Chess improvement as an adult is harder than it should be. Plus, the journey can sometimes feel too stressful and serious. This show aims to fix that by 1) interviewing experts who can offer clarity on the best ways to improve; and 2) giving you a heap of fun with “chess entertainment” shows that discuss chess culture, events, movies, etc. Most episodes feature a guest, but sometimes I'll do a solo show on a topic. This is all brought to you by me, Daniel Lona. I’m a dedicated chess amateur and the owner of Adult Chess Academy. After listening to this podcast, I want you to have a clearer idea of how to improve, and have a more fun, dynamic chess experience. Please follow the show so you don’t miss an episode!
My Top 5 Chess Lessons of 2022 - Daniel Lona
049 After 800 hours of chess, you should learn some stuff. That’s roughly the amount of time I spent playing and studying the game in 2022. And, yes, for all that effort, there’s a nagging concern that I should be way better. But I did learn a few things along the way...In fact, 2022 marks my second full year of being a serious student of chess since my middle school days, when I first took the game seriously.Much of the year required an "aggravating patience" - is that a thing? - as my rating refused to climb for the first six months.Thankfully, I had two great coaches to guide my way, and eventually, I had some notable progress and rating gains.Plus, I always keep my eyes open for insights so that I can share them with my fellow chess community.Some are about the game itself, others about the overall journey. So, here are my Top 5 Chess Lessons of 2022! Enjoy!Want to share a comment about this episode with me?Tag me on Twitter or send me an email.
GM Ben Finegold - Streaming, Comedy, & Improvement Advice
048 Few Grandmasters are as entertaining as Ben Finegold. His blend of humor, truth-telling, and exceptional chess skill are rare in the streaming world.Ben hails from Detroit, Michigan. Raised in a chess family, he ultimately tied as the highest-rated American-born player in the US with a USCF rating of 2662.He now lives in Atlanta, where he streams regularly on Twitch with his wife, KarenThe channel has amassed over 124K followers, and his YouTube channel has 113K subscribers. Those numbers are well-deserved and I highly recommend checking out each of his channels.In this episode, we discuss:Why not being afraid of losing is critical for amateur players.What makes his Twitch channel stand out from other chess streamers?If you’re getting burned out on chess, what should you do?Would Ben do stand-up comedy?More From Ben:Twitch ChannelYouTube ChannelBen's Merch Store>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Holiday Update & Brief Message
This is a brief 3-minute "episode" to announce a brief holiday break and to encourage some reflection on your chess progress. As described, please let me what you've achieved this year in chess that you feel good about. You can do so by tagging me in a post on Twitter (@Lona_Chess), emailing me (scroll to the bottom for my address), or sending me a message here.Happy Holidays! And I'll talk to you soon!>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
An Adult Improver Tale of Chess, Goals, & Rock & Roll with Amy Shaw
047 Many chess players fall into a trap. They get too obsessed with chess and their progress. Stress and worry can replace joy and discovery. But not for this week’s guest. Fellow adult improver, Amy Shaw, has found a great balance between striving for consistent improvement and loving the game…And she’s done it without the sometimes unhealthy drive for rating gains that can plague chess players.In addition to working as an English professor by day and playing in a rock band by night…Amy has also become well-known in the chess adult improver circles on Twitter with 2K followers.In this episode, we discuss:If she could travel back 2 years, what would she tell herself at the start of her chess journey?Two major benefits she’s received from working with a coach.If she could pick anyone in the chess world to hang out with, who would it be?Why she no longer focuses on rating goals (and where she puts her energy instead.)More From Amy:Amy’s TwitterAmy’s Website for her band Dr. MartinoAmy’s band on Spotify>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Fighting Back From Losing Positions With NM Jeremy Kane
046 When you’re in bad position or down material, it’s easy to lose hope. We’ve all been there. But today’s guest, NM Jeremy Kane, explains how and why you should usually keep fighting.His book, The Next To Last Mistake, teaches folks specific strategies needed to hold a draw or even win in losing positions.Plus, we discuss his work building the vast library of fun, unique, and helpful chess lessons for Chess.com as their Curriculum Director.Finally, Jeremy shares his somewhat “relaxed” approach to consistent chess improvement.-------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------More From Jeremy:His Book: The Next To Last MistakeJeremy’s TwitterChess.com Lessons>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Overcoming "Chess Burnout" With Omar Mills
Ep 45 Have you ever put a ton of energy and work into chess…but your results failed to match your expectations? So, you became frustrated. Dejected. Maybe even disillusioned with the process.This is the potential downside that comes with a passion for chess:Burnout.That happened to my guest, Omar Mills.Omar is my inaugural adult improver guest (it’s about time I feature some fellow adult club players!) He has been serious about chess for the past two years, studying and playing for hours nearly every day.In this episode, we discuss:A healthier way to approach chess improvement beyond just chasing ratings and wins. When the magic of The Queen’s Gambit clashes with reality, what keeps you excited about the game?A “chess genie” tells Omar he can have any one chess wish he wants, what does he ask for? (Spoiler: he has two wishes.)-------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------Where to Find Omar:TwitterTwitchThe Morphy book referenced in the episode.>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
GM Irina Krush: The First & Only American Woman to Earn the GM Title
044 Few American women in chess are as inspiring as Irina Krush. That may be obvious from the title of this episode alone. But to listen to Irina tell her story in this interview…To hear her wisdom, strength, and charisma - you get the full measure of why she’s so inspiring to chess players worldwide.No surprise, though from the person who's been an unprecedented 8x US Women’s Champion.AND the only American woman to have earned the GM title.In this episode, we discuss:Her feelings on her nail-biting loss in the 2022 US Women’s Championship.Why she loves doing chess commentating.Her favorite top player that she has yet to play.Practical advice for overcoming a difficult tournament.-------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------More From Irina:GM Chess: Irina’s coaching business for scholastic players>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
The Romanian-American Powerhouse: WGM Sabina Foiser
043 Born in Romania. Daughter of two International Masters. The young chess star, WGM Sabina Foiser, moved to America as a young adult and conquered the women’s chess scene by winning the 2017 US Women’s Championship.In this episode, we discuss: What it’s like growing up in a chess family with high expectations for success.The emotional journey of preparing & competing for the 2017 US Women’s Championship while her mother became seriously ill.Improvement questions on pawn structures, the “right time” to trade queens, and creating an opening repertoire that excites you.The surprising career Sabina would’ve attempted if not for chess.--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------More from Sabina:Website (coaching)TwitterTwitch>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
A Passion For Chess Without Loving the Game w/ IM Elisabeth Paehtz
042 The #1 female player in Germany for many years: IM Elisabeth Paehtz.Even beyond her impressive accomplishments as a chess player, which include:Winning the 2018 European Women’s Championship in rapid chess.Representing Germany for the Women’s Chess Olympiad over 10 times.Elisabeth has some refreshing and pleasantly unexpected insights about the game. In this episode, we discuss:Why she never “loved chess” but still has a deep passion for the game.How being an adult has changed her playing style.Writing a book on her life as a female chess player.What caused her unexpected late-career rating climb. --------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------More From Elisabeth:Elisabeth’s TwitterElisabeth’s InstagramThe Paehtz Method (her course on iChess.net)>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
A Journey To Be The First US Black Woman Chess Master w/ Rochelle Ballantyne
041 You may know her as one of the featured students from the 2012 documentary, Brooklyn Castle. A superb film that covered a low-income, junior high school’s talented chess team. One of the main students the film explored was the inspiring story of Rochelle Ballantyne.Ten years after its release, Rochelle is now a 3rd-year law student at New York University.She also recently re-committed to her goal of becoming the first American Black woman to earn the NM title.In this episode, we cover:Reflections on the impact Brooklyn Castle has had on her life.Why Rochelle chose to put more effort and time into earning the NM title.Her insights on being a black woman in a predominantly male, white chess community.The shifting importance and meaning of chasing the NM title in her life.Where to Watch Brooklyn Castle:YouTube Link for Brooklyn CastleAmazon DVD of Brooklyn Castle--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Teaching Openings & The Perils of Engine Game Analysis w/ IM Christof Sielecki
040 Few people today are creating as many highly praised chess courses as IM Christof Sielecki. Since the start of this podcast, I’ve looked forward to one day having him as a guest on the show. Now he’s here!His story may resonate with other adult improvers...It wasn’t until age 13 that he began his chess journey in earnest. And it wasn’t until his late 30’s that he strived for his biggest achievement: earning his IM title.After discussing his chess life, in this episode we talk about: What inspired him to update his most popular course: Keep It Simple: 1.e4Why you need to be cautious when evaluating your games using the accuracy percentages.Balancing opening repertoires with best move lines and those you’d see at the club level.How should you approach a game with a balanced position and no clear advantage for either side?--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------More From Christof:Christof’s Chessable CoursesTwitterYouTube ChannelWebsite>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
How Emotions Can Cost You a Game with Daniel Lona
039 Another chess journey update from your favorite podcast host! Every few months, I serve up a solo show that offers my latest insights and struggles, all from my hard-working path toward improvement. But this isn’t just an audio “chess diary.”I try to bring everything back to lessons we can all use and learn from. Hope you enjoy!In this episode:Why emotions caused an avoidable & heartbreaking loss in my recent OTB tournament.Does a recent 200-point blitz rating increase suggest my chess will soon improve in other areas?The four biggest contributors to my chess improvement over the past 18 months.How OTB tournaments are fueling my fire to become a better chess player.Resources Referenced:Episode 2: Top 7 Lessons Learned After My 1-Year Return To ChessEpisode 7: The Importance of Your Thought Process In Chess (with Dan Heisman)Dan Heisman’s YT Video: Intermediate Time Controls Can Hinder ImprovementPeter Giannotos: Everyone’s First Chess Workbook (Tactics book)John Bain: Chess Tactics for Students--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Life Lessons From Chess & The Talent Myth With WIM Yuanling Yuan
038 Yuanling wowed me. Of course, her accomplishments as a chess player are mighty: She’s been the #1 female Canadian player and the youngest Canadian female to earn the WIM title.And, as you’ll hear, Yuanling has a great ability to find meaningful connections between chess and life - a topic we discuss at length in this episode.If that weren’t enough, she has a compassionate heart.In 2009, she launched the non-profit Chess in Library program that offers chess instruction to underprivileged people in Toronto.While Yuanling has since built a separate career from chess, having attended Yale University and become a successful investment analyst…She’s still deeply connected to her lifelong passion for chess and is a great ambassador for the game, as well as an advocate for women and girls in chess.Also in this episode:Redefining the meaning of “losing” in chess and life.The myth of talent for becoming a chess master.A helpful approach anyone can use to encourage more girls to get involved in chess.More From Yuanling:WebsiteTwitter>> Download my latest, FREE audio content: 7 Quick Tips for Rock-Solid Chess Improvement (From Guests of The Chess Experience)--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
How Blitz Can Help, Time Management, & Trash-Talking w/ IM Greg Shahade
037 IM Greg Shahade always brings a good time.His charisma and relaxed humor make for a dynamic, fun conversation in every interview he gives.And this one is no different!We cover a range of topics, including the difference between improving at chess versus trivia (it helps explain why chess is so difficult!), his spontaneous approach to life, and:Why blitz can improve your chess if you follow his two suggestionsTime management advice for those who play too slow (and too fast!)Will he ever do chess boxing?Classic trash-talking segment against his recent rival, IM Lawrence Trent--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------Greg's Video on Avoiding Blitz TiltFollow Greg on Twitter--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Surprising Stories & Insights of a Joyful Chess Commentator w/ WGM Jovanka Houska
036 Jovanka Houska is a bright star. Anyone who’s watched her live can see she imbues her top-notch commentating at Chess24 with a joy for the game. Plus, she helps us club players more easily understand top-level play.Jovanka is, of course, not only a star in the chess commentating world…She’s also conquered the competitive scene as an eight-time British Women’s Chess Champion.And her competitive spirit still burns. She regularly attends tournaments and works to raise her rating to previous heights.In this episode, we discuss:Thoughts on her fellow co-commentators: David Howell, Simon Williams, & Kaja Snare.How she simplifies chess for an amateur audienceWhat she needs to do bring her rating back up--------Want to join my exclusive community for adult chess improvers?Chess Improver Monthly offers:Group coaching & game review from titled players to help your chess.Submit guest questions & private episode discussions for The Chess Experience Podcast.Live video chats w/ me & fellow adult improvers to have fun & stay motivated.Much more!Check out all the membership benefits here.---------More From Jovanka:TwitterBooks--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)