My parents are really new to chess but took screenshots of my games during the tournament so they could ask me about specific moves later 🥹

It’s otb chess season! Last weekend I won my local rapid quad. This past weekend I played in Minneapolis. Next up: the SD Gov. Cup, Sept. 19-21, with my games streamed live on twitch.tv/kamrynheidi, including a couple rounds of commentary with @nmiharris.bsky.social and @chessvondoom.bsky.social!

I recently finished my writer’s residency at Harvard! It was filled with workshops and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow creative writers in my master’s degree program. Now on to capstone, and graduation in spring 2026!

Goose medal!!!

Join me for a live coaching session with Nate Solon this Thursday! Nate recently released his @chessable.com course on the Semi-Slav, and he's going to help me improve my win rate against 1. d4 (etc.)...let's go!!! #chess #chesspunks

From chess beginner to 2000 in just 2 years? Sounds impossible.  But Kamryn Hellman did it. In this thoughtful guest post, the author and streamer shares the insights and practical lessons that made it happen. 🔗⬇️

I jinxed it

Playing classical chess next weekend for the first time in almost six months 🥹 🙏 #chesspunks

In other news I’m on a 7-game win streak and +100 uscf rating since January…I don’t want to jinx it but I think something’s finally clicking for me otb

Not to be weather-posting on main but from -33 to 49 F it’s about to feel like a sauna up here next week

Need to start tracking the random songs aggressively playing on repeat in my head during chess tournaments. This weekend, Free Bird. Result: 3/3 and +89 rating points. Coincidence? Only time will tell.

Okay FINE, I’ll keep trying the Sicilian 😍

Your chess improvement starts now. WATCH: youtu.be/Wd13uyAP_ww #chess #chesspunks

I’ve been working on full-game compositions recently (and developing a new appreciation for the practical infinity of possible chess positions). Anyway, here’s a satisfying little puzzle that came from my hours of attempts. Black to move! #chesspunks #chess

If you are tired of the jeansgate drama, you can have a look at my podcast episode with @kamrynheidi.bsky.social She is a role model for adult improvers. Thank you for coming and sharing your chess tips, Kamyrn! #chesspunks #chess Video below.

🎄 HOLIDAY PARTY STREAM TOMORROW! 👀 Talking about updates and plans for content next year 💪 Continuing the blitz grind 🤩 Why You’re Losing is back! Submit a lost rapid or classical game in my discord server OR reply here for a chance to have your game analyzed on stream!

The worst enemy of adult chess players...children. But maybe it's all in your head. WATCH: How to Beat a Kid at Chess! youtu.be/u-bb74jZ0FQ #chesspunks #chess

Hey #chesspunks who have had coaching - what’s the best thing a coach has done or said to prepare you for a big tournament? Do your lesson activities change in the lead-up to an event? Coaches, feel free to answer too :) #chess

Uffda, first one of these in a while 🤌 Black to play! #chesspunks #chess

Feeling like your rating has stagnated? I have a tip for you! My last two videos give a quick, specific tip for each rating level from 100-2000, based on my own experience. Hope you enjoy! 100-1000: youtu.be/GCbEQa2dI2M 1100-2000: youtu.be/PIERAVLNjrE #chess #chesspunks

Very funny that the chess world championship match is sponsored by google which is pushing gen-ai which is famously terrible at generating realistic images of chess boards

The London System remains undefeated in world championship matches👀

French today, London tomorrow? #DingGukesh

Once I stop choking winning positions in blitz it’s over for y’all 😤

I’m ruminating on the true nature of a queen sacrifice. Do these count? …Qxh3 in the first position and Qxg6 in the second position? Is it a sac if your opponent can’t legally capture? Is it a sac if you’d also win their queen in the sequence? Am I overthinking this? Probably… #chesspunks

Chat are we pulling an all-nighter?

I’ve had an exciting year of otb chess, but what do I have to show for it? Find out in my latest newsletter! (Numbers nerds, this one’s for you😉) Read: kamrynheidichess.substack.com/p/slow-and-s... #chess #chesspunks