Perpetual Chess features weekly conversations with the chess world's best players, trainers and accomplished amateurs about their careers, current projects, best practices and the latest in chess news. Learn more at PerpetualChessPod.com
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EP 402- GM Axel Smith on Draw Offers, Managing the Clock, and the Return of the Woodpecker Method.
This week’s returning guest is the renowned author, Chessable author and trainer, GM Axel Smith. Axel, of course is best known for the groundbreaking tactics manual, The Woodpecker Method, and is finally releasing its much-anticipated sequel, The Woodpecker Method 2: Positional Play. While the first Woodpecker volume focused on tactics, this one helps readers learn critical positional patterns. In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of and logistics behind selecting over 1000 positional puzzles. We also have a wide-ranging discussion about Axel’s latest thoughts about chess improvement, a topic he has covered in excellent books like Pump Up Your Rating and Street Smart Chess. We touch on how Axel’s chess goals have evolved now that he has a family, his advice regarding offering draws, and even the parallels between trying to improve at distance running and at chess. As always links of topics referenced are below. Book available from Quality Chess and Forward Chess, coming soon to Chessable https://forwardchess.com/product/the-woodpecker-method2 PFD Sample of the book: https://forwardchess.com/sample/the-woodpecker-method2 Forward Chess: https://forwardchess.com/product/the-woodpecker-method2 02:00- GM Axel Smith joins the show. Was it challenging to make a compilation of “positional puzzles”? Mentioned: GMs Christopher Yoo, Renier Castellanos, Sam Shankland, Nordirbek Abdusattorov Simple Chess, Winning Chess Strategies, The Power of Pawns 14:00- Patreon mailbag question: When will Woodpecker 2 be available on Chessable? Mentioned: FM Nate Solon’s post, Woodpecker Revisited https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/the-woodpecker-method-revisited?utm_source=publication-search 21:00- Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 22:00- We revisit some of the most memorable chess improvement advice from Axel’s classic book Pump Up Your Rating. What advice would he change? Mentioned: My Chessable course, Identifying Critical Moments in Chess https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/ 31:00- Axel quit his job to focus on distance running training, and runs 20 Kilometers a day. We discuss his training regimen 38:00- Returning to chess, we discuss Axel’s philosophy regarding draw offers. 40:00- Has the success of The Woodpecker Method changed Axel’s life? 43:00- Why does Axel think adults often struggle to improve? 47:00- Has Axel’s overall improvement philosophy changed since Pump Up Your Rating? 48:00- Thanks to Axel for rejoining us, you can keep up with his work via Chessable and Quality Chess. https://www.chessable.com/author/axelsmith/ https://qualitychess.co.uk/products/improvement/446/_the_woodpecker_method_2_by_axel_smith/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 401- Sam Kahn: Advice for Taming Chess Degeneracy and The Lessons We Can Learn from Past Chess Greats
Sam Kahn is a writer and film producer by day with a passion for chess, and particularly, the lessons we can learn from chess history. Sam is especially fascinated by the distinct chess styles that one can see by playing through the games of prior greats like Lasker, Pillsbury and Capablanca. He writes about the lessons we can learn from these players in his excellent new collaboration with IM Cyrus Lakdawala, A Century of Chess Book 1: 1900-1909. Of course, before Sam became consumed by chess history, he obsessively focused on his own game. Sam has his share of stories from all-nighters at NYC chess dens, and reflects on how he achieved the 2100 USCF level, and why he thinks it will be challenging to reach a highe level. Based on his own experiences, Sam also shares tips for navigating the narrow path from “degenerate” chess obsessive to healthy chess hobbyist. As an avid reader of Sam’s blogs (both chess and non-chess), I was excited to hear him reflect on his own chess story. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 0:02- What makes some chess players better than ourselves? Mentioned: Sam’s post My Insane, Degenerate, Overpowering Chess Hobby https://samkahn.substack.com/p/my-insane-degenerate-overpowering 0:07- Has AI changed the romanticism of players representing competing schools of thought? 11:30- As a 2100 level player, why is Sam dismissive of his own chess abilities? Mentioned: Edward Winter’s post about the famous quote “Chess is a sea in which a gnat may drink and an elephant may bathe.” https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/proverbs.html 16:00- Why does Sam call legendary NYC IM Jay Bonin his “White Whale”? 18:00- What does Sam think are the best ways to improve at chess? 24:00- Thanks to our sponsors: Check out new Chessable courses by me, GM Nils Grandelius, and GM Sam Shankland- if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 25:00- What is the story behind Sam’s chess history blog being turned into a book? Mentioned: Colin Stapcynzcki A Century of Chess Book 1: 1900-1909, IM Cyrus Lakdawala 33:00- Who is Sam’s favorite chess player covered in the book? Mentioned: Lasker, Maroczy, Pillsbury 38:00- How does Sam ascertain the stylistic tendencies of historical chess players? Mentioned: Nimzowitsch, Janowski, New in Chess Podcast with GM Tiger Hillarp Persson https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hmw6yMC1u2mwYo5HUjNPG?si=43cd8d56debb4319 48:00- Is there much overlap between Sam’s non-chess blog and his chess blog? https://samkahn.substack.com/p/my-insane-degenerate-overpowering 55:00- Sam’s advice for finding a balanced approach to chess. 57:00- In his late 30s, is Sam too old to make the master level? Mentioned: Episode 400 with NM Matt Gross 1:03:00- Sam’s favorite chess history writers: Mentioned: Richard Reti’s Masters of the Chessboard, Irving Chernev, GM Andy Soltis, My Great Predecessor’s, On the Origin of Good Moves by IM Willy Hendriks, Ink Wars by IM Willy Hendriks 1:09:00- Thanks to Sam for joining. Here is how you can check out his work. Book- A Century of Chess Book 1: 1900-1909, Chess.com History Blog- https://www.chess.com/member/kahns Non-Chess Blog- https://samkahn.substack.com/ If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Olympiad Bonus Pod- Mr. Dodgy on the Atmosphere, Controversies and Notable Stories so far from Budapest
As the FIDE Chess Olympiad enters the homestretch, it has been as entertaining as ever. It is hard to keep up with all of the emerging storylines, but Chessable's Mr. Dodgy joined me from Budapest to discuss a few, as well as to describe the atmosphere in Budapest and at the playing hall. Topics covered include: the cell phone camera controversy, GM Ding Liren's disappointing performance, India's dominance, and the inspiring story of Eman Sawan. You can find links to all of the stories referenced below. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the tournament! 0:00- Welcome 3:00- How Budapest compares to the 2022 Chennai Olympiad 5:55- The Women in Chess Foundation 08:56- The Kramnik camera phone controversy 12:00- GM Ding Liren’s uninspiring performance at the tournament 15:00- Final thoughts: Is India inevitable? Find out more about the phone in the playing hall controversy here: https://x.com/chess24com/status/1837226230082588923 Chessbase India shorts: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChessBaseIndiachannel/shorts Check out FM Mike Klein’s interview with Palestinian star performer Eman Sawan here: https://x.com/chess24com/status/1836815099614400866 Magnus arrival by bicycle to an early round: https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1ffxngn/twitter_photochess_magnus_carlsen_arrives_late/ GM Peter Svidler’s Ding Liren comment: https://x.com/FIDE_chess/status/1836397064143438001 Thanks to Mr. Dodgy for joining, Check out the Women in Chess Foundation here: https://www.womeninchess.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 400- Adult Improver NM Matt Gross- How Studying Model Games and Improving Intuition Helped Him Become an NM at Age 48
The Adult Improver series returns to Perpetual Chess to spotlight another accomplished amateur. This week we are joined by 48-year-old data scientist, NM Matt Gross. Matt returned to tournament chess after a 17-year hiatus with a mission to earn the USCF Master title. With a 2140 rating, Matt did not need to earn so many additional points to reach his goal, but he found that the game had evolved and competition was much tougher in 2021 than in had been in 2004. Matt could no longer rely on outcalculating his opponents and playing dodgy openings, He soon realized that he would need to revamp his entire chess game. He decided to focus on building a solid repertoire, and, most of all,to work assiduously to improve his chess intuition. Matt’s mission to make NM took a few years, but he managed to earn the title in 2023, possibly making him one of the oldest players to earn the NM title in the past few years. Our conversation is about how he went about this. In addition to the insights from this conversation, Matt also shares a treasure trove of advice and resources on his blog, Movelibrary. Thanks to Matt for sharing his inspiring story! https://www.movelibrary.com/ 0:00- Thanks to Perpetual Chess Patreon subs for helping to support the podcast! If you would like to join the community, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess 0:00- Thanks to our sponsors: Check out new Chessable courses by me, GM Nils Grandelius, and GM Sam Shankland- if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- NM Matt Gross joins the podcast and discusses how he got back into chess during the pandemic after 17 years away. Mentioned: GM Gata Kamsky’s Twitch stream 0:08- Why did Matt think he would need to revamp his game after a 17-year hiatus? Mentioned: Matt’s “TLDR” post is here: https://www.movelibrary.com/story/1/ 14:00- Why did Matt decide to focus on studying model games and working to improve his intuition? 22:00- Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 23:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Many GMs have suggested that calculation is the great differentiator between masters and club players, so why focus on intuition rather than calculation?” 32:00- What surprised Matt in coming back to tournaments for the first time in 17 years? Mentioned: GM Naroditsky series The Blitz Chess Manifesto https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-blitz-chess-manifesto 45:00- Matt’s favorite content creators and books Mentioned: GM John Nunn, Zurich 1953, Fire on Board, GM Hikaru Nakamura, The ChessDojo 47:00- How does Matt approach online play? 48:00- How much time does Matt spend reviewing his games? 51:00- How did it feel for Matt to achieve his goal and reach the ranking of USCF Master? 55:00- How does Matt prepare openings for common opponents? Mentioned: NM Peter MInear, NM Matt O’Brien 56:00- Matt’s improvement advice for lower-rated players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 399- GM Tiger Hillarp Persson: Chaos theory, Improving Your Weaknesses & Adult Improving at the game of Go
This week I am honored to be joined by author, trainer, and 2 time Swedish National Champion, GM Tiger Hillarp Persson. Tiger has a unique background for a GM, as at the age of 26, when he was not yet an IM, he decided to pursue chess professionally nonetheless. From there he made rapid progress and has been an active player ever since. But Tiger is equally passionate about another complex game, Go, which he started playing at the age of 40. He has become a master-level player, and has represented his native Sweden in international Go tournaments as well. In our conversation, Tiger discusses the challenges and rewards of improving at both games, and why he thinks substantial improvement is possible at both if one is honest with oneself and works hard. We also discuss Tiger’s fantastic new book, Tiger’s Chaos Theory. The book deconstructs and gives vocabulary to some uncommon and important patterns and situations in chess, and is a pleasure to read. I found this conversation very insightful, and I trust that you will as well. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors: Check out new Chessable courses by me, GM Nils Grandelius, and GM Sam Shankland- if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 0:02- GM Tiger Hillarp Persson joins the pod. We begin by discussing why Tiger decided to devote himself fully to chess at age 26, when he was not even an IM at that point. Mentioned: Karpov-Miles 1980, The Soviet Chess Conveyor by Shereshevsky 18:00- What has pursuing excellence at Go taught Tiger about chess improvement? Mentioned: Check out Tiger’s blog here: https://tiger.bagofcats.net/ Ivanchuk-Van Foreest 2022: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2416368 37:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Tiger play unorthodox openings in Go as well? “ 42:00- Tiger discusses the study method of trying to imitate the play of a player whose style you admire, as he did for Karpov. 48:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Have computers been a blessing or a curse for chess?” 52:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Tiger’s advice for lower rated players for assessing sacrifices?” Mentioned: The Art of Sacrifice by Rudolph Spielman 56:00- Tiger’s other favorite chess books Mentioned: Under the Surface by GM Jan Markos 59:00- What is a hecatomb? 1:00:00- Tiger’s favorite tournament memories Mentioned: GM Jonathan Rowson, GM Peter Heine Nielsen, GM Lembit Oll 1:05:00- Tiger is playing on the Swedish team at the Olympiad. How does he prepare? 1:10:00- Tiger discusses his most famous win, an amazing game against GM Peter Hiene Nielsen https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1434778 1:12:00- Thanks to Tiger for joining me! Here are links to check out his book: https://qualitychess.co.uk/products/improvement/23034/tigers_chaos_theory_by_tiger_hillarp_persson/ Free preview from Quality Chess: https://qualitychess.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tigers-Chaos-Theory-060-excerpt-1.pdf Forward Chess: https://forwardchess.com/product/tigers-chaos-theory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 388- FIDE Olympiad preview with GM Jonathan Speelman
The 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad begins September 11, 2024 in Budapest, and will feature many of the world’s top players. It is always a fun tournament for players and fans alike with its unique format and the opportunity for players to represent their countries. Joining me to help preview this year’s edition is 14- time British Chess Olympian, author, and 3 time British champion, GM Jonathan Speelman. Before Jon joins me, I discuss storylines I am excited for, including Magnus’ return to classical chess, a star-studded Indian team, and the Olympiad debut of a young British star. At the 14 minute mark, GM Speelman joins me to share some of his own Olympiad memories, as well as to share his thoughts on this year’s edition. The Olympiad is always one of my favorite tournaments to follow, and you can be sure that Perpetual Chess will be following and covering this year’s edition in detail. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 0:12:00- 10 storylines I am excited for the in the Olympiad Mentioned: You can see the Olympiad rosters: Thanks to our longtime sponsors, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 14:00- GM Jonathan Speelman joins me and reflects on his Olympiad experiences as a player and trainer. Mentioned: Kasparov-Speelman 1980 https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1069881 36:00- Jon shares his thoughts on this year’s Olympiad. Mentioned: 2700chess.com 55:00- Jon reminsices about the 1988 Olympiad, the young Polgar sisters and “Grandmaster Clash” Check out Grandmaster Clash here: Grandmaster Clash - 28th Chess Olympiad 1988 with Stephen Fry 1:00- Predictions? 1:00- Thanks, as always to GM Speelman for joining me, you can subscribe to this Twitch channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/jonspeelman 1:02- If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BONUS POD- Hans vs. Magnus Speed Chess Championship Preview with GM Ben Finegold
On September 6, almost two years to the day after their fateful game at the Sinquefield Cup, Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann will meet at Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship. They will play in front of an audience in Paris, France. Joining me to discuss the history of this feud, and the details of this match is popular commentator, YouTuber and Twitch streamer GM Ben Finegold. Does Hans have a chance given his impressive play lately? Since Magnus has been refusing to play Niemann, is there a chance that Magnus won’t show up to the match? What openings might we expect? We dive into these questions and many more in our conversation. All the information you need about the match is here: https://www.chess.com/events/info/2024-speed-chess-championship Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com! Check out my new course here, Identifying Critical Moments in Chess, here: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/ 1:30- Hans has been on a massive heater and has cracked the top 20 in Classical for the first time. Can he actually win? 5:00- Does Ben agree with Hikaru that Magnus has a particular edge in bullet? Mentioned: Hikaru on Hans-Magnus in Paris https://youtube.com/shorts/y3MkTIlEILY?si=oLR4rc7a3EZrqrku 7:30- Should we expect Hans’ ascent to continue? 11:00- Ben’s thoughts on Hans’ recent interview with GM Daniel Naroditsky https://youtu.be/ZFBAuihQYgw?si=QGCenzk5sKeZlEGv 25:00- Where is the prize money for Hans’ tour coming from? Mentioned: Hans tweet https://x.com/HansMokeNiemann/status/1827750674873958819 26:00- We discuss IM Daniel Rensch’s response to Hans’ recent interview https://x.com/DanielRensch/status/1821536477924438528 32:00- Predictions Thanks as always to GM Ben Finegold for joining. You know where to find him! If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 397- JulesGambit on What Fueled a Rapid Rating Rise, the Story Behind the Botez Chess Camp, and Why She Thinks Chess is no Longer Uncool
JulesGambit is a popular Twitch streamer and YouTuber who rediscovered chess while at university and has seen rapid growth in her rating and her online following. Jules joined me shortly after competing in the BotezChessCamp, a unique tournament where she lived in a house with other female chess stars like the Botezes and Anna Cramling and competed in a tournament. Jules was the lowest-rated entrant, but gained rating and drew 2-time US Women’s Champ Jennifer Yu in a classical game. This incredible result comes on the heels of a 2 year period where she has taken her rating from 1000 USCF to around 1800. In our conversation, we discuss the keys to Jules’ progress, the story behind the BotezChessCamp and what Jules plans to study next as she turns her attention to chess full-time. Jules is quick to credit many well-known chess players for helping fuel her growth as chess player, student and presenter, and it was inspiring to hear someone so motivated to continue her chess growth. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. My new course, Identifying Critical Moments in Chess is one of the many new offerings worth checking out. If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 2:00- Jules joins the show. We being by discussing her recent experience at the BotezChessCamp Mentioned: Alexandra Botez, WGM Dina Belenkaya, Jules video “I went on a date with Andrea Botez” https://youtu.be/jM6ezgnO7c0?si=K05Fs6RZPmiTAWpt Check out Jules’ game with Jennifer Yu here: https://www.chess.com/events/2024-botez-chess-camp-classical/07/Schulman_Julia-Yu_Jennifer 18:00- How did Jules get back into chess during college? What has led to Jules’ rapid rating progress in the past two years? Mentioned: How I went from 900 to 1700 in one year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PFIyAtOiho Coffee Chess YouTube 28:00- What did Jules’ college friends think of her chess streaming? 31:00- Why is Jules switching from emphasizing Twitch streaming to YouTube? 37:00- Why did Jules quit chess as a kid? 44:00- How do people respond to Jules’ interest in chess on dating apps? 46:30- What are Jules’ next chess goals?What is she currently studying? Mentioned: Positional Decision Making in Chess. Endgame Studies 101, Forcing Chess Moves 55:00- What was the highlight of going to a camp at Charlotte Chess Center with GMs R.B. Ramesh, Judit Polgar, and Veselin Topalov? 58:00- How did Jules manage to write her thesis about chess? What was the conclusion of her research regarding geographic distribution of 2600+ players? Mentioned: GM David Brodsky 1:00:00- Thanks to Jules for joining! Here is how to keep up with her! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julesgambit/?hl=en Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/julesgambit YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Julesgambit X https://x.com/julesgambit?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 396- GM Pontus Carlsson- Advice for Remembering Openings, early Magnus memories, the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz in New York and much more.
GM Pontus Carlsson is a Grandmaster, trainer, entrepreneur, and the founder of the non-profit Business Meets Chess & Kids. Pontus is always forthright and entertaining, and in his third visit to the podcast, we caught up on chess topics including: The unique stress of being World Chess Champion, and Pontus’ thoughts on the upcoming match Pontus’ advice for helping to remember openings Will Pontus be following the Hans-Magnus speed chess championship match? What happened the first time Pontus encountered an 8 year old Magnus Carlsen (no relation) at a Scandinavian championship event? The positives and negatives of the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz occurring in New York this year We also discussed online chess cheating, the upcoming Olympiad, and an online chess charity event which Pontus will be organizing this weekend, called Chess 2 Change. This is a fun event for amateurs to play in, meet successful chess and business personalities, and is potentially life-changing for the young chess talents who participate in the event. GM Maurice Ashley will be broadcasting this year’s edition on August 25. As is often the case, we covered a wide range of chess stories, so you can check the show notes for timestamps of topics of interest. Information for the Chess 2 Change event on August 25 is here: https://businessmeetschessandkids.com/chess-to-change/ Pontus prior interviews: Episode 29 Episode 101 02:00- We chat about rating deflation as Pontus reflects on a recent tournament in Bratislava 7:00- What is Pontus’ current day job? 10:00- Online chess cheating 14:00- The first time Pontus encountered an 8 year old Magnus Carlsen 18:00- The stress of being World Chess Champion 20:30- Pontus’ thoughts on the Ding-Gukesh match 24:00- The Olympiad Mentioned: GM Nils Grandelius, GM Erik Blomqvist, GM Tiger Hillarp Persson, IM Martin Lokander 29:00- Pontus’ advice for remembering openings 34- Chess improvement advice for adults 38:00- Famous “touch-move” controversies involving Hikaru Nakamura and Garry Kasparov 42:00- The challenges of professional chess for those below the top 10 48:00- More on the upcoming Hans-Magnus match Watch GM Hans NIemann’s recent interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFBAuihQYgw 51:00- World Rapid and Blitz will be in New York Mentioned: FIDE Press Release here: https://www.fide.com/news/3070 1:04:00- Pontus discusses his upcoming charity event, Chess 2 Change Mentioned: The Gift of Chess, Chess in Slums 1:30:00- Thanks again to Pontus for rejoining the podcast! You can find all of the information you need about chess to change below: Business Meets Chess & Kids https://businessmeetschessandkids.com/ Chess 2 Change https://businessmeetschessandkids.com/chess-to-change/ The Twitch Channel where the Charity Tournament will be Broadcasted https://www.twitch.tv/chess2change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 395- FM Kamil Plichta- Learning from your Rating Peers, Opening Advice for Amateurs, Bullet Chess Tips, & more
FM Kamil Plichta is a renowned opening theoretician, Chessable author, trainer, and blitz/bullet specialist. In our conversation, Kamil highlights several important chess improvement-related topics: The value of learning by emulating those slightly higher rated than you Knowing when to withdraw from a brutal tournament Advice for choosing openings We also chat about Kamil’s pursuit of the IM title, the London System, the English Defence, and much more. Its always fun to talk chess with Kamil, and it had been too long since our previous interview! Timestamps for topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:00- Kamil discusses the value of learning from studying games from the next level up, rather than from Super GM games Mentioned: Lego Chess 11:30- Kamil is one norm away from the IM title. How is the journey? 18:00- Kamil reflects on a recent poor OTB showing. 32:00- Bullet chess advice! 35:00- Opening advice for amateurs 40:00- What is the English defence? 46:00- How does Kamil use engines? 48:00- Kamil’s recommended line against the London System 51:00- Closing chess advice Thanks to Kamil for joining me, here is how to keep up with him. Kamil’s Chessable Author page: https://www.chessable.com/author/kamilplichta/ Follow him on X here: https://x.com/Kaldas90 If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 394- GM Jacob Aagaard- The Story Behind the Big Chess Publishing Merger, plus his Latest Thoughts on Rating Deflation, the World Championship Cycle, Chess Improvement, & more
As the co-founder of Quality Chess Books and Killer Chess Training.com, GM Jacob Aagaard is always a busy man. This year, the award-winning author and trainer has been even busier. It was recently announced that his company, Quality Chess Books is acquiring two of the biggest chess publishers (New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess) from Chess.com. Jacob joined me to tell me the story behind these acquisitions, as well as the decision of his co-founder, GM John Shaw to retire. Jacob is always insightful and opinionated about professional chess, so we also got the opportunity to hear his takes on Ding-Gukesh, rating deflation, and IM Levy Rozman’s quest for the GM title, among other topics. As always, Jacob was very generous with his time, and you can find timestamps of topics discussed below. Jacob’s prior appearances on Perpetual Chess: Episode 111 Episode 166 (with GM R.B. Ramesh) Episode 296 Bonus pod on the Carlsen-Niemann scandal Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. Be sure to check out new courses by GM Raven Sturt (with Simon Williams) and CM Can Kabadayi. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:03- What events led to Quality Chess Books acquiring New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess? Mentioned: GM John Shaw, IM Dmitry Schneider, GM Matthew Sadler, Silicon Road YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq06gd_5HTiG8IIu5-enWyA Also Mentioned: Remmelt Otten 28:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Jacob think chess book sales will grow over the next 10 years?” 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: ”Will Everyman continue its “Starting Out” series?” 36:00-Jacob discusses the future of “New in Chess” magazine Mentioned: FM Nate Solon 44:00 Patreon mailbag question: Should beginner to intermediate players focus on challenging puzzles or basic pattern recognition? Mentioned: 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know, 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know Workbook 54:00- Jacob discusses the story of his friend and colleague GM Renier Castellanos attaining GM in his 40’s. Mentioned: Perpetual Chess Episode 379 with GM Renier Castellanos 58:00- Does Jacob think Gotham Chess can make GM? 1:02:00- The raging feud between GM Jan Gustafsson and Jacob Aagaard continues! Mentioned: Prior comments here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4EI6rH7Mt4 1:03:00- What does Jacob think of rating deflation? 1:11:00- Jacob’s thoughts on the World Championship match 1:20:00- Does Jacob think someone from the younger generation could become a dominant World Champion? 1:24:00- GM Sam Shankland update 1:26:00- Books we are excited for: Tiger’s Chaos Theory, The Woodpecker Method 2 1:30:00- Thanks to Jacob, as always! You can find him at Killer Chess Training: https://killerchesstraining.com/ Or follow him on X here: https://x.com/GMJacobAagaard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 393- GM Jan Gustafsson on the Candidates, the upcoming World Championship the Olympiad, and his Sicilian Defense Power Rankings
On this week’s Perpetual Chess, the popular and sometimes entertaining GM Jan Gustafsson returns! Jan, of course, is a popular commentator, Twitch streamer, Chessable author, and renowned opening theoretician. His last visit to the podcast was a mere four months ago, but a lot has changed since then. GM D Gukesh has qualified for the World Championship match, and it has been revealed that Jan worked on GM Ian Nepomniatchtchi’s team. In this interview, Jan reflects on these occurrences and describes what it was like to be in Toronto as a second for the FIDE Candidates. He also looks ahead to the Gukesh-Ding World Championship match, which will take place in November in Singapore. Jan also answers plenty of listener questions on a wide range of topics, including the upcoming Olympiads, the closing of Chess24, the status of the Chicken Chess Club Podcast, and, of course, the openings covered in his new Chessable course, GM Jan Gustafsson Aggressive 1. E4 part 2 (co-authored with CM Vjekoslav Nemec). We covered a ton of topics in this one, but as always, timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. They have tons of new offerings in addition to Jan’s new course If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- Banter- Bronny James! Should Jan become co-host of Perpetual Chess? 0:05- Actual chess! Jan reflects on working on Ian Nepomniachtchi prep team, and shares his thoughts on the FIDE Candidates. 0:14- Jan’s World Championship Match thoughts 20:00- How does Jan feel about #chesspunks? 22:00- Donner’s The King and other books 25:00- Where did referring to the pawn formation “the bathtub” come from? Mentioned: More info on the bathtub here: https://lichess.org/forum/general-chess-discussion/which-of-these-4-are-the-bathtub-formation 25:00- Will Jan do more banter blitz? 27:00- What are best athlete chess players? 29:00- Which below 2700 players have the most impressive opening knowledge? Mentioned: GM Alexey Sarana 32:00- Patreon mailbag questions: WHEN WILL THE CHICKEN CHESS CLUB COME BACK? 34:00- Jan discusses a recent chess/poker event he participated in. 37:00- Has Jan ever played 1. E4? 39:00- How did Jan choose to cover the Advanced French, the Fantasy variation, and the Open Sicilian in his new Chessable course? 44:00- Jan’s top 5 variations of the Sicilian defense 49:00- Are GMs using Jan’s suggested moves from his Chessable courses? 52:00- What are the goals for the German Olympiad team? 54:00- What did Jan think of Germany’s performance in the Euro cup? 57:00- Why doesn’t Germany have any elite chess players? 59:00- Update on Jan’s 1000 game match with his friend Ettienne 1:01:00- What is the origin story of Chess24? 1:03:00- Jan’s upcoming travels and chess plans 1:05:00-Jan’s tv recs Mentioned: Presumed Innocent, The Bear, IM Greg Shahade 1:09:00- Jan’s basketball podcast recommendations Mentioned: The Rights to Ricky Sanchez, Down to Dunk Thanks as always to Jan for joining me! You can follow him on X here: https://x.com/gmjangustafsson?lang=en Or on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/janistantv If you would like to support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 392- Aiden Rayner- What Adult Chess Players Need to Know about Visualization and Working Memory
This week’s guest is Aiden Rayner, a Melbourne, Australia-based chess trainer, blogger, podcaster, and the founder of the training site, Don’t Move Until You See It. Aiden became interested in chess improvement as an adult and quickly zeroed in on a need to improve his ability to picture a chess board in his head. In the subsequent years, he has developed some tools to help improve this skill, and has read extensively on how the different brains adapt to this task. Aiden also has studied how working memory functions, and shares what adults need to know about how it affects chess calculation. Lastly, Aiden shares a few “non-chess” book recommendations for those who would like to learn more about the challenges of rewiring our brains for chess. If you are interested in improving your chess game, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed can be found below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. They are now offering a #chesspunks approved classic, The Power of Pawns, presented by IM Andras Toth. If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro ” 02:00- Why doesn’t Aiden like the term “visualization” when it comes to playing through moves in our heads Mentioned: GM George Koltanowski 07:00- What got Aiden into visualization? 11:00- What features does Aiden’s site offer? Mentioned: Aiden’s blindfold trainer: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/blindfold-trainer/ 16:30- Patreon mailbag question: What advice does Aiden have for people adjusting from playing 2D (on screens) to playing 3D (OTB)? 26:00- Patreon mailbag question: Can Aiden share advice for how to improve at remembering a game through “narration” rather than visualization? 32:00- Aiden’s recommended (non-chess) books: Mentioned: Thinking Fast and Slow Chatter, The Voice in Our Head and Why it Matters, and How to Harness It Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions 34:30- What is working memory and why does it matter for chess players? Mentioned: Chess Visualization with Don’t Move 55:00- What are “the three Fs?” 1:05:00- Thanks to Aiden, for joining me! Here is it how to keep up with him: Don’t Move Until You See It Website: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/what-is-conceptualization/ Follow Aiden on X here: https://x.com/AidenAtDontMove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 391- IM Atle Gronn- Life Lessons from the remarkable Careers of GM Simen Agdestein, plus the lessons Simen imparted to his student, GM Magnus Carlsen
This week’s guest is author, commentator, and Slavic Linguistics professor at the University of Oslo, IM Atle Gronn. Atle’s most recent book, Games and Goals: The Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein books, has recently been released in the English language and is one I have been greatly looking forward to reading. It did not disappoint, as it provides a revealing biography of one of the most compelling figures in modern chess history. GM Simen Agdestein, in addition to being a Norwegian chess legend, and the childhood trainer of Magnus Carlsen, Simen was a supremely talented athlete who played for the Norwegian national soccer team. As a strong player from the same generation as Simen, Atle bore witness to Simen’s rise, fall, and resurgence, and also witnessed and contextualizes GM Magnus Carlsen’s relentless ascent to the top of the chess world. There are many lessons we all can learn from the stories that Atle shares and I greatly enjoyed chatting with him about his book. Games and Goals is available from Amazon and other book sellers, Games and Goals: The Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein books And you can view a Free excerpt here: https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/9186.pdf 0:01- Thanks to our sponsor Chessable.com- If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the link below to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- What made Simen Agdestein a “mythic figure” in the 1980’s? How did he go from beginner to national Norway champion in 4 years? Mentioned: Tarjei Svensen’s Article on the most recent Norwegian Championship: https://www.chess.com/news/view/15-year-old-copies-magnus-carlsen-norwegian-champion 0:07- How did Simen become an elite athlete without training extensively? What was his style like as a footballer? 15:00- How did Atle’s collaboration with Simen come about? 22:00- How would Atle describe Simen’s chess style? What traits of Simen can be seen in Magnus Carlsen (his student)? 29:00- Atle describes his 2005 game against Magnus Carlsen, which became a famous win for Magnus. https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1348050 32- Why was Atle initial skeptical of Magnus’ talents? 37:00- How did injuries change Simen’s careers? 46:00- What did Simen do for income during his years when both careers suddenly ended? 52:00- We discuss chess books and the topics of Otle’s prior books, which were written in Norwegian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 390- Russ Makofsky: How Chess Can Change Lives from NYC to Africa
This week’s guest is Russ Makofsky. Russ is the founder of both The Gift of Chess, and of Impact Coaching Network. The Gift of Chess is a global non-profit dedicated to changing lives by distributing free chess sets in overlooked communities. Impact Coaching Network is a New York City-based educational chess organization that facilitates school programs and runs tournaments. In our interview, Russ recounts his journey from a sport-obsessed kid to a chess educator and shares the stories of many people whose lives have been changed by chess, including FM Tani Adewumi, and Tunde Onakoya of Chess in Slums. Russ is a firm believer in the power that good stories can have in spreading a passion for chess, and of the impact that chess can have on lives once that passion is ignited. Tune in to hear many of these inspiring stories! Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com- in addition to Solveig’s course, be sure to check out GM Sam Shankland’s latest, and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the link below. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 2:00- What were the beginnings of Russ’ chess organization, Impact Coaching Network? 7:00- As an educator does Russ encounter any resistance from parents to emphasiszing the competitive element of chess? Mentioned: Brooklyn Castle 15:30- Famed youth champion, FM Tani Adewumi discovered chess via one of the Impact Coaching Network’s Schools while his family was living in a homeless shelter- Russ tells this story from his perspective. Mentioned: Chesskid.com 28:00- What are the origins of the non-profit, The Gift of Chess? Mentioned: Episode 219 with Tunde Onakoya 57:00- What does The Gift of Chess do for prison outreach? Mentioned: Episode 289 with Tony Ballard 1:03:00- How is the fundraising going? 1:08:00- Russ’ advice for chess educators and those thinking of starting chess programs Thanks to Russ for sharing so many inspiring stories! Here is the linktree for the GiftofChess: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofchess You can email them at info at giftofchess.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices