EP 325- Adult Improver Chris Duncan on the Popularity of Chess in the Military and the Connective Power of the Game to bring Cultures Together

The Perpetual Chess Adult Improver Series returns to spotlight another amateur from the chess community. This week’s guest is Chris Duncan. Chris is a 24 year old Army logistician and Psychology Graduate Student who shares a powerful story of the power of chess to bridge cultural gaps.In our interview, we discuss Chris’ background and “on/off” relationship with chess, but we primarily focus on the way that chess became a welcome distraction from the stresses of being stationed abroad in 2022. As Chris explains, a shared interest in chess amongst many military members culminated in a memorable chess tournament that brought together US and Polish military members. Chris also discusses some of his favorite chess learning resources, and the role that he hopes chess will play in his life in future years and decades. I really enjoyed hearing Chris’ unique story and thank him for sharing it with us. Timestamps for topics discussed and relevant links can be found below. 

0:00- 

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0:03:00- What was Chris’ introduction to chess, and how did he get back into it? 

0:05:00- What is the chess scene like within the US Armed War Forces? 

10:00- What did Chris do to work on his game?

Mentioned: Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, Seirawan Winning Chess Series, The Seirawan series is also available on Chessable, Episode 303 with Kyle Boddy

14:00- Chris tells the remarkable story of how he and other members of the US Armed Forces got to play a tournament with members of the Polish military while stationed there. 

28:00-  Patreon mailbag question: Does chess improve Chris’ graduate school studies in psychology? 

Mentioned: Logical Chess Move by Move

31:00- Would Chris ever try an OTB tournament? 

35:00- How does Chris approach following chess content that is a bit complex for his chess level?

Mentioned: St. Louis Chess Club YouTube Channel 

40:00- Thanks again to Chris for coming on to the podcast, and for his service in the US Military.  

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