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 375- FIDE Candidates Mega Preview with GM Rafael Leitão i, Chess by the Numbers, and On the Queenside
The FIDE Candidates Tournament begins on April 4 in Toronto, Canada, and I could not be more excited to see who gets to challenge for the FIDE World Championship. As is tradition on Perpetual Chess, we have a few great guests joining to help discuss the action. First up is 7-time Brazilian champion & Correspondence GM, Rafael Leitão. In addition to a vast resume as a player, Rafael regularly annotates top-level games for Chess.com news coverage. Reviewing these games in detail on a daily basis gives Rafael unique insights into the tendencies of the world’s top players. Rafael and I discuss what to watch for in each player’s performance, fun facts, and what opening choices we might see from each player. Following Rafael, I am joined by Tai Pruce Zimmerman, a/k/a Chess by the Numbers. Tai shares and discusses the win probability of both the open and the women’s candidates, and we also compare the output of Tai’s probabilistic model to the betting markets. Last but not least, I am joined by “On the Queenside,” who has built a large following on Twitter and Lichess for covering Women’s Chess in detail. We discuss whether it is a good idea to run the Women’s Candidates concurrently with the open, and which players we are excited to watch. As always, the timestamps of the guests, as well as the topics and players discussed can be found below. 0:00- Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. New courses include Introduction to Chess Calculation, and GM Ganguly’s Lifetime Repertoires: Sidelines and Flank Openings for Black If you use the link below to sign up for a Chessable pro membership, it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- Format notes on the FIDE Candidates, including tournament schedule, tiebreak rules, and the Perpetual Chess’ plan for covering the event. Mentioned: More info on the Candidates here, including tiebreak info: More from Chess.com here 09:30- GM Rafael Rafael Leitão joins me for a detailed Candidates discussion! Mentioned: Rafael’s prior interview was episode 147. 15:00- Can Ian Nepomniatchtchi “threepeat” at the Candidate? 21:50- GM Nijat Abasov. 25:30- GM Fabiano Caruana Mentioned: Leitao-Caruana 2010 30:00- GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshababu 32:30- Hikaru Nakamura Mentioned: GM Daniel King’s YT Candidates Previews: Gelfand-Nakamura 2010 37:45- Alireza Firouzja 44:00- GM Vidit Gujirathi 47:00- GM Gukesh Dommaraju 51:30- Who does Rafael predict will win? Mentioned: Bwin’s betting market on the Candidates: 54:00- Rafael shares his thoughts on the Women’s Candidates. More info here: 59:00- Rafael discusses his own chess career, and what is new from our prior interview. This includes a compelling argument for Chess960. Mentioned:GM Luis Paolo Supi, Supi-Carlsen 2020 1:09:00- Thanks to Rafael for joining me! Here is how to keep up with him: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@rafaelleitaogm X/Twitter- https://twitter.com/rafpig?lang=en Website- https://rafaelleitao.com/articles/ 1:10:00- Tai Pruce Zimmerman aka Chess by the Numbers rejoins me to talk Candidates statistiics! Mentioned: Betting market here 1:31:00- What does Tai’s model say on who is most likely to win the Woman’s Candidates? 1:41:00- Thanks to Tai for joining me! Follow him on X here: 1:42;00- On the Queenside joins. Is it a good idea to have the Women’s Candidates run concurrently with the Open Candidates for the first time? Mentioned: On the Queenside’s preview of the Reykjavik Open 1:50:00- Be sure to follow On the Queenside on Twitter/X and on Lichess! Twitter/X LiChess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 374- GM Noel Studer- Chess Improvement Q & A- Avoiding Burnout, Addressing Weaknesses, Avoiding Blunders, & Lots more!
This week we return with another “Chess Improvement Q & A” episode with another top trainer. Our returning guest is 2019 Swiss National Champion, turned trainer and blogger, GM Noel Studer. Noel is always insightful on everything related to chess improvement and answers a wide range of questions from the online chess community. Topics discussed include: how to diagnose weaknesses, what to look for in a chess trainer, limiting blunders, improving tactics as well as Noel’s helpful advice for dealing with various common psychological pitfalls that chess players face. After 75 minutes of chess improvement talk, we turn our attention to Noel’s new course, Beginner Chess Mastery. It is a comprehensive guide for newer chess players designed to take you up to about the 1200 level. If this describes you or someone you know, you will want to stay tuned until the end of the pod. If you or someone you know is below 1200 and looking to improve their games, check out Noel’s course. (on sale for a limited time) (Using this link helps to support Perpetual Chess) Course link- Beginner Chess Mastery Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, the Perpetual Chess Linkfest, here: https://benjohnson.substack.com Sign up for Noel’s chess improvement blog here: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter/ 0:00- Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. New courses include Introduction to Chess Calculation, and GM Ganguly’s Lifetime Repertoires: Sidelines and Flank Openings for Black If you use the link below to sign up for a Chessable pro membership, it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Prior Noel Studer appearances on episodes 248 and 312 04:30- Chess improvement Q and A! Is it possible that an amateur player would be a better teacher for a beginner than a Grandmaster? Mentioned: Nate Solon’s Tweet: https://x.com/natesolon/status/1765044706885468204?s=20 Also Mentioned: GM Jacob Aagaard 18:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does Noel diagnose what a student needs to do to improve? How does he know when a weakness has been sufficiently addressed? 22:00- Advice for limiting blunders 25:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Noel’s advice for someone who struggles at rapid compared to slower time controls? 31:00- Advice for improving at tactics Mentioned: 600 Practical Chess Exercises 36;30- Is it more effective to have a coach then to use online training courses? 38:00- Noel’s excellent advice for avoiding making impulsive moves. 45:00- Noel’s advice for a player that struggles to embrace complications when short on time 51;00- Is one better off studying the games of lower level masters compared to those of Super GMs and the all-time greats? 56:00- What does Noel think of solitaire chess/guess the move? 1:00:00- Patreon mailbag question: Diet and weight loss are known as the keys to losing weights, what are the chess improvement analogs to diet and weight loss? 1:03:00- Patreon mailbag question: What are some ways to evaluate improvement besides rating? 1:05:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Noel’s favorite chess book on the middlegame? Mentioned: Chess Structures by GM Mauricio Flores Rios 1:07:00- Does Noel think its better to repeat tactical puzzles a la the Woodpecker method, or to solve new ones? 1:09:00- Noel’s tips for avoiding burnout 1:13:00- What is the best time control to practice online? 1:15:30- We discuss Noel’s new course, Beginner Chess Mastery 1:19:50- Who is the target audience for this course? Thanks to Noel for joining me again! Sign up for his blog here: https://nextlevelchess.blog/newsletter/ And get his course here (using this link helps support Perpetual Chess): https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/?affcode=1152624_qcx_s87s 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 373- Carol Ann Caronia: Advice for Chess Parents & Scholastic Teachers from an Author and Longtime Teacher
This week on the podcast we delve into the topic of how to teach chess to kids who are new to the game. My guest, Carol Ann Caronia has been teaching curriculum and afterschool chess classes in Brooklyn, New York for decades. Her new book, Strategic Moves: Mind-Building Chess Exercises for Kids, shares all that she has learned from these experiences. The topics we cover include, differences she has noticed between teaching girls and teaching boys, managing after-school classes, and whether or not we should let new students/our kids win when we play them. Carol Ann has accumulated some amusing stories during her time teaching, including a tale of two parents getting into a fight over their kids chess game. As we discuss, Carol Ann has worked closely with legendary teacher Bruce Pandolfini, and taught a 5 year-old Fabiano Caruana! If you are a chess parent, a teacher, or simply someone who would like to be able to teach a new player the game effectively, this is the episode for you. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsor, Chessable.com. In addition to GM Friedel’s course, Endgame Labyrinths is now on Chessable. If you use the link below to sign up for Perpetual Chess, it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- What advice would Carol Ann give to those facilitating scholastic chess classes? 12:00- What recommendations would Carol Ann give for anyone teaching chess to a brand new player? Should we let the kids win? 15:00- Has Carol Ann noticed a difference in teaching chess to girls and teaching chess to boys? Mentioned: My 60 Memorable Games 20:00- What advice does she give to parents whose kids become tournament players? 23:00- Carol Ann discusses some of her star students, including a 5 year-old Fabiano Caruana Mentioned: Bruce Pandolfini, GM Robert Hess 27:00- How is it different teaching chess as part of a curriculum compared to after school classes or chess clubs? 28:30- Carol Ann shares a story of two parents getting in a fight over a game during parent visitation day. 32:00- In the age of devices, does Carol Ann notice any difference in the attention span of kids? Mentioned: Paul Morphy, Judit Polgar 34:00- Should “touch-move” be enforced with kids? 36:30- What can teachers and volunteers do to help make up for any shortcomings in the school systems? 39:00- Has Carol Ann noticed any change in the popularity of chess in the wake of Queen’s Gambit? 40:30- What skills does Carol Ann think chess might help develop? 43:00- Carol Ann shares some closing recommendations for resources Mentioned: Jeff Coakley’s books, Everyone’s First Chess Workbook 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 372- GM Jan Gustafsson: Learning 1. E4, Life after Team Magnus, & Thoughts on Chess Cheating, the FIDE Candidates & more
This week we get to catch up with one of the original and most popular Perpetual Chess guests, GM Jan Gustafsson. Jan, of course, is a renowned opening theoretician, commentator and trainer, who has worked on GM Magnus Carlson’s World Championship team, and is currently the coach of the German National Team. Jan has recently released a highly anticipated Chessable course, Gustafsson’s Aggressive 1. E4 (co-authored with CM Vjekoslav Nemec). In our conversation, we discuss the lines Jan selected for this course which often belie his reputation as a "chicken", but also catch up on a wide variety of topics including life after Team Magnus, life after Chess24, life after the Chicken Chess Club podcast, chess cheating, the Bundesliga and the FIDE Candidates. It is always amusing and informative to chat with Jan, and this time is no exception! Timestamps of topics discussed can be found below. 0:00- Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Chessable has tons of new offerings in addition to GM Jan Gustafsson brand new course on 1. E4! If you use the link below to sign up for Perpetual Chess, it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- Welcome back Jan! Patreon mailbag question: what chess generation does Jan identify with? 0:05- Jan recently competed in the renowned German Chess League, the Bundesliga. How were the games, and what was his schedule like? Mentioned: GM Viswanathan Anand, Nakamura, GM Vincent Keymer 9:30- How did Jan enjoy the Chess.com Team Challenge match, where he and Peter Svidler lost to a team with GM Robert Hess and GM Daniel Naroditsky You can watch the match replay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pl3TNUTtqQ 11;00- Will Jan be playing his aggressive 1. E4 repertoire in the Bundesliga? Was it challenging to work on this course as a lifelong 1. D4 player. 14:30- Why did Jan decide to focus on the Dubov Italian within his course? 20:00- Why did Jan pick the classical against the Pirc? 24:00- Patreon mailbag question: Why did Jan make an aggressive repertoire rather than a “chicken” repertoire? 27:00- Did Jan have a secret blitz account to try these lines? 28:15- Patreon mailbag question: Why does Jan stream in German rather than English? 30:00- What does Jan miss most from Chess24? 32:00- Will Jan do a banter blitz for Chess.com ? 33:00- Patreon mailbag question: Whither the Chicken Chess Club Podcast? 36:00- What are Jan’s thoughts about the upcoming FIDE Candidates? 41:00- Is Jan still working with GM Anish Giri? 42:00- Patreon mailbag question: What emotions did Jan feel when Magnus announced his stepping down from the World Championship cycle? 46:00- What does Jan think of Chess960/Freestyle chess? 50:00- Jan’s 2024 calendar including coaching the German Olimpiad team 57:00- Jan asks me for chess book recommendations Mentioned; Think Like a Super GM, In Black and White 59:00- Has any seen any good movies or TV shows lately? Mentioned: Mr and Mrs. Smith, Shogun, Blue Eyed Samarui, The Bear, 1:02:00- How are Magnus’ Carlsen’s Fantasy Basketball skills? 1:04:00- Has Jan seen GM Hans Niemann’s vlog? Mentioned: GM Hans Niemann’s YouTube 1:06:00- What does Jan think of all of the recent cheating accusations? Mentioned: Episode 368 with Erik Allebest 1:10- Thanks to Jan for rejoining! Check out his course here: https://www.chessable.com/gustafsson-s-aggressive-1-e4-part-1/course/207313/ If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 371- GM Josh Friedel- Common Beginner & Intermediate Mistakes, Freestyle Chess, and Advice for Goal-Setting
GM Josh Friedel is the 2013 US Open Champion and is a state champion of 3 different states! Josh has also been teaching chess for decades, and always presents chess in a clear and instructive fashion. Here in 2024, Josh has released his first Chessable course, Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. In addition to sharing some key advice from this course, Josh also discusses common errors he sees at the intermediate level. It had been more than 5 years since my first interview with Josh, so we also catch up on his OTB career, goal-setting, and on what he learns about chess improvement from working to improve at cooking, tennis, and his newest hobby, guitar. 0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsor, Chessable.com. In addition to GM Friedel’s course, GM Jan Gustafsson is out with a brand new course on 1. E4! If you use the link below to sign up for Perpetual Chess, it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- What gave Josh the idea to cover the topic of Beginner Mistakes. What are some common beginner mistakes? 0:11- Josh covers some of the most common intermediate-level (1600-2100) mistakes he sees. Mentioned; GM Josh Friedel’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/joshfriedel 0:22- Josh shares his thoughts on Chess960 aka Freestyle Chess 0:27- Patreon mailbag question: What is Josh’s advice for how chess players should go about setting goals? 29- Josh’s plans for an OTB comeback 36:00- Patreon mailbag question: What has Josh learned from working with coaches like GM Kaidanov, GM Goldin, NM Hal Terrie, and GM Larry Christiansen? Mentioned; GM Daniel Naroditsky, Lev Psakhis, Viktor Mikhalevski, Vinay Bhat 45:00- How are Josh’s abilities in his other interests, like tennis and cooking progressing? Mentioned: GM Ray Robson, IM Eric Rosen, IM Marc Esserman 48:00- What is the topic of the chess book Josh is working on? Thanks to Josh for joining the pod! You can reach him via the LiChess coaches page, and be sure to check out his Chessable course here! https://lichess.org/coach/JFriedel If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 370- GM Paul van der Sterren- Breakthroughs, Declines, Mindfulness and the Odyssey of a 20+ Year Professional Career
This week’s guest is two- time Dutch Champion, eleven-time Olympian, author and former candidate for the World Championship Title, GM Paul Van der Sterren. Paul had an unusual career trajectory, in that after 15+years as a chess professional, his “breakout” year occurred at the age of 37. What happened that year(1993)? That is one of the many questions tackled in his fantastic, newly-translated game collection/memoir In Black and White: The Chess Autobiography of a World Championship Candidate. In New in Chess Magazine, GM Matthew Sadler calls this book “simply the finest chess book I’ve ever read.” After retiring from professional chess, Paul became a meditation teacher. His new book, Mindful Chess, traces the development of his mindfulness practice and offers reflections and tips for chess players interested in the topic. In addition to reflecting on the lessons from these books, Paul shares wonderful stories about his clashes with the Polgar sisters, Korchnoi, Tal and many others. I cannot recommend Paul’s books highly enough, and I think that this interview will give you a good sense of the lessons they contain. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out new courses like FM Dalton Perrine’s The French Simplified. If you use the link below to sign up for Perpetual Chess, it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- Free previews of Paul’s books are available from New in Chess here: In Black and White Mindful Chess 0:03- GM Van der Sterren achieved a legendary chess breakthrough in 1993 at age 37 . What changed? 10:30- In his one career Candidates’ match, Paul lost to a young GM Gata Kamsky. How does he reflect on that match now? 16:00- For Chess in Black and White, how did Paul remember so many details from throughout his chess career? 24:00- Aging comes across as a major theme of the book, Chess in Black and White. Was this by design? Mentioned: GM Matthew Sadler, Sasha Chapin’s All the Moves That Matter, GM Ben Finegold 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Paul’s opinion as to why adults struggle to improve at chess?” Mentioned: The Facebook Chess Book Collector’s Group 41:00- We discuss Mindful Chess. When did Paul become interested in meditation and Western philosophy? Mentioned; The Bhagavad Gita, Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Vidit 50:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does GM Van der Sterren have any recommendations for connecting psychology and chess?” Mentioned; Mental Toughness in Chess, The Rider by Tim Krabbe, The Essential Sosonko 55:00- Story time! What was it like to play the young Polgar sisters, Jan Timman, Korchnoi and Jan Timman? 1:22:00- One more Korchnoi story! 1:24:00- Paul discusses his work at the historic Max Euwe Chess Center. Mentioned: You can help support the Max Euwe via this link: https://steunactie.nl/actie/het-max-euwe-centrum-gaat-verhuizen-the-max-euwe-centre-is-moving/-29071 1:30:00- Will there be an update to Paul’s excellent opening encyclopedia, Fundamental Chess Openings? Thanks so much to GM Van der Sterren for joining me! 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 369- NM Robert Ramirez on the difference between Adult and Youth Chess Students, Chess in Cuba, and Why He Loves the Pirc Defense
This week I am excited to be joined by chess YouTube star and popular Chessable author, NM Robert Ramirez. Robert has a unique story amongst master-level players, as he spent his early years in Cuba, and began tournament chess at the relatively late age of 12. As one of the older kids in his chess class in Cuba, Robert felt like he had to “play catch up” from the beginning, and this perspective steered him toward less popular openings like the Pirc defense and the King’s Indian Defense. Robert continued his pursuit of chess when his family emigrated to the U.S. in 2016, and ultimately became a successful chess teacher. With less work and extra free time during the pandemic, Robert launched his YouTube channel. Robert’s channel took a while to catch on, but he now has over 120,000 YouTube subscribers. His Chessable course, which is based on his battle-tested repertoire has drawn rave reviews. Robert showcases an ability to relate to people and a lucid teaching style that likely contributes to the success of everything that he does. It was a lot of fun hearing his story and his chess advice. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsor, Chessable.com. In addition to NM Robert Ramirez’s course, be sure to check out new ones like FM Dalton Perrine’s The French Simplified. If you use the link below to sign up for Perpeutal Chess it helps to support the pod! https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- We start with a tournament rundown. What has Robert learned since coming back to OTB a few years ago, and what was different about his approach in a successful recent tournament? Mentioned: Tournament crosstable here, 6000 Problems de Ajedrez, Lessons with a Grandmaster 15:00- What are the origins of Robert’s YouTube channel? Mentioned: Robert’s series with Omar, aka Chess von Doom 21:00- What are the secrets to the Pirc defense? Mentioned: 2 Adult Improvers and one Training Plan 28:00- Does Robert need to switch his openings since he is known for the Pirc and King’s Indian Defense? 30:00- Robert discusses his childhood in Cuba and what it was like coming to the U.S. at age 16 and resuming chess here? 46:00- The differences between adults and kids in chess learning . Mentioned: Fallow123 on Chess.com 56:00- Robert’s closing chess improvement advice 58:00- Where do Robert’s skills as a presenter come from? Thanks to Robert for joining the show! Here is how to keep up with him: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NMRobertRamirez Chessable: https://www.chessable.com/counterblow-a-complete-fighting-repertoire-for-beginners/course/199358/ Twitter/x: https://twitter.com/NMRobertRamirez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 368- Erik Allebest (Chess.com CEO)- Online Cheating, The Magnus-Hikaru match that fell through, the Chess24 closure & more
Recorded on January 31, 2024 Featuring guest co-host FM Nate Solon With talk of online cheating recently dominating chess conversations, Chess.com CEO and co-founder Erik Allebest joined me (and guest co-host FM Nate Solon) to discuss the issue at length. While Erik acknowledges that chess cheating is an existential threat to the game, the research of his Chess.com team suggests that people overestimate the frequency of online cheating occurrences. Erik also discussed Chess.com’s current and forthcoming anti-cheat measures, their policy regarding not naming suspected cheaters, and Erik’s thoughts on some recent headline-grabbing comments by GM Fabiano Caruana. We also covered a lot of topics unrelated to online cheating, including The Magnus-Hikaru match that fell through last year, the closures of Chess24 and the Pro Chess League, Chess.com’s relationship with FIDE, and Erik’s reflections on the Niemann-Carlsen story. As Erik discussed, there will still be a lot more information coming out about that story in a forthcoming Netflix documentary. I appreciated Erik’s willingness to speak so openly about so many issues and think that you will learn a lot from the conversation. 0:00- Be sure to check out Chessable’s new courses including GM Srinath Narayanan’s brand new course on the Classical Sicilian, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:01- Here are the links to subscribe to guest co-host FM Nate Solon’s blog and to check out his new learning cohort, The Chess Gym: https://thechessgym.com/ https://zwischenzug.substack.com/ 0:03- Erik Allebest joins the podcast! We begin by discussing chess cheating. Mentioned: Erik’s first interview with Ilya Levitov https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDRrWAx2Rk (there is a part 2 to that interview that was released after this podcast was recorded) NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/crosswords/chess-cheating-online-fide.html 13:30- What does Erik think of GM Fabiano Caruana’s recent suggestions of widespread cheating during Titled Tuesday? Mentioned; Nate’s post called Beating Hikaru https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/beating-hikaru 27:00- More on cheating, including whether they have considered having players play from centralized locations and other issues. 31:00- What goes into their policy of not naming cheaters, might that policy be changed? 40:00- Has Chess.com had discussions with FIDE about sharing info about who has been banned from their site? 42;00- Would Chess.com consider being involved in a new chess governing body? Mentioned: Episode 364 with GM Patrick Wolff 49:00- What happened with the match between Magnus and Hikaru that fell through last year? Mentioned: The State of Chess.com 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri3Z809CbS8 55:00- What will be the subject of a forthcoming Netflix chess documentary? Mentioned: GM Sam Sevian 57:00- What did the CHess.com team learn from the Niemann-Carlsen controversy? 1:01:00- Why was the Pro Chess League shut down? What about Chess24? 1:11:00- Was selling a partial stake of Chess.com to the private equity firm General Atlantic related to the Play Magnus acquisition? Mentioned: Isai Scheinberg, General Atlantic Announces Investment in Chess.com: https://www.generalatlantic.com/media-article/chess-com-announces-growth-investment-from-general-atlantic/ 1:20:00- Closing thoughts- what is Erik excited for in the coming year? Thanks to Erik for joining us, and to FM Nate Solon for co-hosting! If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Book Recap #35- Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning- What should chess players know about how to learn and retain information? (with Dr. Nick Vasquez)
Our book review series, Chess Books Recaptured, is back to discuss a “non-chess” book for the first time. However, the information in this book is vital for any student of the game. Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning is an extremely insightful encapsulation of best practices for learning and retaining information. The book is written by Peter C. Brown, Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel, and was the culmination of 10+ years of research. Joining me to discuss the book is emergency room physician and dedicated chess amateur Dr. Nick Vasquez. Nick has been blogging about how Make it Stick changed his thinking about learning and chess study, and we thought it was worth expanding the blog posts into a conversation. Key precepts of the book include the importance of mixing study themes, spacing out your study, testing your knowledge frequently, and emphasizing understanding and contextualization of the study material. Timestamps of the topics discussed are below. Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Interviews Mentioned: Episode 286 Adult Improver Series Interview with Dr. Nick Vasquez Episode 349 with Dr. Anique de Bruin Nick’s blog posts about Make it Stick: Book Review- https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/make-it-stick Chess Implications: https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/making-it-stick 0:02- How did Make it Stick change Nick’s thinking about learning and studying chess? 0:09- What are the implications for opening learning of Make it Stick Mentioned: Make it Stick website 21:00- What is the difference between varied practice and interleaving? 24:30- How did the book alter Nick’s training plan? Mentioned: The Chess Steps, Practical Chess Exercises, GM Wojciech Moranda’s Books, GM Winning Chess Exercises for Kids, Anki 29:00- When trying to ingrain something into one’s memory are you better off studying things over decreasing time intervals or increasing time intervals? 33:00- More chess study conclusions Mentioned: FM Nate Solon’s How to Learn an Opening in 2023 40:00- Is is true that “there is no such as a learning style?” 45:00- Final thoughts and favorite quotes and studies cited. 50:00- What is a “memory palace? Mentioned; Moonwalking with Einstein 57:00- Thanks to Dr. Vasquez for rejoining me! Be sure to sub to his blog here: https://nickvasquezmd.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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP 367- Adult Improver Julio Calcina: A chess and MMA enthusiast on the life lessons that each can provide.
EP 367- Adult Improver Julio Calcina on Chess as a Microcosm for Life and How the Game has Helped Him Turn His Life Around The Adult Improver Series is back, and we have a very entertaining guest for you. Julio Calcina is a 32-year-old, Nottingham, England-based chess and Mixed Martial Arts enthusiast. Julio has found chess to be a transformative force for him and views chess as a microcosm of life. As Julio tells it, he used to be impetuous and aggressive in both chess and life, and made choices that sabotaged relationships and even contributed to his enduring a stint in prison. Throughout the years, Julio has stuck with the game, and it has helped teach him to be more contemplative and patient both over the board and away from it. Julio loves to play daily chess on Chess.com, and also reports on the British O.T.B. scene, shares chess improvement recommendations, and discusses his near-term goals and plans in chess and beyond. It was a lot of fun chatting with Julio and I think you will enjoy the conversation. Thanks to Perpetual Chess Patreon subs! If you would like to join the community you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Spotify “Adult Improver Series” Playlist- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=f12d20ae06fd4a89 0:00- If you would like to be considered for, or suggest someone as an adult improver guest, you can submit your information via this online form: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adult 02:00- Julio Calcina tells his “chess origin story.” 8:00- What has chess taught Julio about his own personality? 14:00- What has helped Julio improve his game? Mentioned: The Backyard Professor https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackyardProfessor, Silman’s Complete Endgame Course 17;00- Julio describes his OTB experiences 18:00- What happened that caused Julio to end up in prison? 22:00- That time Julio caught his romantic partner engine cheating against him in a chess game Mentioned: Man’s Search for Meaning by VIktor Frankl Meditations: Marcus Aurilieus 30:00- Patreon mailbag question: As a martial arts practitioner, why does Julio think that chess improvement is more difficult than improving at ju-jitsu? 40:00- Patreon mailbag questions: Does Julio consider chess a martial art in itself? Should chess be taught as part of martial arts curriculums? 47:00- Patreon mailbag questions: How does Julio balance cardio, weights, and chess? Can chess help those with ADHD? 50:00- What was the chess culture like in prison? 55:00- The link between drinking and chess in England 1:00- What are Julio’s 2024 plans? Thanks to Julio for sharing his amazing story! Here is how to keep up with him: LiChess Chess.com JulioPDC Instagram Facebook Julio Calcina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP 366- GM Raven Sturt: Chess Improvement Deep Dive with a Self-Taught Grandmaster. Board Visualization Tips, Book Recs & Lots more.
This week’s guest is Grandmaster and Chessable Author, Raven Sturt. Raven was a National High-School champion, but considers himself a late bloomer in chess because he had to work very hard to earn the Grandmaster title in his 20s. During this period, GM Sturt intensively trained his board visualization and pattern recognition skills, and he shares the fruits of his labor in his excellent Chessable Course, Developing Chess Intuition: Domination & Other Lesser Known Positional Concepts. During our conversation, we discuss the course, his book recommendations, and his unique approach to studying openings. We also discuss Raven’s unique life trajectory. Raven grew up in New York City, went to McGill University in Canada, and has recently settled in Paraguay after traveling extensively. I really enjoyed chatting with Raven, and if you are interested in improving your chess game, you will definitely enjoy this conversation! Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 02:00- What does Raven think are the core tenets of chess improvement? 07:00- What has Raven noticed in the differences in how kids and adults learn? 09:00- After graduating from McGill University, Raven ended up pursuing chess full-time. What went into that decision? How did he approach his chess study? 11:00- Raven offers helpful visualization and calculation advice Mentioned: Evaluate Like a Grandmaster 16:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Does Raven find that his focus on improving intuition resonates with adult students?” 22:40- Is competing OTB overrated as a method of chess improvement? 25:00- How did Raven get better at practical play without competing frequently? Mentioned: MVL on C-Squared Podcast, GM Giga Qupardaze 31:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What tips does Raven have for getting good at blindfold visualization?” Mentioned: Book Recap #10- Blindfold Chess, Improve Your Chess Now by GM Jonathan Tisdall Domination by Kaspayan 38:00- How does Raven recommend dividing chess study time? Mentioned: Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual 45:00- Raven’s favorite chess books: Chess for Zebras, Dvoretsky’s Positional Play, Book Recap #32- Chess for Zebras, Strategic Play by GM Jacob Aagaard, Shankland’s Small Steps to Giant Improvement 50:00- What made Raven decide to study at a university outside of the U.S., to travel extensively, and to relocate to Paraguay? 53:00- What international open tournaments are Raven’s favorites to attend? Mentioned: Sitges International, Floripa Chess Open, Paleochora International Chess Tournament in Crete 1:00:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Why doesn’t the U.S. offer more tournaments with one round per day?” 1:03:00- Is Raven training and competing right now? 1:04:00- Why is the Bird opening underrated for White? 1:06:00- What are Raven’s plans for his Youtube channel? 1:08:00- Thanks to Raven for joining! Here is how to keep up with him: Chessable course YouTube Blog LiChess Coaches Page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP 365- GM Abihimanyu Mishra: The Young Phenom on his Chess Improvement Regimen, His Next Goals, and his 2024 Plans
EP 365- GM Abihimanyu Mishra: The Young Phenom on his Chess Improvement Regimen, His Next Goasl, and his Plans for 2024 This week we are honored to be joined by the 14-year-old record-breaking prodigy, GM Abhimanyu Mishra. Abhimanyu made worldwide headlines when he became the youngest Grandmaster in history in 2021. Since breaking that record, GM Mishra has continued his rapid ascension and is now rated 2635. As the number #10 junior in the world, Abhimanyu is the only junior in the top 20 under the age of 16! In our conversation, we discuss Abhimanyu’s training regimen, both now, and as he quickly climbed up the ranks. His chess growth was well-chronicled in the enjoyable book, The Youngest Chess Grandmaster in the World, as well as his Chessable course, Youngest Grandmaster: Abhimanyu Mishra Abhi also discusses how he balances chess and school work, his 2024 tournament plans, and his frustration with a lack of sponsorship opportunities for young American talents. Lastly, Abhimanyu reflects on unforgettable experiences, like training with Kasparov, and recently beating the legendary players such as GMs Vasyl Ivanchuk and Levon Aronian. I greatly enjoyed chatting with Abhi and can’t wait to see where the future takes him. Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 2:00- What motivates Abhimanyu Mishra to work so hard on chess? Why does he love it? 4:00- Abhimanyu discusses his current training regimen. Mentioned: GM Karsten Muller’s Endgame Magic, Abhi’s interview on C-Squared 13:00- How structured is Abhi’s chess-study schedule? 18:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How does Abhi think chess learning has changed over generations?’ 23:00- Abhimanyu discusses how he approached studying Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual 30:00- What are Abhi’s favorite games that he has played? Mentioned:-Mishra-Ivanchuk 2023, Mishra-Aronan 2023 Post mortem video of IVanchuk game via Chessbase India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COPQ3S9KgUY 34:00- Is Abhi still interested in table tennis and other sports? (He wrote about this in his book.) 38:00- Abhi discusses the financial challenges of being a young elite player. Mentioned: GM Praggnanandhaa gets big sponsor 40:30- Abhi discusses his famed journey to the GM title. 43:00- How does Abhi select tournaments? Was he invited to Wijk an Zee? 46:00- What was it like to work with Kasparov? Who is the GOAT? 50:00- Would Abhi consider going to university? 54:00- What shows does Abhi watch? Mentioned: C-Squared podcast 58:00- Thanks to GM Mishra, for joining me, you can follow him via these social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhimanyu.mishra2509/?hl=en X: https://twitter.com/chessmishra?lang=en 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP 364- GM Patrick Wolff: Recent Chess News Breakdown: Prearranged Draws, Bizarre Dress Codes, the Candidates Cycle- Is it time to Replace FIDE? Plus Chess & AI
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 0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, , and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and and/or make a Chessable purchase, and it will help support Perpetual Chess. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 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. 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP-363 Jennifer Shahade on Playing Like a Champion, Building Confidence, and what "Zapping" is in Chess.
This week’s return guest is 2 time US Women’s Champion and award-winning author, podcaster and commentator Jennifer Shahade. Jennifer has recently released the excellent and inspiring new tactics book, Play Like a Champion. Play Like a Champion is a collection of biographical sketches of top woman players, featuring memorable tactics for a wide range of chess experience levels. In our conversation, we discuss Jen’s writing and puzzle selection process, new chess vocabulary, Jen’s advice for starting chess clubs, and her decision to leave US Chess. We also discuss Jen’s next projects and her plans for 2024. As always, timestamps of topics discussed are below. 03:00- We discuss Jen’s recent event at the Marshall Chess Club. 04:30- Patreon mailbag question- Jen’s advice for starting a Women’s meetup/chess club. 07:30- Why does Jen think there might be a “confidence gap” between how women and men assess their own chess skills? Mentioned: Elizabeth Spiegel, Shawn Martinez 14:30- What led to Jen’s confidence level shifting in chess as a teenager? 15;00- How did Jen decide on the wide range of difficulty within her puzzles? Mentioned: The Botez Sisters, Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, IM Sara Khadem 25:00- New chess strategy terminology? What is a “zap”? What does it mean to “think sideways” 29:00- How is Jen’s next book progressing? 31:30- Jen discusses her collaboration with IM Jeremy Silman, who was her publisher for the book Chess Bitch. Mentioned: GM Ben Finegold, Anna Hahn, Irina Krush, Pal Benko: My Life, Games, and Compositions 38:00- Will Jen be blogging more frequently? Mentioned: Jen’s substack 40:00- Jen discusses her decision to leave US Chess in the wake of the Alejandro Ramirez allegations. Mentioned: How Alejandro Ramirez Allegations Against a US Chess Grandmaster went Unaddressed for Years,French female players Open Letter, Carol Meyer stepping down as US Chess Executive Director 48:00- Jen on her 2024 events and plans: Chesskid National Festival, Russell Makofsky’s Impact Coaching Network, FM Mike Klein, FM James Canty, GM Daniel Naroditsky, IM Daniel Rensch, ASAP Philly 53:00- How to enter to win a copy of Play Like a Champion signed by Jennifer Shahade 1) Either leave a podcast review on Spotify/Apple Podcasts, Sub to the Perpetual Chess YouTube Channel, OR subscribe (for free) to the Perpetual Chess Linkfest Substack. You can also subscribe to to Jen Shahade’s YouTube Channel or Jen’s Substack 2) After completing step 1, email a screenshot to ben@perpetualchesspod.com subject line- Contest! SIGNED BOOK IS US ONLY, outside the US, you can still enter to win a free Forward Chess Digital Copy of Jen’s book. (there are two prizes in total) Entries will be closed on January 16 and winners will be announced via shortly thereafter 55:00- Thanks, as always to Jen for joining me. Be sure to check out her book and to subscribe to her blog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP 362- IM Jeremy Silman tribute: IM John Donaldson and IM Cyrus Lakdawala look back on their friend's life and legacy
Legendary chess author IM Jeremy Silman valued his chess friendships highly, and referred to his inner circle as his chess ‘“posse.” This week, two members of that posse, IMsJohn Donaldson and IM Cyrus Lakdawala join me to share stories and biographical details about their friend. As one might expect from Silman’s books, they recall a friend who was funny, empathetic, extremely strong as a chess player, and a brilliant writer and gifted public speaker. John and Cyrus both begin with their first recollections of meeting Jeremy in 1981, and they take us through his chess life and his journey from a chess nomad to a devoted husband, cat dad, and one of the most successful chess authors of all time. Thanks to John and Cyrus for helping us all learn more about Jeremy’s life. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. . Obits- https://new.uschess.org/news/im-jeremy-silman-1954-2023 https://www.chess.com/news/view/jeremy-silman-1954-2023 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/26/books/jeremy-silman-dead.html Fred Wilson’s old interviews with IM Jeremy Silman will be posted to the Perpetual Chess YouTube channel by the end of the week. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcudElmRsQYTwULtd_gnFw 01:30- John and Cyrus share their first memories of meeting IM Jeremy Silman, both in 1981. Mentioned; Chuck Johnson 07:00- John and Cyrus describe Silman’s “hippie days.” 12;00- How did Jeremy get his start in chess? Mentioned: IM John Grefe, Dennis Waterman, IM Jack Peters, Bob Long, and Silman’s article describing his ‘posse’- https://www.chess.com/article/view/chess-books-and-youth-vs-old-age Silman’s Chess Odyssey 22;00- Cyrus discusses the legacy of How to Reassess Your Chess, as well as Jeremy’s unique insight into a need for literature addressing club players. 26;00- Why did The Complete Book of Chess Strategy sell so well? How did his other books do? 33;00- John and Cyrus discuss Jeremy’s abilities as a speaker, and the success of the series he did for “Great Courses” Mentioned: https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/how-to-play-chess-lessons-from-an-international-master 38;00- Did financial success change Jeremy? John also discusses some of Jeremy’s students. Mentioned: von Frankenstein, Allan Horn, Brady Anderson, NM Vanessa West 43;00- Could Jeremy have been a GM? Mentioned: Ken West?, IM Jack Peters, IM Douglas Root 50:00- John and Cyrus discuss the challenges of fe as a chess author and how chess content has changed. 1:13:00- John discusses the health challenges Jeremy faced late in life. 1:16:00- What jobs did Jeremy have outside of chess? 1:21:00- John discusses Jeremy’s love for chess books, and for Japan! Mentioned: The Games of Tigran Petrosian by Shekhtman 1:26:00- Should we care about analytical mistakes? Mentioned: Vitiugov vs. Robson 2013 1:31:00- Favorite Silman stories Thanks so much to John and Cyrus for sharing their memories of IM Silman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices