Ep. 150: The Jobava London System: A Chess Opening for Busy Adults
The Chess Angle
The Jobava London (1. d4, 2. Nc3, 3. Bf4) is an opening system that is easy to learn, yet still has a lot of sting, especially against ...g6 set-ups by Black. It can easily throw off an opponent who's expecting to face a standard London formation. The theory and ideas are fairly simple, making it a great choice for those with limited study time. Much of the info in this episode is referenced from the book (Amazon) by GM Simon Williams. You may also wish to check out our previous episode on the standard London System: . 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a...
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Ep. 149: Build Your Technique, Build Your Rating: The Game-Changer You Need
The Chess Angle
This episode is a review of the chess.com course . This is a highly recommended training module for adult players looking to improve. We also share some chess club stories, dive into the Listener Mailbag, and react to a . 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 148: Can An Adult Beginner Reach 1600?
The Chess Angle
This week we discuss ratings and improvement for busy adults. You may wish to check out the referenced in this episode. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 147: Bird's Opening (1. f4), When to Sac a Piece (and when not to) at the Amateur Level, Material vs. Initiative & More (Game Analysis #13)
The Chess Angle
This episode is a thematic analysis of an amateur game with takeaways that are instruction rich. Topics covered: Bird's Opening (1. f4) Unnecessary defensive moves Sacrificing pieces Material vs. Initiative Calculation Central Control Referenced: Game analyzed (G/90;d10): 1. f4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. e3 Nf6 4. b3 e6 5. Bb2 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O d6 8. c4 Nbd7 9. Nc3 c5 10. Qc2 Qc7 11. d4 cxd4 12. exd4 d5 13. Ne5 dxc4 14. bxc4 Rad8 15. Bd3 a6 16. Rae1 Qd6 17. Nb1 Qc7 18. f5? Nxe5! 19. dxe5 Bc5+ 20. Kh1 Ng4! 21.fxe6 Rxd3? 22. Qxd3 Nf2+ 23. Rxf2 Bxf2 24. exf7+ Rxf7 25. Rd1 Bxg2+??...
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Ep. 146: Better Tournaments, Better Chess: Creating Ideal Playing Conditions
The Chess Angle
This episode is a response to FM Nate Solon's excellent blog posts and Neal reacts and shares his thoughts on weekend events including the following: The ideal time control & round times Delay vs. increment Club events vs. weekend tourneys Practical matters 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
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Ep. 145: Correspondence Chess Success feat. NM Andy Ansel
The Chess Angle
In this conversation, Neal and return guest NM Andy Ansel dive into the world of correspondence chess, exploring its nuances, challenges, and Andy’s pursuit of the International Master (IM) norm. They discuss the differences between over-the-board and correspondence chess, the importance of openings, tips for those new to correspondence play, and the impact of technology on the game. Andy explains the dynamics of playing multiple games simultaneously and the strategies he employs to stay competitive. Additionally, he details his passion for archiving chess games, highlighting the...
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Ep. 144: Speed Chess Secrets: How 5-0 Blitz Can Supercharge Your Skills
The Chess Angle
5-0 blitz games can be an excellent chess improvement tool when used properly and judiciously. In this episode, we offer tips, tricks, and best practices. 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. 143: Formal Chess Study Plans: Essential or Overhyped?
The Chess Angle
This week we discuss whether highly structured study plans are practical for busy amateurs. Neal concludes by sharing his own plan (HINT: it’s not complicated). 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. 142: The Tactics vs. Imbalances Debate
The Chess Angle
This week's pod is a dedicated Listener Mailbag episode. We challenge some of the pushback that's out there about IM Jeremy Silman's system of imbalances and discuss some other topics as well. Referenced: (Amazon) (YouTube) Father/Daughter Chess Tournament Contact Info (Alex and Acacea): 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links: The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
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Ep. 141: What Actually Wins Chess Tournaments (And What’s Just Noise)
The Chess Angle
This week we dive into what separates winning amateur chess players from the rest - and what’s often just noise and distraction. We break down the skills, habits, and strategies that lead to consistent tournament success and explore common misconceptions that don’t actually impact performance as much as people think. Referenced: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . 🎯 Our Links:
info_outlineThis week we discuss ratings and improvement for busy adults. You may wish to check out the Reddit post referenced in this episode.
📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected].
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