WCM Maddie Weber - known online as madchess - exudes positivity and optimism about chess. She began competing at age 10 and has continued through high school and through her undergrad program at NYU. Having just finished her Bachelor's, she continues to compete and coach chess while working on her Master's in Accounting at NYU's Stern School of Business.

She is most well-known for streaming in Washington Square Park, where she is one of the "family" of chess hustlers there. Now even a punch to the face from a random man can keep her away from there!

To improve chess, Maddie recommends:

1. doing whatever we can to keep girls playing through high school - time of girls' well-known "adolescent drop-off,"
2. eliminating women's-only sections at tournaments and replacing those awards with Women's Prizes for top women in the open section,
3. OR rescheduling women's only sections so they do not conflict with the open section. That way strong women are not faced with conflicting incentives.
4. reminding women to aim high!

Maddie's link:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maddieplayschess

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddieplayschess/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maddieplayschess

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/maddieplayschess

To best support Maddie, be positive about chess!

00:00 Introduction

03:18 Education and Making It All Work

06:24 Gaining Confidence

08:48 The Unique Experience of Female Chess Players

10:25 Chess is a Cheat Code for Young Women

12:07 Community and Support in Chess

14:32 Washington Square Park

18:21 Positive Vibes and Trash Talk in Chess

20:28 The Jobava!

22:23 Teaching

24:32 The Gender Disparity

27:10 The Debate on Women's Titles in Chess

37:10 Embracing Engagement: The Fun in Hate Comments

42:37 Building a Supportive Community in Chess

44:46 The Healing Power of Friendship in Chess

46:09 Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Players

49:03 Brainstorming Solutions

56:11 Maddie's Proud Moments

01:00:16 Shout Out to Maddie's Mom

01:01:16 Conclusion