Episodes
Ep. 61: Do Chess Training Programs Work?
This week's episode discusses study plans, training programs, and improvement as it relates to the amateur and club player. If you have a question or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at . Our links: E-mail: The Chess …
Ep. 60: Review of "The Complete Book of Chess Strategy," the Best All…
This episode is a review of (Amazon) by IM Jeremy Silman. This is an excellent all-in-one reference book for improvers and club players, covering all phases of the game as well as practical matters (blunders, time pressure, chess psychology,...
Ep. 59: Why Is My Lower-Rated Opponent Playing So Well?
This episode explores the psychology of facing a lower-rated opponent who is playing really well. This is often highly frustrating for tournament players. Many times, however, it's more about your own mindset than your opponent's abilities....
Ep. 58: Gambit Openings, Students Cheating During Lessons, Bishop & K…
This week I spoke with National Master Nick Panico. Nick is a fellow educator with a background in science and has also been active as a storm chaser. Nick shared his vast experience from the amateur chess scene and our …
Ep. 57 (S4 Premiere): GM Alex Lenderman on Adult Improvement, Chess C…
To kick off Season 4, Neal spoke with Grandmaster Alex Lenderman. Alex resides in Brooklyn, NY where he was a member of the famous chess team at Edward R. Murrrow HS that won multiple national high school titles. This was …
Ep. 56 (S3 Finale): Active Pieces feat. NY Chess Legend IM Jay Bonin,…
The Chess Angle is sponsored by This week's episode is our Season 3 Finale and features International Master Jay Bonin, a legend of the New York chess scene. He is one of the most active tournament players ever, having amassed …
Ep. 55: WFM Maaike Keetman on the Nimzo-Indian, Grinding Out Wins, At…
The Chess Angle is sponsored by This week's episode features WFM Maaike Keetman. We covered a number of important topics for adult improvers and amateur players. Maaike is the VP of Content for Chessable and is active with the ChessQueens …
Ep. 54: Avoid This Common Pawn Blunder & Other Practical Tournament T…
The Chess Angle is sponsored by This episode offers some practical advice and insight for improvers and emerging tournament players. Some of the talking points include: How many games a year do you need to play to increase your OTB …
Ep. 53: NM Robert Guevara on Why He Declines All Draw Offers
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Offering or accepting a draw is often a critical decision in a chess game and is the subject of much discussion and debate. Our guest this week, National Master Robert Guevara, is a tenacious …
Ep. 52: Chess Improvement and Academia feat. Stephen Wefer, Ph.D.
The Chess Angle is sponsored by This episode is dedicated to all of the school teachers out there. Our guest this week, Dr. Stephen Wefer, is an adult improver (USCF 1691), HS science teacher, and Long Island Chess Club regular. …
Ep. 51: Non-Resigners, Faulty Queen Trades, the Jobava London, & More
The Chess Angle is sponsored by In this solo episode, Neal shares some thoughts on a number of topics related to tournament chess. Talking points include: Non-resigning in overwhelmingly worse positions with no time-pressure issues Queen trade...
Ep. 50: Becoming a Chess Master feat. NM Nick Figorito
Nick Figorito is a member of the Long Island Chess Club who recently earned the title of National Master (USCF 2200). In this episode, Nick shares his journey to Master, busts some common chess improvement myths, and offers some additional …
Ep. 49: Chess Openings Masterclass feat. FM Carsten Hansen
The Chess Angle is sponsored by Fide Master Carsten Hansen is a prolific writer who has authored an astounding 46 chess books and is a #1 best selling author on Amazon. Recently published books include and , co-authored with Cyrus …
Ep. 48: The Nimzo & Queen's Indian Defenses: A Complete System Agains…
This episode is a primer on the Nimzo & Queen's Indian Defenses for adult improvers and club-level players. These two openings can be used as a complete system against 1. d4. Fighting for control of the e4-square is a major …
Ep. 47: The Chess Cheating Crisis: Implications for the Amateur Playe…
Candidate Master and renowned chess educator Brian Karen returns to the podcast to discuss the chess cheating crisis as it relates to the amateur player, among other topics. Some of our talking points include: How the prevalence of chess cheating …
Ep. 46: The Dangers of Playing Too Literally
Neal discusses the dangers of playing chess too literally or "inside the box." Sometimes deviating from conventional chess principles is a smart play. ♟This podcast is sponsored by ♟ Our links: E-mail: info@thechessangle.com
Ep. 45: The Truth About Chess Engines for Club Players
Analyzing your tournament games with a computer program such as Fritz or Stockfish is perhaps the most important component of any improvement plan. However, using a chess engine can sometimes be confusing at the amateur level. In this episode, we...
Ep. 44: "Waiting" Moves, Chess Podcasts, & Other Musings
💻Be sure to 💻 We have preview clips for select episodes and are gradually adding content. Please join our community! This season's first solo episode is divided into two main segments with some additional subtopics thrown in. First, Neal argues...
Ep. 43: Are Electronic Notation Devices Legit? feat. Joey Troy, Creat…
💻Be sure to 💻 We have preview clips for select episodes and are gradually adding content. Please join our community! ♟This podcast is sponsored by ♟ Electronic Notation Devices (ENDs) offer a convenient way for players to keep score...
Ep. 42: Playing in Tournaments With a Full-Time Job feat. Dan Levin (…
💻Be sure to 💻 We have preview clips for select episodes and are gradually adding content. Please join our community! ♟This podcast is sponsored by ♟ We've all heard of players who study several hours a day. Nice work if …
Ep. 41 (S3 Premiere): IM Justus Williams on Chess Improvement, Brookl…
♟This podcast is sponsored by . Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. ♟ For this Season 3 Premier, Neal spoke with IM Justus Williams. Justus is featured prominently in the 2012...
Ep. 40 (S2 Finale): Tournament Strategy feat. GM John Emms
🎤Follow us on Twitter: ♟This podcast is sponsored by . Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. ♟ Grandmaster John Emms is a distinguished chess professional. He is one of the...
Ep. 39: Endgame Tips for Improvers
🎤Follow us on Twitter: ♟This podcast is sponsored by . Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. ♟ This episode is a discussion of common endgame ideas, themes, and mistakes at the...
Ep. 38: Why Your Rating Is Not Increasing
🎤Follow us on Twitter: ♟This podcast is sponsored by . Chessable uses science-backed learning and the concept of spaced repetition to ensure retention. ♟ This episode explores possible reasons why your rating is not increasing. It may...