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!
A Guide to Your First OTB Tournament - Daniel Lona
008 Thinking about your first OTB classical tournament? Or perhaps you still want some guidance for your 2nd or 3rd event? This episode will help you successfully navigate an OTB chess tournament. While you may still have to face down an adorable 7-year-old in battle…It WILL reduce the number of surprises you encounter and help calm your nerves.Inside you’ll find: What to do before, during, and after the tournament to have a smooth experience.The 2 often-overlooked truths that determine which section you should compete in. 5 incredibly simple ways to be fully prepared for your next tournament.A powerful cure to placing too much pressure on yourself.--------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.--------->> FREE DOWNLOAD: A Guide to OTB Tournaments<< (This is the guide I created & referenced in this episode.)--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
The Importance of Your Thought Process in Chess – NM Dan Heisman
007 Are you studying chess like crazy but not improving? You may be missing a critical component to your potential chess improvement: A well-developed thought process.Sure, this topic may lack the allure of studying the Sicilian Dragon or becoming a tactical wizard who shreds your opponents in minutes.But as my guest, NM Dan Heisman, says, “Chess is a thinking game.”So, you must - at some point - focus on your thought process, or you’ll limit your development as a chess player. Dan is the ultimate coach for adult improvers and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on the show.He’s written over a dozen chess books, has a popular YouTube channel with over 200 videos, and is well-recognized in the chess world as one of the premier coaches for amateurs.Here, you’ll learn:The most common mistakes players under 1500 USCF make in their thought process - and how to fix them. 2 questions to almost always ask when it’s your move and you’re out of book.How do you choose among different candidate moves? --------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.---------Resources Referenced In This EpisodeBOOK: A Guide to Chess Improvement - Dan HeismanBOOK: The Improving Chess Thinker - Dan HeismanVIDEO: Thought Process Playlist - Dan HeismanVIDEO: Basic Material Playlist - Dan HeismanARTICLES: Dan Heisman’s Article Library on Chess.comMore Resources From Dan HeismanDan’s WebsiteDan’s YouTube ChannelDan Heisman TV on Chess.com--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Time Crunch: What Should You Study? with NM Laura Smith
006 One of the hardest parts of being an adult improver is making the most of your limited (and energy-drained?) free time for chess. To help me dive into this subject and reach a few solutions for this problem, I talk with NM Laura Smith, who brings a refreshing positive energy and enthusiasm to our discussion of chess.Born and raised in Queens, New York, she now lives in Brooklyn. Laura is an elementary school teacher who also coaches chess at both the scholastic and adult levels.Laura has also recently led the adult beginner classes for the US Chess Women program.A few ideas you'll find in this episode: Why you should do fewer puzzles online, not more.Do you really need to dive deep into endgames?A unique approach to delving into strategy.--------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.---------Want To Save Using the Steps Method? Go to Chess Steps and use her affiliate code, "LauraLovesChess" and get 10% offYou can also find Laura streaming live with her husband on their Twitch Channel.--------->>Join my official FREE Club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Chess in Film: The Executive Producer of Critical Thinking, Carla Berkowitz
005 In 2020, the chess world was gifted an extraordinary film. Yet not nearly enough of us saw it. The pandemic blunted its theater release. So, it never received the attention it deserved. That movie is Critical Thinking, starring John Leguizamo, who also directed the movie.The film is about the true story of a high school chess teacher who leads the first inner-city school to win a US National Chess Championship, and uses the game to teach them life lessons.In this episode, I chat with the film's creator and Executive Producer, Carla Berkowitz. We discuss:The amazing story of how it took 20 years for the film to get made.Behind-the-scenes of recreating realistic chess for a Hollywood film.The profound life lessons of chess.How chess serves as a refuge for those struggling in life.Will there be a "sequel" to this film?--------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.---------NOTE: There are no spoilers in the interview, so you can enjoy it without seeing the film. But you’ll get even more out of our discussion if you see it first. So, to that end...Rent or Watch the Film Here:AmazonHuluYouTubeStarz--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
How to Create An Effective Study Plan with IM Andras Toth
004 What makes chess improvement so difficult? Crafting a study plan you're confident will work has to be high on the list. In this episode, I dive into what makes a great study plan for any rating level with IM Andras Toth.Plus, he busts some harmful myths.Andras is a renowned coach to adults with a blunt, no-nonsense approach to teaching that's refreshing.He has a highly regarded YouTube channel, plus he's the author of many great courses on Chessable.In this episode, you'll learn:The real reason engine analysis is of limited help to your chess improvement (no matter what your amateur rating is.)Why it's so important to work with a coach if you want to see long-term progress. The vital importance of studying annotated games.A critical, overlooked component to studying tactics that's rarely considered in most people's study plans.--------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.---------Supplemental Content: "How to Master Calculation? What Difference Can a Coach Make?" - Andras recommends this video to further some of the ideas he talked about in this podcast episode, especially the difference of having a coach.Andras Toth's Content:Andras's YouTube ChannelAndra's Chessable CoursesTwitch Channel Resources in this EpisodeBOOK: Best Lessons of a Chess CoachBOOK: How to Beat Your Dad At ChessVIDEO: Andras's YouTube Amateur Mind Series--------->> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<< (PROMOTION)
Top 7 Lessons Learned After My 1-Year Return To Chess
002 In 2021, I made a HUGE return to chess after decades away. Yep, all inspired by that little Netflix series. But this was no ordinary return to chess. I spent roughly 3-4 hours a day, 7 days per week studying and playing chess. For an entire year.That’s at least 1100 hours.I’ve boiled it down to 26 minutes of my Top 7 Lessons.If you’re hoping to boost your rating, I'm confident these lessons will help you.--------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 the official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<<
Overcoming Psychological Barriers in Chess with IM Yuriy Krykun
003 Sure, chess is a game of logic. But it’s also a game of emotions - both on and off the board. Often, the negative emotions that join us on our chess journey can get the best of us.This episode is designed to help you reduce their harmful impact on your game and enjoyment of the experience. To help me, I’m joined by International Master and renowned chess coach, Yuriy Krykun.Yuriy has had a successful 10-year competitive career in elite chess, has coached over 100 students, is a contributor to Chess.com, and is a course creator on Chessable.In this episode, you’ll learn: The best perspective to take the emotional sting out of losing games.The cure for being addicted to playing, even when you know you should study more. How playing too much online chess can harm your nerves at OTB tournaments. The right attitude when facing higher-rated opponents. --------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 the official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<<
A Fresh Spin on Chess Podcasts
001 The newest chess podcast has arrived! And it’s a bit different than the others. The goal is to make improvement at chess for adults easier and simpler. Plus, I’ll inject some fun and humor into the experience.This is a down-to-earth approach to chess for amateurs and enthusiasts who want to improve.In this episode, I dive into why I created this show, what you can expect, and a little about me, your chess-obsessed host, Daniel Lona.--------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 the official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com<<