How to Study Chess More Effectively | IM Thomas Willemze
Perpetual Chess Podcast
4,915 views
IM Thomas Willemze is a popular chess author, Chessable creator, and longtime trainer who has worked with the Dutch National Youth Team.
Thomas shares practical chess improvement advice on game review, opening preparation, improving focus, and identifying weaknesses. He also discusses learning from the creators of the Steps Method and what happened when, at age 40, he gave himself a year to seriously pursue his GM ambitions.
*Timestamps:*
00:00 Introduction
Thanks to our sponsor, Claude AI:
[Claude.ai/chess](https://claude.ai/chess?utm_source=ch...)
02:01 Introduction to IM Thomas Willemze
04:07 The Intersection of Data Science and Chess
07:09 Thomas’ Training and Coaching Philosophy
09:55 The Chess Steps Method and Early Chess Education
Mentioned: Rob Brunia and IM Cor van Wijgerden
15:36 Addressing Weaknesses and Improving Skills
Mentioned: *Fundamental Chess Endings*, Dvoretsky’s books, GM Yury Averbakh’s books
18:08 Common Pitfalls for Adult Players
20:51 Patreon Mailbag: How can we improve our focus when playing and studying?
23:55 Defensive Awareness and Identifying Threats
27:00 Patreon Mailbag: Does Thomas see parallels between chess and soccer?
28:48 Balancing Attack and Defense
30:28 Effective Study Strategies for Ambitious Players
32:07 Reviewing Games and Learning From Mistakes
33:34 The Competitive Landscape of Modern Chess
38:26 Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments
40:05 Choosing an Opening Repertoire
42:01 Current Projects
44:08 Chess Recommendations and Personal Interests
Mentioned: 100 Endgames You Must Know
50:00 Thanks to IM Willemze
*Links:*
Thomas' Chessable courses:
https://www.chessable.com/author/Will...
Free Perpetual Chess Discord:
Discord: discord
Free Perpetual Chess Newsletter:
https://benjohnson.substack.com/
Perpetual Chess Patreon:
Patreon: perpetualchess
5 Comments
How to Study Chess More Effectively | IM Thomas Willemze
Perpetual Chess Podcast
4,915 views
IM Thomas Willemze is a popular chess author, Chessable creator, and longtime trainer who has worked with the Dutch National Youth Team.
Thomas shares practical chess improvement advice on game review, opening preparation, improving focus, and identifying weaknesses. He also discusses learning from the creators of the Steps Method and what happened when, at age 40, he gave himself a year to seriously pursue his GM ambitions.
*Timestamps:*
00:00 Introduction
Thanks to our sponsor, Claude AI:
[Claude.ai/chess](https://claude.ai/chess?utm_source=ch...)
02:01 Introduction to IM Thomas Willemze
04:07 The Intersection of Data Science and Chess
07:09 Thomas’ Training and Coaching Philosophy
09:55 The Chess Steps Method and Early Chess Education
Mentioned: Rob Brunia and IM Cor van Wijgerden
15:36 Addressing Weaknesses and Improving Skills
Mentioned: *Fundamental Chess Endings*, Dvoretsky’s books, GM Yury Averbakh’s books
18:08 Common Pitfalls for Adult Players
20:51 Patreon Mailbag: How can we improve our focus when playing and studying?
23:55 Defensive Awareness and Identifying Threats
27:00 Patreon Mailbag: Does Thomas see parallels between chess and soccer?
28:48 Balancing Attack and Defense
30:28 Effective Study Strategies for Ambitious Players
32:07 Reviewing Games and Learning From Mistakes
33:34 The Competitive Landscape of Modern Chess
38:26 Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments
40:05 Choosing an Opening Repertoire
42:01 Current Projects
44:08 Chess Recommendations and Personal Interests
Mentioned: 100 Endgames You Must Know
50:00 Thanks to IM Willemze
*Links:*
Thomas' Chessable courses:
https://www.chessable.com/author/Will...
Free Perpetual Chess Discord:
Discord: discord
Free Perpetual Chess Newsletter:
https://benjohnson.substack.com/
Perpetual Chess Patreon:
Patreon: perpetualchess