Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Ep. 287 Bonus Episode: Pacific Coast Open Recap

Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Show Notes

This week, I'm recapping the Pacific Coast Open. It took place in early August 2026. It was one of my few great tournament successes. Hopefully, you enjoy the positivity of this one.

Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin

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Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20

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My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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More from Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Oct 22, 2026

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with NM John Wright. He is the president of the San Gabriel Valley Chess Club. John talked about his 60 year history with chess. We discussed some of his first books, and how he learned chess long before the days of the internet. We talked about a wide range of topics such as kids in chess, streaks and slumps, teaching, and being a TD. John also discussed his journey to 2200. He reached 2150, but it took 7 more years to reach 2200! It was a great discussion covering many aspects of the chess journey.

Oct 15, 2026

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dash. We discussed his journey into chess. Dash has tried a lot of improvement techniques and most did not work for him. However, the Chessbrah opening video series worked. He has also spent a lot of time with Maia chess. We discussed why it is useful and how he uses it. Dash has even designed an app to use more of Maia’s features. We also chatted about his lack of time, which makes him unable to get in OTB games.

Oct 8, 2026

Ascend Chess Discount: https://ascendchess.com/offer/JOURNEYS?tier=candidate

Oct 1, 2026

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kyle. We talked about his improvement journey and love for chess. Kyle started pre pandemic with videos and joy. He continued playing looking at openings, endings, and not many puzzles. We talked about chess coaching and how it influences his chess. We talked about chess marriage and what having a chess partner brings to his chess. Finally, we talked about his positive attitude when winning or losing.

Sep 24, 2026

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Charlie. He gained 1000 rating points over the last 7 years!! We talked about the secret of his success. It primarily lies in playing chess. He’s also watched many Youtube videos both passively and actively. Now he’s wrestling with how to become more disciplined as he makes the next climb to 1800 and beyond.

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