The Chess Cognition Podcast

How to Make Chess Puzzle Training Work in Real Games

Can Kabadayi — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:45:00 GMT

0:00 Why Chess Puzzles Don't Always Transfer to Real Games
01:02 Solution Patterns vs. Tactical Triggers
2:19 Why Triggers Matter for Working Memory
3:04 Puzzle 1: Find the Trigger
4:05 Learning to Recognize Loose Pieces
6:15 Puzzle 2: Same Trigger, Different Position
8:25 Puzzle 3: Missed Chance in Carlsen - Kaymer
10:34 Why You Must Study Near Misses
10:59 The Greek Gift Sacrifice: When It Fails
12:49 The Greek Gift Sacrifice: When It Works
15:11 A Four-Step Method for Training Chess Tactics
16:18 The Most Important Question After Every Puzzle
17:11 Connecting Tactical Triggers to CLAMP

Have you solved hundreds of chess puzzles but still find yourself missing tactics in your actual games? The problem may not be your calculation skills, but your ability to recognize tactical triggers. In this video, I explain why chess puzzle training doesn't always transfer to practical games and how learning to identify the underlying cues behind tactical patterns can improve your tactical awareness. Drawing on principles from cognitive science and learning psychology, we explore the difference between knowing a tactical solution and recognizing when you should start looking for one.

Through instructive chess examples, including double attacks, deflections, loose pieces, and the famous Greek Gift sacrifice, I demonstrate how to extract generalizable patterns from tactical puzzles. You'll also learn why studying failed combinations and near misses is essential for developing accurate pattern recognition. Finally, I introduce a practical four-step approach to chess tactics training that can help you recognize opportunities, manage your attention, and apply what you learn to unfamiliar positions in your own games. The goal is not simply to solve more puzzles, but to learn more deeply from every puzzle you solve.

Prof. Ben Balas - The Science of Chess Blunders: Insights from Visual Cognition

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:53:42 GMT

Prof. Ben Balas' blog: https://lichess.org/@/NDpatzer/blog
Ben's Substack: https://benbalas.substack.com/?utm_source=sidestack.io&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=directory
Follow Ben Balas on X: https://x.com/bjbalas
https://www.ndsu.edu/centers/cvcn/labs/balas/people.php
Calculating Sharpness in Chess: https://lichess.org/@/jk_182/blog/evaluating-sharpness-using-lc0s-wdl/EXZ3pRoy#:~:text=The%20basic%20idea%20behind%20the,winning%20and%20losing%20probability%20increase.

The Psychology of Chess by Fernand Gobet: https://amzn.to/4flnp9y

00:00 Intro
01:38 Prof. Benjamin Balas' Chess History
04:23 The Limits of Our Visual System
06:45 Visual Crowding
09:23 Expert Eyes vs. Novice Eyes
13:35 Grouping the Familiar Chunks
17:16 Practical Tips for Better Blunder Checks
19:49 2D vs. 3D
24:13 Visual Span and Visual Attention
31:54 Research Project Ideas Involving Chess
34:11 Visual Imagery and Calculation
38:34 Group vs. Individual Problem-Solving (Chessable Grant)
40:01 Avoid the Blunder #1
43:01 Reshevsky's Blunder and Why He Committed It
47:29 Avoid the Blunder #2
50:50 Checklists to Reduce Blunders
58:48 Loose Piece + Alignment
1:02:30 Inhibition of Return
1:05:33 Brief Summary and Lessons

In this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the cognitive science behind chess blunders with Professor Benjamin Balas from North Dakota State University. As an expert in visual cognition, Ben sheds light on how our visual system, with all its strengths and limitations, plays a crucial role in our chess performance. We discuss how issues like visual crowding and peripheral vision contribute to common mistakes, especially for newer players. Ben also explains practical strategies for enhancing blunder-checking skills and shares insights on his ongoing research, offering invaluable tips that all players can apply.

One of the key takeaways is understanding why certain blunders, like missing "sniper bishops," often occur due to our visual system's natural constraints. Ben dives into the concept of "visual crowding," where surrounding pieces make it harder to detect distant threats, and reveals how experts overcome this by developing rich chunks and patterns in memory. Together, we explore how checklist processes and deliberate board scanning can help mitigate these blind spots, making blunders less likely and visual processing more effective.

Throughout our conversation, Ben also highlights groundbreaking research studies on chess expertise and visual cognition, detailing how experts use eye-tracking and attentional techniques to manage complex positions efficiently. From practical advice on blunder-check processes to a discussion of the psychological and visual nuances that define expert play, this conversation is packed with insights that every chess player will find enlightening.

FM Tarık Selbes - GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş: How a Future World Champion Is Being Built

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:50:01 GMT

Contact FM Tarik Selbes here: https://lichess.org/@/nuagesgris

The article featuring Yagiz, Tarik, and Romanov: https://www.chess.com/news/view/12-year-old-erdogmus-breaks-polgars-historic-rating-record

Tarik's chess history blog 'Cafe Chigorin': https://tinyurl.com/yp9hhmyz

00:00 Intro
02:23 Enters Tarik Selbes
05:42 The Puzzle Grind That Built Monster Calculation Skills
12:23 The Importance of Calculation in Chess
15:36 His Work with GM Evgeny Romanov
22:15 Positional Play and Dorfman's Influence
27:09 Showing Games: Static vs. Dynamic Play
30:49 Yagiz's Early Positional Mistakes
35:09 Erdogmus - Nitish
39:47 Shaik - Erdogmus
43:59 Excellent Calculation: Erdogmus - Sapenov, 2023
49:40 His Resiliency: Santiago - Erdogmus
51:42 Present Time: Erdogmus - Svidler, 2025
55:44 Strategic Maturity: Erdogmus - Vachier-Lagrave, 2025
59:51 Erigaisi - Erdogmus, 2026: The Exchange Sac That Shocked the Chess World
01:06:05 Does Yagiz Know Chess Classics and Old Masters?
01:09:35 Zurich 1953: Why You Should Read Old Books Skeptically
01:14: 36 Is Blitz Good For Your Chess?
01:21:25 Tarik Selbes’ IM Journey at 40 — Adult Improvement Tips
01:31:26 The Psychological Pressure of Being a “Future World Champion”
01:44:14 How to Define 'Talent' in Chess
01:53:54 Kids vs Adults
01:58:02 Opening Work
02:02:02 Tarik's Book Project on Max Euwe
02:04:23 The Rise of Turkish Chess

In this special podcast episode, I’m joined by FIDE Master and longtime friend Tarik Selbes to break down the incredible rise of Turkish chess prodigy Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş — a player many believe has future World Champion potential. Even Magnus Carlsen has called him the strongest 14-year-old chess player ever, while Hikaru Nakamura has highlighted his extraordinary calculation skills.

Tarik shares rare behind-the-scenes insights from training camps where he worked as translator for Russian coach Evgeny Romanov, revealing:

• How Yağız built monster-level calculation through massive puzzle training
• Why modern prodigies train differently from past generations
• The key positional weaknesses he had, and how they were fixed
• The balance between dynamic and static factors (Dorfman-style thinking)

We also analyze instructive games against legends like Peter Svidler and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, showing how Yağız’s play has matured from pure tactical brilliance into world-class positional mastery.

Beyond prodigy development, we dive into:

Talent vs hard work
Chess psychology and pressure at the highest level
Why kids today train differently than adults who grew up on chess books
How adult improvers can still make huge progress (Tarik’s IM norm journey at 40!)
The rise of Turkish chess culture

Tarik recently completed his final IM norm at age 40 and now needs to reach 2400 ELO to become an International Master. He is an inspiration for adult improvers.

keywords
chess, Yagiz Kaan, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Tarık Selbes, chess training, calculation, positional play, chess prodigy, chess improvement, strategic training, chess analysis, chess, chess strategy, chess psychology, chess talent, chess education, chess culture, chess improvement, chess prodigies, chess classics, chess learning, adult chess improvement,

NM Ben Johnson - The Most Connected Person in the Chess World

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:48:44 GMT

The Perpetual Chess Pod: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/

Perpetual Chess Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetualchesspodcast

Perpetual Chess Improvement: https://amzn.to/4i4Jsmp

Perpetual Chess Link-fest: https://benjohnson.substack.com/

Ben's Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/

00:00 Intro
01:49 The Art of Guest Selection and Preparation
09:39 Insights from Years of Podcasting Experience
12:30 Memorable Conversations and Unique Stories
16:08 The Chess Linkfest Newsletter
19:06 Chess Scandals & Drama
22:59 Writing 'Perpetual Chess Improvement'
27:56 Structured Learning in Chess
30:33 Minimizing Blunders for Improvement
33:30 Ben's Next Book Project
38:33 His Recent OTB Tournament Experience
51:08 Blitz Chess
52:58 Ben's Chessable Course 'Identifying Critical Moments in Chess'

In this episode, I’m thrilled to host Ben Johnson, the voice behind the Perpetual Chess Podcast and one of the most connected figures in the chess world. With over eight years of experience interviewing top players, coaches, and adult improvers, Ben has a unique perspective on what it takes to improve at chess. We dive deep into his journey as a podcaster, the art of selecting guests, and the lessons he’s distilled into his book, Perpetual Chess Improvement. Ben shares valuable insights that every chess enthusiast can learn from.

We also explore the key themes from his book, including the importance of community, effective training methods, and how to sustain improvement as an adult. Ben's candid reflections on the state of chess content and his thoughtful approach to interviews make this conversation useful for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of chess improvement. Please check out his book and listen to his podcast for deep chess wisdom.

NM Robert Ramirez - System Openings and Chess Tips for All Ages

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:43:24 GMT

Robert's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nmrobertramirez
Robert on the Perpetual Chess Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od16FlwGl5U
Robert's Chessable courses: https://www.chessable.com/counterblow-a-complete-fighting-repertoire-for-beginners/course/199358/
https://www.chessable.com/first-strike-the-fighting-stonewall-attack-for-beginners/course/241908/

Fernand Gobet and Jensen's article on chess improvement: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267259137_Training_in_chess_A_scientific_approach

00:00 Introduction
02:58 System Openings
06:18 Are They More Suitable for Adults?
08:43 Balancing the Downsides of System Openings
13:18 Prof. IM Fernand Gobet's Take on Openings
14:58 Opening Traps and Human Psychology
18:48 Are System Openings Easily Targeted?
23:28 Middlegame Plans/Toolbox
31:16 How to Create an Opening Course on System Openings
35:30 Working With Adults and Kids
44:07 Benefits of Learning Chess Later in Life
47:02 Productive Failure
48:12 Robert's Coaching Philosophy
59:36 Future

In this video, I had the pleasure of hosting National Master Robert Ramirez, a renowned Chessable author, YouTuber, and educator. We delve into various chess topics, starting with Robert’s unique journey in the chess world, from his humble beginnings to becoming a well-respected coach. We also discussed the advantages of system openings, such as the King’s Indian/Pirc Defense and the Reverse Stonewall. Robert shares his insights on why system openings can be particularly useful not only for busy adult learners but also for kids, cutting down on preparation time and allowing more focus on chess fundamentals.

Our conversation shifted towards cognitive science, highlighting the role of chunking and pattern recognition in chess improvement. Robert shared his thoughts on how system openings foster familiarity with recurring structures, aiding long-term retention of key chess ideas. We explored the differences between teaching kids and adults. Robert emphasized that consistent practice, especially in tactical exercises and real games, is essential for meaningful progress, regardless of age.

Lastly, we discussed Robert’s approach to teaching and the importance of productive failure in chess learning. He shared how he tracks his students' progress and uses setbacks as opportunities for growth. We wrapped up with a look into Robert’s upcoming projects, including a new Chessable course on strategy, and reflected on the rewarding aspects of coaching and teaching chess. Whether you're an adult improver, a competitive player, or simply passionate about chess, this conversation offers valuable insights into the learning process and the tools necessary for success.

Solveig Friberg - The Pedagogical Blueprint for Chess Success

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:28:11 GMT

Solveig's Excellent Chessable Course 'Breaking 1000': https://www.chessable.com/breaking-1000/course/237622/
Solveig's Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/rookieredhead
Find Solveig on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rookie_redhead/?hl=en
Find Solveig on X: https://x.com/RookieRedhead

00:00 Intro
01:38 How Solveig Rediscovered the Game
07:40 Chessable Course: Breaking 1000
13:57 Misconceptions Around Chess Improvement
20:42 Productive Failure: Why Reflection and Feedback Are Crucial
27:52 Social Aspect of Chess Learning
32:14 Advantages of Group Lessons
38:54 Solveig's Upcoming Course on Cultivating Courage Over the Board
47:28 What Makes Chess So Fascinating?
52:00 How Chess Teaches Us About Ourselves

In this exciting episode, I sit down with Solveig Friberg, also known as Rookie Redhead, a rising chess star from Norway who started playing chess in 2022 and has already made impressive strides, reaching a FIDE rating of 1570! But Solveig is more than just a chess enthusiast—she's a professional educator. She shares her unique insights into education and psychology, blending them with her chess journey. Whether you're an adult improver, a chess learner, or a coach, this conversation will offer valuable lessons about learning chess, overcoming barriers, and enhancing your educational approach.

Solveig shares her fascinating story of falling in love with chess after watching the World Chess Championship on Norwegian TV and realizing the game's incredible depth. From setting a New Year's resolution to learn chess to working with coaches, playing in tournaments, and crafting her popular Chessable course, "Breaking 1000," Solveig opens up about the dedication and mindset it takes to improve. We also discuss the social side of chess learning, group dynamics, and how these pedagogical principles can boost anyone’s chess progress, especially for adult learners navigating rating anxiety and psychological barriers. Solveig also gives a sneak peek at her upcoming Chessable course on cultivating courage over the board!

Tune in to hear Solveig’s approach to mindset, embracing failure as a learning tool, and the importance of reflection in the improvement process. It’s an enlightening conversation for anyone interested in chess education, psychology, and the mindset behind improving at the game.

WIM Luciana Morales - The Untold Stories of Women’s World Champions

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:25:19 GMT

Queens of the Chess Board: https://www.chessable.com/queens-of-the-chess-board/course/102010/

Follow Luciana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsgambit/
Follow Luciana on X: https://x.com/LucianaMorales
Follow Luciana on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/drcanchess.bsky.social

'Imagination in Chess' was written by Paata Gaprindashvili: https://amzn.to/42PVFqb
'Chess Queens' by Jennifer Shahade: https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Jennifer-Shahade/dp/1399701371

00:00 Intro
02:12 Background Story and Early Years
08:49 The Making of 'Queens of the Chess Board'
23:15 Her Upcoming Chess Book
35:55 Fide Chessable Academy
39:43 Chessable Classroom
45:27 Social Media & The Art of Chess Memes
56:14 Menchik - Sir George Thomas, 1932
01:03:50 Menchik - Price, 1927
01:08:43 Rudenko - Bruce, 1946
01:13:16 Bykova - Keller, 1952
01:19:46 Rubtsova - Vaisberg, 1951
01:25:12 Gaprindashvili - Beliavsky, 1977
01:33:36 Luciana's Masterpiece

This episode was recorded on a truly special day for me—I’ve been honored as Chessable’s Author of the Year for 2024! It’s an incredible milestone, and I’m deeply grateful for all the support along the way. But this episode isn’t just about celebrating—I'm joined by the amazing WIM Luciana Morales, a highly accomplished chess player, educator, and Chessable author. We dive into her Chessable course "Queens of the Chess Board," which explores the lives and games of the first five Women’s World Champions, bringing to light some of chess history’s most fascinating and underappreciated players.

Beyond her chess achievements, Luciana is a true multi-talent—she’s working on a children’s chess book, managing social media for Chessable and Chess.com, and has played a key role in various chess education projects, including the FIDE Chessable Academy with legendary trainers like Artur Yusupov. In this episode, we explore the styles of Women’s World Champions, discuss how chess connects generations, and even touch on her creative work on social media.

By the end of the video, we show games of five World Champions to explore their chess styles. And a gem of a game from Luciana against an international master!

Dr. Nick Vasquez - Visualization, Productive Failure, and Chess Improvement

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:24:25 GMT

Nick's substack 'Chess in Small Doses': https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/
The Perpetual Chess Episode on 'Make it Stick': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpcgQpppDOQ

https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/play-first-study-later?source=queue
https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/coming-soon
https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/making-it-stick

Here is the game Nick was referring to with c4-c5 giving away the d5-outpost: https://lichess.org/wGOkHFpi/black

00:00 Intro
02:58 Visualization Training/Step 2 Thinking Ahead
11:14 Information Overload and Finding Relevancy
14:24 Direct Instruction vs. Productive Failure
21:48 Craft Learning vs. Academic Learning
24:14 Science Behind Chess Improvement
31:38 Visualization Drills
41:01 Positional Chunks and Patterns
47:22 Evidence-Based Learning Approaches
55:31 Testing Nick: Position 1
01:01:51 Testing Nick: Position 2

In this podcast episode, I am hosting Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses. Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential.

Nick shares his personal journey in chess, including how he started taking the game seriously in 2020, progressing from a 1650 chess.com rating to an impressive 1913 in classical games on lichess. Along the way, Nick overcame plateaus by embracing visualization exercises that significantly boosted his performance. In our discussion, he explains how targeted visualization training can be a game-changer, especially for adult players who often struggle with seeing ahead on the board, and why this approach is key to building stronger chess habits.

We also explore evidence-based learning methods, discussing the balance between direct instruction and productive failure. Nick’s experience highlights the importance of making chess learning personal and relevant, emphasizing that true growth often comes from hands-on experimentation and learning from mistakes. Whether you're an adult chess improver or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of learning and practical strategies for breaking through barriers in your chess journey.

Sam Belnap - The 2000 Elo Routine: A Simple Study System That Actually Works

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:20:14 GMT

Sam's Training Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E1r69Q46gZX02mE5hYPjdVw4VXdz0KfjrTjvLdf3z3s/edit?tab=t.0

Sam's chesscom profile: https://www.chess.com/member/eyecandewit

In this podcast episode, I’m joined by my own student Sam, who moved from 700 to 2000+ Chess.com Rapid (peaking near 2100) in around 3.5 years. Sam tells the full story and shares the study routine that helped him reach 2000. If you’re an adult improver chasing a rating goal, this conversation is a reality check and a roadmap.

We get very practical: Sam explains his study plan, why he keeps openings simple (plans over memorization), how he uses targeted training to fix weaknesses (rook endgames were a big one), and how he studies strategy without getting lost in engine “best moves.” We also talk about the weekly group lesson format, how coaching helps identify high-impact leaks you can’t easily spot yourself, and why Sam believes structure beats “random grinding.”

The real gem is Sam’s routine: clear start/stop cues, a pregame process goal (instead of Elo goals), and a postgame method that reduces tilt. If you struggle with rating anxiety, inconsistent performance, or not knowing what to study next, this episode is for you. Download Sam’s study guide (linked below) and try it, then tell us what changed.

Keywords: adult chess improver, chess improvement, how to reach 2000 elo, chess.com rapid, chess study plan, chess routine, rating anxiety, blunder check, endgame training, rook endgames, chess coaching, process goals, chess habits

00:00 Introduction to Sam's Chess Journey
03:49 Impact of Group Lessons
11:12 Detailed Study Guide Breakdown
13:26 Behavioral Cues: Entry Cue and Exit Cue
17:51 Opening Study
24:42 Opening Strategies and Pawn Structures
27:33 Middlegame Study
31:48 Endgame Study
36:09 Grandmaster Thinking
42:25 Tactics Study
45:22 Setting Process Goals
52:00 Square Breathing and Meditation
54:41 Focus and Emotional Control During Games
59:16 Jumping 250 ELO in Three Months
01:02:14 Post-Game Reflection and Analysis
01:06:06 Learning from Mistakes
01:14:12 Why Chess?

GM Aman Hambleton - His London Course, Chessbrah & Winning Habits

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:15:30 GMT

Aman's London Course: https://www.chessable.com/aman-hambletons-london-system/course/353577/

Chessbrah: https://www.youtube.com/c/chessbrah

00:00 Intro
01:31 The Chessbrah Journey
09:40 The Impact of the Chess Boom
12:57 The Educational Value of the Channel
18:33 Building Habits Series
30:11 The Role of Blitz in Improvement
36:08 Creating the London System Course
40:48 Unique Aspects of his London Course
45:59 Connecting Openings to Middlegame
54:33 Conceptual Approach and Knowing Crucial Ideas
58:09 Balancing Engine Lines and Practical Play
01:03:36 Speed Chess Championship Live Commentary
01:12:20 The Future of Chess Content Creation

Grandmaster Aman Hambleton joins the podcast to unpack the real origin story of Chessbrah, from two Canadian juniors casually “streaming” to each other with one viewer, to building a long-running, community-first brand that’s now approaching 400K subscribers. He reflects on the 2020 chess boom (lockdown + Queen’s Gambit) as an accelerator, but emphasizes that Chessbrah’s durability comes from stickiness: entertainment that keeps people watching, and instruction embedded naturally in real games, blunders, and commentary.

The conversation then shifts to Aman’s first Chessable opening course, the London System repertoire, covering why system openings are realistic for most improvers, how his London is differentiated, and why practical, human-centered choices sometimes beat “engine purity.” Finally, he discusses commentating elite speed chess events, the role of the evaluation bar for spectators, and the direction of chess content into the future.

GM Surya Ganguly - Teaching Openings for Real Chess Improvement

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:13:20 GMT

Surya's Chessable Page: https://www.chessable.com/author/suryaganguly/
Surya's 1. e4 Repertoire Part 1: https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-suryas-1e4-part-1/course/353840/
Surya's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Suryachess
ProChess Training: https://prochesstraining.com/

GM Ganguly on the Perpetual Chess Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy5B3n5aOQ

00:00 Intro
02:29 Understanding vs. Memorization
09:13 Opening Advantage is Not Everything
11:19 How Surya Structures His Opening Courses
18:30 Explaining Strange Looking Moves in the Najdorf
22:27 Lessons From Team Anand
25:20 Stories From Training Indian Top Players
34:22 System Openings vs. Mainlines
48:40 His YouTube Journey
53:01 Pro Chess Training
56:15 WHY We Play Chess

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Surya Ganguly, one of India’s most respected grandmasters and opening theoreticians. A former child prodigy, six-time Indian Champion, Asian Champion, and former world #55 with a peak rating of 2676, Surya was also a key member of Viswanathan Anand’s World Championship team—achieving a remarkable 100% score as part of the preparation squad. Many chess fans also know Surya from his deep, principled work as a coach and author, including his latest Chessable course: Lifetime Repertoire: 1.e4 – Part 1 vs the Sicilian.

Instead of repeating questions from his excellent appearances on the Perpetual Chess Podcast, this conversation goes deeper into how openings should be learned and taught. We explore understanding vs memorization, the importance of asking why in opening study, integrity and consistency in building a repertoire, system openings versus main lines, and how Surya adapts his teaching from 1400-rated players to elite stars like R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi.

keywords: chess openings, Surya Ganguly, chess education, Chessable, opening preparation, chess strategy, memorization vs understanding, chess courses, chess training, creativity in chess, Anand

FM Kamil Plichta on Building Openings That Create Early Pressure

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:09:29 GMT

Kamil's 1. e4 course: https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-plichtas-1e4-part-1-sicilians/course/383069/

Two games Kamil mentioned: https://lichess.org/broadcast/european-individual-chess-championship-2026--boards-127-186/round-6/tOTpwfDr/7Z18O2ET

https://lichess.org/broadcast/european-individual-chess-championship-2026--boards-1-66/round-4/NxEg1ofB/nHwDXHB6

00:00 Intro
04:02 Beating Magnus Carlsen in Blitz
07:15 Feedback and Course Development
09:11 How Kamil Found Chessable
14:50 Winning Best Author Support Awards
22:45 A Typical Day in Kamil's Life
29:47 Typical Author Mistakes
37:39 Creating Problems for Both Sides
43:46 Chessable's Evolution
51:29 Kamil's New Course: 1.e4 LTR
01:01:10 Grenke Chess and European Individual Championship
01:19:38 Everybody is a Fighter These Days

This podcast episode features FM Kamil Plichta, one of Chessable’s most recognizable opening authors, known for his tricky sidelines, practical repertoires, humor, and unusually strong course support. Kamil explains how his opening philosophy is built around creating early problems for the opponent, avoiding predictable main lines, and choosing positions where both sides may feel uncomfortable—but where he has more experience. He also shares how he became a Chessable author, how his course-making process evolved, why good explanations matter more than endless variations, and how he thinks about target audiences, quick starters, model games, and long-term course support.

The conversation also explores Kamil’s return to over-the-board chess, including his recent tournaments, the challenges of modern preparation, rating deflation, defensive weaknesses he discovered in his own play, and his ambition to become an International Master. Along the way, he discusses beating Magnus Carlsen in blitz, the changing landscape of Chessable, why blitz can be useful for some players, and his new 1.e4 repertoire course against the Sicilian. This is a funny, honest, and practical conversation about openings, chess improvement, authorship, and the realities of competitive chess today.

GM Lars Schandorff - Inside the Mind of Chessable Author of the Year

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:03:27 GMT

Lars' Chessable Courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/LarsSchandorff/

00:00 Intro
01:00 How Lars Creates His Opening Courses
07:31 The First Key Decision When Creating an Opening Course
15:03 The Importance of Openings in Chess
18:46 A Story About Rook Endgames
21:43 Where to Stop in an Opening Course
25:47 Chess as a Lifestyle: Freedom and Identity
27:52 Can Beginners Benefit from His Courses?
34:33 The Role of Engines in Modern Chess Preparation
40:13 His Weekly Radio Show 'Nimzowitsch'
45:19 The Cultural Significance of Chess in Literature
50:46 Nimzowitsch's Influence
55:32 Chess Improvement in Modern Times
58:40 How GM Schandorff Coaches People
1:03:29 Future Plans and Courses

In this engaging interview, Danish chess author GM Lars Schandorff shares insights into his successful courses, the art of opening preparation, and the cultural significance of chess. Lars has recently become the Chessable Author of the Year 2025, and that is very inspiring.

We discussed the following topics:

Lars Schandorff's approach to creating accessible and deep chess courses
The importance of opening repertoire and strategic choices
The influence of Nimzowitsch on modern chess ideas
The role of technology and engines in chess preparation
The cultural and historical significance of chess

keywords
Chess, Chess Courses, Opening Repertoire, Chess Strategy, Chess Culture, Chess History, Chessable, Nimzowitsch, Chess Improvement, Chess Tools, Lars Schandorff

Kamryn Hellman - How an Adult Beginner Reached 2000 ELO in Two Years

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:53:31 GMT

Kamryn's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCYUOoqtGaRgUeUta134aUyw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9gkF840Vk&t=1s
Kamryn's Chessable course: https://www.chessable.com/50-essential-chess-concepts-an-improvers-blueprint/course/233222/
Kamryn's Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/kamrynheidi
https://bsky.app/profile/kamrynheidi.bsky.social
https://kamrynheidichess.substack.com/

00:00 Intro
01:54 The Chess Bug and the Very Short Summary of the Journey to 2000 ELO
08:57 The Thought Process
10:47 Blunder-Check
15:16 'Why Am I Losing?' Document
23:07 How Blitz Helped
26:00 Study Advice for 0-1500 ELO
29:16 Study Advice for 1500 - 2000 ELO
37:18 Her Chessable Course
41:40 Her New Openings
44:47 Final Advice for Beginners
45:40 Final Advice for Intermediate Players
46:34 The Weekly Training Schedule

In this special year-end episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Kamryn Helman, an extraordinary adult improver who achieved a chesscom rapid rating of 2000 in just two years, starting from absolute zero. Kamryn shared her inspirational journey, which began in 2021 after watching The Queen’s Gambit. Despite balancing her undergraduate studies and later a full-time job, she devoted around 20 hours per week to chess and made remarkable progress. Kamryn's disciplined approach combined playing, tactical exercises, and joining a chess club, where she set goals to compete with stronger players. Her story is a testament to how dedication and a structured approach can yield extraordinary results in a short time.

During our conversation, Kamryn offered valuable insights into her improvement methods. She talked about her "Why I Am Losing" document, a weekly habit of analyzing losses to identify patterns and guide her studies. We also discussed her thought process, including a mental checklist to avoid blunders, and the critical role of breaks in consolidating knowledge. Kamryn's ability to stay intentional and disciplined about her chess journey is both inspiring and instructional for players at all levels.

Toward the end, we explored her educational contributions to the chess community, including her Chessable course, 50 Essential Chess Concepts: An Improver's Blueprint. She shared the challenges of designing clean, instructive puzzles that minimize cognitive overload and maximize learning. Kamryn's passion for chess and commitment to improvement was evident throughout our discussion, leaving me—and hopefully you—with fresh ideas and inspiration to tackle our own chess journeys. I’m thrilled to see what Kamryn accomplishes next and I look forward to another conversation as her chess story unfolds.

Dr. Benjamin Portheault on Chess Psychology: Overcoming Mental Blocks, Pressure & Self-Doubt

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:52:10 GMT

Benji's website: https://mindcreaser.com/
Benji's substack: https://mindcreaser.substack.com/
Benji's course 'Mindfulness for the Tournament Player': https://mindfulness-for-the-tournament-player.teachable.com/

Follow Benji: https://bsky.app/profile/benjiportheault.bsky.social

His piece on discipline: https://mindcreaser.substack.com/p/discipline

Under the Surface: https://amzn.to/4hnw7EU
Life and Games of Mikhail Tal: https://amzn.to/42r4c2O
The Seven Deadly Chess Sins: https://amzn.to/4joJzu3
Think Like a Super-GM: https://amzn.to/3E59kPU

Benji later recommended the books by Wojciech Moranda.

00:00 Intro
12:03 Pressure
14:37 Alan Watts' Fantasy
17:53 Meditation
21:04 Playing the Position in Front of You
27:01 Toxic Self-Talk
30:24 Rating Anxiety
33:42 Confidence and Self-Efficacy
41:23 Handling Losses
45:21 Pain = Suffering x Resistance
52:35 Time Trouble
55:07 Giving up Control
58:00 Self-Adopted Identities
1:00:28 Beauty in Complexity
1:03:46 Preserving the Love for the Game
1:15:31 Pre-Game Rituals

Benji Portheault, a seasoned performance coach with experience working with chess players of all levels, including super grandmasters, joined the podcast to discuss the mental aspects of chess. Throughout the conversation, he explored topics such as meditation, dealing with tilt, tournament preparation, and the psychology of chess success. Benji gave insights into how identity, confidence, and mindset play crucial roles in a player's performance. His approach combines modern psychology with meditation techniques to help players build resilience and manage the stress of competition effectively.

A major focus of the discussion was on managing emotions during games, particularly in high-pressure situations. Benji explained the importance of developing self-awareness, identifying negative thought patterns, and learning how to reset mentally after mistakes. He introduced techniques such as open monitoring meditation and mental reframing to help players regain focus and prevent one mistake from snowballing into further blunders. He also emphasized the need for practical routines before and during games, including recognizing the feeling of playing well and recalling past successful experiences to build confidence.

The conversation also touched on broader topics like rating anxiety, tournament nerves, and the importance of maintaining a love for the game. Benji encouraged players to cultivate a healthy relationship with chess, understanding that improvement requires embracing both wins and losses as learning experiences. He highlighted how professionals and amateurs alike struggle with the psychological challenges of competition, making mental training just as crucial as tactical and strategic preparation.

NM Dan Heisman - 30 Years of Chess Coaching Wisdom

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:50:49 GMT

Dan's Website: https://www.danheisman.com/
Dan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/danheisman
Follow Dan on X: https://x.com/danheisman
Dan's Chessable Author Profile: https://www.chessable.com/author/Dan_Heisman/

The Improving Chess Thinker: https://amzn.to/3OtKDyE
Is Your Move Safe? https://amzn.to/4g77Z8Z
Elements of Positional Evaluation: https://amzn.to/4fOc5TA
Thought and Choice in Chess: https://amzn.to/4fMoCqO

00:00 Dan Heisman: A Brief Introduction
04:25 Common Misconceptions About Chess Improvement
09:37 The Role of Knowledge vs. Skills in Chess
16:22 How Blitz Chess Can Help (or Hurt!) Improvement
21:23 Time Management
27:12 Is There Luck in Chess?
29:42 Ideal Thought Process
37:11 Checklists
44:00 Diagnosing Thought Process Mistakes with De Groot Exercises
56:33 The Evolution of Chess Content for Beginners
1:03:43 Dan's Career Highlights and Coaching Philosophy
1:23:12 Visualization/Board Vision/Tactical Vision
1:36:46 The Woodpecker Method
1:46:50 Learning Chess Notation
1:54:43 Creating a Chess Legacy

In this very special episode, I had an insightful conversation with the legendary chess coach NM Dan Heisman. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dan has authored 14 books, developed a Chessable course, and helped thousands of students improve since he began coaching in 1996. His expertise shines through as we delve into the nuances of chess improvement, from bridging the knowledge-skill gap to the importance of thought process and time management. Dan shares valuable insights into his journey, including his work with renowned players and groundbreaking contributions to chess coaching, such as coining terms like "hope chess", "handwaving", "ABC Error", "counting" and "wise adult syndrome."

A major focus of our discussion revolves around the critical skills needed for chess improvement, such as blunder-check and criticality assessment. Dan emphasizes the importance of improving both knowledge (patterns and principles) and skills (analysis, time management, and perseverance). Drawing on his decades of coaching, Dan recounts fascinating anecdotes, like the curious case of a student with perfect visualization but flawed analysis. We also discuss practical strategies for players, such as balancing blitz and classical games, and how to train effectively by focusing on process-oriented methods.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for players of all levels, particularly adult improvers navigating the challenges of chess growth. Dan's dedication to helping players reach their potential shines throughout the conversation, offering viewers a wealth of strategies and motivation to refine their approach to the game. Whether you're struggling with transitioning from knowledge to skill, managing time effectively, or avoiding blunders, this discussion provides a masterclass in practical chess improvement.

CM Azel Chua - Mastering Chess Calculation with the Burger Technique

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:50:21 GMT

Azel's Chessable Courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/AzelChua/
Azel's Course on Calculation: https://www.chessable.com/calculation-a-complete-guide-for-tournament-players/course/53691/

Fundamental Chess Calculation Skills: https://www.chess.com/course/fundamental-chess-calculation-skills-123333

00:00 Intro
02:01 Why His Calculation Course Was a Huge Success
05:13 Checks, Captures, and Threats: Why It Falls Short
11:03 The Burger Technique
12:10 Position 1
21:00 Position 2
26:24 Position 3 Enters Magnus the Superhuman
29:26 Position 4
38:26 Position 5
42:39 Position 6
50:06 Position 7
54:25 Position 8
58:35 Transfer of Patterns to Different Contexts
1:04:40 Conceptual Patterns - Position 9
1:06:48 Position 10
1:11:30 Visualization
1:31:48 How Best to Learn Patterns
1:33:34 The Endgame Riddle

In this episode, I sit down with Candidate Master and Chessable author Azel Chua to dive deep into the intricacies of chess calculation and thought processes. Azel's Calculation course broke records on Chessable. He shared concrete positions and concepts to clarify his "Burger Technique"—a systematic approach that breaks down calculation into three essential steps. We explored why traditional approaches like "checks, captures, and threats" (CCT) can often fail, and how context-driven techniques provide a more robust, scalable method for players of all levels.

Throughout the discussion, Azel showcased several illustrative positions that demonstrated the power of identifying loose pieces, critical squares, and exposed lines of attack. We learned how chess targets—whether pieces, squares, or alignments—can continually expand in complexity as players improve.

Azel concluded with insightful exercises on visualization, introducing the concept of "visualization decay" and how to overcome it. He demonstrated that improving calculation involves spotting patterns and expanding one’s ability to recall and connect conceptual similarities across seemingly different positions.

Aiden Rayner - Cracking Chess Visualization and Working Memory

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:50:11 GMT

Aiden's Website: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/
Aiden's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FdBsG9UsLeTbBt18kI6lk

The Moves of the Blindfold Game: 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4.Qg4 d6 5.Qxg7 Nf6 6. Qxf7+#

Also see Prof. Benjamin Balas episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzblptGNjw

00:00 Who Is Aiden Rayner?
07:11 Visualization Training/Chess Improvement
10:58 Conceptualization/Visualization
12:18 Aphantasia
20:53 Working Memory
24:03 Freezing/Forgetting/Freewheeling
29:10 Intuition
33:24 Ghost Pieces
37:38 Building Habits
41:24 How to Best Learn Chess Patterns and Chunks
49:05 Checklists
53:08 Who is Your Daddy and What Does He Do?
1:02:26 First and Second-Order Effects
1:09:12 Ideal Training Intensity
1:20:33 Blindfold Exercise

In this podcast episode, we’re joined by Aiden Rayner, a chess coach and visualization expert, from Australia. Aiden discusses the critical role of visualization in chess, explaining how most resources overlook direct training in this skill and why he decided to design targeted exercises to fill this gap. Aiden’s innovative approach, blending structured cognitive training with practical exercises, has helped players of all levels, even influencing grandmasters to incorporate his techniques.

We delve into the nuances of working memory and its limitations in chess, shedding light on how cognitive bottlenecks lead to blunders. He offers actionable advice on creating personalized checklists and forming habits that interrupt automatic, often flawed, intuitive responses during games. The discussion also explores how visualization doesn’t have to mean visualizing in the literal sense, emphasizing that players should lean into how their brain naturally processes chess information—be it through verbal narratives, spatial awareness, or other personal methods.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into training methodologies, focusing on isolating and intensifying specific skills to enhance overall performance. Aiden shares practical exercises, including a blindfold chess drill designed to stretch cognitive capacity, and discusses the importance of prioritizing key patterns for improvement. Throughout the episode, the synergy between cognitive science and chess improvement is highlighted, providing listeners with a treasure trove of insights and tools to elevate their game, whether they’re beginners or seasoned players.

Prof. Christopher Chabris - Cognitive Science Insights into Chess Thinking

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:49:54 GMT

Invisible Gorilla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo
The Door Study (Change Blindness): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWSxSQsspiQ
https://www.chabris.com/
Their Study on Overconfidence in Chess Players: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/yd5he_v1
https://amzn.to/437DXhz
https://amzn.to/44Mrh0O

00:00 Intro
02:48 Enters Dr. Christopher Chabris
06:15 Inattentional and Change Blindness
18:38 Checklists
21:26 Categorizing and Labeling Things
22:59 Visual Crowding
24:36 Blunder-Check
30:23 Cognitive Biases and Decision Making in Chess
38:30 Sunk Cost Fallacy
42:01 Truth Bias
43:45 Trusting Authority
50:53 Practical Decision Making
54:37 Overconfidence in Chess
1:00:27 The Dunning-Kruger Effect
1:12:07 The Illusion of Memory and Its Impact on Chess
1:14:20 Causal Attribution and Learning from Mistakes
1:19:39 The Role of Engines in Chess Analysis
01:29:46 Scientific Studies Involving Chess

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Christopher Chabris—a cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and chess candidate master—whose groundbreaking work on attention, decision-making, and cognitive biases has deeply shaped our understanding of the mind. Known especially for The Invisible Gorilla experiment, which exposed the phenomenon of inattentional blindness, Chris shares insights on how these cognitive limitations directly affect our chess decisions. We discuss how chess players often miss threats that are right in front of them due to selective attention, and how ideas like gradual change blindness can lead to missed information even under careful observation.

We then explore how these principles translate into practical advice for chess improvement. Chris discusses metacognitive tools like checklists and conscious blunder checks as remedies for attentional blind spots. We reflect on the power of naming patterns—like “sniper bishop” or “loose pieces”—to aid memory and pattern recognition, and how habits of structured thinking can eventually become automatic. We also connect this to broader life patterns: why multitasking reduces performance and how expertise shapes perception.

Finally, we dive into Chris's recent scientific study on overconfidence in chess players. Analyzing data from hundreds of players, they discovered that most chess players believe they’re underrated, especially lower-rated players—a real-world instance of the Dunning-Kruger effect. We unpack how confirmation bias, sunk cost fallacy, truth bias and motivated reasoning influence not just how we play chess, but also how we evaluate our own skill level. Chris shares powerful reminders that chess is fundamentally a game of decision-making under uncertainty—and that metacognitive awareness, realistic self-assessment, and embracing discomfort are key to long-term growth in both chess and life.

keywords: cognitive science, chess, metacognition, attention, cognitive biases, decision making, change blindness, inattentional blindness, learning strategies, memory, cognitive biases, confirmation bias, motivated reasoning, sunk cost fallacy, overconfidence, truth bias, chess decision making, authority trust, uncertainty, Dunning-Kruger effect, chess, overconfidence, Dunning-Kruger effect, memory, skill assessment, causal attribution, chess engines, learning, cognitive bias, player ratings, chess, psychological resilience, tactics, scientific experiments, chess ambitions, cognitive science, performance, skill, learning, expertise

GM Jacob Aagaard - A Deep Dive into Strategic Decision-Making

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:48:04 GMT

https://killerchesstraining.com/
https://www.newinchess.com/
https://amzn.to/4igE5Qg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Aagaard
https://www.chessable.com/author/JacobAagaard/

The Art of Exchanging Pieces:https://www.chessable.com/the-art-of-exchanging-pieces/course/82374/

00:00 Intro
02:20 Mastering Chess Exchanges
06:46 Woodpecker Method
13:45 Jacob Tests Me: Position 1
16:28 Jacob Tests Me: Position 2
22:44 Effective Decision-Making
31:46 Jacob Tests Me: Position 3
34:26 Rules/Principles vs. Concepts
40:08 Improving Tactical Vision
47:19 Volume and Focus
55:40 Jacob Tests Me: Position 4
01:05:52 Jacob Tests Me: Position 5
01:12:23 Abdusattorov's Bad Decision
01:13:33 Jacob Analyses His Recent OTB Game
01:30:07 I Test Jacob: Position 1
01:30:58 Chess Instructor's Most Valuable Quality
01:34:34 3 Questions
01:40:44 When We Should Stop Calculating
01:41:50 Gelfand's Almost-Religious Insight
01:48:25 I Test Jacob: Position 2
02:03:20 Why Modern Engines Are Crap
02:07:51 I Test Jacob: Position 3

I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Grandmaster Jacob Aagaard—one of the most prolific chess authors in the world—for a conversation that quickly became one of the most meaningful episodes I’ve recorded. Jacob was incredibly open, thinking out loud through challenging positions and showing what high-level problem-solving really looks like in real time.

Jacob and Reiner Castellanos recently published the book 'Mastering Chess Exchanges'. We tested each other with positions—Jacob using exercises involving piece trades, and I brought a few from my upcoming course, Workbook for the Art of Series. We discussed exchanges in depth, including themes like good vs. bad pieces, positional vs. tactical justifications, and how to make sense of tension on the board. What stood out most was Jacob’s emphasis on clarity: how simple questions, if asked at the right moment, can organize your thinking and lead to better decisions.

Beyond strategy, we explored how players learn. I shared insights from cognitive science, including how reducing extraneous cognitive load helps players process ideas more efficiently. Jacob spoke about the power of volume and focus—how long-term memory, built through serious, undistracted effort, allows strong players to recognize relevance instantly. If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to how a world-class coach thinks about chess, this episode is for you.

IM Alex Astaneh - The Ultimate Guide to Positional Chess Mastery

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:45:10 GMT

Alex's Chessable courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/Astaneh/
Alex's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@alexastaneh

00:00 Intro
02:19 Why He Created "The Positional Chess Patterns Manual"
15:03 The Difference Between Positional Chess and Strategic Play
27:17 Power Outpost
46:06 The Course Creation Process
54:43 Carlsen's Blitz Games (Color Complex)
01:15:40 How to Build Up the Knowledge (Weak Square)
01:24:01 Pseudo Outpost
01:25:42 How to Teach Beginners
01:37:32 Power Outpost and Pseudo Outpost Combo
01:46:45 Pseudo Outpost in the Classical Structure
01:52:29 Exchange Sacrifice
01:53:54 Schematic Thinking
02:02:44 Outro & Future Plans

In this episode, I sat down with IM Alex Astaneh to explore the fundamentals of positional chess and discuss his Chessable course, "Positional Chess Patterns Manual." Alex's course is designed to help players internalize essential positional concepts through repeatable patterns. We analyzed instructive examples from Magnus Carlsen's games, particularly how he leverages color complexes, weak squares, and outposts to systematically dominate his opponents. Alex emphasized how pattern recognition and structured thinking allow strong players to find the right plans quickly, even in complex positions.

Beyond strategy, we discussed how to train positional understanding more effectively, focusing on clarity in learning, board vision, and structured study techniques. I shared my approach to cleaning up positions for better learning outcomes, removing unnecessary distractions so students can focus on the core strategic ideas. Alex also highlighted the importance of reverse-engineering winning positions, especially in endgames, by identifying ideal setups and working backward to achieve them.
This episode is packed with insights that can help you develop a deeper understanding of chess strategy.

Why “Just Play More” Won’t Fix Your Chess

Can Kabadayi — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:32:48 GMT

0:00 The “Just Play More” Trap
0:55 Why Experience Alone Isn’t Expertise
2:02 Why Beginners Get Overwhelmed
3:29 Schemas: How Strong Players Organize Positions
5:10 Why Game Analysis Can Teach the Wrong Lesson
6:15 Worked Examples: Learn the Reasoning
6:59 The Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP)
7:36 Worked Examples Help Build Schemas
7:58 What Learning Research Tells Us
8:39 Productive Struggle vs. Blind Struggle
9:18 The Role of Playing Games
10:09 A Five-Step Plan for Better Chess Learning
11:51 Why Skipping the Foundations Holds You Back
13:10 Why Stronger Players Need a Different Approach

Playing more chess doesn’t automatically make you a stronger player. If you keep repeating the same mistakes despite playing regularly, the missing ingredient may be structure. In this video, we explore why unguided discovery learning can leave chess beginners and post-beginners overwhelmed, and why analyzing your games is difficult when you don’t yet know what to look for.

We explore how working memory, pattern recognition, and mental schemas shape your ability to understand chess positions and learn from your mistakes, and discuss how worked examples and guided practice can make your chess training more effective. Using back-rank weaknesses and isolated queen’s pawn positions, we explore a five-step learning sequence: explanation, worked examples, guided practice, independent practice, and feedback.

We also distinguish productive struggle from blind guessing, explain how playing supports your development, and discuss why independent problem-solving becomes more valuable as your knowledge grows. If you’re wondering how to improve at chess or overcome a rating plateau, this video offers a practical framework for combining study and play.