The Chess Angle

Many adult chess improvers start with the same plan: just play a lot of games and the rating will climb. At first, that actually works - until it doesn't. In this episode, we talk about why the "just play more games" philosophy causes most amateurs to eventually hit a plateau and why deliberate study is the key to breaking through it.
Referenced:
Research Study (2005): The Role of Deliberate Practice in Chess Expertise
Reddit Post (2024): What rating would the average person reach if they played daily but never studied?
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This week, Neal discusses why he recently made a full switch to lichess.org for playing his online games and why the platform works better for his day-to-day chess routine. He still uses chesscom, but only for news, articles, and their lesson library. 
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In this episode, we tackle one of the most tempting (and dangerous) questions in amateur chess: when should you sacrifice a piece? Instead of carelessly chasing "!!" moves, we break down when your sac might be sound and when it's likely to fail.
Referenced:
Netflix Documentary On Carlsen-Niemann Scandal Gets 2026 Release Date
Why Masters Crush Lower-Rated Players (and You Struggle) by FM Dalton Perrine
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In this episode, Neal confesses a hard truth: his most dreaded opponents aren't Masters - they're "unrated" and "lower-rated" opponents who absolutely do not play like their numbers suggest. We talk about underrated players, rating lag, adult improvers on the rise, and why underestimating your opponent is the fastest way to donate a point. If you've ever sat down thinking "this should be fine" and immediately regretted it, this one's for you.
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A new year means a fresh chance to improve, but only if you have a plan that actually fits your real life. In this Season 11 premiere, Neal dives into the Listener Mailbag and then shares a practical, no-nonsense framework for building a 2026 chess improvement plan that works for busy adult players. Whether you're aiming to gain rating points, play more confidently, or just stop spinning your wheels, this episode will help you start the year with purpose.
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