Neal Bruce @NealBruceBC Twitter profile

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Neal Bruce

4 years

I’ve been studying chess in a serious way for 5 years. This thread is about: 1. Why I started this journey 2. My beliefs, skills, tools, process 3. How I made chess study a daily practice and part of my identity I hope it will help you in your chess journey. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

My immortal game? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

Morning chess study on the deck at a lake house 😍

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

This is an important pattern to know. Black has a forced mate. 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

If I could start my chess training over again as a beginner, I would read only these 11 books in this order (General to Game Collections). IMO, these books + some coaching help on openings and game analysis is all a person needs to get to 1600 USCF. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Chernev makes me laugh a lot during Logical Chess. 😂

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Basic tactics win most games under 2000. What did I play as Black against a 1665 player? #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 years

Goal accomplished! Mastered basic tactics: created 8,000 tactics cards (6,000 basic, 1,800 intermediate, 200 duplicates) and solved <10 seconds/card. Original estimate: 3 yrs. Actual: 2.5 yrs. Ongoing: solve 200 basic tactics/day = 6,000/month. Next goal: master basic endgames.👍

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

A classic basic tactic from Yasser’s Winning Chess Tactics. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

This is my 3 year plan to master basic strategic concepts (2020-2022) and associated books. 16.5 months to go. I posted this on a flashcard a while ago, but for @DrLangstrand , I made a fancy slide. 😀 2023-2024 will be endgames 2025 will be openings #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

@Sam_Copeland I’ll try 1.Rh6!! gxRh6 2.h3+ Kg5 3.Bf7# Took me about 20 seconds

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

36 strategy books in 3 years: 19 done, 17 to go in just under 17 months. Doing this work to master basic strategy concepts has helped me both better understand chess and play better chess. 👍

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

The best chess book introductions don’t just understand you, but see into your very soul. 🔥

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 months

A nice puzzle from Susan Polgar’s Chess Tactics for Champions. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

If you don't want to spend 3 years reading 36 books to master basic chess strategy, here are 8 books that will give you a good positional foundation. I strongly recommend mastering basic tactics before basic strategy. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I’ve unfollowed a few people recently because I want to be positive and be around other positive people. I’m all for a good debate about the best chess resources, but if you put people down, I’m moving on.

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

@chessmensch 1…Ba3+! Begs to be played 2. KxBa3 (forced) Qa5+ (natural) 3. Kb2 (forced) Qxc3!! (Wow) 4. KxQc3 (forced) b4+ 5. Kb2 (forced) c3#

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

7 months

A good pattern to know from Susan Polgar’s Chess Tactics for Champions. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 months

A nice tactic from Murray Chandler’s “Tactics for Kids”. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 months

A nice intermediate level tactic from Murray Chandler’s “Chess Tactics for Kids”. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

5 years

My Father died yesterday. I’m grateful to be his son. Everyone was very kind to me all day In their own way. Life is good. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Lost to the 6/6 winner in the final round. Exhaustion caused me to miscalculate a sacrifice, but frankly, I’m glad we played and I did not offer him a draw. 4/6 is a good out come, especially with 4 blacks. 👍 Time for a drink at the bar. 🍷 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 months

A classic that should be read several times! 😁

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I’m on the top board in the final round. What more could you ask for?

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

These are the types of tactical ideas that I need to learn win more OTB games. An excellent intermediate level tactic from “Chess Tactics from Scratch”. White’s best continuation and why? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I often get asked for chess book recommendations. This set is a good place to start if you are below 1600 USCF/1500 FIDE. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Huge congrats to the 2022 Chess Punk Award Winners: Best game: @gauss1181 Most encouraging: @ChessVonDoom Best content creator: @DoctorScull Honorary Chess Punk: @JenShahade And special thanks to our 3 judges: @CleominaChess , @Shivamnimzo , @wmiltti ! 🙏 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

10 months

Nice tactical idea that I missed in my Blitz game. White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

4 years

3. Identity: I stopped saying, “I’m trying to get better at chess.” I started saying, “I am chess player, and I study chess every day. It’s what I do.” Catch yourself occasionally making better chess moves and celebrate those moments. 🔥 Learn to love the journey. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

I’ve been looking for a cool old folding chess set that I can use from time to time. Just purchased this Latvian style set from the 1950’s. Love the patina. 😍 Cant wait for it to arrive and use while I study master games. ☺️

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

Big news! Spoke with @blackatlantic today we and agreed on the general framework for the upcoming #chesspunks tournament hosted by chessdotcom. Geert will cohost the 2023 Chess Punks Award Show with me August. We will announce tournament details during the show. Stay tuned.

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

The last 5.5 years have been better for my chess than the previous 35 years combined. 2 words: Daily Practice If you can create daily practice rituals, even if only for 5 minutes on some days, you will eventually do things that today seem impossible. 🔥

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

@ginger_gm 1.Qe1# RxQe1 2.Nc3# I Iove these double Knight mates. 😁 Merry Christmas Simon! 🎄🎅😊

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

2 best chess books … ever!

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

If someone told me in 2017 when I joined Twitter (as an IT class requirement at Boston College), that I would have 5,000+ followers by talking about adult chess improvement, I would have laughed in disbelief. 🤣 I really appreciate the #chesspunks community. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

8 months

A nice tactic from “Chess Tactics for Champions”. White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

9 months

One of my favorite tactical motifs. White to move and win. 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Chess is hard. We are told to castle early, but sometimes… fearless aggression is the best plan. 🔥 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

White clearly did not know this pattern. I have practiced it on the board & visualized it several times with Flashcards, so I was excited to finally set this trap in a game. 😊 Why was 1. Rxa2 a blunder? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

10 months

Know your classics! White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

A Flashcard worthy tactic from my Blitz game this morning. Find what I missed. White to move and win. 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

9 months

A nice tactical pattern from How to Beat Your Dad at Chess. White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

I follow #chesspunks that encourage each other. I don’t follow people that attack/disrespect others. Life is short, please be kind. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

If you are wonder if you can improve at chess, trust me, you can. 😁 I’m 53 with lots of responsibilities, and I am getting better. I never thought I would play a near perfect slow game, let alone a 5+5 game. 🤷🏻‍♂️ A small amount of daily practice is the key. 👍 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

When the position calls for an attack, you must attack. Even as Black in the opening. 😊 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

9 months

An instructive endgame from “Endgame Strategy”. What did Levon Aronian play as Black and why? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

5 months

Nice intermediate level puzzle from Chess Tactics for Kids. Black’s best continuation? 🤔 Extra credit: How long do it take for you to solve this one? #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

4 months

Fun puzzle from Silman’s Complete Endgame Course. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

This sentence highlighted below from Endgame Strategy is very instructive. I find that when I have a better position/more material, small positional improvements often cause my opponents to lash out with unsound moves as a way to release their frustration. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

20 seconds for me to confirm and play the best move during this game. How fast are you? 🔥⏱️ #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

Name one chess book that is useful from 600 to 2600. Here is my pick: @GMJacobAagaard ’s Thinking inside the box The following chapters are accessible for a 600 player: 2. Psychology of Chess Improvement 13. Analyze Your Own Games 14. Training Methods #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

This will be a long thread of videos showing my thought process during 5+5 Blitz games. I hope these videos will be instructive for players below 1600. I’ll post at least 1 game per day for the next week. First up, “The Art of Attack.” 😁 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

I won a Queen with a tactic earlier in this Blitz game, and was looking to play pragmatic chess (eg trading pieces, etc), but what knockout blow did I miss in this position as Black? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

10 months

It's easy to be a bit disappointed with a chess book. But every once in a while, a book lives up to the hype, and then some... Which hyped chess books exceeded your expectations? #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

After 16 days with 2-3 exercises/day: 1. I’m visualizing the board better 2. I’m naming the colors 3. I’m solving basic mates blindfold 4. I’m solving intermediate tactics better with eyes closed because I’m not distracted by current piece locations 🪄🎩🐇 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

On #InternationalChessDay I want to thank you, my fellow #chesspunks . I’m a better chess player and person because of this community. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

A very useful pattern to know and an easy tactic to miss. From “Winning Chess Tactics”. What did Yasser play and why? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

A nice tactic from Coakley’s “Winning Chess Exercises for Kids”. White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

10 months

A nice intermediate level tactical puzzle from How to Beat Your Dad at Chess. White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 months

Fabi-Nepo game clearly took at least 3 months off my life. ❤️‍🔥 Glad that I have a strong heart. ❤️

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

9 months

A beautiful tactic from “Winning Chess Exercises for Kids”. Also, an important pattern that I hope to get OTB someday. 🤞 White’s best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

If you want to practice your “Greek Gift” technique, play the Alapin in Blitz games. 😁 I would estimate 20% of my Alapins offer some version of Bxh7! 🔥 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

1/6 Mastering Basic Strategy 🧵 I’m not a huge fan of Silman’s The Amateur’s Mind because I think there are better basic strategy books. But it does one thing really well: It shows how a Master slowly improves a position while the amateur makes disjointed moves. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Won Round 4 in only 3 hours! Played a 1700 gentleman. I played the Anti Marshal Ruy (h3), but he still played the Marshal! I found a nice tactic to win a second pawn and played better in the Bishops of opposite colors endgame. He resigned before losing a 3 third pawn. 3/4 😁

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I feel like most players <1600 need to read these 3 sentences. Over and over again… Intro to Game One of Chernev’s Logical Chess. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Merry Christmas my fellow Chesspunks! 🎄🎅🎁

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

After a long work day, both are calling my name. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I had the pleasure to play against Rolf Wetzell @MetroWestChess . A true gentleman. As he tells in his book, he was a high B/low A (1700-1900) USCF player for many of his adult years, then took his chess more seriously. He became a NM in his 50’s.

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Thank you @JesseKraai 🙏 I have 12 years. 🔥

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Happy Sunday! 😁 I missed Black’s best continuation in this Blitz game. Do you see it? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

If you wait until you feel prepared to play in an Over The Board (OTB) chess tournament, will will never play in one. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

My Son was accepted by LMU, his first choice University. 🎉 None of us were confident that he would get in, but I’m so glad he went for it, and wrote the best essay he could. Was similar for me with Boston College in 1987. Dream big Dreams, life is better that way. 🔥

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

5 months

A very instructive endgame test from Silman’s Complete Endgame Course. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Fun Christmas present from my Son arrived today. 😊

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

Old dog, new tricks. 🙂 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

10 months

It's hard to express how amazing it feels to be included in the same sentence as Anand, Naka, Ramesh, Hendriks, Aagaard, and Chabris. These are all chess icons. 😍

Adrian 📚 ♟️

@1onlinefriend

10 months

@NealBruceBC look at you getting mentioned in Chess Life this month.

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

Chesspunks tournament on chessdotcom. This will happen #chesspunks ! 🔥 Stay tuned.

Daniel Rensch

@DanielRensch

1 year

@NealBruceBC @chesscoachandra @manfrm_atlantis @RookieRedhead @ChessVonDoom I'm all in. Wanna support this. DM'd you my email.

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

5 months

I love adding new building blocks on top of known patterns. White to move and win from Silman’s Complete Endgame Course. 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

4 years

I’m only 8 months into my “master basic strategy” program, but I already see games with with different eyes. I’m writing things like “look at all those weak dark squares” and “that hole on d4 looks tasty”. If you’ve never done focused strategy work, I highly recommend it. 👍

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

4 months

Know your endgames! #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

5 years of chess study: 3 years to master basic strategy (2020-2022) 2 years to master basic endgames (2023-2024) @thestrongchess @hellokostya 👀 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I’m always mystified when players <2200 say books like Chernev’s Logical Chess Move by Move are too basic for them. If you can’t learn something from studying a carefully curated selection of master games, I don’t know what to tell you. 🤷🏻‍♂️ #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Super useful point of view from Chernev’s Logical Chess Move by Move: #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 year

In 10 days, I will publish the nomination form for the 2023 Chess Punk Awards. The annual #chesspunks categories are: 1. Best game 2. Most encouraging 3. Best content creator 4. Honorary Chess Punk I will ship one of these beautiful medallions to each winner.

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

Only took me 1,000 annotated games 😅, but I’m now starting to understand a majority of moves in master games. 😁

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

An important idea in the Marshall that I need to learn. 🤦‍♂️ White to move and win. 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

Chess books can be a lot of fun. 🤣 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

Just purchased my 3rd Russian chess set on eBay. 🙈 I think I need to stop before this becomes an addiction. 🤣 This Latvian style set is from the 50’s and cost me $110 with shipping, which feels like a steal. Part of the fun will be the restoration/preservation. 😁

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

1 month

I regularly see my opponents blunder their Queen in the Caro-Kann as Black in Blitz games. If you are under 2000, you may want to consider playing the Exchange variation. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

10 months

A great example of an intermediate tactical position that is a combination of 2 basic tactics. Do yourself a favor and master the basic tactical “chunks” before moving forward to intermediate tactics. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I love the smell of tactics in the morning. 🔥 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 years

Mastering basic tactics update: Created 8,000 flash cards (~6,000 basic, 1,800 intermediate, and 200 duplicates) & mastered 4,800 (<10 seconds/card) in 28 months. Estimated time to master remaining 3,200: 6 months of morning study. Next up: Mastering basic endgames at night👍

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

If you have ever wondered if it is worth it to master basic tactics and basic strategy, then if it pleases the court, may I enter this game into evidence. 😉 #chesspunks

Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

My immortal game? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

Q: I’m an adult chess improver. How does one become part of the chesspunks community? A: There is no initiation ceremony, no governing body. I suggest you use #chesspunks in tweets and encourage other chesspunks. All are welcome. 🙏

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

@lularobs No one knows the best way to improve at chess. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

7 months

More Endgame work tonight. #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

2 years

I won 3/3 online games today, so that’s a good confidence boost before my OTB return tomorrow. 👍 Wish me luck because I’m going to need it. 😅 Black to move and win from my 3rd game. 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

6 months

A nice tactical puzzle from the @chessable course: Calculation, a complete guide for tournament players. Black's best continuation? 🤔 #chesspunks

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

3 years

It’s New Years Eve. Just wrapped up a podcast with @DoctorScull . 👍 I hope 2022 brings you joy and peace and that you learn new things about yourself and others next year. Happy New Year #chesspunks ! 🎊🎉🥳😁

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Neal Bruce

@NealBruceBC

11 months

And so begins, a 2 year journey to master basic endgames. (Only 2 years and only will 10 books? The safe bet is more like 3 years & 15 books, but let’s go!) 🤣 Thanks to @NewInChess for sending me the Revised edition after noticing that I had the older version. 🙏 #chesspunks

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