This week's episode is our Season 4 Finale. SEASON 5 COMING SOON! This is an updated version of the very first episode of this podcast, "Chess Openings and the Club Player." We cover:The main goal of the opening System and thematic openingsIs there an advantage to having the white pieces?Should you play complicated, theoretical openings?The importance of a consistent opening repertoireNeal's personal opening choicesReferenced:The London System in 12 Practical LessonsWin With the London System Play the London System Starting Out: The French Starting Out: The Nimzo-Indian Starting Out: The Queen’s Indian Master the Hedgehog Structure (article)If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected] links:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeFacebookE-mail: [email protected] Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

We cover:Touch moveTrapped piecesDoes playing through Master games really help?Is a knight on the rim always dim?Should you move the same piece twice?Speculative vs. combinational sacrifices"Shuffling" movesInitiative vs. developmentReferenced:Winning Chess Tactics (Amazon)Introduction to Tactics (chess.com)Step Up In Tactics (chess.com)Game Analyzed:1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 Bf5 4. c4 c6 5. Qb3 Qb6 6. c5 Qxb3 7. axb3 Nbd7 8. Nc3 e6 9. h3 Be7 10. b4 O-O 11. Be2 b5 12. Nf3 a6 13. O-O Ra7 14. Ra2 Rfa8 15. Rfa1 h6 16. Ne5 Nxe5 17. Bxe5 Nd7 18. Bg3 Bd8 19. Bd6 Nf6 20. Ra3 Ne4 21. Nxe4 Bxe4 22. Kf1 a5 23. bxa5 Rxa5 24. Rxa5 Rxa5 25. Rxa5 Bxa5 26. f3 Bc2 27. Kf2 Bd2 28. Bf1 Ba4 29. Bc7 Kf8 30. Ke2 Bb4 31. Kf2 Ke8 32. Bd3 Kd7 33. Bb6 g6 34. Ke2 Kc8 35. g4 f5 36. h4 h5 37. gxh5 gxh5 38. e4 Kd7 39. exf5 exf5 40. Bxf5+ Ke7 41. Bg6 Bb3 42. Bxh5 Bc4+ 43. Kf2 Bd2 44. Bg6 Bc1 45. Bc7 Bxb2 46. Be5 Bc1 47. f4 b4 48. h5 1-0If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected] links:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeFacebookE-mail: [email protected] Amazon and Chess.com links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

National Master Nick Panico returns to the podcast for our first "coffee talk" episode. These episodes will feature a guest and include the full conversation, including the pre/post interview segments that are typically off-air.  Essentially, we'll press "record," let it run, and publish the whole thing. We covered a variety of topics for amateur players of all levels. If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected] links:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeFacebookE-mail: [email protected]

Neal plays a round of Puzzle Rush during the episode!For most of us, "life happens," and lengthy chess study sessions are not possible on a consistent basis. Neal recently created a simple, condensed study routine that can be used intermittently when life gets busy. This allows your chess abilities to stay sharp during those times. The basic idea is a daily study plan of about 15-30 minutes (as your schedule allows) consisting of one 5-minute Puzzle Rush, followed by one other short segment of chess study (e.g., book, online course, reviewing your games, etc.). Referenced:Chess.com: Puzzle RushArticle: Are You Addicted to Puzzle Rush?If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected] links:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeFacebookE-mail: [email protected]

For this interview episode, Neal spoke with National Master Anthony Levin, a NY based chess player and the News Manager for chess.com. Anthony shared his insights on adult improvement and his own personal journey. Talking points include the following:Puzzle Rush vs. speed chessThe mythical "phase out" of classical chessAnthony's role as News Manager for chess.comChess improvement tipsEndgame realities for amateur playersReferenced:Shereshevsky's Endgame StrategySmyslov's Endgame VirtuosoRecognizing Your Opponent's ResourcesPerfect Your ChessSilman's Complete Endgame CoursePandolfini's Endgame Course Article: NM Juan SenaArticle: Is Classical Chess Being Phased Out?Links for NM Anthony Levin:Chess.comTwitterIf you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected] Some of the Amazon links above are affiliate links, which earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.Our links:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeFacebookE-mail: [email protected]