iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In case you missed it, I wrote a detailed breakdown of the speedrun, including some unexpected takeaways for club players: kamrynheidichess.substack.com/p/the-best-b...

kamrynheidichess.substack.com

The Best-by-Test Quest

Or how I played over 300 blitz games to speedrun a new opening without the engine.

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

LOCK IN!!! The finale of the Best-by-Test Quest speedrun series is out now!

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Does the opening matter in chess? I set out on a journey to find the answer… The second episode of the Best-by-Test Quest is out now!! youtu.be/wAwmhYBZD4I

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Can I speedrun chess without knowing the opening? Episode 1 of the Best-by-Test Quest is out now!!! youtu.be/rK8EgM7bm9A

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The Best-by-Test Quest, a new 3-part chess speedrun series, is coming soon! Join me on my journey to return to 2000 using an opening I’ve never played: 1.e4. The catch? I can only learn the new opening by playing blitz games. No books, no videos, no coaching, no engine analysis.

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I wrote about the mentality it takes to win important games. Read: kamrynheidichess.substack.com/p/the-confid...

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

I WON!!! Tied for first place in the U1900 section of the Rochester Open in MN this weekend! I was finally able to keep my focus in the last rounds, went 4.5/5, and reached an 1800 USCF rating for the first time. I’m so happy 🥹

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Hey everyone, exciting event alert!!! I’ll be playing in an over-the-board tandem simul against IMs John Bartholomew and Sean Nagle tomorrow (Friday, July 10) at 7 pm CT! It will be live streamed on my twitch channel; be sure to tune in: m.twitch.tv/kamrynheidi

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Mastered it! 🎓 These last 4 years, I had the privilege of earning my master’s degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Harvard Extension alongside a full-time job, content creation, and chess improvement. So grateful to celebrate this week with my fellow writers. Cheers to the next chapter!

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

One foot in front of the other. I wrote about training to run a 5k race as a total beginner. Plus, how this always-moving-forward mentality works in both chess improvement and writing books. Read: open.substack.com/pub/kamrynhe...

How to Outrun the Quitters. Sometimes, success means refusing to give up. The Little Pawn, kamrynheidichess.substack.com

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

My official USCF rating went down for the first time in a year (from 1792 last month). Don’t worry, those two points shall be regained with interest. The road to expert continues.

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

First time running 3 miles today. I pushed through rain and wind and cold just to prove to myself I could do it. My reward - officially registered for a 5k next week 🎉

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Update: from doing 1-min running/1.5 min walking intervals on day 1, I’m now up to running for 25 minutes straight! One foot in front of the other. Can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can run outside again bc the treadmill is a joy thief

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

It’s wild that today I can’t imagine my life without chess 🥹 I learned how the pieces moved 5 years ago. I made my first video covering my 0-2000 journey 3 years ago. I’ve started competing otb, running scholastic clubs, and even made a course. Thanks for all the support! 🖤

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day! Today and always, I hope to do my part as both an instructor and player to be a positive role model in the community. Let’s work together to make chess a more welcoming space for EVERYONE! (Also, my course is on sale: www.chessable.com/50-essential...)

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Today’s small victory: I went for a run for the first time in 7+ years. I’ve had a big fear of running due to past knee injuries, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get through a full 30-min workout. I was slow and my form was probably horrible, but I did it 😮‍💨

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Reposted by Kamryn

Chess.com @chess.com · 11/02/2026

The true story of Judit Polgar, 'Queen of Chess', has officially entered Netflix's Global top 10 most-popular movies! 📈 Have you watched it yet? 👑

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

The Year of No Excuses …or how I took my USCF rating from 1583 to 1758. Read now: open.substack.com/pub/kamrynhe... #chess #chesspunks

open.substack.com

The Year of No Excuses

Or how I took my USCF rating from 1583 to 1758.

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

I beat an expert in otb classical for the first time 🥹 Recap: youtu.be/1VsEoV6IOl0

youtu.be

Game of the Year!?

YouTube video by Kamryn

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

New Substack post - a reflection on the two challenges that filled every second of my free time last month. Read: open.substack.com/pub/kamrynhe...

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Always a great day for a coaching session with Nate Solon! This time, we got his master-level view of my Why I'm Losing document, along with some advanced insights into a loss I thought I understood... WATCH: youtu.be/gygZ5qEE4tA

youtu.be

My Chess Coach Reviewed My Videos...

YouTube video by Kamryn

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

It only took 2 MORE years lol How I Finally Reached 2200 in Chess: youtu.be/kh3EBaU9lBE #chess #chesspunks

youtu.be

How I Finally Reached 2200 in Chess

YouTube video by Kamryn

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Reposted by Kamryn

Jennifer Shahade @jenshahade.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

A very sad day. RIP to a wordsmith, a chess genius, and most importantly a kind person. jenshahade.substack.com/p/daniel-nar...

jenshahade.substack.com

Daniel Naroditsky, 1995-2025

A wordsmith, a chess genius, and most importantly a kind person

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

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 🥹

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

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!

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

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!

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

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

Coaching Session - May 29 at 2:30 pm CDT or 7:30 pm UTC at Twitch.tv/kamrynheidi

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Reposted by Kamryn

Chessable @chessable.com · 17/04/2025

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. 🔗⬇️

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

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.

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Okay FINE, I’ll keep trying the Sicilian 😍

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

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

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Reposted by Kamryn

Dr. Can's Chess Clinic @drcanchess.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

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.

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

🎄 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!

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

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

youtu.be

How to Beat a Kid at Chess

YouTube video by Kamryn

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

The London System remains undefeated in world championship matches👀

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

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

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Kamryn @kamrynheidi.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

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

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