Welcome to The Chess Angle!
The Chess Angle

The Chess Angle

The Chess Angle is the official podcast of the renowned Long Island Chess Club in NY. We discuss chess, tournament play, and improvement at the amateur and club level. Featured guests include titled players and dedicated amateurs. New episodes drop on Sundays. Thank you for listening and we hope you win your next game!

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Recent Episodes

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Ep. 146: Better Tournaments, Better Chess: Creating Ideal Playing Conditions
March 30, 2025

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

This episode is a response to FM Nate Solon's excellent blog posts and 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...
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Ep. 145: Correspondence Chess Success feat. NM Andy Ansel
March 23, 2025

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

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...
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Ep. 144: Speed Chess Secrets: How 5-0 Blitz Can Supercharge Your Skills
March 16, 2025

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

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: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail...
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Ep. 143: Formal Chess Study Plans: Essential or Overhyped?
March 9, 2025

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

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: 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future...
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Ep. 142: The Tactics vs. Imbalances Debate
March 2, 2025

Ep. 142: The Tactics vs. Imbalances Debate

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: (Amazon) (YouTube) Father/Daughter Chess...
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Ep. 141: What Actually Wins Chess Tournaments (And What’s Just Noise)
Feb. 23, 2025

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

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...
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Reviews

Great for club players and improvers!

"This podcast has quickly climbed the ranks for me and has become one of my favorite and must-listen shows that I listen to. I am a fairly new club player, and I’ve learned a ton from Neal, both in t…"

Tom_Casper | Jan. 21, 2023

Excellent Podcast - I feel like it has REALLY helped my game

"This is a great podcast for the chess enthusiast. I have been listening to it regularly and trying out the tips that are suggested. I feel like it has helped me step up my game. Thank you so much!…"

lasertswift | Sept. 4, 2022

Outstanding adult improvement podcast!!!

"I last played chess on my high school team and have recently returned after nearly a 40 year hiatus. Upon my return I was overwhelmed by the abundance of material that is “out there” and was really c…"

bg000001a | June 25, 2022

Might be the best chess podcast for amateurs

"This is probably my favorite chess podcast. The content and presentation are excellent - well organized, and lots on no-nonsense, practical advice. I like the mix of solo and interview episodes. We…"

BookClub28 | May 23, 2022
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