In this first episode of 2025, I’m joined by Ono, an experienced coach, blogger, and adult improver. Ono shares his journey from picking up chess during the Queen’s 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 Ono’s 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 you’re 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?