Perpetual Chess Podcast

ChessDojo’s GM Jesse Kraai is always one of my favorite people to talk chess with, yet somehow it had been five years since his last visit to the pod. Jesse returned at a great time, having been both studying and competing actively, and recently achieving his goal of qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Senior Closed Championship. His recent over-the-board activity provided a springboard for us to discuss a wide range of topics, including: * How he has learned to confront his fears in tough, “meat-grinder” weekend tournaments * Why he believes weight training—and even certain health supplements—are important for older players, and may be the next frontier for professionals as well * How the ChessDojo curriculum and philosophy have evolved in recent years I am also a big fan of Jesse’s book reviews on the ChessDojo YouTube channel, so I couldn’t let him go without sharing a few recommendations. We even closed the conversation by discussing Intermezzo, a recent novel by award-winning Irish writer Sally Rooney. I always admire Jesse’s dedication to improvement, and it’s a pleasure to hear his thoughtful perspectives on chess and beyond. Approximate timestamps of topics discussed are below. 0:02- Does Jesse ever find it hard to stay motivated to keep studying and reading chess books?  0:03- Reflections on Jesse’s recent tournaments 0:05- What are the keys to GM Alex Fishbein’s recent success?  0:09- What does Jesse do to work on his own chess? Mentioned: Jesse’s review of the book TurboCharge Your Tactics [https://www.amazon.com/Turbo-Charge-Your-Tactics-Drive-Improvement/dp/B0CPHYPGCQ] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLBMmqk8an0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLBMmqk8an0] Also Mentioned:  Perfect Your Chess https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Your-Chess-Ukrainian-Authors/dp/1915328063/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KXGHHH199SMQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XJTzNVQ4N6jtqAJlUh5KzvNBpaX4Cs6DkIe2E-15eIhEw6YsZYPA5HdNzRFsEzgzHHBYkJjSSdBddTS1PPcTP6iRXtOUrqULwf5Sc2JQUMHafGmhNIGcuYGQ8MyXxIkQhoxaHmbKuO0u94ls6vl8vhiehM-UnVvrZ17ce4FPjsd3ho3b08KJh-vPw89-SF0ccgo36HEXf7zwi__wKMmX8iO1_7DXOTHH5Pk9OgLrBUA.kPo0CC2fg8nMzpfrIKoCIvkTyNUwFvqAT7-k0iXzEmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=perfect+your+chess&qid=1756510333&sprefix=Perfect+Your+Chess%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Your-Chess-Ukrainian-Authors/dp/1915328063/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KXGHHH199SMQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XJTzNVQ4N6jtqAJlUh5KzvNBpaX4Cs6DkIe2E-15eIhEw6YsZYPA5HdNzRFsEzgzHHBYkJjSSdBddTS1PPcTP6iRXtOUrqULwf5Sc2JQUMHafGmhNIGcuYGQ8MyXxIkQhoxaHmbKuO0u94ls6vl8vhiehM-UnVvrZ17ce4FPjsd3ho3b08KJh-vPw89-SF0ccgo36HEXf7zwi__wKMmX8iO1_7DXOTHH5Pk9OgLrBUA.kPo0CC2fg8nMzpfrIKoCIvkTyNUwFvqAT7-k0iXzEmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=perfect+your+chess&qid=1756510333&sprefix=Perfect+Your+Chess%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-1] 12:00- ChessDojo and Jesse’s fitness regimen Jesse’s IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMqT1jOuxcK/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DMqT1jOuxcK/] Check out Dr. Nick Vasquez’s blog here: https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/clearing-the-fog [https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/clearing-the-fog] 17:00- Are elite chess players likely taking cognitive supplements or other drugs to help their performances?  20:00- What have been the biggest lessons from co-founding the ChessDojo? 25:00- What has Jesse learned from reading the works of IM Willy Hendriks? 28:00- Patreon mailbag question: What non-chess books influenced Jesse’s philosophy of chess improvement? Mentioned: Mindset by Carol Dweck [https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692] Deep Work by Cal Newport  [https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692] 30:00- Patreon mailbag question: Are books as effective as modern digital tools for chess improvement?  32:00- Does Jesse have set hours for studying chess? 36:00- The strengths and weaknesses of Jesse’s competitors in next year’s US Senior Closed Championship.  Mentioned: GM Larry Christiansen, GM Gregory Kaidanov, FM Doug Eckert  38:00- New developments in the dojo 42:00- Jesse’s rest of 2026 tournaments  44:00- We share our thoughts on the chess-adjacent novel Intermezzo by popular author Sally Rooney https://www.amazon.com/Intermezzo-Novel-Sally-Rooney/dp/0374602638 [https://www.amazon.com/Intermezzo-Novel-Sally-Rooney/dp/0374602638] 54:00- Parting book recs Mentioned: Polgar Chess Logical Chess Move by Move  58:00- Thanks to Jesse, for rejoining me! You can find him at the ChessDojo. (use code "ben" at checkout to save 10% https://www.chessdojo.club/signup [https://www.chessdojo.club/signup] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

NM Max Farberov is a 27-year-old chess instructor, Chessable author, and online speed-chess specialist with a Chess.com blitz rating north of 2600. He joined me after a busy chess summer that included his first European open and one of his best OTB results to date: winning clear first in the Under-2300 section of the Washington International. As Max explains, this breakthrough came only after months of frustration and feeling that he had reached a plateau, making the success all the sweeter. In our conversation, Max and I discussed: * Why he stays motivated to pursue tournament chess at an age when many slow down * How he built an opening repertoire around the offbeat 1…d6 * What he gains from following lesser-known professional tournaments * Why speed chess is underrated as a tool for improvement Max’s passion for chess is infectious, and our conversation is full of helpful chess improvement advice. Timestamps are below. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro [https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro] And you can check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ [https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/] Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com [http://chess.com], via the link below: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners] 0:02- What led to Max’s recent tournament outcome, where he attained the best result of his life?  10:00- What keeps Max going when many players in their 20s stop playing tournaments?  12:00- The College Chess League 13:00- Congrats to IM-elect Tatev Abrahamyan  14:00- Was Max tempted to quit after earning the NM title?  20:00- What was it like for Max to play in his first international tournament?  Mentioned: More on the Vila de Sitges here: https://open.penyaescacscp.com/ [https://open.penyaescacscp.com/] 22:00- The dangers of overpreparing for an opponent  24:00- Max’s approach to openings  26:00- GMs and top engines don’t like openings like the Philidor and the Pirc due to the concession of space. Has this been an issue for Max in his games? 28:00- Does Max consider himself a speed chess specialist? How can one get better at speed chess? 33:00- How to combat the London 35:00- Back to speed chess advice- Max’s advice for clock management  38:00 Opening prep war stories  40:00- The benefits of following and playing through the games from  professional (non-elite) circuit tournaments.  43:00- Max’s friendship with GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez  Mentioned: EP 409 with GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/11/19/ep-409-gm-fidel-corrales-jimenez-a-tireless-tournament-circuit-grinder-on-overcoming-setbacks-managing-energy-the-risks-of-otb-cheating-amp-his-love-for-the-scotch-openingnbsp [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/11/19/ep-409-gm-fidel-corrales-jimenez-a-tireless-tournament-circuit-grinder-on-overcoming-setbacks-managing-energy-the-risks-of-otb-cheating-amp-his-love-for-the-scotch-openingnbsp] 46:00- How Max became a chess teacher and  advice for getting into chess teaching  49:00- Max’s next chess goals 50:00- Is Max a regimented chess-studier? 52:00- Max’s chess improvement hot takes and book recs  Mentioned:  Practical Chess Exercises [https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Chess-Exercises-Lessons-Strategy-ebook/dp/B001FSK3H6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Practical%20Chess%20Exercises&qid=1629916467&s=books&sr=1-3] Evaluate like a Grandmaster  [https://www.amazon.com/Evaluate-Like-Grandmaster-Eugene-Perelshteyn/dp/B0BHNF5CWB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JU96QWNJMP56&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q1W8VgHtdnWCItnVI_J-jV0Yatmr9ZdGMnfWQRniRSAYCE-HnguQs7LvmZjSiLF7SQY-u3-RfM6zbWDUiiQEcqXx7qZfdUXVbbt7DomWYSkKZnGnZm20pVEAxu2cxDi8.yXtFr70pyPZfY3UQscgWdE3Q1cNn-nq-m8LyFPsO34Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=evaluate+like+a+grandmaster&qid=1738355219&sprefix=evaluate+like+a+%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1] Attack with Mikhail Tal  [https://www.amazon.com/Attack-Mikhail-Cadogan-Chess-Books/dp/1857440439/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MWGJMFFUOW5F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.78wdVgZCYgjmBND-ivQ1bk3kOUeglfglV5fGrEhhlWQZJr-FjBorqJ7LCQeYhiFJ.ACz-4aAdNPRwSQ4V1rY6hg3trUJnjv7PN9luYZ1WPzE&dib_tag=se&keywords=attack+like+mikhail+tal&qid=1755890786&s=books&sprefix=attack+like+mikhail+tal%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1] 56:00- Thanks to Max for joining me!  Here is how to reach him: X: https://x.com/chessgainz?lang=en [https://x.com/chessgainz?lang=en] Chess.com [http://chess.com]: https://www.chess.com/member/chess_gainz [https://www.chess.com/member/chess_gainz] If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Going Pro at 57: `GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational  At 57 years old, Tennessee-based Grandmaster and Author, Alex Fishbein, has built an impressive chess résumé, with 12 state-championship titles across four states and multiple appearances in U.S. Championship events. But until recently, his chess had always been balanced with a demanding finance career. Last year, for the first time since age 24, Alex stepped away from Wall Street to devote himself fully to chess—an experiment that paid off quickly.  Through a rigorous and unconventional study routine—including his unique “post-postmortem” method—Alex pulled off a surprise victory at the 2025 U.S. Senior Invitational, despite entering as the second-lowest rated player. In our conversation, he reflects on: * The training methods that fueled his breakthrough * His advice for caring less about ratings * The outsized role of age and stamina in senior chess * Lessons learned from legends like Korchnoi and Keres Alex’s story shows the power of playing actively against all comers, staying curious, and embracing new challenges, and he provides inspiration for chess players of all levels. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.  Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro [https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro] And you can check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ [https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/] Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com [http://chess.com] via the link below: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners] 02:30- GM Fishbein joins the podcast! We begin by discussing his recent tournaments  Mentioned: Episode 291 with GM Alex Fishbein: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2022/8/9/ep-291-gm-alex-fishbein-on-maintaining-a-passion-for-chess-into-ones-50s-plus-great-korchnoi-and-tal-stories [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2022/8/9/ep-291-gm-alex-fishbein-on-maintaining-a-passion-for-chess-into-ones-50s-plus-great-korchnoi-and-tal-stories] My System Fast Track Book Recap #37 with GM Alex Fishbein https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbsp [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbsp] Also mentioned: Dan Joelson, IM Stuart Rachels  08:00- What changes did Alex recently make to his training regimen? Mentioned: Interview with Nazi Paikidze and GM Yasser Seirawan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQ] 15:00- Patreon mailbag question [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess]: How are Alex’s preparation methods different as a professional vs.as an amateur?  Mentioned: Solitaire Chess  More on Solitaire Chess from FM Nate Solon here: https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/solitaire-chess [https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/solitaire-chess] 25:00- How and why did Alex begin to study the games and annotations of GM Paul Keres? 35:00- What was Alex’s approach to openings in the US Senior Closed? Did he try to surprise his opponents?  Mentioned: You can play through the games and openings mentioned from the tournament here: https://www.chess.com/events/2025-us-national=championships-seniors/01/Fishbein_Alexander-Novikov_Igor [https://www.chess.com/events/2025-us-national=championships-seniors/01/Fishbein_Alexander-Novikov_Igor] 38:00- What separates the strength of GM Vladimir Akopian from the rest of the field?  39:00- Why does GM Alex Fishbein think that the three youngest players were the ones to make the playoffs?  Mentioned: Chess is My Life by GM Viktor Korchnoi [https://www.amazon.com/Chess-My-Life-Victor-Korchnoi/dp/3283004064/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Hr13QmEUdakCg_a6NVmEjz6xLeFBxJaSsZdyJ9Ko2wM2HRTlbEstKtjx0vBfJXBXl_d4Zg9lT41qdaUh51cStR6Dtn5S3yslAycvtUIX5_0by2XCVbqp2spDgHcZBAbgRUIPlwxIo7MRGkHWZeHrmFoE32nMBShTI3f35VS-lOJlyrKFQckBCwGNKHxH1HfK4PO7gNpvyorQvsibq852VabuXFKbpy957s6zpOc3fWhleKVSSEUmv3C6S3xSibL0HELCvzDgkremqto8PRijQ-EI5ojFiuNmIa_95aspMPA.ALI_wEbFm_mxfWEgGkbSHlOC3G2R2ItMo-jK__YCsqQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Chess+is+My+Life&qid=1755535176&sr=8-1] 40:00- Why ratings are a mirage for the Senior Closed 45:00- Alex’s advice for caring less about one’s rating Mentioned: Claud Bloodgood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bloodgood [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bloodgood] 53:00- Recent chess books Alex has read Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Phillip Hurtado  [https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Super-GM-Michael-Adams/dp/1784831670] 55:00- Alex’s training tips for lower-rated players 1:00- Thanks to Alex for joining me again! You can reach him via email at: Afish at panix.com [http://panix.com]  If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

IM Greg Shahade [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Shahade]was the very first guest of Perpetual Chess and has remained a frequent and insightful contributor  ever since. A former youth national champion, Greg has subsequently  been involved in the chess world in an array of capacities —founder of the US Chess School (which provides free training to top American juniors), creator of the now-defunct Pro Chess League, and a near-2800-rated blitz player on Chess.com who has maintained his level well into his 40s. A former poker pro, Greg has more recently become a trivia whiz to boot. But which is harder to improve at—trivia or chess? In this wide-ranging conversation, we catch up on Greg’s many interests, get his take on events like the E-Sports World Cup and Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, and hear his thoughts on the  continued ascension of the next chess generation. It’s always a treat to hear Greg’s takes on the ever-evolving chess landscape. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro [https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro] And you can check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ [https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/] 0:00- Will Greg learn GM Jan Gustafsson’s Chessable course? 0:05- Patreon mailbag question: [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess] Greg followed the E-sports World Cup (EWC) closely- what were his impressions of it?  0:09- Why Greg loves classical chess!  0:12- Back to the EWC 0:16- What did Greg think of the recent Freestyle tournament in Las Vegas?  21:00- The US Chess School- are kids good at chess? 30:00- The benefits of the daily chess format  36:00- Why did Greg decide to become good at trivia? Is it harder to improve at then chess? https://gregshahade.wordpress.com/2023/01/31/1-5-years-of-trivia-total-n00b-to-learnedleague-group-a/ [https://gregshahade.wordpress.com/2023/01/31/1-5-years-of-trivia-total-n00b-to-learnedleague-group-a/] 44:00- Patreon mailbag question: [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess] Greg seems like a happy and positive person- has that come easy to him or has he had to work at it? 47:00- Patreon mailbag question: [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess] Greg sings a song!(briefly)  48:00- As another friend of FM Donny Ariel’s, does Greg think he can make GM? Could Greg make GM?  53:00- Patreon mailbag question: [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess] Does Carlsen’s retirement from the World Championship title hurt his legacy as compared to Kasparov?  Mentioned: Kasparov-Polgar touch-move controversy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT9UhaUIBCY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT9UhaUIBCY] 1:01- Greg discusses his enthusiasm for the Chess.com [http://chess.com] daily chess league  https://www.chess.com/article/view/join-chess-league [https://www.chess.com/article/view/join-chess-league] Thanks to Greg for joining me again! You can reach/keep up with him via Chess.com or via X: https://www.chess.com/member/gregshahade https://x.com/GregShahade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Nicholas Sloan is a Wisconsin-based Network Engineer, a dad of 4, and an extremely motivated chess improver. Usually. But after an incredible run of gaining 500+ rating points in two years, fueled by consistent hard work and a unique study approach, Nick hit a wall. He gave back 150 rating points, and lost his motivation to work hard on chess. That can happen when you are a family man who is working full-time,  studying for multiple hours a day, and creating chess content on top of that. Nick took time away to read some quality chess books, and to recalibrate his chess improvement plans. In our conversation Nick tells me:  * Why, after reflection,  he has decided that the lofty goal of earning the National Master title is still worth pursuing.  * How a few chess books opened his eyes to the work he still had to do  * What he intends to do next As a longtime reader of Nick’s blog [https://substack.com/@highgroundchess], I was excited to finally chat with him, and I look forward to following his continued success.  Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro [https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro] And you can check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ [https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/] https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners] 02:00- Nicholas joins the show- check out his rating graph here: https://www.uschess.org/datapage/ratings_graph.php?memid=12772484 [https://www.uschess.org/datapage/ratings_graph.php?memid=12772484] 05:00- What does Nick think contributed to his recent slump? 14:00- What effect did reading GM Jonathan Rowson’s books have on Nick? Mentioned: Book Recap #14: Seven Deadly Chess Sins https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins] Book Recap #32: Chess for Zebras  https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins] 20:00- More book recs! Mentioned: Road to Chess Improvement [https://www.amazon.com/Road-Chess-Improvement-Alex-Yermolinsky-ebook/dp/B007I6QGPC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MYNJANVCIAN2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.shcYxKDiJZo-yjCQLcFppssPxe1XzGOA4mHTS0US-BX8HIhz_l1zR8EvizMG3scyg3JGo53yKqoVrc-pUptBoGfOXI1ukCKPfI8CZArQYRoDl5B0AOp1AWj3R27mS4cSs8ykE2m_10PezU3iD8LZ_g.4o-DEy8SuwbBdlu1doRMJuDYweeW9Jj27dgPk_y8UX4&dib_tag=se&keywords=road+to+chess+improvement&qid=1753990058&s=books&sprefix=road+to+chess+improvement%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1] Chess Improvement: It’s All in the Mindset [https://www.amazon.com/Chess-Improvement-Its-all-mindset-ebook/dp/B08KHY4S6B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TD5C5TMT523C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UHPRssE7F7IRHsuo-2d8Vw.hzvABp8EZQwUPaBVcmV1NdsCVh80qBVPitKTUTRx2zs&dib_tag=se&keywords=chess+improvement+its+all+in+the+mindset&qid=1753990005&s=books&sprefix=chess+improvement+its+all+in+the+mindset%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1] 22:00- How did Nick adjust to being an emotional player? 24:00- How has Nick changed his approach? Mentioned: Pump Up Your Rating  [https://www.amazon.com/Pump-Your-Rating-Axel-Smith/dp/1907982736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CFRIR3TQRWGB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J6xZBJcPNkMQ0-WMielP_9pDsI80qGd6GuRa86lEgTJcbExYhDcscL5e-cJ-cn-_.nD4qlYUpG_DiLwB46uzFhuAcyeqdr5ZeT5UCbKVnhek&dib_tag=se&keywords=pump+up+your+rating&qid=1753990069&s=books&sprefix=pump+up+your+rating%2Cstripbooks%2C69&sr=1-1] 27:00- What thought process is Nick using over the board? Mentioned: GM Alexander Goldin  28:00- What did Nick learn from the book Rapid Chess Improvement ? Mentioned: CT-Art , Chessking App 32:00- How Nick avoids burnout Mentioned: Episode 173 with NM Philemon Thomas [https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2020/4/14/episode-173-uscf-master-philemon-thomas], GM Johan Hellsten’s Mastering Chess Strategy 35:00- Why does Nick focus on local club tournaments rather than big weekend ones? Mentioned: Episode 346 with NM Todd Bryant  40:00- Does Nick play a narrow or wide repertoire?  44:00- How many tournament games does Nick aim to play per year?  46:00- Nick’s approach to game analysis  50:00- Thanks to Nick for joining! Here is his linktree that provides many ways to keep up with him: https://linktr.ee/HighgroundChess [https://linktr.ee/HighgroundChess] If you would like to join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess [https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess] Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com [http://chess.com] via the link below: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]