Best Chess Tournament Podcasts (2025)

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Zane Reacts to Agonizing MLP Finals Loss 35:23

Play Pause

6h ago35:23

35:23

Fresh off the MLP Finals in New York City, this special Picklepod episode comes straight from a Starbucks parking lot. We break down everything you missed—from the chaos at Wrigley Field to the messy pickleball showcase with Carlos Alcaraz, and of course, the Cinderella run of the Columbus Sliders.Hear behind-the-scenes stories, player smack talk, …

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From Title Defense to Total Disaster: Sliders Upset the Reigning Champs 47:54

9d ago47:54

47:54

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Thomas Shields, Zane Navratil

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Chess, Strategy & Singles Gold: Inside Johnny G’s Breakthrough 1:17:43

15d ago1:17:43

1:17:43

17-year-old phenom John Lucian “Johnny G” Goins just shocked the pickleball world, winning his first PPA Tour singles title in Bristol. We dive deep into his rapid rise — from upsetting Ben Johns earlier this year to joining the elite list of teenagers to win on tour. Johnny shares: - How online school fuels his training schedule - The chess strate…

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MLP's Unofficial Season Awards w/ Nico the Lefty 1:15:07

22d ago1:15:07

1:15:07

This week on the PicklePod:Zane Navratil and T-Dog (Erik Tice) break down the final MLP regular season event in Salt Lake City, where the Utah Black Diamonds shocked the league, Christian Alshon was mysteriously benched, and the Orlando Squeeze might’ve been playing 4D chess. Grayson Golden delivered the ultimate one-match flex, and the Lifetime Ba…

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The LOUDEST Crowd in MLP History + $250K Singles Tourney Announced 1:08:59

29d ago1:08:59

1:08:59

The PicklePod is back with one of our most jam-packed episodes ever. 🏆 MLP Dallas shattered attendance records and delivered wall-to-wall chaos. The LA Mad Drops made their controversial debut… and immediately got swept. The Shock are rolling, Dreambreakers were electric, and Kate Fahey might be the most polarizing player in pro pickleball right no…

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SHOCKED: Ben Johns Trade Reactions and MLP's New #1 Team w/ Ross Chaifetz 55:17

1M ago55:17

55:17

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of Major League Pickleball with Ross Chaifetz, owner of the St. Louis Shock. We explore the intricacies of hosting a major event at the iconic Chaifetz Arena, the strategic moves in the pickleball ecosystem, and the recent trade buzz surrounding Ben Johns. Join us as we discuss the challenges and triu…

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Ep. 161: Resetting the Board (Back in the Fall) 1:02

1M ago1:02

1:02

The Chess Angle will be taking a break for the remainder of the summer. I realized I needed more time to recharge after Season 9, and this pause will allow me to refocus and come back stronger. Thanks for your support - see you in the fall! ♟️🎙️ 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]…

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Ep. 160: “Old Man” Chess: The Slow, Boring Way to Win More Games 38:05

1M ago38:05

38:05

This week's show begins with some Listener Mailbag questions about opening choices. We then discuss the concept of "Old Man" Chess, which emphasizes a safe, ultra-solid, and risk-averse playing style that is often very effective at the club level. The conversation also explores the balance between tactical and positional play, the advantages and di…

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Training a New Breed of Pickleball Players w/ Connor Garnett 1:35:52

1M ago1:35:52

1:35:52

The MLP Mid-Season Championship was not short on storylines. The Dallas Flash exerted their dominance on the league, we got another middle finger sighting on a pickleball court, and of course, player absences led to the first UPA contract termination.Connor Garnett joins the pod to share how he is teaching the world to twoey and Brian Levine weighs…

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What Pickleball is MISSING w/ Sir Nick Faldo 1:23:33

1M ago1:23:33

1:23:33

This week we're joined by a legend from the world of golf, Sir Nick Faldo. Faldo is a recent pickleball convert and is building a court at his Montana home.Faldo made news last year for using pickleball to roast LIV Golf's viewership numbers. We draw comparisons between golf and pickleball's different iterations of Tour Wars. Plus Erik Forsythe was…

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Ep. 159: Chess Opening Systems for White & More 39:51

2M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode, Neal shares his experience from a recent night at the LI Chess Club, discussing the challenges of tournament conditions and the nature of 'ugly wins.' The conversation transitions into listener questions, covering topics such as the value of attending chess clubs, the etiquette surrounding draw offers, and the effectiveness of coac…

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AUTOMATED LINE CALLS Are Coming to Pro Pickleball 1:43:38

2M ago1:43:38

1:43:38

This week on PicklePod, we break the news that fully automated line calling is coming to pro pickleball. No more arguments, no more missed calls — just cold, hard tech making the decisions. Finally! Andrea Koop joins the pod to talk about ESPN bringing SportsCenter to the Beer City Open. How did Grand Rapids land the spotlight, and what does this m…

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Ep. 158: Why Your Fancy Chess Study Plan and Four-Year Book Hierarchy Aren't Working 40:38

2M ago40:38

40:38

Many club-level players follow a highly structured study plan but have poor tournament results. We explore this phenomenon and offer some possible solutions. Referenced: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working (Amazon) Chess for Tigers (Amazon) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]…

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Ep. 157 (S10 Premiere): 1...e6 vs. EVERYTHING, Does Blitz Mess Up Your Thought Process?, & More 43:02

2M ago43:02

43:02

Welcome to Season 10! This week we discuss 1...e6, blitz chess, using the King in the endgame, and more. Referenced: Blitz is Screwing Up Your Thought Process Ep. 100: The Hippopotamus Defense and Other Chess Opening Systems for Black 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our L…

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It Will Always be an EYE FOR AN EYE in Pickleball 1:47:00

2M ago1:47:00

1:47:00

It's a full house on this week's PicklePod. We're joined by the breakout stars from the Orange County Cup, Rafa Lenhard, Yufei Long, and Jamie Wei. We cover their journey to the pro ranks and the controversial call that is testing Lenhard's resolve. Plus, there is big news in international pickleball as World Pickleball Federation Founder, Seymour …

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Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game 1:16:22

3M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

MLP Dayonta is being called the Event of the Year, at least according to Zane. We saw the first upset of a top-eight team and Ben Johns might be ready for the MLP stage.Erik Tice lays out his playoff predictions and indicates how MLP teams are skirting the rules to acquire new players.Plus, Nico the Lefty has made the leap from X all the way to the…

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Ep. 156 (S9 Finale): The THREE Things You Need to Know to Beat 1. d4, Common Beginner Mistakes, Spite Checks, and Stalemate Fantasies 39:35

3M ago39:35

39:35

This is the S9 Finale. S10 Premiere coming soon. In the meantime, check out the Long Island Chess Club YouTube Channel which has instructional videos for busy adult players. We're looking to get the channel fully off the ground and add more content on a consistent basis. Game Referenced: 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. c3 Be7 6. h3 O-O 7…

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Pickleball Heist Leaves Police Searching for $60,000 Machine 1:28:28

3M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Zane sits down with one of the most innovative founders in the sport of pickleball, The Picklr CEO Jorge Barragan. They cover The Picklr's expansion to Japan and why Picklr members 6X the national average of 5.0+ players. Jorge expands on the acquisition of legacy brand Vulcan and divulges why the Vulcan ball made the deal a perfect fit.Also, Erik …

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Ep. 155: Why Many Adults Give Up on Chess, and How You Can Be the Exception 37:45

3M ago37:45

37:45

In this episode, we dive into the hidden challenges adult players face when returning to chess after a long break, and the powerful mindset shifts that separate those who thrive from those who quit. Whether you’re battling self-doubt, time constraints, or rating plateaus, this episode offers real talk and practical strategies to help you stay motiv…

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Sideline Chirps, Ball Conspiracies, and a 27-25 Gold Medal Win w/ Armaan Bhatia 1:16:01

3M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Matty Pickles was completely in his element hosting Major League Pickleball's Austin event. From data visualizations all the way to the broadcast booth, Matty had the event on lock. We get the inside scoop on how the Texas Ranchers transformed the Pickle Ranch into a pickleball paradise. Armaan Bhatia picked up his first APP gold on the grand stage…

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Ep. 154: Wasted Prep? Why Your Opponent-Specific Prep Might Be Useless Below 2000 37:08

3M ago37:08

37:08

In this Listener Mailbag exclusive, we discuss whether prepping for specific opponents is worth it at the amateur level, and a bunch of other stuff too... 📧 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) …

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'No Name' Upsets the #1 Player on Both Pro Tours w/ Alex Crum 1:14:06

3M ago1:14:06

1:14:06

Alex Crum is having the type of week most pickleballers can only dream of. He just upset the #1 player on both pro tours. We caught up with him on-site at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center just before the APP NYC Open. Our guy Erik Tice stops by to recap the heated matches from the Atlanta Slam and discuss the dominance of ALW and AB vs the unpara…

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Ep. 153: There is NO Advantage to Having the White Pieces at the Amateur Level 39:50

3M ago39:50

39:50

This week is all about chess opening philosophy. We discuss a number of ideas about opening prep and argue that having the White pieces does not provide any meaningful advantage at the club level since most amateur games are littered with mistakes, thus negating any possible benefit of moving first. The basis of this episode is a response to the ex…

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USA Pickleball Strikes Back Against JOOLA Lawsuit 1:16:58

3M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

Despite ranking in the top 25 in men's singles, Grayson Goldin finds himself without a paddle contract and no guaranteed salary. For him, it's all about the results. After throwing down the gauntlet, Goldin won his second APP title and is on a mission to reach No.1. Follow Grayson's journey here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@GraysonGoldin⁩ Pickleball…

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Ep. 152: Grinding Out Endgame Wins at the Club Level (Game Analysis #14) 38:37

4M ago38:37

38:37

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 recommended book The Survival Guide to Competitive Chess (Amazon) by GM John Emms, who was a previous guest on…

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Quang Duong Lands Massive Paddle Contract 1:56:59

4M ago1:56:59

1:56:59

Quang Duong is helping to accelerate pickleball’s international growth. With guidance from his Dad/Coach, Duong is embracing his Vietnamese roots to launch a new signature paddle and apparel line. Fresh off a double gold victory at the US Open, Jack Munro stops by to show Zane his new hardware. One of those medals came in mixed doubles, where Zane'…

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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

4M 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…

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The heated exchange between Anna Leigh Waters & Hayden Patriquin 1:34:37

4M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

The MLP season is officially underway and we've got a lot to cover after an exciting opening weekend. Orlando Squeeze owner Ryan DeVos provides a behind-the-scenes look at the new standard for MLP events. Christian Alshon was the center of attention again as new serve rules were challenged throughout the weekend. Alshon weighs in on the switch from…

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

4M 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…

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Zane Uncovers Never Before Seen Serve Rules w/ Samin Odhwani 1:13:38

4M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Major League Pickleball Commissioner Samin Odhwani is the special guest on a new PicklePod. Commish previews the opening of the 2025 season, explains the updates behind expanded distribution and owner-hosted events. Next, Brooklyn Pickleball Team GM, Josh Gartman, breaks down the name swap between the Brooklyn and the DC team. Gartman recaps his of…

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

4M 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, …

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

5M 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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UPSETS AND SCANDALS: Legacy Park FRAUD, the Alleged Origins of Pickleball, and NC Open Recap 1:01:09

5M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields talk about the fraud allegations leveled against Legacy Park in Mesa, AZ, by the SEC and DOJ. Legacy Park was supposed to be a utopia for the sport-obsessed. It had hosted multiple APP Tour, PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball events. Thomas then shares information he found in a book that claims that the Pritchard …

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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

5M 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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Ep. 146: Better Tournaments, Better Chess: Creating Ideal Playing Conditions 36:38

5M 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 …

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A Gold Medal Podcast plus A New Replay System w/ Christian Alshon, Tyra Black, Parris Todd, and Jason Aspes 1:26:26

5M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields talk to Christian Alshon, Tyra Black, and Paris Todd about their most recent gold medal wins at the PPA Texas Open, Ben Johns’ calling out of yelling during matches, their goals for the coming year, and much more. Christian Alshon is one of the fastest-rising stars in the world of Pickleball. His gold medal win at t…

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

5M 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…

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Carrying Ben Johns to Gold and Addressing Rumors of Fraud w/ Zane Ford, Andrei Daescu and Pran Kohli 1:37:45

5M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

Zane Ford is quickly burning his way through the pro ranks. With his flashy style and unique accessories, he is catching attention (and some ricochets) from the competition. Andrei Daescu is one of the older players on the PPA Tour but he's had a resurgence unlike any other. After dominating on the APP Tour, he's moved to the PPA and won three stra…

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

6M 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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Hot Girl Summer w/ Travis Rettenmaier 1:22:19

6M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

The first paddle challenge of 2025 revealed some major flaws in the system. Travis Rettenmaier challenged three paddles at PPA Mesa and despite winning the challenge, received no retribution. JOOLA Chief Experience Officer Gordon Kaye weighs in on the situation and explains how the world of professional table tennis handles paddle testing different…

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

6M 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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Controversial Calls, Targeting Rule Suspension, and Disrespect w/ World's No.1 Federico Staksrud 1:07:08

6M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

The king is in the building. Pickleball's No. 1 ranked singles and doubles player Federico Staksrud joins the pod. We cover Fed's controversial semifinal loss to Hunter Johnson at the PPA Mesa Cup. Next we talk targeting and Fed explains how the rule was immediately suspended after the failed call on Hayden Patriquin. Finally, the guys question if …

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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 …

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How to Judge if a Player is a Cheater 2:41:33

6M ago2:41:33

2:41:33

It's a full house on the PicklePod this week as we hear from four special guests. First up is Erik Tice who breaks down the Max Freeman contract situation and the surprising results of the MLP keep/drop exchange. Then Zane goes off on how he judges if a player is a bad line caller or flat-out cheater. Next up, John Kew gives us the update on the Ro…

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

7M 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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"Can you stop body bagging Australians?" | Zane shocked by the state of pickleball in Australia 1:02:24

7M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Zane went down under to compete in the first-ever PPA Australia Open. While on-site he sat down with PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe, and Australian pickleballers Joey Wild, Roos Van Reek, and Brendan Lee. Listen to the leaders of the Australian pickleball movement explain how the game is rapidly growing in the country. Joey Wild explains how the tennis…

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

7M 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…

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Zane holds nothing back. Debating new pickleball policies with UPA exec. 1:08:35

7M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Samin Odhwani is the newly appointed Chief Strategy Officer at the United Pickleball Association. Heading into his first year in the role Samin and the team at UPA gave Major League Pickleball a major overhaul. Zane and Thomas run through the changes that include a switch from rally to side-out scoring, an addition of 2 players to each premier leve…

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

7M 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…