GM Patrick Wolff is quite accomplished on and off the chess board, as a 2 time US Champion and former second to Viswanathan Anand turned hedge fund analyst. Patrick is also the author of Learn to Play Chess Like a Boss, a book which is always one of my first recommendations for newer players. With such varied experiences, Patrick is well-suited to share his opinions on all of the recent controversies which have plagued the chess world. As Patrick explains, the recent controversies involving dress codes, prearranged draws and a chaotic qualification process for the FIDE Candidates are all connected. Patrick thinks that the chess world needs a new governing body, and that the game is poised for more explosive growth if this can occur. In addition to all of the news, we caught up on lessons Patrick learned from playing in the US Senior Championship,  and on the continued  evolution of chess engines. There is always lots to learn from GM Wolff, and I appreciated hearing his perspective. 

Episode 189 Prior interivew with Patrick Wolff

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03:00- Patrick shares his thought on prearranged draws in light of the Dubov-Nepomniachtchi prearranged draw. 

Mentioned: Background info here, Video and discussing of it here 

13:00- What did Patrick think of the controversy surrounding Anna Maja Kazarian’s footwear? 

Mentioned: NY Times article 

20:00- We discuss the chaotic  FIDE Candidates qualification cycle, which culminated in GM Alireza Firouzja scrambling to gain a few rating points.

Mentioned: C Squared pod discussion of the issue 

28:00- Patrick discusses the history of FIDE, as it has evolved during his career. 

Mentioned: Florencio Campomanes 

51:00- Why didn’t Kasparov’s PCA work?

55:00- Patrick shares his thoughts on the April 2024 FIDE Candidates 

57:00- Patrick reflects on his performance in the US Senior Championship 

Mentioned: GM Gregory Kaidanov, You can view the games discussed here: 

https://www.chess.com/events/2023-us-senior-chess-championship/games

1:12:00- What age related effects does Patrick notice aside from struggling to remember opening lines? 

1:15:00- Patrick discusses the way computers are effecting opening theory. 

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