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.
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Ep. 94 NM Philemon
This week on Chess Journeys, I had the honor of talking to Philemon. He is the rare person that climbs from new player to master as an adult. Phil shared the secrets to his success: love the process, immersion (putting in the time), and well timed breaks. Phil provided several resources that he used to improve such as The Art of the Attack, My System, Silman, and Tal’s Life and Games. Philemon is certainly an inspiration to adult improvers everywhere, and I hope you enjoy the episode! 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/ 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. 93 Dan (1850 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dan. We focused on his comeback to chess in 2021. In about a year he gained almost 300 rating points! Better yet, his approach to improvement was fairly simple. Dan focuses mainly on analyzing his games, categorizing blunders, eliminating blunders, controlling time issues, and turning knowledge into skill. I hope you will find this episode as exciting as I have! 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/ 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. 92 NM Matt (Chessgoals)
This week on Chess Journeys, I had the pleasure of talking to Matt. We spoke briefly about his journey as a child and adult. Most of the interview was spent discussing his thoughts on adult improvement. His conclusions are motivated by data analysis. His most shocking assertion is that adult improvers should spend less time studying and more time playing! We also went over the advanced program from his improvement website Chessgoals. It was an insightful interview that has certainly made me rethink my own journey. Check out Chessgoals at https://courses.chessgoals.com/ 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/ 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. 91 Solveig (1260 FIDE)
This week on Chess Journeys, I had the pleasure of connecting with Solveig. She started chess just over a year ago, but has dove in head first. We talked about her first months in chess, tournaments, video recommendations, and the value of coaching. Solveig discussed her nervousness around going to tournaments and the intense emotions they cause. Be sure to check out Solveig’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@RookieRedhead Twitter Contact - https://twitter.com/RookieRedhead Solveigh’s coaches: WIM Sheila Barth Stanford: www.Sjakksheila.no IM Petter Haugli: listeners can contact Soveigh for his info. 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/ 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. 90 Graeme (1270 fide)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Graeme. He recently relocated to Brazil, and we discussed using chess as a key to fitting into a new community. Graeme also talked about his journey in chess as a Queen’s Gambit joiner. We discussed coaching, OTB tournaments, nearly quitting chess, goals, and book recommendations. Graeme recommended Silman’s Complete Endgame Course and 1001 Chess Exercises for Club Players. 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/ 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. 89 Iris (1500 Chesscom Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Iris. Iris picked up chess during the pandemic, and has fallen in love with the game. We spoke extensively about her first over the board tournament experiences, the value of coaching, and how she jumped from 1000 to 1500 in a short amount of time. Since Iris is a librarian, I made sure to get some book recommendations and she chose How to Beat Your Dad at Chess and the Steps program. 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/ 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. 88 IM Kostya Kavutskiy
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with IM Kostya Kavutskiy. We focused on three main topics: his chess improvement journey, endgame studies, and the Chess Dojo. It was refreshing to hear Kostya’s journey sounds so similar to other adult improvers that I’ve talked to. Wrestling with time and many holes to fill is such a challenge even for an IM. We talked a lot about the value of Endgame Studies and the contribution of his work Chess Studies 101. Be sure to check out Kostya’s amazing Chessable Course - Endgame Studies 101 https://www.chessable.com/endgame-studies-101/course/81472/ 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/ 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. 87 Sholom (USCF 1000)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Sholom. He’s a dedicated OTB chess player. We talked a lot about the joys of OTB chess. We also focused on how to keep one when your rating is improving much. Sholom shared some book recommendations such as SayChess’s Ratings Ladder books and the Polgar Mates book. We spent extra time talking about the ALTO events run by the Charlotte Chess Center. It’s an event I’m looking to attend as soon as possible. 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/ 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. 86 Cody (USCF 1830, Peak 2000)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Cody. We played together 20 years ago during my first run. I always knew him as a tactical player then and he still is today. When I knew Cody he was around 1700, but he was able to peak at over 2000! He provided a lot of tips about books, rating gain, and rating loss. Until his last tournament, he had lost 150 points in 6 months. He shared his response to the situation. We also discussed our performance and takeaways from the Western Class Championships. 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/ 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. 85 Kristan (2000 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kristin about her journey and rapid chess development. She started as an adult at the bottom of the online chess ladder. In 2 years, she was able to jump to 2000 Lichess! Kristin talked about her process which involves experimentation, opening work, tactics, and playing. We also talked about her experiences with 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/ My daughter and I made a new mug that might interest you: https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/listing/caffeine-time?product=1565 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. 84 Nick (1900 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nick. We talked about his rapid climb with the Steps method. But then also his lengthy plateau. We discussed topics such as focusing on basic tactics for success, finding one’s best learning method, and the value of coaching. Nick specifically recommended Step 2 Thinking Ahead as an important resource for working on visualization. He also recommended Hellsten’s pawn structure videos on Chesscom. 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/ 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. 83 Peter (1500 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I am joined by Peter. He’s an adult improver that picked up the game as a child and played in high school but put it aside for 20 years. After coming back to the game, he had a quick rise to 1300, and then a slower rise to 1500. However, since then, he has been stuck in a plateau, or possibly, a pit of despair. We talked a lot about his struggles with losing, learning to appreciate the game, the benefits of coaching, and what has worked for me. It was a fascinating dive into the mind of someone who has been able to find an alternative to raging after losses. 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 82 Aiden (1500)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Aiden. He’s an adult improver who has been able to create a business geared towards chess improvement. We talked about his journey as a chess player. Aiden talked about his initial struggles and then his rapid acceleration after focusing on visualization. The interview got quite personal as I discussed my own brain and aphantasia. I really appreciate Aiden’s approach of leaning into how your brain works to help your improvement. I think you will find it to be an enlightening episode! Be sure to check out Aiden’s free materials on: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/ 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. 81 Tanner (650 USCF - 1500 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, Tanner stopped by to talk about his journey and experiences at his first tournament. Tanner came back to chess more seriously with the Queen’s Gambit boom and just played in his first tournament. He played a lot of kids and got a rating of 623. We talked about his goals, process, and why Michigan is such a hotbed for chess. 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 80 FM Peter Giannatos
This week owner of the Charlotte Chess Center, Peter Giannatos stopped by Chess Journeys. We talked about his own journey, the ALTO tournaments, and how to improve as adults. Peter provided many helpful tips such as don’t do the same puzzle twice. He also gave some book recommendations. We also talked about a wide variety of topics such as how good at chess 1500 level players are and the importance of celebrating the reaching of goals. If you are interested in a beginner tactics book be sure to check out: Everyone’s First Chess Workbook 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.