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 turns out Maddie enjoys working on endgames. We also talked about coaching and her recent tournament success. Maddie brings a fun and positive energy that I’m sure you will enjoy!

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 also supplied advice on defeating kids at chess. His most prominent suggestion is to not be intimidated. The kids can smell weakness. Evan also supplied quite a few suggestions for adult improvers.

Be sure to check out Evan’s blog at: https://thechesslobster.substack.com/

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 importance of playing rather than only studying, and the perils of relying on rating for measuring progress. 

Trusting the Process. In the rest of the conversation we covered other topics such as resources for improvement, using tools such as Aimchess, and the value of coaches.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, playing in tournaments, teaching, and opening a chess club. 

Be sure to check out Gabby’s website: https://gabriella-kay.com/

And his blog at: https://www.chess.com/member/tristanbrown17

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 tactics, and the importance of having a plan. We covered so many other topics in the rest of the episode, so be sure to check it out if you enjoy this one. Neal Bruce also appeared on episode 133.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 stress responses to chess and getting over them. We discussed the difference between OTB and online chess. Donovan’s made quite a bit of progress in just 2 years.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 knowledge that you don't have to think about. Nate has also appeared on episodes 79, 112, and 134. We always have a great conversation, and this is no exception.

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 him improve. He plays regularly over the board and 3 Lichess leagues per week! We also discussed running a chess club and the benefits of the social side of chess.

Be sure to check out Tristan’s Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@TristanBrown17

And his blog at: https://www.chess.com/member/tristanbrown17

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 rapidly improving as an adult chasing the master title.

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChessGiant

https://thechessgiant.gumroad.com/

Use the code ChessJourneys for 40% off Solomon’s courses through October.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 big rating gains from what feels like a lucky tournament, the value of working with coaches, and throwing out her Opening repertoire and starting from scratch based on coaches advice.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. 

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices