The Adult Improver Series returns this week, with a guest who has improved his chess rapidly. Jordan Groff is a 24 year old Connecticut-based chess instructor who was recommended as a guest to me by GM Eugene Perelshteyn. Jordan resumed chess in 2018 after some years away, and has gone from 1864 to more than 2260 in about the last few years. During  our interview, Jordan shares several ‘secrets” to his success. Aside from a lot of hard work and frequent competition, Jordan particularly credits a focus on the psychological aspects of OTB chess, and on opening preparation and tactics work. You can find out many more details in my interview with Jordan.  it is inspiring to see such fast progress! Timestamps of topics discussed can be found below. 

 0:00- Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. New courses include Introduction to Chess Calculation, and GM Ganguly’s Lifetime Repertoires: Sidelines and Flank Openings for Black 

 If you use the link below to sign up for a Chessable pro membership, it helps to support the pod! 

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:00- You can find all of the information you need about the Las Vegas Chess Festival and the National Open here. I hope to see you there!

https://www.vegaschessfestival.com/national-open/

0:01- What got Jordan back into chess  in 2018, after some years away? 

Mentioned: Ginger GM, Chess Network 

13:00- What is Jordan’s approach to the study of openings? 

Mentioned: GM Eugene Perelshteyn, FM Nate Solon

20:00- Has Jordan studied a lot of tactics? 

25:00- What made Jordan decide to “play up” and play in higher sections?

32:00- What is Jordan’s approach to studying endgames?  

37:00- What sort of stuff does Jordan do in his lessons with GM Eugene Perelshteyn? 

43:00- Was it challenging for Jordan to earn the National Master title? What are his next goals? 

Mentioned: Here is Jordan’s LiChess coaches page:

https://lichess.org/coach/jmwgroff

48:30- What is Jordan’s best advice for people who are stuck?

52:00- Jordan’s recommended chess resources:

Mentioned: How to Reassess Your Chess, Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, Under the Surface, Seven Deadly Chess Sins 

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