
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Most adult chess players are not held back primarily by calculation or opening knowledge. They are held back by ego: the need to look smart, play "real chess," attack beautifully, avoid embarrassment, prove their strength, or force results. The paradox is that the less emotionally attached you are to proving something over the board, the better your decisions become. This episode adapts ideas from golf psychology about pressure, identity, unrealistic expectations, and emotional overinvestment into practical chess improvement concepts.
Referenced:
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected].
🎯 Our Links:
By Long Island Chess Club4.9
8484 ratings
Most adult chess players are not held back primarily by calculation or opening knowledge. They are held back by ego: the need to look smart, play "real chess," attack beautifully, avoid embarrassment, prove their strength, or force results. The paradox is that the less emotionally attached you are to proving something over the board, the better your decisions become. This episode adapts ideas from golf psychology about pressure, identity, unrealistic expectations, and emotional overinvestment into practical chess improvement concepts.
Referenced:
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected].
🎯 Our Links:

2,113 Listeners

1,952 Listeners

613 Listeners

15,506 Listeners

68 Listeners

128 Listeners

3,858 Listeners

53 Listeners

176 Listeners

2,536 Listeners

20 Listeners

15 Listeners

35 Listeners

6 Listeners

7 Listeners