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The Tata Steel Chess 2024 roars on, with thrilling King’s Indian battles and unexpected upsets keeping fans on the edge of their seats. While the world’s elite clash in Wijk aan Zee, Denver’s chess scene is brewing its own storm of excitement! At Summit School of Chess, we’re igniting the passion for the game in players of all ages and skill levels.

Beyond Carlsen’s Crown: While Carlsen’s absence from Tata Steel grabs headlines, Denver’s chess community is thriving, fueled by a growing appreciation for the game’s strategic depth and mental challenge. Whether you’re a curious beginner captivated by Caruana’s King’s Indian maneuvers or a seasoned player seeking to refine your opening repertoire, Summit School of Chess has a program for you.

Sharpen Your Skills Like the Grandmasters: Our Grandmaster-level coaches bring world-class expertise and a passion for teaching to every lesson. Learn from their insights, deconstruct the King’s Indian like Anand (if that’s your style!), and develop your own strategic arsenal. No matter your level, we’ll help you unlock your hidden chess potential and conquer the board.

More Than Checkmate: Chess is more than just a game; it’s a journey of growth and self-discovery. At Summit School of Chess, we cultivate not just chess skills but also critical life skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. These invaluable tools benefit you both on and off the board, shaping confident and well-rounded individuals.

Join Denver’s Chess Revolution: Don’t let the excitement of Tata Steel pass you by! Summit School of Chess is your launchpad to chess mastery in Denver. Here’s what awaits you:

• Expert coaching from experienced Grandmasters
• Age-appropriate programs for every skill level
• Fun and engaging learning environment
• Competitive opportunities to test your skills
• A supportive community of passionate chess enthusiasts

Take your first step towards chess mastery today! Visit our website (https://summitschoolofchess.com/: https://summitschoolofchess.com/) and explore our diverse programs. Contact us to schedule a free trial class and experience the Summit School of Chess difference firsthand. Remember, Denver’s chess future is bright, and you can be a part of it!

Bonus: Follow us on FaceBook for updates on events, workshops, and exciting news from the Denver chess scene! Let’s make Denver a true chess powerhouse, together!

Don’t forget to check out ChessBase – from which this article is inspired from.

TLDR: Focus on the process, not the immediate results. Focus on cultivating right attitudes and efforts. The rest will take care of itself.

Nurturing Positive Approaches: Lessons from a Chess Mentor

This letter invites you to explore a story, aiming to inspire reflection on your methods.

The Tournament Journey: A Range of Emotions

Starting his tournament journey, one of my students, young and talented, is navigating a relatively unfamiliar terrain. To unfold the tale of his recent tournament experiences, a story rich with insights, let’s delve into the details.

A Promising Start

Beginning with a successful 1st tournament, he moved quickly into a higher division for the next one.

Facing Defeat

However, after his initial loss, silence prevailed. After the second loss, emotions surged, teetering on the brink of tears, and accusations of foul play surfaced. Interestingly, the opponent used an approved digital scorekeeping system, negating any suspicion of cheating. Scrutiny revealed blunders on both sides, affirming the fairness of the play.

Unraveling Expectations

Following the third loss, his father suggested withdrawal, citing illness. Yet, a thermometer debunked this, revealing no fever. Surprisingly, the narrative swiftly pivoted, attributing his struggles to fatigue and physical discomfort.

The Potent Interplay of Psychology

Witnessing the body’s remarkable ability to manifest physical ailments under emotional duress is intriguing. In this instance, the underlying cause was an unwavering fixation on results.

Shifting Focus: Prioritizing Process Over Results

Reflecting on my own evolution, I concede to once being excessively results-oriented, inadvertently sowing the seeds of performance anxiety in my students. Engaging in profound conversations with esteemed coaches sparked a shift. Presently, I fervently advocate for students to set achievable, process-oriented goals in every game, irrespective of the outcome.

A Call to Parents

Parents wield a profound influence in this narrative. I ardently champion an exuberance of smiles, high fives, and warm embraces. Nurturing a process-oriented mindset is paramount, underscoring that profound results emanate from an unwavering focus on the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.

A Universal Message

Whether assuming the roles of a parent, mentor, collaborator, or an individual navigating their unique trajectory, I implore you to anchor your goals in a process-oriented paradigm. Revel in the intricacies of your journey, celebrate your tireless endeavors, and extend a metaphorical pat on your own back. Forge your distinctive path, and be well.

Respectfully Yours,

Jesse

Our Summer Chess Camp 2024 is coming up!!

We have daily Online Group Lessons for all players of all skill levels!

Our Monthly Chess Tournaments are great for testing your skills!

Get a School Chess Program today!

Join the official Summit School of Chess Club (on Chess.com)

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Magnus Carlsen’s chess domination continues! But even as the champion rules the board, a surge of chess passion ignites Denver, fueled by Carlsen’s recent Canadian visit and the global chess boom. Ready to join the movement? Summit School of Chess is your training ground!

Carlsen’s Canadian Conquest: The world’s best recently conquered Toronto, showcasing his mastery and inspiring chess enthusiasts across the nation. His visit highlights the thriving Canadian chess scene, and Denver stands poised to follow suit!

The Global Chess Revolution: Driven by The Queen’s Gambit, online platforms like chess.com, and even the cheating scandal, chess interest is skyrocketing worldwide. Denver isn’t immune – our community is buzzing with excitement!

Summit School of Chess: Denver’s Chess Launchpad: At Summit School of Chess, we nurture this passion. Our Grandmaster-level coaches ignite the spark of chess brilliance in players of all ages and skill levels.

Unleash Your Inner Champion: Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned strategist, Summit School of Chess has a program for you. Hone your skills, strategize like a grandmaster, and conquer the board!

Beyond Checkmate: Chess is more than just a game. It’s about critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience – skills that benefit you on and off the board. Summit School of Chess fosters these qualities, shaping well-rounded champions.

Join the Denver Chess Renaissance: Don’t miss out on this exciting moment! Come train at Summit School of Chess and be part of a vibrant chess community. We offer:

• Expert coaching from experienced Grandmasters
• Age-appropriate programs for all levels
• Fun and engaging learning environment
• Competitive opportunities to test your skills
  (Online Group Lessons Available For All Levels – https://summitschoolofchess.com/schoolprograms/online-chess-coaching-group-lessons/)

Denver’s chess future is bright, and Summit School of Chess is at the forefront. Contact us today and take your first step towards chess mastery!

Bonus: Follow us on social media for updates on events, workshops, and the Denver chess scene’s exciting journey! (Official Summit School of Chess Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/summitschoolofchess)

The chess world’s abuzz with the phenomenal feat of 8-year-old Roman Shogdzhiev! This young prodigy, who hails from Elista, Russia, has sent shockwaves through the scene by defeating five grandmasters in the World Rapid and Blitz Championships. His story isn’t just a one-time wonder; it’s a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players, especially here in Denver, Colorado!

Summit School of Chess ignites the spark of chess mastery in young minds just like Roman’s. Here’s how his incredible achievement resonates with our Denver community:

Denver’s Rising Stars: At Summit School of Chess, we believe every child possesses the potential for greatness. Roman’s triumph proves that age is no barrier to chess brilliance. Our passionate coaches nurture Denver’s future chess champions, providing them with the skills and strategies to conquer the board, just like this young prodigy.

From Pawn to Predator: Shogdzhiev’s raw talent and determination are an inspiration to our students. His story isn’t just about beating grandmasters; it’s about the dedication and love for the game that fuels such achievements. At Summit School of Chess, we cultivate this same passion, helping students unlock their hidden talents and transform into unstoppable chess predators.

Beyond Checkmate: Chess is more than just a game; it’s a journey of growth and self-discovery. Roman’s resilience and focus amidst competition set a powerful example for our young players. Summit School of Chess fosters not just chess skills but also life skills, like critical thinking, problem-solving, and sportsmanship.

Join the Denver Chess Revolution: Are you ready to unleash your inner chess champion? Summit School of Chess welcomes players of all levels, from curious beginners to aspiring prodigies. Our state-of-the-art training facilities and experienced coaches offer a dynamic learning environment where talent meets opportunity.

Be Inspired by Roman. Conquer the Board at Summit School of Chess!

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Grandmaster-level coaching: Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned chess masters who share their expertise and passion for the game.
• Age-appropriate programs: From our “Knights of the Future” program for young minds to advanced training for competitive players, we cater to every learning style and skill level.
• Fun and engaging environment: Chess shouldn’t be a chore! We prioritize a positive and encouraging atmosphere where learning is a joy.
• Competitive opportunities: Hone your skills and test your mettle in local tournaments and events.

Don’t wait! Denver’s chess scene is thriving, and Summit School of Chess is your launchpad to success. Contact us today and take your first step towards chess mastery!

Bonus: Follow us on social media for updates on exciting events, workshops, and inspiring stories of young Denver chess talents!

Link to Summit School of Chess Official Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/summitschoolofchess

The chess world just witnessed a bombshell! Magnus Carlsen’s surprising withdrawal from the Candidates Tournament is sending shockwaves through the ranks. But in Denver, this news sparks a different kind of buzz – excitement!

Here’s why Denver chess enthusiasts are celebrating:

Local Tournaments Take Center Stage: With Carlsen out of the Candidates, the spotlight shifts to rising stars like Firouzja and Dommaraju. This opens doors for exciting opportunities in Denver! Local tournaments become prime testing grounds for their brilliance, and you can be part of the action! Hone your skills at Summit School of Chess, where Grandmaster secrets and championship strategies await.

Denver: A Chess Community on the Rise: Forget Carlsen! Denver’s already bubbling with chess talent. From casual enthusiasts to aspiring champions, our city is a hotbed for passion and potential. With the Chess Olympiad looming on the horizon (hosted in nearby Wyoming!), Denver is drawing even more attention. Join the movement! Summit School of Chess welcomes players of all levels, offering a vibrant community and a path to chess mastery.

Carlsen’s Legacy: Embracing Diversity and Growth: While Carlsen won’t be battling in Toronto, his critique of the current format resonates with many. The call for shorter time controls and more inclusive formats opens exciting possibilities! Summit School of Chess embraces this diversity, offering rapid, blitz, and classical chess training for all levels.

Ready to Make Your Move? Don’t wait for a knight’s advance! Summit School of Chess is your launching pad, offering expert coaching, friendly competition, and a thriving chess community. Come, unleash your inner champion and claim your spot on the Denver chessboard!

P.S. As a local Denver business, we at Summit School of Chess are dedicated to fostering a vibrant chess scene in our city. Follow us on social media and stay tuned for updates on upcoming tournaments, workshops, and special events!

This revised version prioritizes Denver’s existing strengths and emphasizes the local opportunities for growth and excitement following Carlsen’s decision. It avoids unrealistic expectations and focuses on fostering a thriving local chess community.

I hope this revised take better reflects your vision and resonates with Denver’s chess enthusiasts!
P.S. Check out this article on chess.com for the full scoop

National Master Jesse Cohen (CEO & Head Coach of Summit School of Chess) reveals the terrifying truth: some moves turn your beloved chess pieces into undead pawns trapped in a strategic graveyard.

In this video, Master Cohen dives deep into the advanced concept of “Zombie Pieces”: chess positions where pieces become utterly useless, their potential as good as devoured by a horde of bad decisions.

** But don’t despair!** Master Cohen isn’t just here to diagnose chess-piece rigor mortis. He’ll equip you with the antidote:

• Identify the symptoms: Learn how to spot Zombie Pieces before they drag down your entire army.
• Perform an autopsy: Master Cohen dissects classic examples of Zombie Pieces, exposing the fatal moves that led to their demise.
• Vaccinate your game: Discover prophylactic strategies to keep your pieces healthy and kicking (figuratively, of course).

This video is perfect for:

• Ambitious chess players: Take your game to the next level by understanding the concept of Zombie Pieces.
• Strategists of all kinds: Learn how to avoid dead-end scenarios in any competitive situation.
• Anyone who’s ever felt like their chess pieces are just… meh: Get your strategic mojo back with Master Cohen’s insights!

Don’t let your pieces suffer an eternal pawn-demic! Click the play button and resurrect your chess skills with National Master Jesse Cohen!

Bonus: Check out Summit School of Chess (https://summitschoolofchess.com/) to level up your game with expert coaching and resources!

P.S. Remember that the key to improving chess also comes with cultivating the right attitudes. Focus on deactivating, demoralizing, and subduing your opponents’ pieces in your own games. Be patient with yourself as you attempt to implement these ideas understanding it’s a very advanced strategy and it will take many attempts to get it right. Reward yourself consistently for your attempts! Have a cookie!!

Our Summer Chess Camp 2024 is coming up!!

We have daily Online Group Lessons for all players of all skill levels!

Our Monthly Chess Tournaments are great for testing your skills!

Get a School Chess Program today!

Join the official Summit School of Chess Club (on Chess.com)

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter (X)!

#chess #advancedchess #strategy #summitschoolofchess #jessecohen #zombiepieces #chesstips #chessstrategy #chessinstructional

Checkmate the Rating Gap: How Underdogs Can Conquer Chess Giants

Ditch the fear, forget the draws. Here at Summit School of Chess, we forge underdog assassins, ready to crushing-blow chess giants and unleash your inner champion. No surprise tricks, just honed steel-trap minds wielding grandmaster secrets. Dominate the board, not your doubts! Join us and checkmate your destiny, one move at a time.

Tip #1: Believe in the Blitz: Chess is a minefield of blunders, even for grandmasters. Convince yourself you can find your opponent’s misstep and turn it into a glorious blitz-attack! Just witness Frank Marshall’s risky gambit in this classic game – one beautiful combo by Sidney Johnston, and history was made.

Tip #2: Trap the Ego: Watch out for tricky traps in the opening. Higher-rated players often crave wins so much they’ll set you up for a fall, hoping you’ll miss their subtle misstep. Use their arrogance as a weapon! Learn to force them to beat you, and watch their logic crumble under the pressure of a potential draw.

Tip #3: Embrace the Chaos: Keep things dynamic and unpredictable. The more complex the board, the easier it is for your opponent to stumble. Let them trip over their own plans, and punish them ruthlessly. Remember, every mistake is a stepping stone to your chess glory!

Ready to conquer the chessboard? Summit School of Chess awaits. Sharpen your mind, unlock your potential, and slay those chess giants with confidence!

P.S. Checkmate destiny with Summit School – visit us today and claim your victory!

I’ve been a chess coach for the last 20 odd years but it was only in the last few that I had a conversation with a student who seemed to excel at everything he pursued. I had to know why.

Every coach wants to effectively train students to become champion and masters but I came to learn that focusing on immediate results is so detrimental to the student it often backfires horrifically.

I asked my student how it was possible that he achieved such high success rates over their peers at such a consistent and high level. He explained that often he would enter competitions ranging from chess, piano, martial arts and eventually tennis – outperforming his peers despite putting considerably less time and training prior to his performances. How could this be?

He explained that it came down to a few key elements and priorities insisted upon him by his very thoughtful parents.

1. Stressing attitude and effort over immediate results. My student explained that the biggest corrections and scoldings from his parents came when he would decide to give up internally during a competition, often due to self discouragement, at having the beginning of a bad performance. His parents never placed emphasis on immediate results. It was perfectly acceptable to lose or not perform well if he maintained a determined attitude and pushed himself to put forth maximum effort. I found this astonishing because for so long I had focused on my students winning rates, their chess ratings and putting big expectations on their shoulders. The result? Chess students who develop performance anxiety and some students that quit the game altogether rather than face the possibility of losing or a “subpar performance” in their mind.
2. His parents provided him unique opportunities to learn, grow, practice and push himself. He explained that due to a loophole his parents were able to get him a year off between junior and senior year of high school so he could live in Spain, train under some of the best tennis coaches in the world, and compete at the top levels for his age groups. I still have fond memories of my mother funding and/or traveling with me to chess tournaments around the country – having the opportunity to be exposed and face off against some some of the best and brightest players, receive coaching and advice from some amazing individuals and even travel to Australia on a chess exchange trip.
3. Participating in competitions from a very young age regardless of the arena.

This ultimately resulted in the most awesome super power ever cultivated for a champion. He didn’t get NERVOUS regardless of whether he was competing at the highest levels.

I cannot stress this hard enough – cultivating a student that insists of maintaining a positive attitude, putting forth maximum effort and not feeling the stress of competition no matter the opposition, the medium, the stakes, etc – this is the most menacing opponent you can ever hope to face.

For this reason I often stress and positively reinforce my students for their efforts and attitudes. I actively tell them that their immediate wins and losses don’t concern me and that I’m much more interested in what strategies, techniques, emotions, attitudes that they made a goal to achieve during their live games and I heap HEAVY AMOUNTS OF PRAISE upon the students willing to try at all. I insist to them that practicing these things is master training and to be incredibly graceful and forgiving with themselves.

I compare this to a person who can juggle countless balls ignited by fire – that they will certainly drop the balls many times on the way to achieving this and not to expect to perfect or even reasonably demonstrate these skills during a live chess game but instead to keep trying, keep taking these master steps, be proud of themselves and don’t stop.