Best Long Island Chess Club Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 164: Why Is My 900-Rated Opponent Playing Like a Master? 43:03

Play Pause

7h ago43:03

43:03

So your opponent is rated "only" 900 or "only" 1200 but is playing extremely well. He's not hanging anything or falling victim to tactical traps and is also demonstrating a working knowledge of positional and strategic ideas. Welcome to modern tournament chess! This episode is a response to this Reddit post. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or to…

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Cryptids, chess & a slightly bigger than normal pen 45:27

17m ago45:27

45:27

A hefty update for the Leek Club fans as we approach the endgame! In this episode Chris harnesses the power of prayer for personal gain, Sunil tours a private library of mucky books and James gets nerdy about arcade games. We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester (UK) on 22nd November 2025! It’s going to be a heady mix of slander, …

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Ep. 163: Adult Chess Improvement & Content Creation From a Gen-Z Perspective feat. Anthony Arena 43:17

8d ago43:17

43:17

This week's episode features Anthony Arena, a 27-year-old data analyst, amateur player, content creator, and Long Island Chess Club regular. Our conversation focused on chess improvement in the digital era, tournament play, and more. Links for Anthony Arena: TikTok YouTube Instagram Chess Masters 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for…

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Sauces, sweets & tomato vapes 38:21

4d ago38:21

38:21

Chris recommends a brilliant syrup for follically challenged lads, Sunil raw-dogs the M1 and James isn’t worried about child slavery laws. The lads also celebrate the release of Sunil’s Hollywood film, The Toxic Avenger! If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfield Social …

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Ep. 162: Chess Burnout, Defending Against the London, Flagging Your Opponent & More (Listener Mailbag Exclusive) 57:56

15d ago57:56

57:56

Our summer hiatus is over and the pod is back! In this Listener Mailbag exclusive we dive into a number of chess improvement topics. 📧 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 Buy Me a CoffeeBy Long Island Chess Club

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Underpants, uniforms & a pack of dogs 35:49

7d ago35:49

35:49

The lads are reunited following a hectic summer! Chris attempts to seduce a new friend, Sunil takes us through his tabs and James is just a tube. There’s also a substantial update on the big PC front. Summary: we’re so back! If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfield Soc…

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Kids, ferries & the Toxic Avenger 41:57

14d ago41:57

41:57

Sunil and James get together without their leader. They talk to each other as if they’ve just met at a Pharmaceutical Industry conference. Meanwhile, Chris is unspooling somewhere between Ireland and Scotland. If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfield Social Club on 22n…

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Cows arses, cow arses & a cow's arse 44:20

21d ago44:20

44:20

Chris is still in Edinburgh so producer James wrote this blurb. Chris talks bovine buttocks, Sunil is deeper into golf and producer James is as handsome and witty as ever. With lovely hair. And a nice guy actually. Anyways - enjoy! Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester sh…

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Burratas, collisions & corrections 46:18

29d ago46:18

46:18

The lads are back from their holidays with much urgent business to discuss. James has moved to Digital Lenses, Sunil goes ringside and perhaps inevitably Chris is getting into steam punk. Also, we’re thrilled to announce that the Hunterian Museum opened after a refurbishment in 2023! Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural Con…

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Patreon peek | High Kulture 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

The lads are on their holidays! Here’s a little peek behind the paywall at an episode of High Kulture, our Patreon-only spin off where we discuss the films, games and books we’re consuming. You can sign up to the Patreon for a few quid a month and get access to literally hours of twoddle like this. Live shows: If you want to experience the full for…

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Machetes, cockteliers & puffin island 45:18

2M ago45:18

45:18

James experiments at home, Sunil ships in some outside help and Chris isn’t making a big deal about it. Chris also fondly remembers the time he went wild swimming with Sunil. Also, the lads agree, medically, that sugar is good and it is nice. Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Ma…

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

2M 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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Dad Club Summer Special 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

With Sunil away hunting for puffin meat, Chris and James get together to discuss the looming summer holidays. Together they compare notes on family holidays, new Superman film and James talks in an incredibly convincing Italian accent. Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Mancheste…

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

2M 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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Dues, wolves & Les Dennis 43:28

2M ago43:28

43:28

Chris and James go celeb spotting in central London, whilst Sunil hits upon a unique strategy to make all your problems go away. The lads also play another riveting game of 'Would You Consume the Shroom?' Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfield Social Club…

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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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Holidays, shushings & a terrible foam 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

Sunil finally snaps, James encourages responsible skulling and Chris evicts his new neighbours in the worst way possible. The lads also get a very cool message from an Argentinian farmer. If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets wi…

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

3M 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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Cameras, wasps & a selfish settee 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Sunil throws his toys out of the pram, Chris campaigns passionately on behalf of all artists and James finally gets his hands on the Nintendo Switch 2. The lads also try to improve their social media game with calamitous results. If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfiel…

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

3M 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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St Cans Day, flapjacks & manifestations 44:31

3M ago44:31

44:31

Chris uses his academic training to set a logic trap for a distracted James whilst Sunil talks us through an exciting new public holiday. You’ll be glad to know that Chris has risen from the flames, like Icarus! A mad, heatwave infused episode. You can watch Rural Concerns Live at Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are selling fast! Ho…

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Garden centres, electrolytes & dead bodies 49:00

3M ago49:00

49:00

Sunil has too much energy, James has literally zero sympathy and Chris has some kind advice for a friend who’s embarking on a new horticultural adventure. Don’t think it needs saying but if you are having a medical emergency please do not contact podcasters in the first instance. You can also watch Rural Concerns Live at Fairfield Social Club on 22…

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Misery metal, golf & Dirty Bertie 50:21

3M ago50:21

50:21

Sunil drives a hard bargain, Chris fondly remembers the blandest of foods and James runs a website for nocturnal thrillseekers. One of the team also crosses a serious red line. Chris is doing the last ever performance of his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show at The Stand in Newcastle this Saturday 14th June. Grab your tickets now! You can also …

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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

4M 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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Suits, snails & meatheads 46:36

4M ago46:36

46:36

The lads regroup following the greatest live podcast show since records began. Spirits are high, but sadly it doesn’t take long before it descends into finger pointing. James wants us to clarify that he doesn’t write the introductions, Sunil unleashes the full force of his networking prowess and Chris is just relieved that it wasn’t his fault. Also…

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

4M 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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Chickens, vandals & cities of the future 48:40

4M ago48:40

48:40

This live episode was recorded at the 2025 London Podcast Show! Chris desires justice, Sunil conducts Satan’s taste test and James anoints himself King of the Pizzas! Also, why can’t all tech be wireless? Thank you to everyone who attended this live show! Chris is performing his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show for the final time on 14th June …

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

4M 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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Deep cleans, compost & secret handshakes 45:30

4M ago45:30

45:30

The lads reveal a secret the Masons don't want you to know! James is doing his bi-annual clean, Chris eyes up a new hobby and Sunil has become romantically entangled with a robot. Also, can we just give a shout out to all the lovely ladies? Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show TONIGHT! You can watch Chris’ …

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

4M 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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Popes, town criers & horses 44:20

4M ago44:20

44:20

Post-Conclave, the lads celebrate the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. Chris wants to put pictures up in peoples’ houses without consent, James mistakenly believes he has taste and Sunil has never seen a horse working. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May (i.e. next Tuesday!) You can watch Chris’ Ed…

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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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Software, attics & transition lenses 49:30

5M ago49:30

49:30

The lads convene on the eve of their second live show. Chris has bitten off more than he can chew, Sunil must drive through the night and James wants you to know he's a ‘quite good at it person’. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May. We’re also playing Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd …

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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

5M 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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Pee, proxies & pannatones 40:08

5M ago40:08

40:08

Sunil learns he has a deadly look-alike, James reveals the trick to getting a heavily discounted Italian teacake and Chris reveals a dark secret about his leek trench. The lads also hit upon an ingenious marketing campaign, the only thing they’re missing is a duelling pistol… Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast…

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

5M 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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Cycling, side eye & dead dads 46:43

5M ago46:43

46:43

Chris is thrilled to have completed his first ever 10,000 kilometer race only to have the legs cut out from underneath him. Sunil can hold his breath for ages and James thinks he’s great for cycling all the time. Also, can we please stop having a go at the Victorians? Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on…

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

5M 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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Char siu, humidity & sartorial elegance 41:05

5M ago41:05

41:05

Chris is fresh from a dinner party, Sunil tries to engage with geo-politics and Producer James gears up for a VIP event. The lads also read a letter from the wife of a gamer turned first-time gardener. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab…

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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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Poop, dandelions & the Sun Room 40:01

6M ago40:01

40:01

Spring has come to Rural Concerns! Leek Club properly kicks off for Chris, whilst Producer James is besieged by a garden pest. Meanwhile, Sunil learns that a new bedroom brings new problems. Heavy is the crown and all that. Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab…

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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

6M 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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Dad-law, chips & cafe culture 38:03

6M ago38:03

38:03

Can we all agree that the concept of community is disappearing?! In this episode Chris is persecuted for his political beliefs, Sunil is harassed by a former housemate and Producer James is locked into a rant. If you haven’t listened before it’s just three lovely chaps dealing in van humour. Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield S…

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

6M 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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First Birthday Shenanigans! 1:03:15

6M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Grab a Radler and dive in as Chris, Sunil and Producer James look back over their first year of the pod! You can see the lads live in Manchester on 11th November for their last live show of 2025. Grab your tickets, here! Big thanks to Phil Ellis, Amy Gledhill, Mark Silcox, Nicola Redman, Alisdair Beckett-King, Helen Bauer, Farmer Buggerton, Poppy H…

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

6M 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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Archery, Neck Oil & Top Soil 44:24

6M ago44:24

44:24

Producer James visits a creche for 40 something men, Chris has finally done something for Leek Club and Sunil got to ride in a tow truck. The lads also consider what it takes to become a master archer. Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley (17th May) Grab your tickets, here! Got a Rural Concern?…

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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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Nintendos, trackers & slime 49:28

6M ago49:28

49:28

The lads ditch church for an emergency broadcast when Sunil's beloved Lexus is stolen! You can literally hear the testosterone flowing as he recounts this genuinely thrilling tale of vigilantism in action. Meanwhile, James’ wallet is about to take a big hit and Chris has stood in something viscous. Also, keep an eye on the sky if you’re knocking ab…

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

7M 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…