How To Chess

The final episode of Season 3 of How to Chess is a rare solo pod, where Ben succinctly summarizes the key lessons about chess role models that were imparted by the How to Chess guests. As Ben notes, the guests have highlighted role models ranging from elite players to local players to renowned endgame specialists, and luckily we don't need to choose just one person to learn from in our chess studies.  In closing, Ben highlights a few of his own chess role models and the lessons that he learned from them. Thanks to all of the brilliant How to Chess Season 3 guests, be sure to check out their courses, and thanks to you all for listening!

Luciana Morales is a Peruvian Woman International Master with a resume full of impressive accomplishements!She has won the Pan-American Youth Championship no less than 3 times. She also won the Zonal Tournament 2.4 in São Paulo. The win qualified her for the 2004 Women's World Championship, making her the first Peruvian player to do so.And when she studied at the University of Texas - Brownsville, she helped the team outperform their seeding, and break into the final four of the 2008 Pan-American Team Championship.But, what does she have to say about role models in chess?Queens of the Chess Board:https://www.chessable.com/queens-of-the-chess-board/course/102010/Luciana's author page: https://www.chessable.com/author/LucianaM/Luciana's socials: X: https://twitter.com/LucianaMoralesBen's X: https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

Alex Astaneh is an Irish International Master, chess coach, and author.Astaneh's chess journey began at a young age, and he quickly found success on the Irish chess circuit. At the age of 11, he represented Ireland at the World Youth Championships, which got him hooked on the game.His successes continued, having won the Irish Championship on three separate occasions (2010, 2017, 2018) and has represented the Irish National Team four times at the Chess Olympiads (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018).In addition to a lauded chess playing career, Astaneh stands out as a world-class coach, including a stint as the official coach of the Irish junior team in the World Youth Championships 2010.As Alex explains, he learned from studying the typical legends like Fischer and Tal, but his Spanish coach, IM Roberto Paramos Dominguez taught him a ton about attacking and visualization. In our conversation Alex shares tons of helpful tips for improving calculation. My First Grünfeld Opening Repertoire:https://www.chessable.com/my-first-grunfeld-opening-repertoire/course/134696/Alex's author page: https://www.chessable.com/author/Astaneh/Alex's socials: X: https://twitter.com/astanehchessYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexastaneh/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/astaneh/Ben's X: https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

Jorden van Foreest is a well accomplished Grandmaster from the Netherlands. Some of the highlights of his career includes winning the Dutch Championship in 2016, winning the prestigious Tata Steel Chess Tournament in 2021, and serving as Magnus Carlsen's second in the 2021 World Championship.But what does he have to say about role models in chess?Lifetime Repertoires: Tarrasch Defense:https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-tarrasch-defense/course/128906/Jorden's author page: https://www.chessable.com/author/jordenvforeest/Jorden's X: https://twitter.com/jordenvforeestBen's X: https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

Laura Smith is an American chess teacher and educator. She began learning the game atthe fairly young age of 5, taught by her father. By the time she was 6, she wasalready enrolled in chess classes. Her accomplishments includebecoming the highest-rated 13-year-old, male or female, in the US in 2002. Shecompeted in the US Women's Chess Championship in 2006, earned a silver medal inthe Girls Under 14 category in the Pan-American Championship, and earned a spoton the US Youth Chess Team for 8 consecutive years. Laura discusses what she has learned from female role models like Judit Polgar, Irina Krush and Jennifer Shahade.   Forcing Moves for Beginners:https://www.chessable.com/forcing-moves-for-beginners-/course/123996/Laura's author page:https://www.chessable.com/author/LauraSmith/Laura's socials:X:https://twitter.com/lauraloveschessInstagram:instagram.com/lauraloveschessTwitch:twitch.com/shaunandlaura Email:[email protected] Ben's X:https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

Ono is an Adult Improver, chess blogger, chess podcaster and chess coach.Some say he is obsessed with chess. But, what does he have to say about role models in chess?Mastering Endgame Strategy: https://www.chessable.com/mastering-e...Arkell's Endings: https://www.chessable.com/arkells-end...Ono's socials: https://www.theonozone.com/Youtube:   h / @theonozone  X: t / theonozone  Ono Another Chess Podcast - Episode 7 (Guest: Ben Johnson): https://www.theonozone.com/7

Alex Banzea is a Romanian International Master, growing Twitch streamer, YouTuber, chess coach, and acclaimed Chessable author.Since early age, Alex has received coaching of the highest level: Grandmaster Constantin Lupulescu, one of the most accomplished Romanian players ever. What does Alex has to say about role models in chess?The Caro-Kann: Simplified: https://www.chessable.com/the-caro-kann-simplified/course/171080/Alex Banzea's London System: https://www.chessable.com/alex-banzeas-london-system/course/118788/Alex's author page: https://www.chessable.com/author/alexbanzea/Alex's socials: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexBanzeaTwitter: https://twitter.com/AlexBanzeaBen's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

International Master Yuriy Krykun is a chess player, coach, and author. This rising star of the chess world has shined so bright that he’s gotten attention from beginners and grandmasters alike. But, what does he has to say about role models in chess?IM Yuriy Krykun's author page:https://www.chessable.com/author/Yuri...Black is Back: Old Benoni:https://www.chessable.com/black-is-ba...Yuriy Krykun's socials: X: https://twitter.com/KrykunYuriyBen's Socials: X: https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

Ben Johnson talks role models in chess with gold-winning player/trainer/coach, GM Ivan Sokolov.Ivan Sokolov is a Grandmaster, author, coach, and formerly one of the top-ranked chess players in the world. Sokolov was the coach and captain of the gold-winning Uzbek team in the 2022 Olympiad.GM Ivan Sokolov's author page:https://www.chessable.com/author/Ivan...Endgame Expertise: Rook Endgameshttps://www.chessable.com/endgame-exp...Ivan Sokolov's socials: X: https://twitter.com/GMSokolovIvanBen's Socials: X: https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1

Just a quick announcement that Season 3 is finally here! The topic of this season is chess role models.

CM Vjekoslav "Vjeko" Nemec is a Chessable Author, a chess blogger and journalist, and a fierce blitz player with ratings over 2600 on both Lichess and Chess.com. In our conversation, Vjeko shares some tips for improving your blitz game, but also discusses the dark side of a love for blitz, as it can be addicting and sometimes causes him to wonder if he is using his chess time optimally. In our conversation we get some good reflections on improving your blitz game, putting it in its proper place in your life, and even on how to reorient in order to work on classical chess instead. Check out Vjeko's course, The Uncompromising Modern Defense, here:https://www.chessable.com/the-uncompromising-modern-defense/course/87112/

This week's guest on How to Chess is Chessable author and renowned trainer GM Johan Hellsten. He joins the podcast this week to share some tips about how to analyze one's one chess games. Johan touches on how to utilize engines, and the different types of mistakes he sees in his students games. Johan's landmark Mastering Chess books/ Chessable series is packed with instructive positions and is revered by other chess trainers and students alike. It is a particularly good choice for those rated in the 1400 to 2200 range. You can check out Johan's Chessable Courses (including links to free lessons) here:https://www.chessable.com/author/jhellsten2/

NM Bryan Tillis is a popular Chessable Author, an accredited FIDE trainer, and the founder of the Florida based chess academy, Palm Beach Chess. In our conversation, Bryan shares some practical tips to help adult chess players remember their openings. Bryan discusses the concept of "memory markers" and shares a few other tips that can help us make the most of our limited opening study time. You can find links to Chessable courses referenced below: Bryan's Chessable Courses:https://www.chessable.com/author/Bryan_Tillis/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_17331070731&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAjw6fyXBhBgEiwAhhiZspYMi_MyeUl6WHKZN3RpRgIpGJ1URpTn28w3dgxzqCTGnR-oR7oxgxoCqJQQAvD_BwEFM Kamil Plichta's Anti-Anti Sicilians:https://www.chessable.com/anti-anti-sicilians/course/42393/Memory markers

GM Sahaj Grover is an Indian born, South Africa based chess trainer and Chessable Author. He amassed many youth titles, and was the 2017 and 2018 South African Open Champion. Sahaj is also the co-author (with FM Daniel Barrish) of Timeless Technique: Strategic Endgames, a great practical guide to endgames for intermediate and advanced players. In our conversation, Sahaj shares some tips for blending the study of "practical" endgames and "technical" endgames and discusses his own endgame education. He also tells the story of what he learned from a memorable Pro Chess League game against GM Magnus Carlsen! You can check out Sahaj's Chessable Courses here:https://www.chessable.com/author/sahajgrover/Check out 100 Endgames You Must Know (another course we discussed) Here:100 Endgames You Must Know - MoveTrainer® Course - Chessable

Omar Mills is a Florida based Product Manager at Disney parks by day, and a recently converted chess die-hard by night. As a follow up to Neal Bruce’s suggestions before one’s first chess tournament (in Episode 4), I thought it would be fun to hear from a player after he had played his first tournament. Omar has quickly built a loyal Twitter following due to his evident passion for chess, so he was the perfect person to share some lessons that he learned. When it comes to tournament chess, there is no substitute for experience! Please tune in for all the lessons that Omar has learned in the early days of a chess obsession. Be sure to follow Omar on Twitter and Instagram:https://twitter.com/ChessVonDoom?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthorhttps://www.instagram.com/ChessVonDoom/Recommended Chessable Courses for Your 2nd Tournament: Everyone’s First Chess Workbook by FM Peter Giannatos Chess Principles Reloaded by IM Andras Toth Learn Chess the Right Way, Find Winning Moves by GM Susan Polgar 

Dr. Christopher Chabris is a renowned cognitive scientist and the best-selling co-author of the book The Invisible Gorilla. In this conversation, Chris discusses what it means to have "chess culture" and how one can go about acquiring it. Check out Dr. Chabris' website here:http://www.chabris.com/In addition to the books we discussed, here are a few Chessable courses I would recommend to help you learn more chess culture:1) Kasparov's Great Predecessor Series 2) Yasser's Chess Duels 3) The Best Chess Moves of All Time by Alex Belsley and GM Simon Williams

Andrew Webb works in Product Management for a software company and is also a "chess dad" and a dedicated chess amateur who has managed to gain about 250 FIDE points in his 40s. Andrew credits a lot of his success to lessons he learned from working with his coaches, NM Dan Heisman and GM Nigel Davies, and in this conversation he shares a few of those lessons. Relevant links below:  Andrews's Educational Chess Website- https://acornchess.com/Chessable courses mentioned:Chess Structures by Mauricio Flores Rios 

USCF National Master, Chess Steps trainer, and Chessable Author Han Schut on how to learn from your chess mistakes. Links: Han Schut's Chessable Courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/HanSchut/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_17331070731&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAjwoMSWBhAdEiwAVJ2ndl04_FPMT5YzkK45f63EsAkp4ppCSFKDMrBi1_CBjthMlkYd_5ZBwxoCr88QAvD_BwEHan's Twitter:https://twitter.com/HanSchutChess

I briefly discuss the pending return of How to Chess !! :)

Chessable author and Founder of Next Level Coaching, FM Dalton Perrine joins the pod to discuss an oft-neglected aspect of chess thinking- how to defend against tactics.Check out his Chessable course in the link below: https://www.chessable.com/survive-thrive-how-to-blunder-less-and-defend-better/course/80629/Follow Dalton on Twitter here:https://twitter.com/MattyDPerrine

Popular Author, Trainer, and Founding Member of the ChessDojo, Kostya Kavutskiy stops by to discuss his excellent new Chessable course, Endgame Studies 101. Check out ChessDojo's YouTube here Follow IM Kostya Kavutskiy's Twitter here

In his own words, GM Vladimir Kramnik answers the trivia question from How to Chess Episode 19 about the first time he beat a GM in a simul.

Legendary former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik stops by to discuss 3 things to think about when its your move in a chess game. As GM Kramnik details in his Chessable course, Thinking in Chess, A How to Guide, it can be useful to use the following framework when its your move... Look for tactics (can i win material?)Is there a threat? (are pieces hanging?)What is the plan of your opponent? (What is she hoping to do next?) ONLY then, you can ask yourself questions like, "what is my plan?" and "How can I improve my position?, etc. Both of Vladmir Kramnik's courses are on sale through October 27. And both offer free chapters! Links below:Thinking in Chess, A How to GuideThinking in Chess: Free Excerpt Understanding 1. e4Vladimir Kramnik: Free Opening Lesson #1 THE TRIVIA CONTEST ALREADY HAS A WINNER! Thanks for listening, and please subscribe for bonus content coming soon featuring Vladimir telling the story of the answer to the trivia question.

FM Peter Giannatos is the Founder and Executive Director of the Charlotte Chess Center and Scholastic Academy (CCCSA), and an accomplished chess teacher and improver. Follow the CCCSA on Twitter hereTwitch hereInfo on the Corporate Chess League here. Perpetual Chess Podcast Episode 241 with FM Peter Giannatos here Follow Ben Johnson on Twitter here https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1If you want to build your repertoire visit:www.chessable.com/freefor hundreds of free starter repertoires

IM Lawrence Trent shares some memorable advice that has been imparted to him from his GM friends, plus gives an update on his GM title chase and his rivalry with IM Greg Shahade. Ben Johnson https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1Lawrence Trent https://twitter.com/LawrenceTrentIMGreg Shahade https://twitter.com/GregShahade/status/1430546789065658377If you want to build your repertoire visit:www.chessable.com/freefor hundreds of free starter repertoires

WIM Jesse February shares some great advice on how to analyze games, prepare and manage your energy during a tournament. Make sure to drop Jesse a follow on Twitch and keep in touch via her socials: Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/jesse_febTwitter - https://twitter.com/jesse_feb?lang=enInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jesse_feb/?hl=en

IM Yuriy Krykun shares some tips for choosing and working with a chess coach. Check out Yuriy's Chessable courses here:https://www.chessable.com/author/YuriyKrykun/

The 8 time Russian Champion, commentator and Chessable Author, GM Peter Svidler joins the show! Check out Peter's Chessable Course here- https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-peter-svidlers-grunfeld-part-1/course/63116/Follow Peter on Twitter here- https://twitter.com/polborta?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorFollow Ben on Twitter here- https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1Peter's US Chess School Lecture is Here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QumdJShD1QI

This week's guest, Alex Belsky (chessforlife on Chessable) is a Quantum Physics Ph.D. student, 2100 FIDE player, and prize winning Chessable course creator! Check out Alex Belsky's course of the year, The Best Chess Moves of All Time here: https://www.chessable.com/the-best-chess-moves-of-all-time/course/80952/Free preview of the course here: https://www.chessable.com/some-of-the-best-chess-moves-of-all-time/course/86225/UPDATE- SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11- NOTE THAT THE FREE COURSE TRIVIA CONTEST ALREADY HAS A WINNER.

This week's guest is Dr. Benjamin Portheault . Benji is a data scientist and performance coach who has worked with Super GMs to help them improve their performances. Benji shares some tips for ways we can improve our own games through better lifestyle and preparation habits. Follow Benji on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/benjiportheault?lang=en

Christophe Thiéry is a programmer by day, and a chess loving Chessable Legend by night! Tune in to find out what he has learned from achieving a 2000 day Chessable streak! You can see Christoph's stalemate trick on move 53 of this game. Here is the link to the variation where he learned the pattern: https://www.chessable.com/variation/353838/ it is from a famous Smyslov-Bernstein game.

Episode 10 - FM Nate Solon on How analytics and analysis can help your chessHow to use analytics in your chess? What’s the difference between analytics and analysis? How can club players benefit from them? What chess tools help to collect data and analyze it?FIDE Master Nate Solon joins Ben to share some ideas on the subject. Nate is the Massachusetts State Champion, a data scientist, and a consultant for Chessable.com who’s always looking for ways to improve his own game. He is also the author of the excellent Zwischenzug newsletter.https://zwischenzug.substack.com/Three ideas on how to use analytics in chess:1. Filter by level (study what you’re likely to face and study your peers)2. Look at your own data (find trends and weaknesses in your play to fix them)3. Consider going off the beaten path (sound but unpopular openings have surprise value)Visit aimchess.com for a free report on your latest games.Check out hundreds of free Chessable opening courses at https://www.chessable.com/free/Or, create an account for free at https://www.chessable.com/register/➡️ Check out Ben on Twitter ➡️ Check out Nate on Twitter Subscribe for more educational chess content.Visit https://www.howtochess.com/ and follow https://twitter.com/HowtoChessPod to stay in touch with the show.

Visit howtochess.com and stay in touch with the show. Episodes every Thursday.Ben Johnson https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1Davorin https://www.chessable.com/beyond-material/course/71438/If you want to build your repertoire visit:www.chessable.com/freefor hundreds of free starter repertoires

Chess Twitch Streamer and Former British Girls Youth Champion, Cleomina, has returned to chess after a 14 year hiatus. She shares tips for how to retrain your chess brain and re-acclimate oneself to the chess world. Ben Johnson https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1Cleomina https://twitter.com/cleominattv?lang=enCleomina's Twitch Channel- https://t.co/BQQiRbqHtm?amp=1If you want to build your repertoire visit:www.chessable.com/freefor hundreds of free starter repertoires

Episode 7 - IM Christof Sielecki on How to Choose your repertoireHow to choose your opening repertoire? International Master and opening specialist Christof Sielecki races the clock to answer as many of Ben’s questions as possible in under 15 minutes. Christof is the mastermind behind the popular Chessexplained Twitch and YouTube channels, and a Chessable bestselling author, with rave reviews in all of his titles.Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/chessxplainedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChessexplainedCourses: https://www.chessable.com/author/Chessexplained/A lot of facts weigh in choosing the right repertoire for you: time available for preparation, the format you play on, the kind of positions you feel comfortable with... But most of all, know yourself and be clear about your expectations of the opening. Here you’ve got Christof’s three pearls of wisdom:1. Know your goals (what do you want to achieve? Use openings that maximize your chances)2. Don’t fear preparation (it doesn’t happen that much; just know your stuff and follow chess principles)3. Adapt your repertoire to the situation (switching openings is a good idea from time to time)Check out hundreds of free Chessable opening courses at https://www.chessable.com/free/Or, create an account for free at https://www.chessable.com/register/➡️ Check out Ben on Twitter https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1➡️ Check out Christof on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChessExplainedSubscribe for more educative chess content.Visit https://www.howtochess.com/ and follow https://twitter.com/HowtoChessPod to stay in touch with the show.

How to attack in chess? GM Simon Williams joins NM Ben Johnson to share his expert advice for a 15-minute masterclass. Simon is well-known in the chess world for his attacking style, and he’s the author of the hit Chessable course The art of attack in chess. https://www.chessable.com/the-art-of-attack-in-chess/course/24575/When to attack and when not to? How to develop an attacking instinct? Simon looks at great attackers like Paul Morphy, Alexander Alekhine, Mikhail Tal, and Garry Kasparov to provide the best answers for beginners, intermediate and advanced players.Simon’s top 3 advice to improve your attacking chess:1. Position yourself before the attack (develop actively, target a weakness)2. Bring your pieces into the attack against the king (outnumber the defenders)3. Learn from great attacking players (study their games)Reply to Ben’s question at the end of the episode for a chance to win a copy of Simon’s The art of attack in chess for free.Check out hundreds of free Chessable courses at https://www.chessable.com/free/Or, create an account for free at https://www.chessable.com/register/➡️ Check out Ben on Twitter https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1➡️ Check out Simon on Twitter https://twitter.com/ginger_gmSubscribe for more educative chess content.Visit https://www.howtochess.com/ and follow https://twitter.com/HowtoChessPod to stay in touch with the show.

For this week's How to Chess we bring in a popular Chessable author to answer a crowdsourced question- IM Andras Toth shares tips for the proper way to read a chess book (or course!). He touches on what types of books are best for chess improvement, whether one should review the material, and even offers a few specific book recommendations. For more from Andras, be sure to check out his awesome Chessable courses! Ben Johnson https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1Andras Toth https://twitter.com/chesscoachandraIf you want to build your repertoire visit:www.chessable.com/freefor hundreds of free starter repertoires

This week on How to Chess, we are joined by software startup executive and Adult Improver Extraordinaire, Neal Bruce. With so many chess enthusiasts trying out or returning to competitive tournament chess, it is great to get some advice from  about things to keep in mind when competing in a chess tournament. Chess tournaments are a unique world, with their own set of written and unwritten rules, so it was great to get the insights of someone who played his first chess tournament at age 40!Visit howtochess.com and stay in touch with the show. Episodes every Thursday.Ben Johnson https://twitter.com/Bennyficial1Neal Bruce https://twitter.com/NealBruceBCIf you want to build your repertoire visit:www.chessable.com/freefor hundreds of free starter repertoires

Braden Laughlin brought his rating from 0 to 2200 in online blitz in less than 2 years - how did he do it? Ben sits down with Braden in this week’s episode of How To Chess to find out, and impart some advice on any player looking to increase their rating. Particular topics include breaking through plateaus, finding weak spots in your game to fix, and maintaining good mental health.Of course, one of the keys is to study your chess! Chessable offers hundreds of courses, covering all aspects of the game - many of them free! Be sure to check it out after the episode. https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/free/Check in every Thursday for more great chess advice in the How To Chess podcast, and connect with us at howtochess.com.

There are so many good chess openings out there, but how do you know which one is right for you? Ben asks opening expert and host of the HangingPawns channel Stjepan Tomic how to choose the right opening. Stjepan explains how to find an opening you like, how to go about studying openings, what openings you should avoid, and plenty of other useful advice. Hanging Pawns on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJdvwRC-oGPhRHW_XPNokgAfter the episode, check out the multitude of opening courses on Chessable to pick up your opening studies. There are tons of free courses where you can learn a new opening in a matter of hours. https://www.chessable.com/chess-openings/ Stay tuned for more episodes of How To Chess every Thursday and keep in touch at howtochess.com

Episode 1 - How Not to Blunder in Chess In the inaugural episode, Ben sits down with renowned chess coach and author Eugene Perelshteyn to ask him the big question on every budding chess player’s mind: “How can I stop blundering?” Grandmaster Perelshteyn explains what causes players to blunder and offers practical advice on what you can do both during the game and in your preparation to prevent blunders. One critical piece of advice: study your tactics! After the episode, be sure to check out Chessable’s variety of tactics-focused courses so you can reduce blunders in your own games: https://www.chessable.com/chess-tactics/. To see more of GM Eugene Perelshteyn's content , go to ChessOpeningsExplained.com Stay tuned for more episodes every Thursday and stay in touch with the show at howtochess.com.