Ep. 138: "Hand Hovering" at Chess Tournaments, Why We Lose Games, & More
Release Date: 02/02/2025
Ep. 164: Why Is My 900-Rated Opponent Playing Like a Master?
The Chess Angle
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 . 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 163: Adult Chess Improvement & Content Creation From a Gen-Z Perspective feat. Anthony Arena
The Chess Angle
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: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 162: Chess Burnout, Defending Against the London, Flagging Your Opponent & More (Listener Mailbag Exclusive)
The Chess Angle
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 . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 161: Resetting the Board (Back in the Fall)
The Chess Angle
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! ♟️🎙️ 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 160: “Old Man” Chess: The Slow, Boring Way to Win More Games
The Chess Angle
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 . 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 159: Chess Opening Systems for White & More
The Chess Angle
In this episode, Neal shares his experience from a recent night at the LI Chess Club, discussing the challenges of tournament conditions and the nature of 'ugly wins.' The conversation transitions into listener questions, covering topics such as the value of attending chess clubs, the etiquette surrounding draw offers, and the effectiveness of coaching for improvement. Neal also discusses various opening systems for White, emphasizing the importance of having a set repertoire while being open to mixing strategies. The final segment is a commentary on the excellent article . This...
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Ep. 158: Why Your Fancy Chess Study Plan and Four-Year Book Hierarchy Aren't Working
The Chess Angle
Many club-level players follow a highly structured study plan but have poor tournament results. We explore this phenomenon and offer some possible solutions. Referenced: (Amazon) (Amazon) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links: The Amazon links above are affiliate links. Qualifying purchases help support this podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 157 (S10 Premiere): 1...e6 vs. EVERYTHING, Does Blitz Mess Up Your Thought Process?, & More
The Chess Angle
Welcome to Season 10! This week we discuss 1...e6, blitz chess, using the King in the endgame, and more. Referenced: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 156 (S9 Finale): The THREE Things You Need to Know to Beat 1. d4, Common Beginner Mistakes, Spite Checks, and Stalemate Fantasies
The Chess Angle
This is the S9 Finale. S10 Premiere coming soon. In the meantime, check out the which has instructional videos for busy adult players. We're looking to get the channel fully off the ground and add more content on a consistent basis. Game Referenced: 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. c3 Be7 6. h3 O-O 7. Bd3 Ne4 8. Bxe4 dxe4 9. Ne5 Nxe5 10. Bxe5 Bd6 11. Bxd6 Qxd6 12. O-O Rd8 13. Nd2 e5 14. Nxe4 Qe6 15. Qf3 b6 16. Ng5 Qg6 17. Qxa8 Qxg5 18. Qf3 Re8 19. dxe5 Rxe5 20. Rad1 h6 21. Rd2 Bf5 22. Qa8+ Kh7 23. f4 Qg3 24. fxe5 Qxe3+ 25. Rdf2 Bxh3 26. gxh3 Qg3+ 27. Qg2 Qxg2+ 28. Kxg2 c5 29....
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Ep. 155: Why Many Adults Give Up on Chess, and How You Can Be the Exception
The Chess Angle
In this episode, we dive into the hidden challenges adult players face when returning to chess after a long break, and the powerful mindset shifts that separate those who thrive from those who quit. Whether you’re battling self-doubt, time constraints, or rating plateaus, this episode offers real talk and practical strategies to help you stay motivated, set realistic goals, and rediscover the joy of the game. We also share the "driveway method" to help shake off a tough loss. This was referenced in this episode. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode,...
info_outlineThis week, Neal discusses the infamous "hand hover" at OTB events and other topics related to chess improvement and tournament strategy.
Chapters:
- Intro & Listener Mailbag
- Thoughts on Chess Coaching
- How to Handle Fatigue
- Taking Byes
- Dealing with Nerves and Composure
- Hand-Hovering at Tournaments
- Know Your Basic Mates!
- Consistency
- Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses
Referenced: Practical Chess Exercises (Amazon)
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected].
🎯 Our Links:
The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.