EP 346- NM Todd Bryant Shares his Data on the Most Accomplished Adult Improvers in recent US Chess History, plus Discusses his Own Approach to Chess Enjoyment & Improvement

2023-09-05

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The Adult Improver series returns to look at both the macro and the micro of adult chess improvement. My guest is NM Todd Bryant. Todd is a software engineer (for Chess.com) and an accomplished player, who has used his analytical skills to gather lots of data about the most accomplished adult improvers in recent US Chess History. Todd shares information about the standout improvement cases at different age ranges. What would be considered an exceptional rating gain for someone over the age of 30? What about age 50? What patterns does Todd notice in looking at the rating graphs of these accomplished amateur? In addition to sharing all of this data that Todd has dutifully gathered, he discusses his own improvement philosophy. Todd plays frequently OTB, and when at home he emphasizes opening study and frequent speed chess play. This approach has been working for Todd as he recently passed 2500 Blitz on Chess.com for the first time! This was a fascinating conversation, and I really appreciate Todd’s gathering and sharing all of this interesting data! Timestamps of the topics discussed are below.

Todd’s previous Perpetual Chess appearance:

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2023/6/30/f82nnc8zc3crw6pxaprlkd5rgil5a7

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via the Patreon community you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess

Chess.com’s First #Chesspunks tournament! More info here:

https://www.chess.com/news/view/chesspunks-champs

Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com. Here are a few of NM Todd Bryant’s favorite Chessable courses and authors:

GM Gawain Jones:

FM Kamil Plichta

You can check out some of my recommended courses here: https://go.chessable.com/perpetual-chess-podcast/

6:00- Todd shares his findings from his independent research into what type of rating gains are seen by the most accomplished adult improvers at different ages.

13:45- What were the outlier cases of improvement after the age of 25?

Mentioned: Michael Johnson, NM Philemon Thomas, NM Fred Wilson

19:30- What type of rating gains have improvers over the age of 50 achieved?

Mentioned: Tom Hickenlooper, James Altucher, Skip the Line

29:00- Does Todd think there is rating deflation in US Chess and FIDE?

Mentioned: Paul Iinuma

32:00- How does this data impact how Todd approaches chess?

36:00- Why does Todd choose to focus on speed chess and blitz with his chess time?

Mentioned: Pre-order My Book- Perpetual Chess Improvement, IM Greg Shahade’s Blog Post “Slow Chess is Dying”

44:00- Is there a rating below which playing speed chess does not result in an improvement in playing?

46:00- Why does Todd still play the King’s Gambit?

Mentioned: The King’s Gambit by GM John Shaw, IM Ryo Chen