FM Nate Solon: Interview & Study Plan!
Dear Improvers,
Have you met FM Nate Solon? He is not only an active player but also an incredible coach, a data scientist, and a former professional poker player. You'll be able to learn about his multifaceted approach to chess improvement.
Check out May's Coach's Corner, featuring Coach Nate. Read the interview and get to know him better!
Coaching Philosophy
Solon emphasizes identifying patterns in a student's mistakes to tailor effective training strategies. He believes that many errors stem from recurring thought process issues, which, once addressed, can lead to significant improvement. He also utilizes challenging positions from his students' games as learning tools, often finding that these scenarios offer valuable lessons beyond traditional puzzles.
Training Recommendations
For individuals with limited time, Solon suggests a structured weekly plan:
- Day 1: 30 minutes of tactics practice.
- Day 2: 30 minutes studying a single book or course.
- Day 3: Play and review a rapid game for 30 minutes.
Repeated with one day off, this cycle totals three hours per week.
Coach Nate's Study Plan is part of our resources for Improvers. Check it out here!
Improvement Focus by Rating
- Under 1200: Solon advises focusing on board vision and basic tactics, such as recognizing threats and avoiding hanging pieces.
- Under 2000: He recommends emphasizing safety, preventing opponents' threats, and developing coherent planning skills to guide gameplay.
Approach to Openings
Solon advocates for a "learn by playing" methodology. He encourages building a foundational understanding of key ideas and lines, then reinforcing this knowledge through practical application in blitz or rapid games. This iterative process helps solidify an effective opening repertoire.
