Episodes
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https://killerchesstraining.com/https://www.newinchess.com/https://amzn.to/4igE5QgThe Art of Exchanging Pieces:https://www.chessable.com/the-art-of-exchanging-pieces/course/82374/
I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Grandmaster Jacob Aagaardâone of the most prolific chess authors in the worldâfor a conversation that quickly became one of the most meaningful episodes Iâve recorded. Jacob was incredibly open, thinking out loud through challenging positions and showing what high-level problem-solving really looks like in real time.Jacob and Reiner Castellanos recently published the book 'Mastering Chess Exchanges'. We tested each other with positionsâJacob using exercises involving piece trades, and I brought a few from my upcoming course, Workbook for the Art of Series. We discussed exchanges in depth, including themes like good vs. bad pieces, positional vs. tactical justifications, and how to make sense of tension on the board. What stood out most was Jacobâs emphasis on clarity: how simple questions, if asked at the right moment, can organize your thinking and lead to better decisions.Beyond strategy, we explored how players learn. I shared insights from cognitive science, including how reducing extraneous cognitive load helps players process ideas more efficiently. Jacob spoke about the power of volume and focusâhow long-term memory, built through serious, undistracted effort, allows strong players to recognize relevance instantly. If youâve ever wanted a front-row seat to how a world-class coach thinks about chess, this episode is for you.
00:00 Intro02:20 Mastering Chess Exchanges06:46 Woodpecker Method13:45 Jacob Tests Me: Position 116:28 Jacob Tests Me: Position 222:44 Effective Decision-Making31:46 Jacob Tests Me: Position 334:26 Rules/Principles vs. Concepts40:08 Improving Tactical Vision47:19 Volume and Focus55:40 Jacob Tests Me: Position 401:05:52 Jacob Tests Me: Position 501:12:23 Abdusattorov's Bad Decision01:13:33 Jacob Analyses His Recent OTB Game01:30:07 I Test Jacob: Position 101:30:58 Chess Instructor's Most Valuable Quality01:40:44 When We Should Stop Calculating01:41:50 Gelfand's Almost-Religious Insight01:48:25 I Test Jacob: Position 202:03:20 Why Modern Engines Are Crap02:07:51 I Test Jacob: Position 3
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The game: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044387Spassky drew lessons from this loss in the same match: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1129672Spassky - Portisch (1977): https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1113732đ” My Chessable Courses: https://chessable.com/drcanâïž Find me on Chess.com: DrCanChessâïž Find me on Lichess: cantoshđ 2022 Chessable Community Author of the Year! https://www.chessable.com/blog/announcing-the-winners-of-the-2022-chessable-awards/đ 2023 Chessable Best Tactics Course of the Year! https://www.chessable.com/fundamental-chess-calculation-skills/course/123333/đ 2024 Chessable Author of the Year! https://www.chessable.com/blog/annoucing-the-winners-of-the-2024-chessable-awards/
00:00 Intro04:17 Andras Joins07:03 Spanish Tabiya08:00 A Fun Story by Andras 16:30 Major Transformation of the Pawn Structure23:46 Identifying Key Plans and Strategies32:41 Don't Try This at Home39:11 Why Did Fischer Play Ne2?50:00 Discovering but Not Believing in the Winning Plan50:38 Good Bishops vs. Bad Bishops01:01:27 An Explosive Pawn Break01:05:53 How Super GMs Differ From Us Mortals01:38:04 SummaryIn this episode, IM Andras Toth and I dive deep into a fascinating game: Fischer vs Spassky, 1992. But this isnât just a game analysisâitâs a full-blown Guess the Move training session. We pause at every move, think out loud, and try to step into the shoes of Spassky. Sometimes, our ideas align beautifully with the masters; other times, our egos are shattered by their brilliance. Thatâs the beauty of this exercise: it exposes your blind spots, forces you to calculate deeply, and helps you ask better âwhyâ questions with every decision.Guess the Move is one of the most effectiveâand underratedâforms of chess training. Instead of passively watching, you're actively guessing, evaluating, and engaging with the position like you would in your own games. From positional maneuvers to wild tactical shots, this game had it allâand we felt every twist and turn. Youâll also hear the contrast between our thought processes, offering insight into how a Candidate Master and an International Master see the board. -
Missing episodes?
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Evaluate Like a Grandmaster: https://amzn.to/4iHUuxThttps://zwischenzug.substack.com/
00:00 Intro
05:20 Position 1
17:24 Position 2
26:50 Position 3
37:05 Position 4
39:29 Position 5
50:37 Position 6
58:05 Position 7
1:04:05 Position 8
In this episode, I sit down with FIDE Master Nate Solon to explore the often-overlooked but crucial skill of evaluating chess positions. Calculation without proper evaluation is meaningless, yet this skill is rarely trained in isolation. To challenge ourselves and deepen our understanding, Nate and I tested each other with instructive positions, thinking out loud and revealing how we assess imbalances, king safety, and long-term plans.
As we worked through these exercises, we invited you, the viewers, to stop the video and evaluate the positions yourself before hearing our thought processesâan invaluable opportunity to refine your own judgment and strategic instincts.One of the key takeaways from our discussion was how king safety and piece activity often outweigh material considerations, especially in dynamic positions. We also explored practical techniques to sharpen evaluation skills, drawing from Nateâs work in Evaluate Like a Grandmaster. If any position surprised you, let us know in the commentsâwe'd love to hear how your assessments compared to ours!
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The Perpetual Chess Pod: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/Perpetual Chess Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetualchesspodcast9143Perpetual Chess Improvement: https://amzn.to/4i4JsmpPerpetual Chess Link-fest: https://benjohnson.substack.com/Ben's Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/
00:00 Intro01:49 The Art of Guest Selection and Preparation09:39 Insights from Years of Podcasting Experience12:30 Memorable Conversations and Unique Stories16:08 The Chess Linkfest Newsletter19:06 Chess Scandals & Drama22:59 Writing 'Perpetual Chess Improvement' 27:56 Structured Learning in Chess30:33 Minimizing Blunders for Improvement33:30 Ben's Next Book Project38:33 His Recent OTB Tournament Experience51:08 Blitz Chess52:58 Ben's Chessable Course 'Identifying Critical Moments in Chess'In this episode, Iâm thrilled to host Ben Johnson, the voice behind the Perpetual Chess Podcast and one of the most connected figures in the chess world. With over eight years of experience interviewing top players, coaches, and adult improvers, Ben has a unique perspective on what it takes to improve at chess. We dive deep into his journey as a podcaster, the art of selecting guests, and the lessons heâs distilled into his book, Perpetual Chess Improvement. Ben shares valuable insights that every chess enthusiast can learn from.We also explore the key themes from his book, including the importance of community, effective training methods, and how to sustain improvement as an adult. Ben's candid reflections on the state of chess content and his thoughtful approach to interviews make this conversation useful for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of chess improvement. Please check out his book and listen to his podcast for deep chess wisdom. -
In this episode, I sat down with IM Alex Astaneh to explore the fundamentals of positional chess and discuss his Chessable course, "Positional Chess Patterns Manual." Alex's course is designed to help players internalize essential positional concepts through repeatable patterns. We analyzed instructive examples from Magnus Carlsen's games, particularly how he leverages color complexes, weak squares, and outposts to systematically dominate his opponents. Alex emphasized how pattern recognition and structured thinking allow strong players to find the right plans quickly, even in complex positions.
Beyond strategy, we discussed how to train positional understanding more effectively, focusing on clarity in learning, board vision, and structured study techniques. I shared my approach to cleaning up positions for better learning outcomes, removing unnecessary distractions so students can focus on the core strategic ideas. Alex also highlighted the importance of reverse-engineering winning positions, especially in endgames, by identifying ideal setups and working backward to achieve them. This episode is packed with insights that can help you develop a deeper understanding of chess strategy.
Alex's Chessable courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/Astaneh/Alex's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alexastanehIn
My Chessable Courses: https://chessable.com/drcan
00:00 Intro
02:19 Why He Created "The Positional Chess Patterns Manual"
15:03 The Difference Between Positional Chess and Strategic Play
27:17 Power Outpost
46:06 The Course Creation Process
54:43 Carlsen's Blitz Games (Color Complex)
01:15:40 How to Build Up the Knowledge (Weak Square)
01:24:01 Pseudo Outpost
01:25:42 How to Teach Beginners
01:37:32 Power Outpost and Pseudo Outpost Combo
01:46:45 Pseudo Outpost in the Classical Structure
01:52:29 Exchange Sacrifice
01:53:54 Schematic Thinking
02:02:44 Outro & Future Plans
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This episode was recorded on a truly special day for meâIâve been honored as Chessableâs Author of the Year for 2024! Itâs an incredible milestone, and Iâm deeply grateful for all the support along the way.
But this episode isnât just about celebratingâI'm joined by the amazing WIM Luciana Morales, a highly accomplished chess player, educator, and Chessable author. We dive into her Chessable course "Queens of the Chess Board," which explores the lives and games of the first five Womenâs World Champions, bringing to light some of chess historyâs most fascinating and underappreciated players.Beyond her chess achievements, Luciana is a true multi-talentâsheâs working on a childrenâs chess book, managing social media for Chessable and Chess.com, and has played a key role in various chess education projects, including the FIDE Chessable Academy with legendary trainers like Artur Yusupov. In this episode, we explore the styles of Womenâs World Champions, discuss how chess connects generations, and even touch on her creative work on social media.By the end of the video, we show games of five World Champions to explore their chess styles. And a gem of a game from Luciana against an international master!
Queens of the Chess Board: https://www.chessable.com/queens-of-the-chess-board/course/102010/Follow Luciana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsgambit/
Follow Luciana on X: https://x.com/LucianaMorales
Follow Luciana on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/drcanchess.bsky.social
00:00 Intro
02:12 Background Story and Early Years
08:49 The Making of 'Queens of the Chess Board'
23:15 Her Upcoming Chess Book
35:55 Fide Chessable Academy
39:43 Chessable Classroom
45:27 Social Media & The Art of Chess Memes
56:14 Menchik - Sir George Thomas, 1932
01:03:50 Menchik - Price, 1927
01:08:43 Rudenko - Bruce, 1946
01:13:16 Bykova - Keller, 1952
01:19:46 Rubtsova - Vaisberg, 1951
01:25:12 Gaprindashvili - Beliavsky, 1977
01:33:36 Luciana's Masterpiece
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00:00 Intro12:03 Pressure14:37 Alan Watts' Fantasy17:53 Meditation21:04 Playing the Position in Front of You27:01 Toxic Self-Talk 30:24 Rating Anxiety 33:42 Confidence and Self-Efficacy41:23 Handling Losses45:21 Pain = Suffering x Resistance52:35 Time Trouble55:07 Giving up Control58:00 Self-Adopted Identities1:00:28 Beauty in Complexity1:03:46 Preserving the Love for the Game1:15:31 Pre-Game RitualsBenji Portheault, a seasoned performance coach with experience working with chess players of all levels, including super grandmasters, joined the podcast to discuss the mental aspects of chess. Throughout the conversation, he explored topics such as meditation, dealing with tilt, tournament preparation, and the psychology of chess success. Benji gave insights into how identity, confidence, and mindset play crucial roles in a player's performance. His approach combines modern psychology with meditation techniques to help players build resilience and manage the stress of competition effectively.A major focus of the discussion was on managing emotions during games, particularly in high-pressure situations. Benji explained the importance of developing self-awareness, identifying negative thought patterns, and learning how to reset mentally after mistakes. He introduced techniques such as open monitoring meditation and mental reframing to help players regain focus and prevent one mistake from snowballing into further blunders. He also emphasized the need for practical routines before and during games, including recognizing the feeling of playing well and recalling past successful experiences to build confidence.The conversation also touched on broader topics like rating anxiety, tournament nerves, and the importance of maintaining a love for the game. Benji encouraged players to cultivate a healthy relationship with chess, understanding that improvement requires embracing both wins and losses as learning experiences. He highlighted how professionals and amateurs alike struggle with the psychological challenges of competition, making mental training just as crucial as tactical and strategic preparation.
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In this first episode of 2025, Iâm joined by Ono, an experienced coach, blogger, and adult improver. Ono shares his journey from picking up chess during the Queenâs Gambit boom to becoming an active participant in the Dutch chess scene. We discuss his experiences with plateaus, rating anxiety, and the challenges of adult improvement, offering practical advice for players navigating similar struggles.This conversation highlights several key topics for chess enthusiasts, including Onoâs two-part approach to blunder-checking, his thoughts on building a sustainable repertoire, and how to transform knowledge into skill. We also delve into the psychological side of chess, exploring ways to manage frustration, embrace the learning process, and find meaning in the game.Whether youâre a beginner looking for guidance or an experienced player refining your approach, this episode provides thoughtful insights and actionable takeaways to help you on your chess journey. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for future episodes featuring more voices from the chess community.
01:21 Ono's Chess Journey04:42 The Blunder-Check08:57 The Pen Trick13:10 Adult Improvement: Struggles and Solutions19:25 Building an Opening Repertoire and the Value of Specialization23:15 Endgame Study30:44 Training Plans and Why We Train 39:22 Chess Psychology51:01 Coping with Losses56:44 Why is Chess so Captivating?
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In this special year-end episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Kamryn Helman, an extraordinary adult improver who achieved a chesscom rapid rating of 2000 in just two years, starting from absolute zero. Kamryn shared her inspirational journey, which began in 2021 after watching The Queenâs Gambit. Despite balancing her undergraduate studies and later a full-time job, she devoted around 20 hours per week to chess and made remarkable progress. Kamryn's disciplined approach combined playing, tactical exercises, and joining a chess club, where she set goals to compete with stronger players. Her story is a testament to how dedication and a structured approach can yield extraordinary results in a short time.During our conversation, Kamryn offered valuable insights into her improvement methods. She talked about her "Why I Am Losing" document, a weekly habit of analyzing losses to identify patterns and guide her studies. We also discussed her thought process, including a mental checklist to avoid blunders, and the critical role of breaks in consolidating knowledge. Kamryn's ability to stay intentional and disciplined about her chess journey is both inspiring and instructional for players at all levels.Toward the end, we explored her educational contributions to the chess community, including her Chessable course, 50 Essential Chess Concepts: An Improver's Blueprint. She shared the challenges of designing clean, instructive puzzles that minimize cognitive overload and maximize learning. Kamryn's passion for chess and commitment to improvement was evident throughout our discussion, leaving meâand hopefully youâwith fresh ideas and inspiration to tackle our own chess journeys. Iâm thrilled to see what Kamryn accomplishes next and I look forward to another conversation as her chess story unfolds.
01:54 The Chess Bug and the Very Short Summary of the Journey to 2000 ELO08:57 The Thought Process10:47 Blunder-Check15:16 'Why Am I Losing?' Document23:07 How Blitz Helped 26:00 Study Advice for 0-1500 ELO29:16 Study Advice for 1500 - 2000 ELO37:18 Her Chessable Course41:40 Her New Openings44:47 Final Advice for Beginners45:40 Final Advice for Intermediate Players46:34 The Weekly Training Schedule
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In this episode, I sit down with Candidate Master and Chessable author Azel Chua to dive deep into the intricacies of chess calculation and thought processes.
Azel's Calculation course broke records on Chessable. He shared concrete positions and concepts to clarify his "Burger Technique"âa systematic approach that breaks down calculation into three essential steps. We explored why traditional approaches like "checks, captures, and threats" (CCT) can often fail, and how context-driven techniques provide a more robust, scalable method for players of all levels.Throughout the discussion, Azel showcased several illustrative positions that demonstrated the power of identifying loose pieces, critical squares, and exposed lines of attack. We learned how chess targetsâwhether pieces, squares, or alignmentsâcan continually expand in complexity as players improve. Azel concluded with insightful exercises on visualization, introducing the concept of "visualization decay" and how to overcome it. He demonstrated that improving calculation involves spotting patterns and expanding oneâs ability to recall and connect conceptual similarities across seemingly different positions.
02:01 Why His Calculation Course Was a Huge Success05:13 Checks, Captures, and Threats: Why It Falls Short11:03 The Burger Technique12:10 Position 121:00 Position 226:24 Position 3 Enters Magnus the Superhuman 29:26 Position 438:26 Position 542:39 Position 650:06 Position 754:25 Position 858:35 Transfer of Patterns to Different Contexts1:04:40 Conceptual Patterns - Position 91:06:48 Position 101:11:30 Visualization1:31:48 How Best to Learn Patterns1:33:34 The Endgame Riddle
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In this episode, I sit down with FM Midas Ratsma from the Netherlands, a renowned Chessable author with eight successful courses. Midas is known for his practical and engaging approach to teaching openings, making his courses favorites among club players and beginners. We dive into his opening philosophy and the strategies behind his course design.We also explore Midasâs chess coaching philosophy, where he emphasizes interactivity, consistent plans, and repetition for effective learning. Midas shares how his experience as a coach has shaped his courses, ensuring they address real-world struggles of students while offering actionable solutions. Along the way, we tackle topics like how to link opening preparation to middlegame strategies, the importance of chunking and pattern recognition, and the critical role of tactics in chess improvement.In addition, Midas tests us with some of the toughest puzzles from his Beginner's Guide to Chess Tactics, offering a glimpse into the depth and creativity of his course content. We also chat about the collaborative process of creating courses, and his upcoming Jobava London repertoire.
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In this very special episode, I had an insightful conversation with the legendary chess coach NM Dan Heisman. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dan has authored 14 books, developed a Chessable course, and helped thousands of students improve since he began coaching in 1996.
His expertise shines through as we delve into the nuances of chess improvement, from bridging the knowledge-skill gap to the importance of thought process and time management. Dan shares valuable insights into his journey, including his work with renowned players and groundbreaking contributions to chess coaching, such as coining terms like "hope chess", "handwaving", "ABC Error", "counting" and "wise adult syndrome."A major focus of our discussion revolves around the critical skills needed for chess improvement, such as blunder-check and criticality assessment. Dan emphasizes the importance of improving both knowledge (patterns and principles) and skills (analysis, time management, and perseverance).
Drawing on his decades of coaching, Dan recounts fascinating anecdotes, like the curious case of a student with perfect visualization but flawed analysis. We also discuss practical strategies for players, such as balancing blitz and classical games, and how to train effectively by focusing on process-oriented methods.This episode is packed with actionable advice for players of all levels, particularly adult improvers navigating the challenges of chess growth.
Dan's dedication to helping players reach their potential shines throughout the conversation, offering viewers a wealth of strategies and motivation to refine their approach to the game. Whether you're struggling with transitioning from knowledge to skill, managing time effectively, or avoiding blunders, this discussion provides a masterclass in practical chess improvement.
00:00 Dan Heisman: A Brief Introduction04:25 Common Misconceptions About Chess Improvement09:37 The Role of Knowledge vs. Skills in Chess16:22 How Blitz Chess Can Help (or Hurt!) Improvement21:23 Time Management27:12 Is There Luck in Chess?29:42 Ideal Thought Process37:11 Checklists44:00 Diagnosing Thought Process Mistakes with De Groot Exercises56:33 The Evolution of Chess Content for Beginners1:03:43 Dan's Career Highlights and Coaching Philosophy1:23:12 Visualization/Board Vision/Tactical Vision1:36:46 The Woodpecker Method1:46:50 Learning Chess Notation1:54:43 Creating a Chess Legacy
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In this episode, weâre joined by Aiden Rayner, a chess coach and visualization expert, from Australia. Aiden discusses the critical role of visualization in chess, explaining how most resources overlook direct training in this skill and why he decided to design targeted exercises to fill this gap. Aidenâs innovative approach, blending structured cognitive training with practical exercises, has helped players of all levels, even influencing grandmasters to incorporate his techniques.We delve into the nuances of working memory and its limitations in chess, shedding light on how cognitive bottlenecks lead to blunders. He offers actionable advice on creating personalized checklists and forming habits that interrupt automatic, often flawed, intuitive responses during games. The discussion also explores how visualization doesnât have to mean visualizing in the literal sense, emphasizing that players should lean into how their brain naturally processes chess informationâbe it through verbal narratives, spatial awareness, or other personal methods.The conversation takes a deeper dive into training methodologies, focusing on isolating and intensifying specific skills to enhance overall performance. Aiden shares practical exercises, including a blindfold chess drill designed to stretch cognitive capacity, and discusses the importance of prioritizing key patterns for improvement.
The synergy between cognitive science and chess improvement is highlighted throughout the episode, providing listeners with a treasure trove of insights and tools to elevate their game, whether theyâre beginners or seasoned players.
00:00 Who Is Aiden Rayner?07:11 Visualization Training/Chess Improvement10:58 Conceptualization/Visualization12:18 Aphantasia20:53 Working Memory24:03 Freezing/Forgetting/Freewheeling29:10 Intuition33:24 Ghost Pieces37:38 Building Habits41:24 How to Best Learn Chess Patterns and Chunks49:05 Checklists53:08 Who is Your Daddy and What Does He Do?1:02:26 First and Second-Order Effects1:09:12 Ideal Training Intensity1:20:33 Blindfold Exercise
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In this podcast episode, I talked to FM Dalton Perrine, an accomplished chess player, Chessable author, and coach from the United States. Dalton has five Chessable courses, with a sixth on the way. A former student of GM Sam Shankland, Dalton reflects on the process of creating high-quality instructional content. GM Shankland collaborates with Dalton on his courses by providing video coverage.We also discussed Dalton's latest Chessable project, Seal the Deal: How to Gain and Convert Middlegame Advantages, which is about gaining and converting long-term strategic advantages. Dalton emphasizes the importance of breaking down complex games into trainable segments to help learners practice and understand key concepts in manageable steps. He also shares a sneak peek of positions from the course.
Beyond chess courses, Dalton provides insights into his current pursuit of the Woodpecker Method to sharpen tactical skills and shares anecdotal evidence of its potential benefits, including a recent 200-point blitz rating surge.
00:00 Introduction 03:27 Survive & Thrive: How to Blunder Less and Defend Better08:17 Blunder Check 13:56 4-Step Thinking Process19:51 Seal the Deal: How to Gain and Convert Middlegame Advantages25:11 How He Structured the Course30:44 Sneak Peek into the Course: Space Advantage47:15 Collaborating with GM Sam Shankland50:16 The Woodpecker Method
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In this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the cognitive science behind chess blunders with Professor Benjamin Balas from North Dakota State University. As an expert in visual cognition, Ben sheds light on how our visual system, with all its strengths and limitations, plays a crucial role in our chess performance.
We discuss how visual crowding and peripheral vision contribute to common mistakes, especially for newer players. Ben also explains practical strategies for enhancing blunder-checking skills and shares insights on his ongoing research, offering invaluable tips that all players can apply.
One of the key takeaways is understanding why certain blunders, like missing "sniper bishops," often occur due to our visual system's natural constraints. Ben dives into the concept of "visual crowding," where surrounding pieces make it harder to detect distant threats, and reveals how experts overcome this by developing rich chunks and patterns in memory.
Together, we explore how checklist processes and deliberate board scanning can help mitigate these blind spots, making blunders less likely and visual processing more effective.Throughout our conversation, Ben also highlights groundbreaking research studies on chess expertise and visual cognition, detailing how experts use eye-tracking and attentional techniques to manage complex positions efficiently.
From practical advice on blunder-check processes to a discussion of the psychological and visual nuances that define expert play, this conversation is packed with insights that every chess player will find enlightening.
01:38 Prof. Benjamin Balas' Chess History04:23 The Limits of Our Visual System06:45 Visual Crowding09:23 Expert Eyes vs. Novice Eyes13:35 Grouping the Familiar Chunks17:16 Practical Tips for Better Blunder Checks19:49 2D vs. 3D24:13 Visual Span and Visual Attention 31:54 Research Project Ideas Involving Chess34:11 Visual Imagery and Calculation38:34 Group vs. Individual Problem-Solving (Chessable Grant)40:01 Avoid the Blunder #143:01 Reshevsky's Blunder and Why He Committed It47:29 Avoid the Blunder #2 50:50 Checklists to Reduce Blunders58:48 Loose Piece + Alignment1:02:30 Inhibition of Return1:05:33 Brief Summary and Lessons
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In this episode, Iâm excited to host Dan Bock, also known as Bold Move by Dan on X. Danâs journey is truly inspiringâhe achieved a 400-point rating increase as an adult improver, documenting every step of his path to success in his popular blog, Chess Improvement Lab. In our conversation, we dig deep into his unique approach to learning, his use of flashcards for improving his game, and how structured thinking, deliberate practice, and checklist routines shaped his path to improvement.Dan shares invaluable advice for chess enthusiasts, highlighting how he leverages detailed self-analysis and carefully constructed personalized checklists to eliminate blunders and refine his thought process. We discuss the importance of targeted improvement, how repetition and review play a role in learning, and why he believes in prioritizing oneâs own mistakes as the best path to growth. With over 2,000 custom flashcards, Dan takes a practical and organized approach to chess that keeps him motivated and consistently improving.We also dive into some of Danâs most effective strategies, including his innovative âMove Highlighterâ tool and how he learns from his blitz games. This episode covers crucial improvement techniques and is packed with actionable tips on everything from blunder checking to cognitive habits that any adult improver can apply.
00:00 Introduction02:02 Dan's Brief Chess History04:42 11 Things I Did to Gain 400 Points05:47 The Role of Blitz09:22 Flashcards11:20 Engine Feedback12:16 Move Highlighter15:09 Anki19:25 Learning From Own Mistakes23:12 Checklists25:58 Checks Captures Threats 30:05 Dan's 3 Checklist Questions31:42 What Does Their Move Unblock?38:08 What Does My Move Unprotect?40:07 The Importance of Playing Games42:53 If I Make This Move, Am I Allowing a Check?48:32 What is Becoming Loose If I Make This Move?50:50 Did I Carefully Check For Alignments Before Making My Move?53:53 Wishful Thinking54:20 Loose Piece + Alignment56:28 If I Make That Move Am I Allowing a Knight Fork?59:31 If I Make That Move Am I Allowing a Pawn Fork?01:01:19 Can They TRAP One of My Pieces If I Make That Move?01:02:42 If I Make That Move Am I Allowing an Unstoppable Passed Pawn?01:04:41 Simplifying & Focusing on Fundamentals
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting National Master Robert Ramirez, a renowned Chessable author, YouTuber, and educator. We delve into various chess topics, starting with Robertâs unique journey in the chess world, from his humble beginnings to becoming a well-respected coach. We also discussed the advantages of system openings, such as the Kingâs Indian/Pirc Defense and the Reverse Stonewall. Robert shares his insights on why system openings can be particularly useful not only for busy adult learners but also for kids, cutting down on preparation time and allowing more focus on chess fundamentals.Our conversation shifted towards cognitive science, highlighting the role of chunking and pattern recognition in chess improvement. Robert shared his thoughts on how system openings foster familiarity with recurring structures, aiding long-term retention of key chess ideas. We explored the differences between teaching kids and adults. Robert emphasized that consistent practice, especially in tactical exercises and real games, is essential for meaningful progress, regardless of age.Lastly, we discussed Robertâs approach to teaching and the importance of productive failure in chess learning. He shared how he tracks his students' progress and uses setbacks as opportunities for growth. We wrapped up with a look into Robertâs upcoming projects, including a new Chessable course on strategy, and reflected on the rewarding aspects of coaching and teaching chess. Whether you're an adult improver, a competitive player, or simply passionate about chess, this conversation offers valuable insights into the learning process and the tools necessary for success.
00:00 Introduction02:58 System Openings06:18 Are They More Suitable for Adults?08:43 Balancing the Downsides of System Openings13:18 Prof. IM Fernand Gobet's Take on Openings14:58 Opening Traps and Human Psychology18:48 Are System Openings Easily Targeted?23:28 Middlegame Plans/Toolbox31:16 How to Create an Opening Course on System Openings35:30 Working With Adults and Kids44:07 Benefits of Learning Chess Later in Life47:02 Productive Failure48:12 Robert's Coaching Philosophy59:36 Future
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In this episode, I talked to Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses.
Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential. Nick shares his personal journey in chess, including how he started taking the game seriously in 2020, progressing from a 1650 chess.com rating to an impressive 1913 in classical games on lichess.
Along the way, Nick overcame plateaus by embracing visualization exercises that significantly boosted his performance. In our discussion, he explains how targeted visualization training can be a game-changer, especially for adult players who often struggle with seeing ahead on the board, and why this approach is key to building stronger chess habits.We also explore evidence-based learning methods, discussing the balance between direct instruction and productive failure. Nickâs experience highlights the importance of making chess learning personal and relevant, emphasizing that true growth often comes from hands-on experimentation and learning from mistakes.
Whether you're an adult chess improver or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of learning and practical strategies for breaking through barriers in your chess journey.
00:00 Intro02:58 Visualization Training/Step 2 Thinking Ahead11:14 Information Overload and Finding Relevancy14:24 Direct Instruction vs. Productive Failure21:48 Craft Learning vs. Academic Learning24:14 Science Behind Chess Improvement31:38 Visualization Drills41:01 Positional Chunks and Patterns47:22 Evidence-Based Learning Approaches55:31 Testing Nick: Position 101:01:51 Testing Nick: Position 2
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In this exciting episode, I sit down with Solveig Friberg, also known as Rookie Redhead, a rising chess star from Norway who started playing chess in 2022 and has already made impressive strides, reaching a FIDE rating of 1570!
But Solveig is more than just a chess enthusiastâshe's a professional educator. She shares her unique insights into education and psychology, blending them with her chess journey.
Whether you're an adult improver, a chess learner, or a coach, this conversation will offer valuable lessons about learning chess, overcoming barriers, and enhancing your educational approach.Solveig shares her fascinating story of falling in love with chess after watching the World Chess Championship on Norwegian TV and realizing the game's incredible depth. From setting a New Year's resolution to learn chess to working with coaches, playing in tournaments, and crafting her popular Chessable course, "Breaking 1000," Solveig opens up about the dedication and mindset it takes to improve.
We also discuss the social side of chess learning, group dynamics, and how these pedagogical principles can boost anyoneâs chess progress, especially for adult learners navigating rating anxiety and psychological barriers.
01:38 How Solveig Rediscovered the Game07:40 Chessable Course: Breaking 100013:57 Misconceptions Around Chess Improvement20:42 Productive Failure: Why Reflection and Feedback Are Crucial 27:52 Social Aspect of Chess Learning32:14 Advantages of Group Lessons38:54 Solveig's Upcoming Course on Cultivating Courage Over the Board47:28 What Makes Chess So Fascinating?52:00 How Chess Teaches Us About Ourselves
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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Chessable with an expert guest, Benner, a Danish chess player with above 2000 ELO rating otb and Chessable superuser with over 1700 study streak days and five published courses.
Benner moved from 700 to 2200 ELO (online) in only 5 years by extensively studying Chessable courses! Benner shares valuable insights on how to navigate Chessable, discussing the MoveTrainer technology, spaced repetition, and how to best use Chessable for both openings and general chess improvement. The discussion highlighted personalized study materials and focusing on oneâs weaknesses, whether through tactical exercises or understanding common chess patterns, and the potential pitfalls of attempting to memorize thousands of variations. Benner stressed the value of studying recurrent tactical, positional, or endgame patterns, like those found in "Common Chess Patterns" and "Checkmate Patterns," which help players build a solid foundation for improvement.
He also gave good tips on studying strategy courses and which Chessable study settings are best suited for those courses. He showed us all the good tools on Chessable that maximize learning and make learning intentional.
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