Perpetual Chess features weekly conversations with the chess world's best players, trainers and accomplished amateurs about their careers, current projects, best practices and the latest in chess news. Learn more at PerpetualChessPod.com
EP 501: Leah Brown: How an Adult Improver Went From Beginner to 1600+ in Under 2 Years
The Adult Improver series returns to spotlight another guest who has benefited from chess and improved significantly at the game. Chess was recommended to Leah Brown as a healthier outlet for a mind that, in Leah’s words, tends to “torture itself.” Leah began playing tournaments less than two years ago and already has a peak rating of over 1600 USCF. In our conversation, Leah shares the training approach that has helped propel these gains, including:
A lot of OTB chess with comprehensive review
A heavy reliance on books, particularly those by IM Jeremy Silman
A painful adjustment to 1. e4 openings that will hopefully provide long-term benefits
Leah also highlights the importance of finding a friendly chess community in Massachusetts and shares the story of beating a GM in a simul. Tune in to hear the rest of this inspiring story.
0:00- Intro
Links Mentioned:
Spotify Adult Improver Playlist
Form to be considered as an adult improver guest
1:45 Meet Leah Brown
2:39 How chess became a healthy outlet
Mentioned: BIllerica Chess Club
https://billericachess.42web.io/?i=3
FM Sandro Safar
https://lichess.org/coach/Sandro970
The Real Paul Morphy by FM Charles Hertan
5:08 Finding a welcoming OTB chess community
7:11 Getting serious about improvement
10:28 Jeremy Silman and learning through chess books
15:28 What fueled Leah’s rapid rating gains?
20:42 Lessons learned the hard way and switching to 1. e4
31:38 Rating goals and the ambition to earn a title
35:34 Advice for adult improvers
37:09 The role chess plays in Leah’s life
40:31 Beating a GM in a six-hour simul game
Mentioned: GM Nadia Kosintseva
45:25 Closing Advice for Navigating the Chess Community
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