The Chess Angle

This week we discuss endgame strategy for club players and some other stuff as well. Grinding out a win in an "even" endgame is a mixture of patience, stubbornness, and luck. A .pgn for the game we analyze is below. We reference the highly recommeded book The Survival Guide to Competitive Chess (Amazon) by GM John Emms, who was a previous guest on the pod (Episode #40). 1. Nf3 b6 2. g3 Bb7 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. c4 e6 5. O-O Be7 6. Nc3 O-O 7. d3 c5 8. e4 d6 9. Nd2 Nc6 10. f4 Qd7 11. g4 Nd4 12. g5 Ne8 13. Nf3 Nxf3+ 14. Bxf3 Nc7 15. Be3 d5 16. Bf2 dxc4 17. dxc4 Qxd1 18. Raxd1 Rad8 19. Kg2 f6 20. h4 fxg5 21. hxg5 Bc6 22. Rxd8 Rxd8 23. Rd1 Rxd1 24. Bxd1 Kf7 25. Be3 Bd6 26. Bf3 g6 27. e5 Bxf3+ 28. Kxf3 Be7 29. Bd2 Ne8 30. Kg4 Kg7 31. Ne4 Kh8 32. Be3 Ng7 33. Bf2 Nf5 34. b3 h5+ 35. gxh6 Nxh6+ 36. Kf3 Kg7 37. Ng5 Bxg5 38. fxg5 Nf5 39. Ke4 Kf7 40. Kd3 Ke7 41. Ke4 Kd7 42. a4 Kc6 43. Kd3 Kb7 44. Kc3 a5 45. Kd3 Ne7 46. Ke4 Nc6 47. Be3 Ne7 48. Bf2 Nc6 49. Kd3?? Nxe5+ 50. Ke4 Nf7 51. Bg3 Nxg5+ 52. Kf4 Nf7 0-1 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

A number of years ago, GM Andy Soltis claimed that once a chess player becomes serious about the game, there is an 8-year window during which he achieves 90% of his maximum chess potential. Anything beyond that time frame is just squeezing out the remaining 10%. NM Tim Mirabile returns to the podcast to discuss this theory and a bunch of other chess improvement topics. In this episode we reference this chess.com article and a post on Quora. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

The Jobava London (1. d4, 2. Nc3, 3. Bf4) is an opening system that is easy to learn, yet still has a lot of sting, especially against ...g6 set-ups by Black. It can easily throw off an opponent who's expecting to face a standard London formation. The theory and ideas are fairly simple, making it a great choice for those with limited study time. Much of the info in this episode is referenced from the book The Jobava London System (Amazon) by GM Simon Williams. You may also wish to check out our previous episode on the standard London System: Ep. 37: The London System for Club Players. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

This episode is a review of the chess.com course "Build Your Technique" by FM Thomas Wolski. This is a highly recommended training module for adult players looking to improve. We also share some chess club stories, dive into the Listener Mailbag, and react to a chess.com article about common online time controls. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

This week we discuss ratings and improvement for busy adults. You may wish to check out the Reddit post referenced in this episode. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

This episode is a thematic analysis of an amateur game with takeaways that are instruction rich. Topics covered: Referenced: Guide to a Successful Chess Club 1. f4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. e3 Nf6 4. b3 e6 5. Bb2 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O d6 8. c4 Nbd7 9. Nc3 c5 10. Qc2 Qc7 11. d4 cxd4 12. exd4 d5 13. Ne5 dxc4 14. bxc4 Rad8 15. Bd3 a6 16. Rae1 Qd6 17. Nb1 Qc7 18. f5? Nxe5! 19. dxe5 Bc5+ 20. Kh1 Ng4! 21.fxe6 Rxd3? 22. Qxd3 Nf2+ 23. Rxf2 Bxf2 24. exf7+ Rxf7 25. Rd1 Bxg2+?? 26. Kxg2 Qc6+ 27. Qd5 Qg6+ 28. Kh1 1-0 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

This episode is a response to FM Nate Solon's excellent blog posts I Don’t Like Chess Tournaments and What Would a Fun Chess Tournament Look Like? Neal reacts and shares his thoughts on weekend events including the following: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

In this conversation, Neal and return guest NM Andy Ansel dive into the world of correspondence chess, exploring its nuances, challenges, and Andy’s pursuit of the International Master (IM) norm. They discuss the differences between over-the-board and correspondence chess, the importance of openings, tips for those new to correspondence play, and the impact of technology on the game. Andy explains the dynamics of playing multiple games simultaneously and the strategies he employs to stay competitive. Additionally, he details his passion for archiving chess games, highlighting the significance of preserving historical games and the challenges involved. Referenced: International Correspondence Chess FederationEp. 88: Amateur Chess Legend Andy Ansel on his Massive 15,000+ Book CollectionI Don't Like Chess Tournaments 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

5-0 blitz games can be an excellent chess improvement tool when used properly and judiciously. In this episode, we offer tips, tricks, and best practices. Referenced: Ep. 122: Online Blitz Chess and Adult Improvement 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

This week we discuss whether highly structured study plans are practical for busy amateurs. Neal concludes by sharing his own plan (HINT: it’s not complicated). Referenced: Ep. 61: Do Chess Training Programs Work? Ep. 105 (S7 Premiere): Declutter Your Chess Study Plan Build Your Technique by FM Thomas Wolski 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

This week's pod is a dedicated Listener Mailbag episode. We challenge some of the pushback that's out there about IM Jeremy Silman's system of imbalances and discuss some other topics as well. Referenced: Ep. 83 (S6 Premiere): Mastering the Middlegame for Club Players: The Legacy of IM Jeremy SilmanEp. 84: Mastering the Middlegame, Part 2: Are There Flaws With Silman's Imbalances?The Amateur’s MindMastering Chess Imbalances Father/Daughter Chess Tournament Contact Info (Alex and Acacea): EmailInstagram 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

This week we dive into what separates winning amateur chess players from the rest - and what’s often just noise and distraction. We break down the skills, habits, and strategies that lead to consistent tournament success and explore common misconceptions that don’t actually impact performance as much as people think. Referenced: Ep. 65: Your First Chess Tournament - Tips & Tricks 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

You guys asked for more tournament stories, so this week Neal goes into full TD mode to discuss recent antics and shenanigans from the Long Island Chess Club. You can't make this stuff up! This is followed by an extended Listener Mailbag segment. Referenced: Ep. 45: The Truth About Chess Engines for Club PlayersEp. 95: How to Use a Chess Engine as a Developing Player 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

This week we discuss a chess improvement philosophy based on the book Black Box Thinking: Why Most People Never Learn from Their Mistakes--But Some Do (Amazon) by Matthew Syed. We also cover some additional topics from our Listener Mailbag. Chapters: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

This week, Neal discusses the infamous "hand hover" at OTB events and other topics related to chess improvement and tournament strategy. Chapters: Referenced: Practical Chess Exercises (Amazon) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. In this episode we discuss chess improvement and tournament strategies for players over 50 with some additional topics from our Listener Mailbag. Chapters: 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. First, Neal engages with listener feedback, discussing their chess improvement journeys and suggestions for future episodes. The conversation then transitions into an exploration of rook and pawn endings, emphasizing their complexity and the mental challenges players face. Neal also shares resources for improving endgame skills, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in chess. Chapters include: Books Referenced: Silman's Complete Endgame Course (Amazon)Pandolfini’s Endgame Course (Amazon) Chess.com Lessons Referenced: Pawn Endings: Beginner to ExpertRook and Other EndgamesBuild Your Technique 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee The Amazon links above are affiliate links. Qualifying purchases help support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. This week we discuss the importance of calculation, the choice between rapid and blitz games, and ten common hidden mistakes that players of all levels make. These mistakes range from erroneous pawn grabs to thoughtless bishop moves, providing valuable insights for beginners and reminders for experienced tournament players. Referenced: Ep. 99: How to Approach Chess Study as a Beginner or Advanced BeginnerEp. 111: How to Boost Your Chess Rating Using Draw Offers 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. Welcome to Season 9! This episode is a response to the Reddit post What is Your Personal Chess Hot Take? Neal discusses various topics, including the importance of analyzing both wins and losses, the debate surrounding the London System, and the significance of openings in chess strategy. He also shares hot takes about rating deflation, clock etiquette, speed chess, and the impact of psychology on the game. The conversation also touches on the challenges of online chess, particularly regarding cheating. 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. This episode is a pre-season bonus pod. Season 9 of the podcast begins on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Moving forward, all episodes will have a full video version on our YouTube Channel, so whether you prefer to watch or listen, we've got you covered. A big THANK YOU to Brian Karen who helped prepare this episode. Topics this week include: Playing against the CatalanThe ...Nh5 idea in the London SystemThe dangers of obsessing over winningThe "show me" methodology after a bad tournament 📧 If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: WebsiteTwitter (X)YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast)YouTube (LI Chess Club)Buy Me a Coffee