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The Chess Angle

Long Island Chess Club

The Chess Angle is dedicated to practical chess improvement for busy adult players. Join Neal as he plays online games, analyzes them, and shares practical lessons to help club players improve and make the most of their limited study time. New episodes are produced in a video-first format and are best experienced with the accompanying video. The first 200 episodes feature the original audio podcast. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thechessangle. Web: www.thechessangle.com. X: www.x.com/TheChessAngle

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All Episodes

31:56

Ep. 185: The Adult Amateur's Guide to Defeating Chess...

The Chess Angle ·

2026/04/12

In this episode, we react to a recent article on how to beat chess prodigies and what adult amateurs tend to get wrong when facing underrated kids. We break down practical strategies like avoiding tactical chaos and forcing long, patient games. If you've ever sat down across from a 10-year-old and immediately felt in trouble, this one's for you. Referenced: How to Beat A Chess Prodigy 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our

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01:07:45

Ep. 184: Real Talk on Chess Improvement for Adults...

The Chess Angle ·

2026/04/05

Fellow chess amateur and blogger Nick Visel returns to the pod to talk about the nuts and bolts of improving as an adult player. We cover endgames, openings, and the psychological habits that separate steady improvers from those stuck in place. Think of this as a reality check - with a roadmap. Referenced: Nick's Substack: Nick Plays Chess 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a

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43:36

Ep. 183: Online Chess Has a Clock Problem

The Chess Angle ·

2026/03/29

Time delay or an increment has become the norm in over-the-board tournaments, but online chess still largely ignores it. In this episode, we break down why using an increment leads to better games, fairer outcomes, and more instructive endgames, and why the current no-increment culture misses the mark. We also react to a lively Reddit debate on why no-increment chess still dominates online play. Referenced: Lichess Study: Study Creators & Friends Reddit Post: Why is no increment the norm in online

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34:06

Ep. 182: Chess Ratings and the Luck Factor

The Chess Angle ·

2026/03/22

We like to think chess is pure skill, but at the amateur level, luck plays a bigger role than most players realize. In this episode, we break down how blunders, pairings, time pressure, and your opponent's mood can all influence your results and rating. More importantly, we talk about how to think about luck the right way so you don't misjudge your own progress. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website

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39:01

Ep. 181: Why "Just Playing a Lot" is a Chess...

The Chess Angle ·

2026/03/15

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

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44:16

Ep. 180: My Complete Switch to Lichess

The Chess Angle ·

2026/03/08

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. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a Coffee

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44:29

Ep. 179: When to Sac a Piece in Amateur Chess Games

The Chess Angle ·

2026/03/01

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 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us

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36:31

Ep. 178: The Most Dangerous Player in the Room:...

The Chess Angle ·

2026/02/22

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. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a

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45:17

Ep. 177 (S11 Premiere): Your 2026 Chess Improvement...

The Chess Angle ·

2026/02/15

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. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic

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30:32

Ep. 176 (S10 Finale): Chess Improvement Mailbag Special

The Chess Angle ·

2025/12/14

It's the Season 10 finale, so we're emptying the mailbag and tackling your chess improvement questions head-on, from study habits and rating plateaus to tournament nerves and adult time constraints. Season 11 coming soon... 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a Coffee

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48:03

Ep. 175: The Butterfly Effect and Chess Improvement

The Chess Angle ·

2025/12/07

In this episode, we explore how small, almost trivial adjustments can quietly transform your chess over time. From simple blunder checks to minor mindset shifts, these micro-tweaks often deliver more improvement than major overhauls, especially for busy adult players. We give examples of small changes that create lasting, compounding results in your game. Referenced: The Czech Pirc Defense (YouTube) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us

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56:38

Ep. 174: Lichess vs. Chess.com, and the Busy Adult...

The Chess Angle ·

2025/11/30

In this episode, Neal is joined by fellow amateur and LI Chess Club regular Austin Olson, a 25-year-old merchandising specialist, to break down the long-standing Lichess vs. Chess.com debate from the perspective of the busy adult club player. We compare features, training tools, community, and overall value, and also offer practical tips for getting the most out of both sites, minus the online drama. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us

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42:57

Ep. 173: Blitz vs. Rapid (Online Chess Cleanup Plan,...

The Chess Angle ·

2025/11/23

This week, we continue our conversation about best practices for online chess and riff about blitz vs. rapid for the amateur player. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a Coffee

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31:52

Ep. 172: Your Online Chess Cleanup Plan

The Chess Angle ·

2025/11/16

In this episode, we discuss how to play online chess in a way that actually helps your over-the-board results. Neal shares his simple, practical method for structuring online sessions so you train with intention instead of just clicking moves. If you've ever felt like your online grind isn't translating to real improvement, this one's for you. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a

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37:09

Ep. 171: Adult Chess Improvement Q & A

The Chess Angle ·

2025/11/09

It's another listener mailbag episode! We answer your questions about adult chess improvement, balancing study with real life, and everything in between. Plus, we share a few listener comments that hit close to home for the club player grind. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) Buy Me a Coffee

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40:51

Ep. 170: The Colle System (The Working Adult's Opening)

The Chess Angle ·

2025/11/02

Between work, family, and everything else, who has time to learn 20 moves of opening theory? The Colle System offers a solid, low-maintenance way to get a good game every time. Learn the basic plans, the Colle–Zukertort twist, and why this simple setup still scores at the club level. Referenced: Colle System: Complete Guide for both Colors, with Plans, Moves, and Ideas Colle-Zukertort System: Complete Guide for White 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us

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41:39

Ep. 169: The Nimzo-Indian Defense, Junior Opponents,...

The Chess Angle ·

2025/10/26

In this episode, we tackle two very different challenges for club players: the Nimzo-Indian Defense and facing those fearless, fast-moving, and sometimes poorly behaved junior opponents at tournaments. Game Referenced: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd2 Bxc3 5. Bxc3 Ne4 6. Bb4 d6 7. Qc2 f5 8. e3 b6 9. f3 Nf6 10. Bd3 Nc6 11. Bc3 O-O 12. Nh3 Bb7 13. Ng5 Qd7 14. e4 fxe4 15. fxe4 e5 16. dxe5 Nxe5 17. O-O-O h6 18. Nf3 Nxd3+ 19. Qxd3 Bxe4 20. Qe3 Bh7 21. Ne5 Qe6 22. g4 dxe5 23. g5 Qf5 24. Kd2 Rad8+ 25

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44:26

Ep. 168: How "Find a Better Move" Ruined My Chess

The Chess Angle ·

2025/10/19

You’ve heard the quote: “When you see a good move, look for a better one.” Sounds smart - until it makes you overthink every position. In this episode, we talk about why perfectionism hurts amateur chess improvement and how to play more practical, confident moves. Referenced: When You See a Good Move, Look for a Better One (chesscom blog) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) YouTube Buy Me a

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34:21

Ep. 167: The Casuals Strike Back: How to Beat Chess...

The Chess Angle ·

2025/10/12

They study eight hours a day - you study between work meetings and bedtime. They’ve memorized the entire Najdorf - you’ve memorized your kids’ soccer schedule. In this episode, we talk about how to take on the true chess diehards with solid fundamentals, smart preparation, and the right mindset. Referenced: Did chesscom recently make puzzles easier? Or did I just crack chess? (Reddit) New Puzzles Ratings, Difficulty Settings, And More Consistent Experience (chesscom article) 📧 If you have a

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44:48

Ep. 166: The Busy Adult's Guide to Chess Success

The Chess Angle ·

2025/10/04

Early release! This week we share some thoughts on chess improvement while "adulting." Referenced: Ep. 25: Chess Club Stories (First segment: LICC origin story) Ep. 76: Decision Fatigue and Brain Fog at the Chessboard (Game Analysis #6) (Mailbag Segment: starting a chess club) Guide to a Successful Chess Club 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at info@thechessangle.com. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) YouTube Buy Me a Coffee

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