The Adult Improver series returns to spotlight another guest who has benefited from chess and improved significantly at the game. Chess was recommended to Leah Brown as a healthier outlet for a mind that, in Leah’s words, tends to “torture itself.” Leah began playing tournaments less than two years ago and already has a peak rating of over 1600 USCF. In our conversation, Leah shares the training approach that has helped propel these gains, including:
A lot of OTB chess with comprehensive review
A heavy reliance on books, particularly those by IM Jeremy Silman
A painful adjustment to 1. e4 openings that will hopefully provide long-term benefits
Leah also highlights the importance of finding a friendly chess community in Massachusetts and shares the story of beating a GM in a simul. Tune in to hear the rest of this inspiring story.
0:00- Intro
Links Mentioned:
Spotify Adult Improver Playlist
Form to be considered as an adult improver guest
1:45 Meet Leah Brown
2:39 How chess became a healthy outlet
Mentioned: BIllerica Chess Club
https://billericachess.42web.io/?i=3
FM Sandro Safar
https://lichess.org/coach/Sandro970
The Real Paul Morphy by FM Charles Hertan
5:08 Finding a welcoming OTB chess community
7:11 Getting serious about improvement
10:28 Jeremy Silman and learning through chess books
15:28 What fueled Leah’s rapid rating gains?
20:42 Lessons learned the hard way and switching to 1. e4
31:38 Rating goals and the ambition to earn a title
35:34 Advice for adult improvers
37:09 The role chess plays in Leah’s life
40:31 Beating a GM in a six-hour simul game
Mentioned: GM Nadia Kosintseva
45:25 Closing Advice for Navigating the Chess Community