17 Comments

Neat idea (and nice setup)! This sounds very similar to other things I've heard about the psychology of study. In particular I think Joseph Campbell said something similar about having a "sacred" room where you always go and disconnect with the world to study (i.e., read myths, think, etc. in his gase). It sounds like it's even better if you can ritualize it with a certain time.

I study at a particular (designated) coffee table at home, but I have actually found the reverse to be helpful to me. I find I am so tired when I get home from work that it is hard to get chess study done. Instead, having chessbase on my laptop, keeping the current book I am reading in my backpack, and taking my puzzle notebook and pictures of the puzzles on my phone are a good way for me to work on chess during my lunch break/afternoon breaks when I get the chance.

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That is also a good idea. I try to do some study in the train while I commute to work, but I find it harder to focus on hard stuff. I have noticed that the days where I have slept poorly or to little I often do not have energy for chess in the evening, so I'm trying to get enough sleep. Not always easy!

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That's true, it's good to have different levels for different situations - the deep calculation exercises are harder to do on the go.

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this is a great approach & a well established practise in the Eastern world - to get into the flow for an activity, one finds or creates an environment with the right vibrations. Examples are going to a temple, library etc. where the ambience spurs your mental state conducive for that activity, be it meditation, study...

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Thank you! And I can only agree :)

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When I’m studying, I have my board out on the dining room table. When I’m solving a position, I set it up on the board and move to the white (or black) side of the table (rather than turn the board) - not sure why but it makes it very real and satisfying! Table is big enough for my set, laptop and iPad, so it works well to be there.

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Sounds like you are doing a realistic simulation of a game ☺️

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Looks really nice Martin. I have ideas of creating my own chess corner bug I too need to convince my wife. I like the idea of my son growing up with a nice space reserved for chess should he want to play.

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Thank you! My kids do not normally show interest in chess, but I was surprised that after we decorated the corner my oldest daughter said she would like to learn how to play, and my youngest did also seem interested. So maybe you can use that as an argument ;)

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James Clear writes an amazing book “Atomic Habits” where he discusses environment and activity-focused areas. It jives! Very cool!

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Maybe I should reread it since I forgot about that. And I thank you, also really excited about the result :D

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Love the old mechanical clock!

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Definitely! Looks great! My roll-up board gets deployed on our coffee table now and again. Best I can do for now 😂

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Hi Martin, Nice chess corner! I have one too. I work from home a lot, so my home office is primarily dedicated to my profession. However, I do have a table set up there dedicated to chess: https://www.chess.com/blog/Chris-C/back-to-the-sweat-work

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That is a lovely chess set you have there! It really inspires you to sit and study:)

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It looks very nice! I’ve also created my own chess space and I think it is really effective on learning and playing. I liked the Jeremy Silman classics that you’ve got as well. Hope it brings many points your chess 🤞🏻 Good luck!

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Very inspiring!

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