EP 247- Michael Franco (Adult Improver Series)

Michael Ross Franco is a 28 year old Applied Mathematics Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley who is also an accomplished chess improver. As Michael tells us, his interest in chess was sparked when he was looking for an engaging hobby while fighting leukemia in 2013. He started following the 2013 Carlsen-Anand World Championship match, and his interest has blossomed from there. Michael’s chess rating has also blossomed, as he has slowly climbed from beginner level to a 2300 peak Lichess Rapid Rating in the subsequent 8 years. In our interview, Michael details the books, experiences and lessons that have influenced him along the way. Please read on for lots more details and any relevant links.  0:00- Michael shares the unique story of how in 2013, the leukemia diagnosis left him looking for an engaging hobby, which turned out to be chess. Michael followed the 2013 Carlsen-Anand match and developed a particular affinity for Magnus Carlsen.  Mentioned: Chess Network YouTube Channel, PowerPlay YouTube Channel  10:30- Michael began his chess climb with about an 1100 LiChess rating. Which books helped him ascend from there?  Mentioned: A First Book of Morphy, How to Reassess Your Chess  19:30-  Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them Here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 20:15- How did Michael approach game analysis and learning from his games when he was climbing from Lichess 1100 to 2000 or so?  Mentioned: Instructive Modern Chess Masterpieces by GM Igor Stohl  25:30: Once he started grad school, Michael was able to take advantage of an IRL chess club at University of California-Berkeley. What lessons did he learn from face-to-face games with stronger players?  Mentioned: Chess Club at Berkeley  30:30- What was Michael’s approach to studying openings?  34:00- When did Michael play his first tournament? What does he advise other online players who are new to tournaments?  43:00- P