Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

This week on Chess Journeys, I reflect on 2025. I reflect on the business of the year, my achievements, and the work that I did. I conclude by outlining my hopes for 2026. Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8 My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Taja about his recent tournament win at the North American Open. We talked about his journey, starting in 5th grade to his recent transition to adulthood. Taja spoke about his process of taking games one at a time. He talked about the benefits of playing in your own section. We talked about resources that helped him on his journey, and how to break through plateaus. Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8 My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nick. He’s a prolific chess writer on Substack, and a is making his 3rd appearance on Chess Journeys. We discussed his lengthy fall from 1730 to 1511. It was a true pit of despair. Nick talked about losing confidence in his intuition, which caused extensive time trouble. He spoke about working out of the funk, how to use Chessable better, and his analysis of over 3,000 master games. Nick has once again risen into the 1600’s, and we talked about keeping a healthy approach to chess study while climbing back up again. Nick’s Substack: https://www.nickplayschess.com/ Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8 My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kevin, the Angry Iceberg. Kevin picked up chess in May. It was great to chat with someone so close to the beginning of their journey. We talked about resources that he used, and his emphasis on enjoying the journey. Kevin recently attended his first tournament winning 3 out of 5 games.  Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8 My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Drew. He’s trying to balance family, work, running a chess club, and chess improvement. We talked about his start with chess, OTB tournaments, and coaching. We talked about his recent turn to studying tactics and which resources have been working for him. Drew especially recommends the amazing Chess Tactics From Scratch. Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull My Chessable Course! https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8 My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8 Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5 As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.  Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices