IM datajunkie's Blog
5 benefits of OTB tournaments
There's nothing like 9 rounds of 90+30
You’re studying chess openings the wrong way (do this instead)
If memorising more opening lines made you stronger, many club players would be masters by now.
Our 64 most memorable blunders
Add your worst move to this community collection
The three pillars of tactical skill
Which one do you need to strengthen?
Why you overthink in chess (and how to stop)
It took me 25 years to realise this
Emulate someone you admire
Chess advice from a professional guitarist
The 5 Stages of Chess Mastery
Where are you?
Three signals of future strength in chess
Trainable behaviours I noticed while giving a simul at the Australian Juniors
Do this on your opponent's turn
5 simple habits to use your time better and level up your chess
The top mistake amateur players make
+ best chess books I read in 2025
Why your tactics aren’t improving
The 4 fixes that can help you become a tactician
25 lessons from 25 years of chess
Mistakes you can avoid and habits you can start with today
The 5 things I do before a tournament
Learnt from 25 consecutive years of OTB
#33: My Most Memorable Novelty
The joy of charting unexplored territory
#32: Book review: Finite and Infinite Games
5 stars! Do you play chess as a finite or infinite game?
#31: How to think on your opponent's turn
I asked 3 grandmasters what they do
#30: And Then There Were None
Lichess version
#29: The 14 Rules of Hedgehog Club
Welcome to Hedgehog Club. The first rule of Hedgehog Club is: you do not talk about Hedgehog Club.
#28: Why isn't chess popular in Japan?
Overview of the past, present and future of the game in the Land of the Rising Sun
#27: Book review: Think Like a Super-GM
4.5/5—A puzzle book for the ages
#26: Why write about chess?
The benefits of writing that might encourage YOU to get started
#25: Book review: Study Chess with Matthew Sadler
4 out of 5 stars! 5 takeaways from the charming book
#24: Why Don't You Play More Endgames?
What I realised last week when I got to play a fascinating final round game