EP 418- Michael Franco (Adult Improver Series) on How He Got Acclimated to OTB Play, and Climbed to Nearly 2000 USCF.

The Perpetual Chess Adult Improver Series returns to welcome back a guest who has continued to make steady rating progress. When I last chatted with Michael Franco, in 2021 (Episode 247), he was 7 years into his chess journey. Michael had reached a LiChess rating of 2000, but he was struggling as he tried to translate his online skill into OTB skill. He found learning to play on a 3D set challenging, and encountered the same logistical and financial hurdles that tournament chess presents for many of us. Three years later, Michael has managed to transition successfully to tournament chess, and has gained chess strength as well. His USCF rating is now 1981. In my opinion, the primary reason for Michael’s continued success is likely his consistent daily dedication to the game. Michael manages to play online games or read chess books every day, and he is also active as a teacher and community member in the Chess Dojo discord. In our interview, Michael shares plenty of new recommendations and reflections on what skills were needed to gain the last couple hundred points of rating strength. He continues to exemplify the improvement that is possible for someone who takes a consistent, incremental approach. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.

You can check out the Spotify Adult Improver Series Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=18917f0e0a634bc6 Or the website here: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adultimprover

0:02- Thanks to Patreon subs for helping to support Perpetual Chess. You can join the community here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess

0:04- We review Michael’s chess history from his prior interview, then discuss what a chess day is like for him now. Mentioned: Episode 247 with Michael Franco Check out Michael’s USCF rating history here: https://www.uschess.org/msa/MbrDtlMain.php?16928844 Check out FM Donny Ariel’s YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@DonnyArielChess

0:15- How long did it take Michael to get used to OTB chess? What did he do to help acclimate?

0:17- What is Michael’s advice for players who feel like they don’t know what to do in the middlegame? Mentioned: How to Reassess Your Chess

0:23- How did Michael move up from 1800 to 2000 USCF in the last few years? Mentioned: Pump Up Your Rating

0:32- How many hours does Michael spend on chess?

0:37- More chess book recs! Mentioned: Seven Deadly Chess Sins, My 60 Memorable Games, TurboCharge Your Tactics, Mastering Chess Strategy, Techniques of Positional Play, Woodpecker Method 2

0:46- Michael’s favorite online resources Mentioned: Daniel King’s Powerplay Chess, GM Daniel Naroditsky, IM Andras Toth, ChessNetwork, Dr. Can’s Chess Clinic

0:49- Why will Michael be taking a break from OTB chess? Why doesn’t he like the “one game per week” format offered in Austin, Texas? 55:00- Michael’s closing advice

57:00- Thanks to Michael for joining again! You can find him on Lichess or in the ChessDojo:

https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll

https://www.chessdojo.club/

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

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