How a 54-Year-Old Chess Enthusiast Crossed the Atlantic for the Ultimate Chess Journey

It all started with a dream—a simple yet powerful dream to become a better chess player and explore a place as intriguing as it was unknown. Michael, a 54-year-old chess lover from the peaceful shores of Martha’s Vineyard, had spent endless hours battling opponents online, sharpening his skills with my guidance. But something was missing. The screen couldn’t offer what he truly wanted: real-world experience, the chance to train in person, and to fully immerse himself in the game.

So, Michael made a bold decision. He booked a flight across the Atlantic, leaving behind the comfort of the Vineyard’s lighthouses and sea breezes for the cobblestone streets and ancient castles of Lithuania. This wasn’t just a chess lesson; this was a journey—a journey to train with me, face-to-face, in a country most Americans find exotic and full of mystery.

When I first heard that Michael was planning to come to Lithuania for an intensive two-week chess training, I was thrilled. Not only because of the opportunity to help him elevate his game, but also because I was about to meet, in person, a friend I had only ever seen as pixels on a screen. The excitement was real, and the possibilities endless.

And so, the stage was set for an unforgettable experience—two weeks of intense chess training, cultural exploration, and the beginning of a friendship that would cross oceans and time zones. Little did we know, these two weeks would become a defining chapter in both our lives.

A Plan for Success

Upon his arrival, Michael was rated 1609 in rapid on Lichess, a solid rating that showcased his dedication but also highlighted areas where improvement was needed. My analysis indicated that his biggest opportunities for growth lay in three key areas: opening preparation, board vision, and strategic patience in attacking. With these in mind, I laid out clear goals and objectives for our "chess camp."

Our Chess Goals:

1. Opening Repertoire:The focus here was on breadth, not depth. At Michael's level, opponents often deviate from optimal lines early, so we concentrated on giving him a wide repertoire that could handle a variety of unexpected moves. We chose the Queen’s Gambit for his white games, aligning with his strategic inclinations, and for black, the Sicilian Sveshnikov against 1.e4 and the Queen’s Gambit Declined with the Cambridge Springs variation against 1.d4.
2. Board Vision and Blunder Prevention:Improving Michael’s vision of the board was crucial. We began each session with unique visualization exercises I had developed, designed to train his subconscious to better comprehend board positions. The results were remarkable, as evidenced by the significantly reduced time it took him to complete these tasks by the end of our training.
3. Strategic Patience in Attacking:We worked on understanding how to build up an attack patiently, ensuring pieces were correctly positioned before launching into action. This strategic patience would be key in transforming his game from solid to spectacular.

Meeting Michael: A Moment to Remember

I’ll never forget the moment I first saw Michael in person. We had arranged to meet in his hotel lobby. As he walked away from me, I called out, “Michael!” He turned around, and the moment he recognized me, his face lit up with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. It was a surreal experience to see my online student and friend standing right in front of me. We grabbed a drink and eagerly discussed our plans for the upcoming two weeks.

The Training Begins

Our first session was full of energy and enthusiasm. Michael was eager to dive into the chess exercises I had prepared, and his determination was evident from the start. We even had a little mascot, a friendly giraffe, who became a quirky part of our sessions, always there to "assist" us during the intense training.

But it wasn't all work and no play. We made sure to enjoy some of Lithuania’s rich history and culture, including a memorable visit to Trakai Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that dates back to the 14th century. The blend of rigorous chess training and cultural exploration made for a well-rounded experience that neither of us will soon forget.

Chess Results: A Transformation

The progress Michael made was nothing short of impressive. In just two weeks, his rating jumped by around 130 points:

But more than just numbers, it was the quality of his play that truly stood out. He played two particularly beautiful games, showcasing how the right strategy could lead to spectacular attacking finishes. Watching his improvement was incredibly fulfilling, and I couldn't have been prouder of how far he had come in such a short time.

Michael played white:

A Trip to Remember

As our time together came to an end, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. It’s not every day that a student travels halfway around the world to train with you, and the experience was one that I will cherish forever. Michael’s visit was a testament to the power of dedication, the joy of learning, and the special bond that can form between a coach and a student.

Thank you, Michael, for making the journey. The memories we created will last a lifetime, and I look forward to seeing how your chess journey continues to unfold!

What a wonderfully inspirational post. Well done Coach Kestony!

Thank you Ben!