The Chess Cognition Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Candidate Master and Chessable author Azel Chua to dive deep into the intricacies of chess calculation and thought processes.

Azel's Calculation course broke records on Chessable. He shared concrete positions and concepts to clarify his "Burger Technique"—a systematic approach that breaks down calculation into three essential steps. We explored why traditional approaches like "checks, captures, and threats" (CCT) can often fail, and how context-driven techniques provide a more robust, scalable method for players of all levels.

02:01 Why His Calculation Course Was a Huge Success

In this episode, I sit down with FM Midas Ratsma from the Netherlands, a renowned Chessable author with eight successful courses. Midas is known for his practical and engaging approach to teaching openings, making his courses favorites among club players and beginners. We dive into his opening philosophy and the strategies behind his course design.

In this very special episode, I had an insightful conversation with the legendary chess coach NM Dan Heisman. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dan has authored 14 books, developed a Chessable course, and helped thousands of students improve since he began coaching in 1996.

His expertise shines through as we delve into the nuances of chess improvement, from bridging the knowledge-skill gap to the importance of thought process and time management. Dan shares valuable insights into his journey, including his work with renowned players and groundbreaking contributions to chess coaching, such as coining terms like "hope chess", "handwaving", "ABC Error", "counting" and "wise adult syndrome."A major focus of our discussion revolves around the critical skills needed for chess improvement, such as blunder-check and criticality assessment. Dan emphasizes the importance of improving both knowledge (patterns and principles) and skills (analysis, time management, and perseverance).

Drawing on his decades of coaching, Dan recounts fascinating anecdotes, like the curious case of a student with perfect visualization but flawed analysis. We also discuss practical strategies for players, such as balancing blitz and classical games, and how to train effectively by focusing on process-oriented methods.This episode is packed with actionable advice for players of all levels, particularly adult improvers navigating the challenges of chess growth.

Dan's dedication to helping players reach their potential shines throughout the conversation, offering viewers a wealth of strategies and motivation to refine their approach to the game. Whether you're struggling with transitioning from knowledge to skill, managing time effectively, or avoiding blunders, this discussion provides a masterclass in practical chess improvement.

00:00 Dan Heisman: A Brief Introduction04:25 Common Misconceptions About Chess Improvement09:37 The Role of Knowledge vs. Skills in Chess16:22 How Blitz Chess Can Help (or Hurt!) Improvement21:23 Time Management27:12 Is There Luck in Chess?29:42 Ideal Thought Process37:11 Checklists44:00 Diagnosing Thought Process Mistakes with De Groot Exercises56:33 The Evolution of Chess Content for Beginners1:03:43 Dan's Career Highlights and Coaching Philosophy1:23:12 Visualization/Board Vision/Tactical Vision1:36:46 The Woodpecker Method1:46:50 Learning Chess Notation1:54:43 Creating a Chess Legacy

In this episode, we’re joined by Aiden Rayner, a chess coach and visualization expert, from Australia. Aiden discusses the critical role of visualization in chess, explaining how most resources overlook direct training in this skill and why he decided to design targeted exercises to fill this gap. Aiden’s innovative approach, blending structured cognitive training with practical exercises, has helped players of all levels, even influencing grandmasters to incorporate his techniques.We delve into the nuances of working memory and its limitations in chess, shedding light on how cognitive bottlenecks lead to blunders. He offers actionable advice on creating personalized checklists and forming habits that interrupt automatic, often flawed, intuitive responses during games. The discussion also explores how visualization doesn’t have to mean visualizing in the literal sense, emphasizing that players should lean into how their brain naturally processes chess information—be it through verbal narratives, spatial awareness, or other personal methods.The conversation takes a deeper dive into training methodologies, focusing on isolating and intensifying specific skills to enhance overall performance. Aiden shares practical exercises, including a blindfold chess drill designed to stretch cognitive capacity, and discusses the importance of prioritizing key patterns for improvement.

The synergy between cognitive science and chess improvement is highlighted throughout the episode, providing listeners with a treasure trove of insights and tools to elevate their game, whether they’re beginners or seasoned players.

00:00 Who Is Aiden Rayner?07:11 Visualization Training/Chess Improvement10:58 Conceptualization/Visualization12:18 Aphantasia20:53 Working Memory24:03 Freezing/Forgetting/Freewheeling29:10 Intuition33:24 Ghost Pieces37:38 Building Habits41:24 How to Best Learn Chess Patterns and Chunks49:05 Checklists53:08 Who is Your Daddy and What Does He Do?1:02:26 First and Second-Order Effects1:09:12 Ideal Training Intensity1:20:33 Blindfold Exercise

In this podcast episode, I talked to FM Dalton Perrine, an accomplished chess player, Chessable author, and coach from the United States. Dalton has five Chessable courses, with a sixth on the way. A former student of GM Sam Shankland, Dalton reflects on the process of creating high-quality instructional content. GM Shankland collaborates with Dalton on his courses by providing video coverage.

Beyond chess courses, Dalton provides insights into his current pursuit of the Woodpecker Method to sharpen tactical skills and shares anecdotal evidence of its potential benefits, including a recent 200-point blitz rating surge.

00:00 Introduction

In this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the cognitive science behind chess blunders with Professor Benjamin Balas from North Dakota State University. As an expert in visual cognition, Ben sheds light on how our visual system, with all its strengths and limitations, plays a crucial role in our chess performance.

We discuss how visual crowding and peripheral vision contribute to common mistakes, especially for newer players. Ben also explains practical strategies for enhancing blunder-checking skills and shares insights on his ongoing research, offering invaluable tips that all players can apply.

Together, we explore how checklist processes and deliberate board scanning can help mitigate these blind spots, making blunders less likely and visual processing more effective.

From practical advice on blunder-check processes to a discussion of the psychological and visual nuances that define expert play, this conversation is packed with insights that every chess player will find enlightening.

01:38 Prof. Benjamin Balas' Chess History

In this episode, I’m excited to host Dan Bock, also known as Bold Move by Dan on X. Dan’s journey is truly inspiring—he achieved a 400-point rating increase as an adult improver, documenting every step of his path to success in his popular blog, Chess Improvement Lab. In our conversation, we dig deep into his unique approach to learning, his use of flashcards for improving his game, and how structured thinking, deliberate practice, and checklist routines shaped his path to improvement.

00:00 Introduction

In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting National Master Robert Ramirez, a renowned Chessable author, YouTuber, and educator. We delve into various chess topics, starting with Robert’s unique journey in the chess world, from his humble beginnings to becoming a well-respected coach. We also discussed the advantages of system openings, such as the King’s Indian/Pirc Defense and the Reverse Stonewall. Robert shares his insights on why system openings can be particularly useful not only for busy adult learners but also for kids, cutting down on preparation time and allowing more focus on chess fundamentals.Our conversation shifted towards cognitive science, highlighting the role of chunking and pattern recognition in chess improvement. Robert shared his thoughts on how system openings foster familiarity with recurring structures, aiding long-term retention of key chess ideas. We explored the differences between teaching kids and adults. Robert emphasized that consistent practice, especially in tactical exercises and real games, is essential for meaningful progress, regardless of age.Lastly, we discussed Robert’s approach to teaching and the importance of productive failure in chess learning. He shared how he tracks his students' progress and uses setbacks as opportunities for growth. We wrapped up with a look into Robert’s upcoming projects, including a new Chessable course on strategy, and reflected on the rewarding aspects of coaching and teaching chess. Whether you're an adult improver, a competitive player, or simply passionate about chess, this conversation offers valuable insights into the learning process and the tools necessary for success.

00:00 Introduction02:58 System Openings06:18 Are They More Suitable for Adults?08:43 Balancing the Downsides of System Openings13:18 Prof. IM Fernand Gobet's Take on Openings14:58 Opening Traps and Human Psychology18:48 Are System Openings Easily Targeted?23:28 Middlegame Plans/Toolbox31:16 How to Create an Opening Course on System Openings35:30 Working With Adults and Kids44:07 Benefits of Learning Chess Later in Life47:02 Productive Failure48:12 Robert's Coaching Philosophy59:36 Future

In this episode, I talked to Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses.

Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential.

Along the way, Nick overcame plateaus by embracing visualization exercises that significantly boosted his performance. In our discussion, he explains how targeted visualization training can be a game-changer, especially for adult players who often struggle with seeing ahead on the board, and why this approach is key to building stronger chess habits.

Whether you're an adult chess improver or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of learning and practical strategies for breaking through barriers in your chess journey.

00:00 Intro

In this exciting episode, I sit down with Solveig Friberg, also known as Rookie Redhead, a rising chess star from Norway who started playing chess in 2022 and has already made impressive strides, reaching a FIDE rating of 1570!

But Solveig is more than just a chess enthusiast—she's a professional educator. She shares her unique insights into education and psychology, blending them with her chess journey.

Whether you're an adult improver, a chess learner, or a coach, this conversation will offer valuable lessons about learning chess, overcoming barriers, and enhancing your educational approach.Solveig shares her fascinating story of falling in love with chess after watching the World Chess Championship on Norwegian TV and realizing the game's incredible depth. From setting a New Year's resolution to learn chess to working with coaches, playing in tournaments, and crafting her popular Chessable course, "Breaking 1000," Solveig opens up about the dedication and mindset it takes to improve.

We also discuss the social side of chess learning, group dynamics, and how these pedagogical principles can boost anyone’s chess progress, especially for adult learners navigating rating anxiety and psychological barriers.

01:38 How Solveig Rediscovered the Game07:40 Chessable Course: Breaking 100013:57 Misconceptions Around Chess Improvement20:42 Productive Failure: Why Reflection and Feedback Are Crucial 27:52 Social Aspect of Chess Learning32:14 Advantages of Group Lessons38:54 Solveig's Upcoming Course on Cultivating Courage Over the Board47:28 What Makes Chess So Fascinating?52:00 How Chess Teaches Us About Ourselves