Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement Ep. 255 Ian (1700 USCF)
Feb 26, 2026
A chess player's long climb to 1700, including a 10-year plan and shifting to strategic play. Deep dive into the Woodpecker method and how focused calculation cycles sparked big gains. Talk of study routines like solitaire chess, positional puzzles, and memorable books. Practical tournament prep, from snacks to checklists that stop blunders.
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Monthly Full Day Tournament Ritual
- Ian schedules one local over-the-board tournament each month and treats it as a full-day ritual.
- His wife and parents help with childcare so he can focus on long classical games and enjoy uninterrupted concentration.
How One Summer With Seirawan Hooked Him
- Ian learned chess as a kid, devoured Yasser Seirawan's Winning Tactics after being beaten, and spent a summer obsessed with improving.
- That early deep dive gave him durable tactical foundations and memorable game moments he still recalls decades later.
Platonic Chess Board Improves Calculation
- Ian visualizes a 'platonic chess board' in his mind and loads piece positions there to calculate; 2D and 3D views feel identical to him.
- This internal, consistent representation makes over-the-board and online play mentally interchangeable for him.
