A podcast dedicated to the journey of adult chess improvement. Each week a guest will join me to discuss what has worked for them, what hasn't worked as well, and the status of their journey.
Ep. 72 Joel (CFC 1530 - 1800 rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Joel about his chess experiences. Joel has been a chess book aficionado for much of his life. Joel talked about some unique approaches to chess learning. He uses history and stories to cement knowledge. Joel uses deep prep for online tournament opponents to solidify openings. Joel also has strong opinions on the importance of long games. Finally, Joel ended the show with a pile of book suggestions. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 71 Noah
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Noah. Noah and I discussed his chess journey, which includes a lot of OTB chess lately with the Texas Tech team. We discussed his method of improvement, which has been mostly tactics and videos. Noah also talked about the importance of coaching for his chess development. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 70 Zach (1800 rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, Zach from episode 22 makes his return. He talks extensively about his quick climb to 1800 and then devastating fall back to 1480! We talked about how he dealt with adversity and worked his way back to a new high of 1850. Zach recommended a number of resources such as Susan Polgar’s defensive book Learn Chess the Right Way, Book 3 and Survive and Thrive. It was a fascinating conversation, and I’m impressed that Zach didn’t walk away when at his peak adversity. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 69 Jay (1850 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I'm joined by Jay. He's a returning improver. Both Jay and I have seen rating gain in the last few months. We took the opportunity to celebrate our gains together and share our thoughts on what helped us break through. We both provided a bunch of thoughts on playing high stakes games, the value of coaching, and fixing our holes (raising floors). We also talked about what we are doing now to try to break through the next plateau. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 68 Martin Justesen (Say Chess) - 1800
This week on Chess Journeys, I had the pleasure of talking to Martin Justesen of the Say Chess enterprise. We covered a wide range of topics such as how he has time for so many amazing projects! We discussed his chess journey, including a lengthy plateau at 1600. We discussed his books and his newest enterprise, the Chess Training Accountability Group. Overall, a great chat with a founder of the Chess Punks community. https://saychess.substack.com/ https://chesstrainingaccountabilitygroup.substack.com/ Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 67 Maurits (1600 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Maurits. He talked about his improvement journey. We talked about his favorite resources such as Reassess Your Chess. We talked about how much time one should spend on openings. We also discussed his experiences with coaching and OTB play. Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 66 Tai - Chess By the Numbers (1550 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Tai, or as he is better known, Chess By the Numbers. We had a great conversation about his journey and improvement. The three primary topics were starting a chess club, finding training partners, and turning chess knowledge into skill. Tai’s journey is like many of us, struggling to find time and people to play with. But Tai did the unusual, he started his own chess club … twice! His story is an inspiring one in which he asserts that if you build it they will come. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 65 Ben Johnson - Perpetual Chess Podcast (2100 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with the legend himself Ben Johnson. Ben is the proprietor of the Perpetual Chess Podcast, How to Chess, and his new substack blog the Perpetual Chess Link-Fest https://benjohnson.substack.com/. The episode starts with a checkin on Ben’s improvement progress. It’s been an up and down journey for him during the last year. This week, we focused mostly on books. We went through each rating band and suggested books that have worked for us as trainers and improvers. Ben has reviewed many chess books and his expertise is boundless. We also answered a wide range of questions about chess books. I will make a page with all of the recommendations on the Patreon page for the podcast. It will be accessible by all. You can check out Ben’s exhaustive book list recommendation here: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/book-recommendations You can support Ben’s new blog here: https://benjohnson.substack.com/ Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 64 Marcus (1900 Lichess Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Marcus. He’s a dedicated adult improver that made the leap from 1200-1900 Lichess in a short time. We talked about what worked and did not work for him. We talked about his success with Puzzle Storm and how it helped him cement chess knowledge into skill. Marcus talked about his experiences with Chessable and how he uses it for openings prep. He also designed a website to help with opening prep and visualization, https://chessmadra.com/directory Marcus talked about what got him through each step of his journey including book recommendations and Chessable courses such as Think First, Move Later and Calculation: A Complete Guide for Tournament Players. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 63 Sam (1800 Chess dot com Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I was joined by Sam (@celestial_sam_). She has had a rapid rise from 800 to 1800 USCF. She credits much of her journey to regular OTB tournament play and working with coaches. She detailed her moments of triumph and disappointment in these tournaments. Sam has won events and had heartbreaking losses. I’m sure you will enjoy hearing about her journey. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 62 William (2000 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with William. Since 2019, he has gone from 1200 USCF to 2000! What a journey indeed. We talked about what worked for William on his journey. We delved deeply into topics such as videos, introspection, tournament play, calculation, and coaching. William has thought deeply about his own chess and does a great job clearly explaining his ideas about chess improvement. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 61 Rafael (2000 Rapid Chess dot com)
This week on Chess Journeys, I’m joined by Rafael. We had a wonderful conversation delving into each of Rafael’s ratings gains. He shared the secrets of his improvement at each level. He started with Youtube, worked on Chessable, and found a coach. I hope you enjoy the episode! Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 60 Raptor (1450 daily / 1275 Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Raptor. We talked extensively about his attempts at programming himself to be an effective chess learner. We spent quite a bit of time discussing Chessable and the Chess Dojo program. Raptor is quite interested in endgames, and we discussed why he spends so much time with them, as well as recommendations for methods of studying endgames. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 59 Craig (NM USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I talked to NM Craig Clawitter. He’s a full time chess teacher still trying to improve at chess. We discussed his journey from 1200 to 2000 in 3 years and the struggles it took to crack master. Craig provided many resources and tips from his own journey and from his role as a teacher. This was an especially fun episode for me because Craig and I were in the same chess group nearly 20 years ago when I was last serious about chess. We reminisced about our time improving together. You can catch Craig streaming at: https://www.twitch.tv/beerdedchessmaster If you want to take lessons with Craig you can signup here: https://nmcraigclawitter.weebly.com/book-a-lesson.html You can contact Craig at: https://linktr.ee/beerdedchessmaster Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
Ep. 58 Lindsey ( 677 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Lindsey. We focused on her return to chess through OTB tournaments. She has a unique relationship with the Las Vegas events. We discussed her love of playing OTB, and why it’s so much more meaningful than online for her. We also talked about her goal of becoming a tournament director so that her area can have chess tournaments. We also discussed a wide range of topics such as parenting, chess teaching, having a coach, and the value of openings. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.