Let's go Scotland!

American Continental title defense complete!

Happy April Fool's Day, courtesy of GM Stany and Bart Simpson!

chessable.com/lifetime-reper… This one was a long time coming! I finished the repertoire over a year ago, but decided to play it in my own games for a while before publishing it. Super proud of the final product, and happy with the wins it brought me before I released it to the world.

AI has come a long way, but it still has a lot to learn. Eat beforehand? Being your own food? Not the best advice...

Yesterday, I had to bury my best friend. I will never forget the joy, companionship, and unconditional love that you blessed me with. Rest in peace Tenor, 6/20/2013-2/12/2026, you were the best pal a guy could ever ask for.

After constantly telling myself "you'll build your home gym next year!" for as long as I have been a homeowner, I finally decided to stop procrastinating. Physical conditioning is a big part of chess excellence, just like mental conditioning is a big part of excellence in physical sports.

youtube.com/watch?v=JPpg-sfu… This was so much fun!

20 years ago today, I won my first adult tournament. I was 14. Always remember, even if you started chess late, had a normal upbringing, and were way behind the kids who were doing chess full time from a young age, you can still make massive progress and have a great career.

I'd like to thank all of my friends and fans who cheered me on this whole time. It's beyond devastating to come so close to me dream for a second time and have a near identical repeat of 2021, but pain like that can only come from a place of deep passion and love for the game. I'm getting older, and I was the oldest player by 7 years in the quarterfinals, but I am still stupidly naive enough to think I will get another chance at the World Cup one day. And I hope I can come through then.

Utterly devastated.

There's nothing quite like opening up YouTube and the first recommended video being one of the most painful moments of your life! Always remember: if you are good enough at what you do that your worst screw ups are considered major news, this is a sign that you have made it. Fans don't boo nobodies. Own your worst moments, and don't be embarrassed by them.

Sam Shankland plays a wonderful game with the White pieces to defeat World Champion D Gukesh in Round 4 of GCT Saint Louis Rapid 2025!

Ready for the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz!

I miss the days of real telemarketers. It's just not as easy to get a rise out of bots!

Congratulations to Andy Woodward on his convincing win at the US Junior! I'm delighted that he has joined me among this event's past champions. Curiously, I could not find a list of past winners online?! A minute with ChatGPT produced the following, but could be wrong. @USChess

good parenting