Best Gm Noel Studer Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 235 Flashback: GM Noel Studer Ep. 95 26:00

Play Pause

29d ago26:00

26:00

This week’s flashback episode features friend of the show Noel Studer. He regularly appears to provide updates on my chess and chess improvement generally. Today’s excerpt comes from his first appearance, episode 95. In the snippet he discusses sticking to a training plan, puzzle book recommendations such The Steps Method books, a puzzle conversati…

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Episode 70: The key to right calcuation in chess 15:47

4d ago15:47

15:47

If you want to get a deeper insight into this topic, check out my YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY7vMJw_T8k Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-s…

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Ep. 242 J.J. Lang (2100 USCF) 1:09:08

5d ago1:09:08

1:09:08

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with J.J. Lang. J.J. is a chess professional, writing and editing articles for USCF. We discussed a wide range of topics such as his own chess journey chasing 2200 and adult chess improvement. We also chatted about coaching, chess journalism, and podcasting. As always, J.J. brought a lot of interesting and helpf…

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Ep. 241 Dr. Scull Reflecting on Reaching 1800 / Thanksgiving - Bonus Episode 22:51

8d ago22:51

22:51

This week I celebrated reaching 1800 USCF and the American holiday of Thanksgiving. In this episode, I reflect on the different aspects of my life that helped me reach 1800. It was a fun episode for me as I reflected on my chess communities, coaches, family, friends, patience, health, and consistency. Hopefully, some of these thoughts will help you…

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Ep. 240 FM Nate Solon Returns! 1:35:55

12d ago1:35:55

1:35:55

Ep. 240 FM Nate Solon (But beginning and word shitload) This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with FM Nate Solon. We talked about so many interesting topics. We discussed training plans, ratings in life outside of chess, Twitter hot takes, Nate’s substack, and Nate’s new course on the English. We also discussed the importance of health in chess, Cha…

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Episode 69: Ratings Are Great (Only our interpretation not) 13:00

13d ago13:00

13:00

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 239 Flashback: GM Jesse Kraai Ep. 108 27:46

15d ago27:46

27:46

This week’s flashback episode features Jesse Kraai from episode 108. Jesse is of course one of the coaches at the Chess Dojo. In this excerpt, Jesse discusses the importance of game analysis, and he provides resource recommendations.Jesse also addresses whether or not getting a coach needed, and how to deal with setbacks. My Chessable Course! https…

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Ep. 238 NM Forest (2200 USCF) 57:36

19d ago57:36

57:36

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Forest. I’ve known Forest since he was rated 1000 and just recently he crossed 2200 achieving NM! I brought him back on the show to talk about how he did it. He talked about breaking out of plateaus and the study changes and mental changes it took to get there. We talked about his busy life, the important r…

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Episode 68: How much can you improve in 6 months? 15:04

20d ago15:04

15:04

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 237 Endgame Improvement - Bonus Episode 21:30

22d ago21:30

21:30

This week on Chess Journeys, I talk about why you should care about endgames and resources to get better. I cover books, Chessable courses, and Youtube videos. I recommend learning some theoretical endings, practical endgame play, and sparring with friends to cement the knowledge. Even if you “don’t get endgame” in your games, trust me this episode…

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Ep. 236 Kamryn - Youtuber (2200 Chesscom) 1:06:41

26d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kamryn. We talked about her busy life, and how she carves out time for chess. We discussed her recent successes moving to 2200 on Chesscom and 1750 USCF. We talked about her path to improvement and her future goals. We also discussed a variety of topics such as making a Chessable course, girls in chess, coa…

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Episode 67: Sequential Learning 25:11

27d ago25:11

25:11

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 234 Ryan (1850 USCF) 1:01:46

1M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Ryan. He’s trying to balance college, sports, and chess improvement. Ryan has had periods of explosive ratings gain, and he dove into the secrets of his success. He attributes much of his success to playing rapid games, learning his openings, and more recently focusing on endgames. He highlighted Practical …

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Episode 66: Just Do It - And Thank Me Later 17:19

1M ago17:19

17:19

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 233 Dr Scull's San Diego Open Recap - Bonus Episode 28:46

1M ago28:46

28:46

This week on Chess Journeys, I recap the San Diego Open. I went 1 win and 3 draws against all higher rated players. It was a good performance and I learned a lot from it. My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessn…

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Ep. 232 Maddie (1950 USCF) 1:11:34

1M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Maddie Maddie’s been playing chess since she was a young child. We talked a lot about the kid experience and training. She emphasized that her biggest times of growth occurred when she combined dedication with motivation. Maddie likes to have fun with chess and emphasizes doing what you enjoy. But … it turn…

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Ep. 231 Evan - Chess Lobster (2150 USCF) 1:11:23

2M ago1:11:23

1:11:23

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Evan, the Chess Lobster. This is his third appearance on the show. You can check out his previous appearances on episodes 48 and 161. We talked about his continual pursuit of the master title. He talked about making simple moves, removing creativity, and focusing on calculation in regular positions. Evan al…

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Episode 65: The Four Stages of Chess Improvement 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

"Mastery", by George Leonard: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Keys-Success-Long-Term-Fulfillment/dp/0452267560 Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 120…

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Ep. 230 Flashback: Chris Wainscott (1800 USCF) Ep. 29 22:35

2M ago22:35

22:35

This episode of Chess Journeys is an excerpt from Episode 29 featuring Chris Wainscott. Chris is a founding member of the chess punk community with lofty improvement goals. We had a wide ranging conversation covering topics such as chess tactics and resources, why he is studying positional books right now, fighting against the pull of laziness, the…

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Ep. 229 Gabby (1950 USCF) 57:29

2M ago57:29

57:29

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Gabby. We had a fun chat reminiscing about playing chess together 20 years ago, her progress in the 2010’s, and her recent chess journey in France. Gabby discussed her mentality regarding rating, and her joy of chess. She talked about the many roles she’s had in the chess world from studying with dad, playi…

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Episode 64: Annoyed by Clickbait Videos? Do this. 9:25

2M ago9:25

9:25

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 228 Flashback: Neal Bruce (1800 USCF) Ep. 20 24:49

2M ago24:49

24:49

This episode of Chess Journeys is an excerpt from Episode 20 featuring Neal Bruce, the father of adult chess improvement. It was my first conversation with Neal, and it was wide ranging. In the following excerpt we discussed what it takes to reach 1600, building a strong chess foundation, the importance of tactics, using flashcards to improve tacti…

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Ep. 227 Donovan (1200 USCF) 1:06:56

2M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Donovan. He’s juggling being an involved parent, a full time career, and chess improvement. We spoke about his on again off again relationship with chess over 25 years. In the last few years, Donovan has been committed to improving his game and has started playing OTB events. We talked about his initial str…

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Episode 63: How to Train Chess When Real Life Things Happen 14:11

2M ago14:11

14:11

Link to the blog post "How to Stick to Your Goals When Life Gets Crazy" by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/plan-for-chaos If you haven't read it already, here is his book "Atomic Habits": https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and h…

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Ep. 226 Flashback: FM Nate Solon Ep. 11 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

In this week's flashback episode, I bring to you a snippet of my conversation with FM Nate Solon from episode 11. In this portion, we talked about the following. Spending too much time on Puzzles. The challenge of decision making in chess. Improving as an adult vs. as a child. Studying vs. playing. Making the studying you a part of your chess knowl…

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Ep. 225 Tristan (1600 USCF) 56:14

2M ago56:14

56:14

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Tristan. He’s a dedicated chess improver that is also helping run the Phoenix chess scene. We talked about his chess journey from 1000-1600 in 2 years. He highlighted tactics work, endgames, and annotating games as keys to his improvement. Additionally, he discusses how the massive volume of games helped hi…

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Episode 62: Use Technology - Don't Let It Use You 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 224 NM Solomon (Youtube - The Chess Giant) 1:20:25

3M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Solomon, aka The Chess Giant). We covered a lot of topics such as his childhood chess journey, his pursuit of 2200, making chess content/courses, and his advice for adult improvers. Solomon reflected on the role of ratings, studying, and teaching. It was great to hear Solomon’s perspective as a child rapidl…

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Episode 61: Why You Shouldn't Copy Random Success Stories 18:13

3M ago18:13

18:13

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 223 Flashback: Stacia Pugh (1700 USCF) Ep. 31 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

This week's flashback episode comes from episode 31. Stacia Pugh has a great story quickly rising from 1000-1700 USCF before falling back to her floor of 1500. But after changing everything about her game, she returned to 1700 once more. In this clip Stacia talks about her rapid rise from 1000-1700 USCF, dealing with setbacks and plateaus, getting …

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Ep. 222 Daniel (2000 USCF) 1:02:28

3M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Daniel. He shared his story and approach to chess improvement. I’ve never heard such a healthy relationship. Daniel’s goal is to improve regardless of rating. He talked about his emphasis on video learning, puzzle battle, and game analysis. Be sure to check this one out, especially, if you are struggling wi…

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Episode 60: The Best Books for Chess Improvement (That Aren’t About Chess) 23:34

3M ago23:34

23:34

If you want to dive deeper into the books I recommend on the podcast, here are the links: Mindset (by Carol Dweck) Chop Wood, Carry Water (by Joshua Medcalf) Essentialism (by Greg McKeown) The One Thing (by Gary Keller) The Power of Less (by Leo Babauta) Hell Yeah or No (by Derek Sivers) Deep Work (by Cal Newport) Digital Minimalism (by Cal Newport…

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Ep. 221 Flashback: Kamryn Heidi - (YouTube Sensation) Ep. 73 26:51

3M ago26:51

26:51

In this flashback episode from episode 73, Kamryn Heidi shares some of her secrets to chess improvement, including tactics training and tips for your first tournament. She also discusses engaging her local chess community. To hear the rest, be sure to check out episode 73. My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbo…

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Ep. 220 Lara (1380 OTB Classical) 59:06

3M ago59:06

59:06

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Lara. We had a fascinating conversation about chess improvement without direct chess studying. Lara discussed her improvement system which involves proxy learning from a wide range of areas such as speaking Latin, strategy video games, and books on war strategy. She made great points about how limiting ches…

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Episode 59: What If Being Smart Was The Problem? 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 219 Flashback: IM Andras Toth Ep. 13 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

In this flashback episode of I present IM Andras Toth. He appeared on episode 13 and helped launch this fledgling podcast. Coach Andras always bring the honest advice and his work isn't to be missed. Enjoy! My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: …

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Ep. 218 IM John Bartholomew 1:17:17

3M ago1:17:17

1:17:17

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with IM John Bartholomew. We had a great discussion about his chess journeys, tips for adult improvers, and his time with Chessable and Chessiverse. John talked fondly about his time with Chessable and the best ways to use it. He discussed his Youtube channel. We discussed how different people might battle the b…

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Episode 58: Why Playing Many Different Openings Won't Work For You 20:36

3M ago20:36

20:36

Watch the YouTube Short here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bD6OPduy1DQ Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to …

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Ep. 217 Chess Parents - Bonus Episode 14:45

3M ago14:45

14:45

In this extra short bonus episode, I provide some thoughts on chess parents both from a parent and player perspective. I provide some tips on how to be a chess parent and how to handle chess parents as a player. My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/C…

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Why Magnus Carlsen is the #1 Player in the World? | IM Sagar Shah on ChessMood Podcast 1:23:12

3M ago1:23:12

1:23:12

Traveling nonstop for eleven months, walking eight days by the Narmada River with no phone or money — this is a small part of Sagar Shah’s journey. In this talk with GM Avetik, he speaks about the books that opened new paths for him, the balance between love and discipline, and Magnus Carlsen’s unique approach. He also shares how ChessBase India be…

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Ep. 216 Jay Garrison (1900 USCF) 59:22

3M ago59:22

59:22

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jay. We talked about our tournament summers. We both played more tournaments than usual over the last few months. We discussed the purpose, our goals, and our results. My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Cod…

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Episode 57: The Reason Chess Training Is So Confusing 26:36

3M ago26:36

26:36

Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Episode 215: Flashback GM Jacob Aagaard Ep. 104 23:46

4M ago23:46

23:46

This week on Chess Journeys, I cut together a recap of episode 104 with GM Jacob Aagaard. In this snippet, Jacob covers calculation, can adults make master, and how to train intentionally. If you enjoy this recap, be sure to check out the episode in its entirety. My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning…

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Ep. 214 Luca (1875 USCF) 1:07:04

4M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Luca about his chess journey. Luca has a healthy relationship with chess improvement and ratings. He seems most interested in enjoying the game and the experience of putting away devices and fully immersing himself in tournament games. We talked about resources that have helped his journey such as Chess Tac…

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Episode 56: The Biggest Lie We Tell Ourselves 30:51

4M ago30:51

30:51

Here are the further resources that I mentioned in the podcast: Books: Radical Acceptance - Tara Brach 4000 weeks - Oliver Burkeman The Tao of Seneca - Three free PDFs put together by Tim Ferriss Meditations - Marcus Aurelius (many different versions of it online as PDFs available, just Google it) Awareness - Anthony de Mello Mindset - Carol Dweck …

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Ep. 213 Dr Scull's Pacific Coast Open Recap - Bonus Episode 36:34

4M ago36:34

36:34

Last weekend I played in the Pacific Coast Open. It was my last tournament of the summer. Overall, I played well and gained 8 whole rating points! This episode contains a preview, round by round recap, and some final thoughts. Hope you enjoy it. My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-sk…

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Ep. 212 Alex (1700 Lichess) 59:56

4M ago59:56

59:56

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Alex about his chess journey. Alex is a teacher that picked up chess while running a chess club. His goal is 2000 Lichess and the arena grand master title. He uses daily games and tactics as the primary parts of his training. He finds that daily games help him learn openings in a more organic way than memor…

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Episode 55: You Are Not Your Rating 17:22

4M ago17:22

17:22

Subscribe to my free Newsletter: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter Learn what and how to train and stop wasting time on things that don't matter: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system Reach 1200 Chess.com (1400 Lichess) thanks to my all-in-one course: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginne…

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Ep. 211 - Flashback Omar (ChessVonDoom) Ep. 10 - Bonus 23:02

4M ago23:02

23:02

In this bonus episode, I have edited episode 10 with Omar (ChessVonDoom) into a short 20 minute piece. If you like it be sure to check out the full episodes with Omar (10, 38, 75, 76, 150) In this snippet, Omar talks about getting into chess, the challenges of his first tournament, nearly getting chess, and his desire to help other chess players. L…

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Ep. 210 Alexander (1700 USCF) 1:11:50

4M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Alexander. We had a great chat about his massive rating improvement, 800 points in 8 months. Alexander talked about his organic approach to learning. He has taken in a lot of content on Youtube, played online chess, and played many training games. Alexander attributes some of his success to his “chess team”…