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Jun 29, 2024

Last updated: November 2025

Welcome to Chess Chatter, where I break down chess improvement from both sides—the practical and the psychological.

This page collects every post so far, organized by topic. Use it to explore the full archive and find what matters most to your chess journey.

♟ Chess Improvement & Training Systems

Stop Studying Grandmasters. Start Studying Yourself.
Why your own games are your best coach, and how to build true understanding instead of memorizing grandmaster moves. Includes a downloadable self-analysis template🔒.
How to Know You’re Getting Better at Chess (Even When Your Rating Doesn’t Show It)
Track real progress through metrics like blunders per game, focus habits, and reflection logs. Includes a downloadable improvement tracker 🔒.
How to Study a Chess Tabiya In-Depth (and Why You Should)
A full guide to analyzing key opening or middlegame structures using databases, engines, and model games.
What It Really Takes to Climb the Mountain of Chess Improvement
My C.L.I.M.B. framework for sustained growth: Consistency, Learning, Intensity, Mindset, Breakthroughs.
3 Lesser Known Websites to Improve Your Chess Game
Underrated training tools like Chessalyz.ai, qchess.net, and lipuzzle, and how to use them effectively.
38.25 Hours of “The Woodpecker Method”
My complete training log from 730+ puzzles, lessons learned, and results from the second Woodpecker cycle.
13.5 Hours of “The Woodpecker Method”
My first cycle breakdown with live-streamed sessions, tracking the gains from 600+ puzzles solved.
5 Lesser Known Ways to Use Tactics Trainers
Tactical drills beyond “random solving,” including theme-based, defensive, and conversion-focused methods.

The Trap of “Should” in Chess
How “I should win” and “I shouldn’t lose” sabotage focus. Replace it with process-oriented thinking.
Why Masters Crush Lower-Rated Players (and You Struggle)
Inside my 29-game sample, I explain what separates consistent masters from streaky improvers.
“Sacrifice” vs “Invest” in Chess
Rethink material trades as “positional investments.” Learn when giving up material builds long-term advantage.
When to Throw The Kitchen Sink
How to fight back in lost positions using practical psychology and chaos.

Livestream Recording: Guess the Move with Nate Solon
Full replay of our session discussing the underrated “guess-the-move” method.
I Was Interviewed on Dr. Can’s Podcast
We talk calculation, blunder-checks, and practical thinking in tournament play.

The 15 Most Influential Books I Read Before Becoming a Master
My complete list of game collections, tactical guides, and endgame classics that shaped my path to FM.
Three of the Best ChessMood Courses for Ambitious Improvers
Highlights of my favorite structured courses and how they fit into a practical training plan.

Remembering Daniel Naroditsky and His Brilliance in Blitz
A reflection on Naroditsky’s speed chess genius and what we can learn from his creativity.
How to Prepare an Opening for a Specific Opponent
My process for opponent prep: data mining, database study, novelty discovery, and training.
My Five Favorite Tactics from the World Cup
Five brilliant tactical moments from Magnus Carlsen’s World Cup run, turned into puzzles.

A series of interactive puzzle posts featuring puzzles from real positions in tournament games:

Welcome to Chess Chatter (Pinned)
What this publication is about and how to get the most from it.
Next-Level Coaching
Personalized 1-on-1 chess improvement for serious players.

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