They study eight hours a day - you study between work meetings and bedtime. They’ve memorized the entire Najdorf - you’ve memorized your kids’ soccer schedule. In this episode, we talk about how to take on the true chess diehards with solid fundamentals, smart preparation, and the right mindset.

Referenced:

• Did chesscom recently make puzzles easier? Or did I just crack chess? (Reddit)
• New Puzzles Ratings, Difficulty Settings, And More Consistent Experience (chesscom article)

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Early release! This week we share some thoughts on chess improvement while "adulting."

Referenced:

• Ep. 25: Chess Club Stories (First segment: LICC origin story)
• Ep. 76: Decision Fatigue and Brain Fog at the Chessboard (Game Analysis #6) (Mailbag Segment: starting a chess club)
• Guide to a Successful Chess Club

📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.

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This week we discuss the dark side of weekend chess tournaments in the US.

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So your opponent is rated "only" 900 or "only" 1200 but is playing extremely well. He's not hanging anything or falling victim to tactical traps and is also demonstrating a working knowledge of positional and strategic ideas. Welcome to modern tournament chess! This episode is a response to this Reddit post.

📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.

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This week's episode features Anthony Arena, a 27-year-old data analyst, amateur player, content creator, and Long Island Chess Club regular. Our conversation focused on chess improvement in the digital era, tournament play, and more.

Links for Anthony Arena:

• TikTok
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Chess Masters

📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.

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Our summer hiatus is over and the pod is back! In this Listener Mailbag exclusive we dive into a number of chess improvement topics.

📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.

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The Chess Angle will be taking a break for the remainder of the summer. I realized I needed more time to recharge after Season 9, and this pause will allow me to refocus and come back stronger. Thanks for your support - see you in the fall! ♟️🎙️

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This week's show begins with some Listener Mailbag questions about opening choices. We then discuss the concept of "Old Man" Chess, which emphasizes a safe, ultra-solid, and risk-averse playing style that is often very effective at the club level. The conversation also explores the balance between tactical and positional play, the advantages and disadvantages of "Old Man" Chess, and insights from this Reddit post.

📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com.

🎯 Our Links:

• Website
• Twitter (X)
• YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)
• Buy Me a Coffee