This was a deeply grounded look into what real chess growth looks like. Moulthun’s approach, using curiosity as a lens to explore games and openings, feels especially valuable in a landscape dominated by rigid prep and rote learning. His process of dissecting model games and tracing thematic patterns over time gets to the heart of how understanding is actually built.
I also appreciated his clarity on the limits of opening theory. There's something both practical and liberating in the idea that knowing your positions and being able to question suggestions — matters more than memorizing every branch of a course. This kind of perspective helps shift focus toward the parts of chess that really shape long-term progress.
Wow, just by chance I end up on substack and this - does it portend more pieces this year from data junkie? interesting interview! best regards, finally finished Moby Dick.
This was a deeply grounded look into what real chess growth looks like. Moulthun’s approach, using curiosity as a lens to explore games and openings, feels especially valuable in a landscape dominated by rigid prep and rote learning. His process of dissecting model games and tracing thematic patterns over time gets to the heart of how understanding is actually built.
I also appreciated his clarity on the limits of opening theory. There's something both practical and liberating in the idea that knowing your positions and being able to question suggestions — matters more than memorizing every branch of a course. This kind of perspective helps shift focus toward the parts of chess that really shape long-term progress.
Glad to see you writing again
Thanks for the comment, Joshua!
Wow, just by chance I end up on substack and this - does it portend more pieces this year from data junkie? interesting interview! best regards, finally finished Moby Dick.
I wouldn't count on it, maybe if I happen to do another interview in English! Good job swallowing the whale whole.