Ep. 64: Beating Higher-Rated Opponents: It's Easier Than You Think at the Club Level...
This episode offers some direct and pragmatic ideas for club players when facing a higher-rated opponent. Talking points include the following: Why chess generally hates the underdog Why there's ofte...
9 Apr 202327min
Ep. 63: The French Steiner Variation, 1. e4 e6 2. c4!? & More (Game Analysis #4)
This week's episode is a thematic analysis of an amateur game featuring the Steiner Variation of the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2. c4!?). Some other common French sidelines are discussed as well. Additio...
2 Apr 202334min
Ep. 62: How To Succeed At Club-Level Time Controls (G/90, G/75, etc.)
This episode covers so-called "club-level" time controls, such as G/90 and G/60. These usually include a time delay ranging from 5 - 30 seconds per move. Neal also shares his thoughts on speed chess a...
26 Mars 202341min
Ep. 61: Do Chess Training Programs Work?
This week's episode discusses study plans, training programs, and improvement as it relates to the amateur and club player. If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at inf...
19 Mars 202340min
Ep. 60: Review of "The Complete Book of Chess Strategy," the Best All-In-One Reference Book for Improvers
This episode is a review of The Complete Book of Chess Strategy (Amazon) by IM Jeremy Silman. This is an excellent all-in-one reference book for improvers and club players, covering all phases of the ...
12 Mars 202340min
Ep. 59: Why Is My Lower-Rated Opponent Playing So Well?
This episode explores the psychology of facing a lower-rated opponent who is playing really well. This is often highly frustrating for tournament players. Many times, however, it's more about your own...
5 Mars 202345min
Ep. 58: Gambit Openings, Students Cheating During Lessons, Bishop & Knight Mate, Sandbagging, Time Controls, Improvement & More feat. NM Nick Panico
This week I spoke with National Master Nick Panico. Nick is a fellow educator with a background in science and has also been active as a storm chaser. Nick shared his vast experience from the amateur ...
26 Feb 20231h 35min
Ep. 57 (S4 Premiere): GM Alex Lenderman on Adult Improvement, Chess Cheating & More
To kick off Season 4, Neal spoke with Grandmaster Alex Lenderman. Alex resides in Brooklyn, NY where he was a member of the famous chess team at Edward R. Murrrow HS that won multiple national high sc...
19 Feb 202358min
