Show Notes
Most adult chess players are not held back primarily by calculation or opening knowledge. They are held back by ego: the need to look smart, play "real chess," attack beautifully, avoid embarrassment, prove their strength, or force results. The paradox is that the less emotionally attached you are to proving something over the board, the better your decisions become. This episode adapts ideas from golf psychology about pressure, identity, unrealistic expectations, and emotional overinvestment into practical chess improvement concepts. Referenced: How I Made Golf Easier - and a Lot More Fun (WSJ article) Feel freely, but always acknowledge the loss (YouTube video) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a Coffee
More from The Chess Angle
In this first 5+0 Amateur Run, I play three blitz games and then review the key moments afterward. We'll look at the advantages, the drawbacks, and what changes when there's no increment to bail you out in time trouble. Errata: While recording, I accidentally forgot to analyze the third game because I was still used to the two-game format from the 5+3 Amateur Run. The omission was simply an oversight. 🎯 Our Links: YouTube Website X Buy Me a Coffee Email: [email protected]
Here, we look at an important London System question: when (and on which side) should you actually castle? For busy adult amateurs, the key is to avoid playing opening moves automatically and instead understand when castling improves your position, and when waiting can give you more flexibility. 🎯 Our Links: YouTube Website X Buy Me a Coffee Email: [email protected]
In this game, I use a practical Nimzo-Indian setup that avoids a lot of heavy main-line theory while still giving Black an active position. It's a great option for busy adult club players who want a sound opening without spending hours memorizing variations. 🎯 Our Links: YouTube Website X Buy Me a Coffee Email: [email protected]
This video features two 5+3 games with very different challenges. After a quick London System game, the second turns into a lesson in managing serious time pressure, with less than 30 seconds on my clock while my opponent still has more than three minutes. We'll look at practical ways busy adult amateurs can simplify decisions, manage the clock, and continue playing good chess when time is running out. 🎯 Our Links: YouTube Website X Buy Me a Coffee Email: [email protected]
The London System can become dangerous quickly if Black allows a comfortable kingside attack. In this video, we look at practical ways to defend accurately, create counterplay, and keep the position under control. 🎯 Our Links: YouTube Website X Buy Me a Coffee Email: [email protected]