Get ready to sharpen your chess skills with National Master Jerald Times, a revered chess educator and CEO of Chess Across Borders. We'll traverse across the chessboard of Jerald's experiences, from his nostalgic moments playing chess on a Navy ship to his enlightening journey of teaching and transitioning to a more dynamic playing style.Ever wondered about the psychological transformation of chess players? Our conversation reveals the intriguing shift from reactionary to responsive play, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the power of desire and will to succeed.  We'll also analyze the recent world championship match between Ding and Nepo, discussing the match format and its potential bias towards particular player styles. In addition, we'll touch upon the evolution of chess, from its romantic period to the modern era where it's viewed as a data game. Our chat provides a rare insight into the chess culture at Washington Square Park and the importance of tactical skills for adult improvers. Listen in for Jerald's sage advice that when it comes to improving tournament play, the battleground is indeed the learning ground. Tune in for an episode packed with chess strategies, experiences, and transformations.Chapters:00:00 Intro.03:52 Opening Preparation07:11 Chess Eras & Evolutions14:00 Learning Zone vs. Performance Zone19:18 Ding/Nepo Recap & Championship Format26:55 The Journey to Master & Chess as a Data Game29:31 Washington Square Park stories35:32 Ratings, Thinking Patterns, & Tactics42:00 Lawsuit update46:02 Chess Across Borders51:54 OutroReferenced:Chess for Tigers (Amazon)Better Thinking, Better Chess (Amazon)Links for NM Jerald Times:TwitterChess Across BordersOur links:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeFacebookE-mail: info@thechessangle.comThe Amazon links above are affiliate links which earn us a small commission on qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.