Best Board Game Blitz Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 234 - Wolfgang Warsch 26:31

23h ago26:31

26:31

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Signal and Lure. Then, we talk about the board game designer Wolfgang Warsch and the games he's made. 0:00-Intro 0:39-Recent Games - Signal 8:21-Lure 12:41-Wolfgang Warsch 25:31-Outro 26:26-Bloopers Join our discord Support us directly at https://ko-fi.com/boardgameblitz Or sh…

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Ep. 151: You Have 8 Years to Improve, Then It’s Game Over: A Discussion & Debate About Adult Chess Improvement feat. NM Tim Mirabile 47:39

2d ago47:39

47:39

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 ches…

1
Ep. 150: The Jobava London System: A Chess Opening for Busy Adults 40:28

5d ago40:28

40:28

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. Mu…

1
Ep. 149: Build Your Technique, Build Your Rating: The Game-Changer You Need 38:05

12d ago38:05

38:05

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, …

1
Episode 233 - The Cost of Board Games 24:07

15d ago24:07

24:07

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Top Tier and Bag of Chips. Then, we talk about how the US tariffs might affect the board game industry (especially for publishers and retailers in the US). Post from Ami Baio of Pink Tiger Games 0:00-Intro 0:38-Recent Games - Top Tier 5:57-Bag of Chips 12:35-US Tariffs 22:09-O…

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Ep. 148: Can An Adult Beginner Reach 1600? 38:35

21d ago38:35

38:35

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 [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast) YouTube (LI Chess Club) Buy Me a Coffee…

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Ep. 147: Bird's Opening (1. f4), When to Sac a Piece (and when not to) at the Amateur Level, Material vs. Initiative & More (Game Analysis #13) 40:03

1M ago40:03

40:03

This episode is a thematic analysis of an amateur game with takeaways that are instruction rich. Topics covered: Bird's Opening (1. f4) Unnecessary defensive moves Sacrificing pieces Material vs. Initiative Calculation Central Control Referenced: Guide to a Successful Chess Club Game analyzed (G/90;d10): 1. f4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. e3 Nf6 4. b3 e6 5. Bb…

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Episode 232 - What Did You Expect? 28:34

29d ago28:34

28:34

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Holiday Hijinks #8: The Easter Escapade, The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints, and Café. Then, we talk about expectations we and other gamers have when opening a new game box, how those expectations have changed over the years, and whether they are justified. 0:00-Intr…

1
Dereck Whittenburg discusses his role in the 1983 NCAA Championship game, how his missed shot led to N.C. State's ultimate victory, and who Coach Jim Valvono was really looking for after the game. 24:46

1M ago24:46

24:46

Sidney Lowe, Thurl Bailey, Dereck Whittenburg and Lorenzo Charles were all instrumental in that final game-winning shot for NC State. Hear Dereck describe the closing seconds of one of the most dramatic Finals in NCAA tournament history, won by the Woldpack 54-52.

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Ep. 146: Better Tournaments, Better Chess: Creating Ideal Playing Conditions 36:38

1M ago36:38

36:38

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: The ideal time control & round times Delay vs. increment Club events vs. weekend tourneys Practical matters 📧 If you have a …

1
Ep. 145: Correspondence Chess Success feat. NM Andy Ansel 46:04

1M ago46:04

46:04

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 t…

1
Episode 231 - The 2024 Blitzies 42:08

1M ago42:08

42:08

Ambie and Crystal host the 2024 Blitzies, the annual awards show about our favorite games of the year! Also make sure to check out Ambie’s top 10 list on YouTube. 0:00-Intro 0:34-DTW Recap 2:09-The 2024 Blitzies 03:45-Best Family Game 05:26-Best Kids' Game 07:41-Most Innovative Game 09:38-Most Unique Theme 11:04-Best Cooperative Game 12:52-Best Car…

1
Ep. 144: Speed Chess Secrets: How 5-0 Blitz Can Supercharge Your Skills 39:02

2M ago39:02

39:02

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 [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twit…

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Ep. 143: Formal Chess Study Plans: Essential or Overhyped? 43:21

2M ago43:21

43:21

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 to…

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Episode 230 - CONjecturing 29:44

2M ago29:44

29:44

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Slay the Spire: The Board Game and Flip 7. Then, we talk about our preparations (or lack thereof) for Dice Tower West and board game conventions in general. 0:00-Intro 0:42-Announcements 1:55-Recent Games - Slay the Spire: The Board Game 9:31-Flip 7 15:04-DTW and Conventions 2…

1
John Kincade Returns to Atlanta! 35:08

2M ago35:08

35:08

Actually, John is now a top rated morning drive-time host with his partner Andrew Salciunas on 97.5 The Fanatic in his home town of Philadelphia. John discusses the difference in markets between Philly and his former home Atlana, where he hosted the Buck and Kincade Show on 680 the Fan. He also talks about, what else, the Super Bowl success of the …

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Ep. 142: The Tactics vs. Imbalances Debate 41:32

2M ago41:32

41:32

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 Silman Ep. 84: Mastering the Middlegame, Part 2: Are The…

1
Ep. 141: What Actually Wins Chess Tournaments (And What’s Just Noise) 58:23

2M ago58:23

58:23

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 …

1
Episode 229 - Totally Mechanical! 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Time Division and Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West. Then, we talk about our favorite board game mechanics and why we like them. 0:00-Intro 0:38-Announcements 2:22-Recent Games - Time Division 6:55-Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West 12:52-Favorite Mechanics 25…

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Ep. 140: Chess Tournament Trickery & Shenanigans 59:34

3M ago59:34

59:34

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 Players Ep. 95: How to Use a Chess Engine as…

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CBS Sports college football expert Tony Barnhart recaps the 2024 season and looks ahead to 2025 28:07

3M ago28:07

28:07

College football season is over, but it's never too late to look back or too early to look ahead. And who better to do it than CBS college football expert Tony Barnhart. A UGA grad and former ESPN commentator, Tony sums up the past season and comments on the first 12-team playoff. He also looks at what's ahead for the Georgia Bulldogs, and comments…

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Ep. 139: The "Black Box" Method of Chess Improvement 27:02

3M ago27:02

27:02

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: Intro & Listener Mailbag Playing Unrated Games & Bots Online Facing the London System The "Black Bo…

1
Episode 228 - Simple Complexity 26:44

3M ago26:44

26:44

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Holiday Hijinks: The Groundhog Gambit and The Cupid Crisis, Dorfromantik: The Board Game, and Wandering Galaxy: A Crossroads Game. Then, we talk about how both simple and complex games can have value. 0:00-Intro 0:47-Announcements 2:23-Recent Games - Holiday Hijinks: The Groun…

1
Ep. 138: "Hand Hovering" at Chess Tournaments, Why We Lose Games, & More 32:28

3M ago32:28

32:28

This week, Neal discusses the infamous "hand hover" at OTB events and other topics related to chess improvement and tournament strategy. Chapters: Intro & Listener Mailbag Thoughts on Chess Coaching How to Handle Fatigue Taking Byes Dealing with Nerves and Composure Hand-Hovering at Tournaments Know Your Basic Mates! Consistency Identifying and Add…

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Ep. 137: Chess Improvement Over Age 50 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

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: Intro and Listener Mailbag Winning Won Positions Spectator Interference Online Chess Etiquette Chess Improvement Strategies for Players Over 50…

1
Episode 227 - Resolved Resolutions 27:10

3M ago27:10

27:10

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Bomb Busters and Gussy Gorillas. Then, we talk about the goals we made at the beginning of 2024 and whether or not we were able to complete them! Our Jubensha playthrough video and podcast episode 0:00-Intro 0:46-Recent Games - Bomb Busters 5:21-Gussy Gorillas 11:04-2024 Goals…

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Ep. 136: The Truth About Rook and Pawn Endings 32:58

4M ago32:58

32:58

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 resource…

1
A Sportscaster for All Seasons 42:30

4M ago42:30

42:30

Sam Crenshaw, one of Atlanta's most versatile broadcasters, comments on the college football playoff final, where college sports are headed, why he's excited about the Hawks and what he sees for the Braves and Falcons. Sam is the sports anchor for CW69 News at 10, weekend morning host for Sports Radio 92.9 the Game, broadcaster and producer for GPB…

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Ep. 135: Hidden Chess Mistakes No One's Talking About 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

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 exper…

1
Episode 226 - Games from 2000 26:45

4M ago26:45

26:45

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including My Puzzle Adventure: Dragon and Box Two. Then, we realize that the year 2000 was 25 years ago and we look back on games that were released back in the year 2000! 0:00-Intro 0:41-Recent Games - My Puzzle Adventure: Dragon 5:05-Box Two 25:14-Outro 26:18-Bloopers Join our discord…

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Ep. 134 (S9 Premiere): Is the London System for Lazy Players? and other Chess Hot Takes 41:39

4M ago41:39

41:39

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 s…

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Episode 225 - Mickey and Stinky 5:29

4M ago5:29

5:29

It's time for our annual bonus episode! Ambie is joined by Mickey and Stinky Flower Pot as they talk about a couple games they played recently, Disney: Mickey and the Beanstalk and First Orchard. You can watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube. 0:00-Intro 0:38-Recent Games - Disney: Mickey and the Beanstalk 3:56-First Orchard 4:33-Outro 5…

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Ep. 133 (Bonus Episode!): Stop Obsessing & Start Winning at Chess 18:20

5M ago18:20

18:20

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 t…

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Episode 224 - The Future of Gaming 31:43

5M ago31:43

31:43

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Adrift: A Puzzletale, Exit: The Game - Advent Calendar: The Missing Hollywood Star, and Stich für Stich. Then, we interview Sara Beth Way and talk to her about board gaming in the younger generation and the game she's designing! Find Sara Beth on her YouTube channel. 0:00-Intr…

1
Episode 223 - Thanksgaming 28:22

5M ago28:22

28:22

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including My First Adventure: The Odyssey of the Phobos, Unlock! Kids: Detective Stories, Holiday Hijinks: The Kringle Kaper and The Birthday Burglary, Endangered Rescue #1: Galápagos Penguins, Wilmot’s Warehouse, and The Search for UAPs. Then, we celebrate Thanskgiving by talking about…

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Episode 222 - Interview with Dave Bresnick - Mahjong! 30:04

6M ago30:04

30:04

Ambie and Crystal interview Dave Bresnick, the founder and president of the United States Professional Mahjong League, a US based Riichi Mahjong league in New York! Links mentioned: American Riichi Assosication, World Riichi Championship, Riichi Book I, @USPML (Instagram), @SparrowsNestStudio (Instagram) 0:00-Intro 0:37-Interview with Dave 27:57-Ou…

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Jay Paterno, son of legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno, nails it in his new book "BLITZED, The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era" 28:06

6M ago28:06

28:06

Using a fictionalzed approach to real world issues, Jay writes about college football's high stakes environment. He covers it all from NIL and the Transfer Portal, to corruption and campus politics. He brings his 17 years of coaching experience and his vast knowledge of the college sports landscape in this interview with Sports Across the Board.…

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Ep. 132 (S8 Finale): Chess Teaching, Part 2: Materials, Resources, & Essential Concepts 40:49

6M ago40:49

40:49

This episode is our Season 8 Finale! Neal will be taking an extended end-of-year break and will return with Season 9 in January 2025. This week, we continue our discussion on chess teaching with a focus on materials, resources, and essential concepts for developing players. Referenced Resources and Materials: Chess.com Chessable Practical Chess Exe…

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Episode 221 - Goody Gifts 29:32

6M ago29:32

29:32

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Stamp Swap, Typeset, and Sausage Sizzle. Then, we talk about some "goody gifts" - small games that can fit in a stocking, goody bag, or trick or treat bag! 0:00-Intro 0:55-Recent Games - Stamp Swap - watch the playthrough 1:36-Typeset 6:40-Sausage Sizzle! 15:18-Goody Gifts 27:…

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Ep. 131: Thoughts on Chess Teaching, Part 1: Philosophy & Structure 44:33

6M ago44:33

44:33

What are the qualities of a good chess coach? How can one become a chess teacher? How should lessons be organized and scheduled? This episode is Part One of Two about chess teaching from both the teacher and student point of view. This week we focus more on the former. We also cover the following topics: Annotating your own games Is there a "rating…

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Ep. 130: Online Chess Cheating 33:46

7M ago33:46

33:46

This week, we share our thoughts about online chess cheating. We believe it is rampant, while the online servers seem to downplay the amount of cheating taking place. We hypothesize that cheaters are using specific methods in an attempt to avoid detection, and we created nicknames for these players. We discuss the following cheating personalities a…

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Episode 220 - Interview with Jonathan Chaffer 32:18

7M ago32:18

32:18

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently from the Holiday Hijinks line - The Pumpkin Problem, The Turkey Trial, and The Groundhog Gambit. Then, we interview the designer of the Holiday Hijinks (new set currently on Kickstarter), Jonathan Chaffer and talk about how he designs escape room games in just 18 cards! Follow Jonathan o…

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Ep. 129: Seven Attacking Tips for Club-Level Chess Players 32:16

7M ago32:16

32:16

This week, Neal discusses attacking play for the amateur player. Arguably, club players should approach attacks differently than titled players. This episode is divided into three segments: Listener Mailbag (elderly advice, withdrawing from tourneys, improvement realities) Does US Chess appreciate its local tournament directors? (opinion piece) 7 a…

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Ep. 128: Boosting Your Chess Rating & Higher-Rated Opponents (Game Analysis #12) 49:46

7M ago49:46

49:46

Beating or drawing higher-rated opponents stems from winning the psychological game, since attempting to outplay them based solely on chess skill usually fails. We also discuss the following: Stop doing THIS and your rating will increase Opening choices Queenside castling: many forget to follow up with THIS move Why the Queen's Indian Defense is so…

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Episode 219 - Chit Chat 33:23

7M ago33:23

33:23

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Sync, Rabble, and Panda Spin. Then, we take an episode to just chat with each other about recent happenings in life. Topics include a board game retreat Crystal just went to, Ambie's game playing with her kids, and some non board game stuff. Check out our new skeleton meeple d…

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Ep. 127: Chess Study Plans & Formulas, the Club-Level Thought Process, Tournament Strategy & More feat. James Nidds 45:34

7M ago45:34

45:34

James Nidds is a 58-year-old amateur player and LI Chess Club regular rated 1808 (US Chess) at the time of this recording. He offers a great deal of advice and perspective on chess improvement as an adult. Talking points include the following & more: Beginners should focus on these THREE things The FOUR characteristics all good players possess How …

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Terence Moore is not only on top of the big stories in sports, he’s often ahead of the game. A columnist for Forbes.com and contributor to WSB-TV, Terence gives his thoughts on today's hot topics 34:12

7M ago34:12

34:12

Terence Moore is a columnist for Forbes.com and contributor to WSB-TV’s top rated Sports Zone Sunday, He is also the author of two books—The Real Hank Aaron, an Intimate Look at the Life And Legacy of the Home Run King and Red Brick Magic, the story of the coaching legacy of his alma mater, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He relays stories of Mia…

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Ep. 126: Should You Ever Withdraw From a Chess Tournament? 46:58

8M ago46:58

46:58

🎯 Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel! After much planning and preparation, you're excited to play in a 6-round weekend event, but find yourself 0-3 heading into round 4 and feeling frustrated and dejected. Should you finish out the tournament or withdraw? We take a look at this and more. Topics covered: Weekend vs. club events Why tournament c…

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Episode 218 - Chonky Games 27:51

8M ago27:51

27:51

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Wilmot's Warehouse and Expressions. Then, we do a shared list of our top 5 board games that don't fit in a standard KALLAX shelf from IKEA.Check out Ambie's August Recap video on YouTube to hear more about Wilmot's Warehouse and The Gang. 0:00-Intro 0:41-Recent Games - Wilmot’…

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Ep. 125: Are Adult Improvers "Good" at Chess? 50:58

8M ago50:58

50:58

🎯 Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel! What are the qualifications to be a "good" chess player? This week's episode is a reaction to the Reddit post When Can You Tell Someone You Are Good at Chess? We cover the following and more: Should you tell your opponent he forgot to press his clock? How to play against kids The dangers of "coffee house" …

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