zone vs. Performance Zone 19:18 Ding/Nepo Recap & Championship Format 26:55 The Journey to Master & Chess as a Data Game 29:31 Washington Square Park stories 35:32 Ratings, Thinking Patterns, & Tactics 42:00 Lawsuit update 46:02 Chess Across Borders 51:54 Outro Referenced: Chess for Tigers (Amazon) Better Thinking, Better Chess (Amazon) Links for NM Jerald Times: Twitter Chess Across Borders 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. If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube

Are you ever too old to get better at chess? Join me as I sit down with National Master, top podcaster, successful entrepreneur, and best-selling author James Altucher, who is on a thrilling journey to regain a rating of 2200. Despite being in his 50s, James is determined to prove that age is just a number when it comes to mental capacity and improvement. From discussing strategies of the game to understanding the importance of physical and mental health, our conversation is full of insights that will leave you eager to push your own boundaries, no matter your age. James shares both the joys and challenges he's encountered as an adult player, including meeting and learning from top players like Magnus Carlson and Gary Kasparov. He also opens up about the memory techniques he learned from the World Memory Champion, and how these methods have significantly improved his game. The crux of our conversation centers around a question that has intrigued many chess players: Do adults "age out" of improvement? James takes us on a deep exploration of how raw calculation ability and memory start to decline in our 30s and 40s, but how wisdom improves with age, allowing us to recognize patterns and connect the dots between them. Tune in to our enlightening discussion to discover James' practical tips/strategies, and how he applies life lessons to the game he loves. Whether you're a chess enthusiast or just someone looking to challenge your own limitations, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 Intro. 00:36 Announcements 05:58 Thoughts On Playing Kids 08:06 James' Study Regimen 15:54 Taking Byes at Weekend Events 22:06 Chess Coaching 25:06 Chess Improvement and Memory 34:57 James' Professional Experience 40:18 Handling Losses and Tilt 43:25 The Third Door for Improvement 49:28 Outro Referenced: Skip the Line (Amazon) The Third Door (Amazon) Links for James Altucher: Website  Twitter 📚Amazon Author Page📚 🎯 Become a Member: Patreon 📧 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 ♟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.

This week's episode is our Season 4 Finale. SEASON 5 COMING SOON!  This is an updated version of the very first episode of this podcast, "Chess Openings and the Club Player." We cover: The main goal of the opening  System and thematic openings Is there an advantage to having the white pieces? Should you play complicated, theoretical openings? The importance of a consistent opening repertoire Neal's personal opening choices Referenced (Amazon links): The London System in 12 Practical Lessons Win With the London System  Play the London System  Starting Out: The French  Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian  Starting Out: The Queen’s Indian  Master the Hedgehog Structure (article) 🎯 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.

We cover: Touch move Trapped pieces Does playing through Master games really help? Is a knight on the rim always dim? Should you move the same piece twice? Speculative vs. combinational sacrifices "Shuffling" moves Initiative vs. development Referenced: Winning Chess Tactics (Amazon) Introduction to Tactics (chess.com) Step Up In Tactics (chess.com) Game Analyzed: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 Bf5 4. c4 c6 5. Qb3 Qb6 6. c5 Qxb3 7. axb3 Nbd7 8. Nc3 e6 9. h3 Be7 10. b4 O-O 11. Be2 b5 12. Nf3 a6 13. O-O Ra7 14. Ra2 Rfa8 15. Rfa1 h6 16. Ne5 Nxe5 17. Bxe5 Nd7 18. Bg3 Bd8 19. Bd6 Nf6 20. Ra3 Ne4 21. Nxe4 Bxe4 22. Kf1 a5 23. bxa5 Rxa5 24. Rxa5 Rxa5 25. Rxa5 Bxa5 26. f3 Bc2 27. Kf2 Bd2 28. Bf1 Ba4 29. Bc7 Kf8 30. Ke2 Bb4 31. Kf2 Ke8 32. Bd3 Kd7 33. Bb6 g6 34. Ke2 Kc8 35. g4 f5 36. h4 h5 37. gxh5 gxh5 38. e4 Kd7 39. exf5 exf5 40. Bxf5+ Ke7 41. Bg6 Bb3 42. Bxh5 Bc4+ 43. Kf2 Bd2 44. Bg6 Bc1 45. Bc7 Bxb2 46. Be5 Bc1 47. f4 b4 48. h5 1-0 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Facebook E-mail: info@thechessangle.com 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.

National Master Nick Panico returns to the podcast for our first "coffee talk" episode. These episodes will feature a guest and include the full conversation, including the pre/post interview segments that are typically off-air.  Essentially, we'll press "record," let it run, and publish the whole thing. We covered a variety of topics for amateur players of all levels. If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Facebook E-mail: info@thechessangle.com

Neal plays a round of Puzzle Rush during the episode! For most of us, "life happens," and lengthy chess study sessions are not possible on a consistent basis. Neal recently created a simple, condensed study routine that can be used intermittently when life gets busy. This allows your chess abilities to stay sharp during those times. The basic idea is a daily study plan of about 15-30 minutes (as your schedule allows) consisting of one 5-minute Puzzle Rush, followed by one other short segment of chess study (e.g., book, online course, reviewing your games, etc.). Referenced: Chess.com: Puzzle Rush Article: Are You Addicted to Puzzle Rush? If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Facebook E-mail: info@thechessangle.com

For this interview episode, Neal spoke with National Master Anthony Levin, a NY based chess player and the News Manager for chess.com. Anthony shared his insights on adult improvement and his own personal journey. Talking points include the following: Puzzle Rush vs. speed chess The mythical "phase out" of classical chess Anthony's role as News Manager for chess.com Chess improvement tips Endgame realities for amateur players Referenced: Shereshevsky's Endgame Strategy Smyslov's Endgame Virtuoso Recognizing Your Opponent's Resources Perfect Your Chess Silman's Complete Endgame Course Pandolfini's Endgame Course  Article: NM Juan Sena Article: Is Classical Chess Being Phased Out? Links for NM Anthony Levin: Chess.com Twitter If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Some of the Amazon links above are affiliate links, which earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Facebook E-mail: info@thechessangle.com

Live, over-the-board (OTB) tournament play is the ultimate in chess competition. It's fun, exciting, and aesthetically pleasing. However, rated chess events are not always unicorns and rainbows. There's a harsh reality to tournament play that is often omitted from the discourse on chess. Neal discusses some hard truths about tournaments, shares some of his own personal journey as a player and TD, and provides some tips and tricks along the way. Some of this episode's talking points include the following: Chess equipment Local clubs vs. major events Ratings & pairing systems Tips & tricks while playing Should you play speed chess between rounds? Things that will annoy the tournament director Rules you may not be familiar with but should know Openings and using a "forever" repertoire Scorekeeping Dealing with disruptive behavior Referenced: Tournament Announcement Terminology (Scroll down to "TOURNAMENT LIFE ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS") If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Facebook E-mail: info@thechessangle.com

This episode offers some direct and pragmatic ideas for club players when facing a higher-rated opponent. Talking points include the following: Why chess generally hates the underdog Why there's often more pressure on the higher-rated player Upsets happen quite often at the amateur level  Is creating complications the ONLY way to beat these players? (hint: no) An effective mindset approach that you probably haven't tried before Strategic draw offers to place pressure on your opponent Referenced:Chess for Tigers (Amazon) by Simon Webb If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. Our links: Website Twitter YouTube Facebook E-mail: info@thechessangle.com The Chess Angle is sponsored by Chessable. Check out a list of our favorite courses! 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.