In this inspiring and relatable installment of the Adult Improver Series, we meet Torkil Jara Bårdsgjerde, a 39-year-old father of two, from Norway who discovered competitive chess after a bit of playful banter with a workplace rival. That exchange sparked a fascination with the game—and when the pandemic hit shortly after, Torkil suddenly had the time to dive in. Five years later, he's a regular tournament competitor and recently completed an impressive FIDE rating jump from 1400 to 1800 in just one year. In our conversation, Torkil shares his favorite resources and offers thoughtful advice on how to make the most of limited chess time. He also reflects on how chess has influenced his off-the-board habits—from health and mindfulness to goal-setting—and why he hopes his chess journey is still just beginning.
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0:00- Torkil’s unique chess origin story
12:00- What resources helped Torkil early in his pursuit of chess improvement?
Mentioned: Hanging Pawns, Gotham Chess, Daniel Naroditsky, Anna Cramling, Anna-Maja Kazarian, Chessable Starter Pack
27:00- When did Torkil transition to tournament chess? What were the biggest adjustments?
40:00- What led to Torkil’s big rating jump?
49:00- Patreon mailbag question- “Where might the limit be for Torkil’s potential improvement?”
Mentioned: Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, Sherevsky’s Endgame Strategy
59:00- More recommendations from Torkil ADD IMAGES
Mentioned: The Seven Deadly Chess Sins, Move First Think Later, Chess Principles Reloaded, The Art of Attack in Chess
1:02:00- Torkil’s final reflections and advice
1:05:00- Thanks to Torkil for sharing his story! Here is his new, non-secret Lichess account where you can message him:
https://lichess.org/@/TorkilJaraBard
takeaways
Torkil started playing chess during the pandemic.
He improved his FIDE rating from 1400 to 1800.
Chess has led him to focus on nutrition and exercise.
He believes in developing rather than defending a rating.
Consistency is key to improvement in chess.
Chess reflects how well your brain works on a given day.
He treats every game as a bungee jump experience.
Torkil aims to become slightly better each year.
He has learned to manage his alcohol consumption for better performance.
He plays chess for fun, not just for results.
titles
From Pandemic to Progress: Torkil's Chess Journey
The Adult Improver: Torkil's Rise in Chess
Sound Bites
"I started chess during the pandemic."
"I believe consistency is the key."
"I treat every game as a bungee jump."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Torkil's Chess Journey
11:57
The Impact of the Pandemic on Chess
27:53
Transitioning to Tournament Chess
34:40
Experiencing Classical Chess for the First Time
36:38
Chess Clock Etiquette and Personal Experiences
38:34
Transitioning to Regular Club Play
41:00
Achieving New Ratings and Performance Insights
43:41
The Joy of Exploration in Chess
44:49
Fog of War: Strategy and Preparation
47:56
Balancing Fun and Results in Chess
49:10
Potential for Improvement and Future Goals
52:35
Training Philosophy and Long-Term Goals
58:05
Recommended Resources and Learning Materials
01:02:31
Consistency and Mindfulness in Chess
In this episode of the Adult Improver series, host Ben Johnson interviews Torkil Jara Bårdsgjerde, who shares his inspiring journey of learning chess as an adult during the pandemic. Torkil discusses his rapid improvement from a 1400 to an 1800 FIDE rating, his experiences in tournament chess, and the importance of mindfulness and nutrition in enhancing his chess performance. He emphasizes the significance of consistency in practice and the joy of exploring different aspects of chess rather than just focusing on results. Torkil's story is a testament to the potential for growth and improvement in chess, regardless of age or starting point.