The Chess Angle is not a typical podcast for enthusiasts of the game. It offers guidance for people who consider themselves amateur players. It helps them feel immersed in the language and culture of chess. The podcast also seeks to help those who compete in tournaments and play in high-rated games. The content is for busy adults who are serious about chess but have limited study time.
The host of The Chess Angle is an experienced tournament director with an evident passion for the game. Neal Bellon is a music teacher at Berner Middle School in Massapequa, New York. He is also a long-time fan of chess and an avid player. He founded the Long Island Chess Club in 2007, which hosts weekly matches. It began with only a dozen players. In 2023, the club had about 40 regular participants.
On his podcast, Bellon has solo episodes where he provides practical and concise tips. In one installment, he talks about thematic amateur mistakes. Those missteps are common to most hobbyists, and Bellon explains how to avoid them. In another episode, he discusses how some chess players use mind games to beat their opponents. Bellon also talks about the psychological aspect of the game and different openings. Another way that Bellon helps listeners to improve is by analyzing matches. He dissects an amateur game to demonstrate the different strategies.
Often, Bellon invites other players to join him on the podcast. Sometimes, they have a casual conversation about their love of the game and the history of clubs. On other occasions, they discuss their journey into the sport and what they do to improve their game.
The Chess Angle provides accessible recommendations for any level of player. It is usually helpful for people with a 2000 USCF rating and below. However, experts can also learn tricks and hacks from interviews with professionals.
Episodes