045  Have you ever put a ton of energy and work into chess…but your results failed to match your expectations? So, you became frustrated. Dejected. Maybe even disillusioned with the process.

This is the potential downside that comes with a passion for chess:

Burnout.

That happened to my guest, Omar Mills.

Omar is my inaugural adult improver guest (it’s about time I feature some fellow adult club players!) He has been serious about chess for the past two years, studying and playing for hours nearly every day.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A healthier way to approach chess improvement beyond just chasing ratings and wins. 
• When the magic of The Queen’s Gambit clashes with reality, what keeps you excited about the game?
• A “chess genie” tells Omar he can have any one chess wish he wants, what does he ask for? (Spoiler: he has two wishes.)

Where to Find Omar:

• Twitter
• Twitch

The Morphy book referenced in the episode.

How You Can Support the Pod:

Join this show’s Patreon called “Podcast Perks” and get benefits like: 

• Submitting questions to guests
• A shout-out of your name on the pod
• Vote on future topics/guests 
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates about the show
• DM me any month for a brief chat on chess or episodes

Click here to join the Patreon for The Chess Experience.

Or you can…

>>Support this pod by grabbing a chess.com membership which will help you improve your chess & defeat your enemies. A small portion will fund this pod - and every bit helps! Just click this link.

>> Neither? How about checking out Daniel's chess.com profile? Witness his countless, embarrassing blitz losses. He even accepts some friend requests. (Ad)