Avsnitt
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Renowned author and trainer GM R.B. Ramesh is one of the rare coaches who has worked extensively with the world's elite players while still providing practical advice for ambitious amateurs.
Long respected as one of chess's leading trainers and authors, Ramesh has helped guide the development of stars such as GMs Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Aravindh Chithambaram. As his students continue to reach new heights, Ramesh remains committed to sharing lessons that can benefit players at every level. For that reason, it was exciting news when he recently announced the relaunch of his YouTube channel, where he plans to regularly share free instructional content.
In our conversation, we discussed:
• What he has learned from coaching elite players• When to focus on calculation versus pattern recognition• The risks of burnout for top young players
We also discussed Ramesh's plans for future content, whether he has any new chess book recommendations, and how aspiring players can make the most of their limited study time.
There is always so much to learn from GM R.B. Ramesh.
Thanks to this week’s sponsors, Chessiverse.com. Use code “Perpetual30” to save 30% on premium offerings, and IM John Bartholomew’s Complete Scandinavian Course.
0:00 Introduction
2:10 GM Ramesh joins. Why is he relaunching his YouTube channel?
4:50 What Ramesh has learned from coaching elite players like Praggnanandhaa and Aravindh Chithambaram
7:45 Why young players focus too much on openings
10:00 How strong players think: candidate moves, objectivity, and avoiding analytical bias
13:30 Visualization, calculation, and why club players struggle to analyze deeply
16:15 Common problems even elite players face: time trouble, concentration, and handling losses
Check out Ramesh’s interview with Praggnandhaa here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU0J3ftM8BQ
21:00 How coaches can help players overcome psychological obstacles
27:00 Patreon mailbag question: Might players like Praggnandhaa and Gukesh be dealing with issues like burnout, and a lack of balance in their lives?
Mentioned:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/right-now-it-s-a-challenge-to-enjoy-chess-gukesh-101781022470045.html
31:30 The dangers of playing too many tournaments
35:15 Long-term burnout concerns for today's generation of prodigies
37:20 Patreon mailbag question: What does Gukesh need to do to regain his best form?
44:45 Does being World Champion create unique psychological pressure?
48:45 Listener question: Pattern recognition vs. calculation
51:00 Analysis vs. calculation: an important distinction
54:10 How adults with only a few hours per week should spend their chess study time
55:30 Future books, Chessable courses, and long-term projects
57:30 What viewers can expect from Ramesh's YouTube channel
1:00:30 Training camps, teaching philosophy, and adapting to students
1:02:30 Why Ramesh stopped reading most chess books
1:04:00 The psychological side of coaching and improvement
1:06:30 Final advice for amateurs and aspiring professionals
1:07:40 Outro
Thanks to GM Ramesh for joining me again! Be sure to SUB to his YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@RameshRB
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Can a background as a professional jazz musician help you improve at chess? Matt Rathkey says “yes.”.
Matt is this week's guest on The Adult Improver Series. Like many players, he fell back in love with chess during the COVID pandemic and soon found himself playing regularly, watching top-level broadcasts, and solving puzzles. Along the way, he drew upon lessons from years of studying music, particularly the role of pattern recognition, deliberate practice, and improvisation. After years of dedication, Matt has raised his Chess.com blitz rating from roughly 1200 to over 1900.
Matt also has a fascinating day job. He is a learning designer on Duolingo's chess team, helping build what has quickly become one of the largest entry points into chess in the world. Launched last year, Duolingo Chess now has more than 7 million daily active users, most of whom are new to the game.
Matt shares his improvement advice, discusses the parallels between jazz and chess, and reflects on what he has learned about the science of skill acquisition.
This was a fun conversation, and it is encouraging to see so many new players discovering chess through Duolingo.
00:00 Introduction
Join the free Perpetual Chess Discord here:
https://discord.gg/7KxjmaTW
Sub to my free newsletter here:
https://benjohnson.substack.com/
Join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
02:00 Matt Rathkey joins
04:10 The Return to Chess: A Pandemic Story
07:04 Rediscovering Chess: The Queen's Gambit Effect
10:08 Setting Goals: The Journey to 1500
Matt’s USCF rating page:
https://ratings.uschess.org/player/13412385
13:09 Learning Through Observation: Active Engagement
16:04 The Importance of Tactics in Chess
18:48 Understanding Openings: Beyond Memorization
21:41 Chess Culture and Personal Growth
24:42 The Future of Chess: Duolingo's Chess Course
34:56 Overcoming Chess Intimidation
36:48 Duolingo Chess: Making Chess Accessible
39:44 Engaging with Oscar: The Duolingo Chess Bot
42:53 Learning Pathways in Duolingo Chess
46:41 Designing Effective Chess Lessons
51:08 Personalized Learning in Chess
53:14 The Intersection of Music and Chess
01:02:06 Advice for Chess Improvement
01:08:24 The Journey of Continuous Improvement
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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As a scholastic player, James Black Jr. was an All-American who won numerous national titles and trophies, both as an individual competitor and as part of the famed IS 318 chess program in Brooklyn, New York, as featured in the documentary Brooklyn Castle. Alongside FM Joshua Colas and IM Justus Williams, James became one of the youngest African-American National Masters in U.S. history.
After stepping away from competitive chess for several years, James has recently returned to the game, both as a player and as a coach and mentor. In a full-circle moment, he is now teaching at the same school where he first made his name while also building his own organization, KnightShift.
James joins me to discuss:
• Why he came back to competitive chess, and his goals for the future • The "four pillars" he emphasizes when teaching young players • How chess training has changed since his rise in the early 2010s, and what he needs to do to catch up
Plus, we discuss a unique chess book recommendation, his memories of Webster University, and his reaction to the news that its chess program is coming to an end.
This was a fun conversation, and I am excited to see James's comeback unfold.
00:00 Intro+ What brought James back to chess after an OTB hiatus
Mentioned: Brooklyn Castle
https://www.rescuedmedia.com/brooklyn-castle
GM Alex Lenderman, GM-elect Liam Putnam
Background info we mentioned:
https://grokipedia.com/page/james_black_jr
10:59 Teaching and Learning: Evolving Chess Education
Watch James vs. Magnus in 2012 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfbpC3dQWw
17:16 Opening Strategies: Adapting to Modern Chess
23:25 Inspiration from Legends: Shaping a Chess Career
29:28 Beyond the Board: Life Lessons Through Chess
34:36 Reflections on Growth: Embracing the Journey
36:12 Impact of Mentorship in Chess
38:48 Teaching Chess to Young Minds
43:00- Favorite chess book!
Mentioned: WNYC video featuring James as a kid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiOVyiR5jUU
Knight Moves by Charles Alexander-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/126711532470?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOopTKnSuidd7Eg5M3-xYtoYzP97-jcvhVtZSPv1S1T25hE9dzgcXGsU
48:58 Experiences at Webster University
Webster terminates chess program:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/spice-chess-program-terminated
53:49 Advice for Aspiring Chess Players
Thanks to James for sharing his story!
You can email him at
JamesBlackChess at gmail dot com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/knightshiftofficial_/
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GM Simon Williams returns to Perpetual Chess for the first time in several years. Simon is one of chess's most recognizable personalities, known as the Ginger GM through his work as a streamer, commentator, author and Chessable creator. He is also an accomplished tournament player, having shared first in the 2010 London Chess Classic and finished second in the 2004 British Championship.
Simon joined me for a wide-ranging conversation covering both chess and life. We discussed:
• His candid reflections on becoming involved with a pension company that later collapsed, the mistakes he made, and how he has worked to move forward
• His new role helping revitalize Chesspublishing.com, and why he believes its archive of opening analysis remains an underappreciated resource
• How modern opening preparation has changed, and why Simon increasingly relies on offbeat ideas to avoid preparation battles
• His love of creative, attacking chess and the memorable games he has played at the Reykjavik Open
We also discussed the Stonewall Dutch, rising British star Bodhana Sivanandan, the losses of IM Adam Hunt and GM Jonathan Hawkins, and even Simon's thoughts on Las Vegas.
As always, it was great catching up with Simon, and I am glad to see him creating chess content again.
00:00 The 2026 Reykjavik Open and Simon’s flair for the dramatic chess game
Check out Simon’s epic queen sacrifice in this article by NM Anthony Levin:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/2023-reykjavik-open-williams-sacrifices-queen#:~:text=Williams%27%20Brilliancy,he%20played%20the%20interesting%205.
04:45 How Simon has adapted his approach to openings in the engine age
Mentioned: Simon’s game vs. Bodhana Sivanadan
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=3124933
07:35 Playing Against Younger Opponents
10:38 The State of British Chess
13:32 Exploring the Stonewall Dutch
Mentioned: Bronstein’s famous blunder-
https://www.chess.com/blog/ThummimS/the-1951-world-chess-championship
16:32 The Impact of Computer Analysis
19:39 Experiences playing against legends at the 2025 European Club Cup
22:26 Simon’s Involvement with Chess Publishing
More background info here:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/simon-williams-ordered-to-pay-back-900-000-to-pension-scheme
26:30 Innovative Chess Solutions
28:11 Lessons learned from working for a pension firm that went bankrupt.
35:42 Navigating Financial Mistakes
40:17 The Importance of Chess in Life
44:48 Content Creation and Future Projects
Keep an eye out for The Ginger and The Bear podcast!
48:54 Remembering IM Adam Hunt and GM Jonathan Hawkins
50:00- How to keep up with GM Simon Williams
Suggestions for Chesspublishing.com
https://www.chesspublishing.com/contact
X:
https://x.com/ginger_gm?lang=en
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/gingergm
Disclosure: Some links in this description are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, Perpetual Chess may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
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Jordan Himelfarb is an award-winning editor for the Toronto Star and an avid games player who became fascinated by elite chess during the pandemic. That fascination eventually led to his excellent new book, Interregnum : Inside the Grueling and Glamourous Battle to Become the Next King of Chess, a detailed and highly readable chronicle of the 2024 FIDE Candidates cycle.
Jordan traveled to events including the World Cup, Grand Swiss, Candidates Tournament and World Championship match, gathering revealing first-hand reflections from many of the game’s top players along the way.
We discuss:
Why the Candidates cycle makes for such compelling sports drama
The emotional and physical toll of professional chess
Which players and personal stories resonated with him most
Ding Liren, Fabiano Caruana, Gukesh and the shifting generational landscape in chess
The controversies, chaos and unforgettable moments of the 2024 cycle
I recommend Jordan’s book to anyone looking for “bedtime chess reading”, and this was a really fun conversation.
00:00 Project Origins, Jordan’s Chess and Games Background
03:48 The Structure and Narrative of the Book
07:01 Experiences at Major Chess Events
09:54 Challenges and Insights in Reporting
12:46 The Physical and Mental Toll of Chess
15:58 Gender Dynamics in Chess
19:00- Patreon mailbag question: Which Candidates’ story resonated with Jordan the most?
22:16 The Weight of the Crown: Mental Health in Chess
23:40 Compelling Stories of Chess Players
25:30 The Agony and Ecstasy of Chess
30:07 The Relentless Grind of Chess Tournaments
31:09 Drama and Controversy in the Chess World
36:20 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates Cycle
38:13 The Future of Young Chess Players
39:54 Personal Reflections on Chess
40:00- Thanks to Jordan for joining me, here is where to get the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/1639369910
Audiobook:
https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/B0GCPR89VZ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0
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Paulo SantAnna is living the dream of many adult chess improvers. The retired software engineer has spent the past several years devoting serious time and energy to improving his game, and the results have been impressive. When Paulo rekindled his interest in tournament chess, his FIDE rating had fallen to a recent low of 1850. Through years of hard study, travel, disciplined training, and resilience, he recently reached a new high over 2100 FIDE in his mid-50s!
We discuss:
The moment Paulo decided to get serious about improvement
The mistakes he made early in his comeback
How he structures his training
Study recommendations and practical advice for adult improvers
Physical fitness, tournament selection, and maintaining motivation
I found Paulo’s story inspiring, and it offers hope for the rest of us, if we only could get rid of these pesky jobs.
0:00 Intro
More on the Adult Improver series here:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adultimprover
Thanks to those who keep the show running!
Patreon
Check out Chessiverse.com (discount code- ‘Perpetual30’)
4:00 Paulo’s chess comeback story begins
Check out Paulo’s FIDE history here:
https://ratings.fide.com/profile/2027402
6:00 Why his rating rebounded after moving to Europe
8:00 Retirement, Spain trips, and dedicating serious time to chess
11:00 Studying 35 hours a week
13:00 The dangers of doing too much
More about the Chessdojo here (use code “Ben” at checkout to save 10%) :
https://www.chessdojo.club/signup
17:00 Calculation training and daily routines
20:00 Openings, Chessable streaks, and training structure
23:00 Online blitz, model games, and coaching
25:00 How much he studies versus other adult improvers
27:00 Avoiding burnout and keeping motivation
29:00 Brazilian chess streamers and coaches
Paulo has worked with: GM Rafael Leitao, GM Andres Rodriguez,GM Diego Flores, GM Lenderman, GM Izoria, GM Eugene Perelshteyn,GM Raven Sturt, IM Jorge Bobadilla
31:00 Working with top trainers like Eugene Perelshteyn and Axel Bachmann
33:00 Blindfold training with GM Roven Vogel
36:00 What mattered most for improvement
38:00 Hiding online repertoires and preparation
40:00 Sparring games and training partners
41:00 His breakthrough tournaments
42:00 Tournament prep philosophy
46:00 Fitness, stamina, and nutrition for chess
49:00 Chess scenes in New York and California
52:00 Senior tournaments and future plans
54:00 Favorite chess books and resources
Mentioned: Postional Play by GM Jacob Aagaard, Endgame Strategy by Shereshevsky
57:00 Advice for busy adult improvers
58:00 Rating goals and pursuit of FM
1:00:00 Why adults struggle to improve
1:03:00 Final thoughts
1:04:00- Thanks to Paulo for sharing his story! You can reach him at:
psantann at gmail.dot.com
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GM Ivan Sokolov is a former top-15 player who won major tournaments across multiple decades and became national champion of both Yugoslavia and the Netherlands. In classical chess, he scored memorable wins against Kasparov, Kramnik and Anand.
In recent years, Ivan has become equally respected as a trainer and author. Most notably, he worked with the gold medal-winning Uzbek team at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, including GMs Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Given Sindarov’s recent success, Ivan reflects on how his game has evolved and why it was clear to him that Sindarov was both supremely talented and, at the time, somewhat unprofessional in his approach.
Ivan recently released a new Chessable course, Self-Improvement for Advanced Players. We discuss chess improvement for professionals and amateurs alike, the proper role of a trainer in a player’s development, preparation in the Kasparov era versus today, and memories from his legendary career. This includes reflections on his close friendship with the late GM Jan Timman.
It is always an honor to hear GM Sokolov’s stories and perspectives.
00:00 Introduction to Ivan Sokolov
Prior interview with GM Ivan Sokolov:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm2slrqqW7s&t=209s
02:21 Insights on the Uzbek National Team
Interview with Chessbase India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnN00uNrBEQ&t=588s
09:10 Assessing Grandmaster Sinderov's Potential
12:57 The Importance of Chess History
15:56 The Role of a Trainer
19:28 Experiences Against Chess Legends
22:09 Preparing for Kasparov vs. Modern Players
28:18 The Future of Chess: Classical vs. Chess 960
32:10 Insights from Ivan’s course.
36:22 Memories of the 2012 World Open and other tournaments in the US
Mentioned: Sokolov vs. Shirov 1999
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1010044
40:05 Talent vs. Hard Work in Chess
42:06 Remembering Grandmaster Yantum
46:40 Current Projects and Future Plans
50:00- Thanks to GM Sokolov for joining me! Here is how to keep up with him:
X:
https://x.com/GMSokolovIvan
Chessable Courses:
https://www.chessable.com/author/IvanSokolov/
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IM Greg Shahade has long been well known in the chess world as a three-time national scholastic champion and the founder of the Pro Chess League and the US Chess School. Recently, however, he reached a much broader audience with an impressive run on the syndicated trivia show Jeopardy!.
Greg amassed over $75,000 in winnings, dethroning 31-time champion Jamie Ding along the way. He joined me after what he described as “the craziest week of his life” to discuss:
The approach to adult learning that helped him go from trivia novice to Jeopardy! champion in just a few years
Behind-the-scenes insights from the recording process, plus his reflections on his controversial on-stage mannerisms
How his background in chess (and poker) shaped his strategy and decision-making under pressure
There isn’t a ton of chess discussion in this episode, but Greg’s approach to learning and performance has clear applications across many domains.
00:00 Introduction
Check out our sponsors, Chessiverse.com , and you can use code Perpetual30 to save 30% on premium feature and/or IM John Bartholomew’s Complete Scandinavian Course.
Chessiverse.com
03:00- Greg Shahade joins the show, we begin by discussing adult learning and Greg’s late start to trivia.
Mentioned: Learned League
Thinking Sideways by Jennifer Shahade
Ducksters
07:43 Building Knowledge Structures
10:03 The Role of Intense Study
12:54 Flashcards and Review Techniques
15:43 Betting Strategies on Jeopardy
18:45 Reflections on the Jeopardy Experience
You can review questions Greg faced here:
https://www.j-archive.com/showseason.php?season=42
25:00- Patreon mailbag question- Why does Greg know so little about current events? What is his approach to daily double hunting?
30:44 Daily Double Strategies and Insights
36:57 Patreon mailbag question- Why is Greg so expressive when playing Jeopardy?
42:16 Physicality and Focus in Jeopardy
49:25 Behind the Scenes of Jeopardy
52:40 Facing the Champion: Mental Strategies
55:11 The Weight of Anticipation: Media and Public Perception
57:02 Navigating Fame: Love, Hate, and Public Reaction
59:50 Preparing for the Tournament of Champions
01:03:51 Chess and Jeopardy: Cross-Disciplinary Insights
01:07:20 Reflections on Study Techniques and Memory
01:11:20 Final Thoughts: The Game and Its Emotional Toll
Thanks to Greg for joining me at a busy time. Follow him here:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gregshahade/?hl=en
X:
https://x.com/GregShahade
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When I read on GM Eugene Perelshteyn’s blog that his amateur friend had signed up to compete against players like Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann in the Naroditsky Memorial, I knew I had to hear this story.
That friend is NM Mike Mahoney. Mike is a pharmacist by day and a devoted online blitz player by night. For Mike, chess is usually a way to unwind, not something he takes too seriously. But he couldn’t pass up the chance to test himself in one of the strongest blitz tournaments the U.S. has ever seen.
Eugene will be mentoring Mike and traveling with him to Charlotte, and they both joined me to discuss:
Why Mike decided to jump into such a stacked field
How Eugene is preparing him for the challenge
How Mike defines “success” in a tournament like this
We also talk about Mike’s unconventional path to becoming a National Master, starting relatively late, as well as some great stories from the Boston blitz scene.
I’m excited to follow how this unfolds, and Eugene and Mike will be back after the tournament for a trip report. In the meantime, you can follow Mike’s journey on Eugene’s blog.
Be sure to check out the Perpetual Chess YouTube channel where Eugene goes over one of Mike’s model games against the Caro-Kann. (The video will be out later this week)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcudElmRsQYTwULtd_gnFw
00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Journey
02:50 Mike's Decision to Compete in the Naroditsky Memorial
05:41 Eugene's Support and Coaching Role
08:41 Mike's Past Experiences with Top Players
11:35 Analyzing Mike's Strengths and Weaknesses
14:37 Training and Preparation for the Tournament
17:31 Opening Strategies and Game Analysis
Mentioned: The Hungarian Dragon
The Dragodorf
20:32 Eugene’s Philosophy on Gimmicky Openings
23:21 Defining Success in the Tournament
Mentioned: IM Marc Esserman
27:04 Excitement in Facing Strong Opponents
31:35 Setting Performance Goals as a Coach
34:02 The Importance of Blitz Clock Management
35:33 The Origin Story of a Late Chess Starter
Mentioned: Ilya Koyfman
36:39 Factors Contributing to Success in Chess
39:16 The Value of Community in Chess
40:56 The Evolution of Chess Accessibility
43:25 The Importance of a Fun and Relaxed Approach
43:37 Learning from Losses and Honest Reflection
46:02 Stories about legendary
GM Roman Dzindziashvilli and Bobby Fischer
Mentioned: Dzindzi-Jansa move 25
https://lichess.org/study/Th7i9fr2/kxMPOEjA
49:00 Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
50:00- Thanks to Eugene and Mike for joining me!
You can follow Mike’s training and progress on GM Eugene Perelshteyn’s blog.
https://eugeneperel.substack.com/
If you would like to help support Mike’s dream trip you can do so via this Go Fund Me:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/send-chess-rocky-to-fight-supergms-in-charlotte?lid=nlkk8jxujhda&utm_source=product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TXN_User_Messaging_Thank_You_Option_A&utm_content=internal
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With the FIDE Candidates now in the rearview mirror, 7-time Brazilian Champion and Chess.com “Game of the Day” columnist GM Rafael Leitão joins me to help break it all down. We discuss:
Sindarov’s incredible performance and the training methods that helped him ascend to the top
Vaishali’s strong finish and her chances against Ju Wenjun
Rafael’s take on opening trends, and which players might be most disappointed with their performance
GM Leitão also shares his thoughts on the Judit Polgar documentary on Netflix, along with his story of getting to play Judit.
Thanks to Rafael for sharing his insights. I’m excited to see the two new World Championship challengers fight for the title later this year.
00:00 Introduction to the Candidates Tournament
02:04 Training Methods and Classical Chess Education
Mentioned: IM Roman Vidonyik interview with Charlize van Zyl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc
04:50 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates
07:43 Analysis of Player Performances
10:56 Sindarov's Unique Play Style
13:51 Reflections on Historical Performances
16:54 Opening Trends in High-Level Chess
19:52 The Future of Chess Openings
30:09 Concurrent Tournaments: A New Perspective
31:41 Vaishali's Resilience and Performance
35:00 Sindarov vs. Gukesh: The Rising Stars
Mentioned: Chess.com article touching on Sindarov’s trainer IM Roman Vidonyak
https://www.chess.com/news/view/2026-fide-candidates-tournament-round-14
Interviews with IM Roman Vidonyok:
Chessbase India-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6VDTVVXMZU&t=442s
FIDE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc&t=1s
Chessbase article about the support Erdogmus receives:
https://en.chessbase.com/post/a-billionaire-supports-chess-talents
38:40 Ambitious Goals: The Future of Sindarov
42:04 Support Systems in Chess: A Double-Edged Sword
44:20 The Candidates Tournament: Format and Future
48:01 Memorable Encounters: Rafael's Game with Judit Polgar
Mentioned: Rafael’s YouTube video-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvQuSfNd6A
50:20 Analyzing Chess.com’s “Game of the Day”: Rafael's Approach
Mentioned: Praggnandhaa vs. Rapport 2025-
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-uzchess-cup-masters/06/Praggnanandhaa_R-Rapport_Richard
54:15 The Future of Chess: New Generations and Trends
56:00- Thanks to GM Leitao for rejoining me! You can reach him via his website, and follow him via the following methods:
Website:
https://rafaelleitao.com/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCistQmaDouEpKROBZBkQQ9A
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gmrafaelleitao/
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It has been a busy time in the chess world, as dramas new and old bubble to the surface. GM Javokhir Sindarov is on the verge of winning the FIDE Candidates. A highly anticipated Netflix documentary has just been released about the Hans–Magnus controversy, and there is even some business intrigue, as an app co-founded by GM Magnus Carlsen is set to compete directly with Chess.com.
Joining me to discuss it all is the popular and entertaining YouTuber and commentator, GM Ben Finegold. Questions answered include:
Is the early Kalshi market correct to make Sindarov a 66% favorite over Gukesh in a World Championship match?
Will the Netflix documentary change anyone’s mind about Chess.com, Magnus Carlsen, or Hans Niemann?
Is Magnus likely to be directly involved in Take Take Take’s new direction?
We also discuss Ben’s recent health struggles, the state of his OTB game, and his upcoming plans. It’s always worthwhile to hear Ben’s unvarnished opinions!
0:00 – Intro + GM Ben Finegold returns
0:40 – FIDE Candidates Discussion (Sindarov’s dominance, Gukesh, Women’s section, format talk)
7:30 – Netflix “Chessmates” Documentary (Niemann–Carlsen) (Impressions, cheating debate, Magnus/Chess.com dynamics, Hans’ future)
Mentioned: Untold: Chess Mates
31:00 – TakeTakeTake vs Chess.com + Chess Business Drama (Magnus, Lichess partnership, Hikaru’s reaction)
Mentioned: Hikaru discusses the TakeTakeTake/LiChess partnership
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFdWHX8oHuE&t=1534s
Theo Wait of Lichess interview with Chessbase India:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8nm-RPZzsM
Poker scandal-
https://www.reddit.com/r/HobbyDrama/comments/104pwwx/poker_the_infamous_j4_hand_that_nearly_tore_the/
42:30 – Ben Finegold on His Chess + Future Plans (Retirement from OTB, health, streaming, poker, travel)
Find Ben at the 2026 National Open:
https://new.uschess.org/2026-national-open
50:00- Thanks as always to Ben for coming on the podcast. Here is how to keep up with him:
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/itsbenandkaren/videos?filter=highlights&sort=time
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EnFbK-P5q0zeaqI5yobKg
X:
https://x.com/ben_finegold
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Jennifer Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women’s Champion, poker professional, commentator, and acclaimed author. This week, she returns to the pod to discuss her new book Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life. Drawing on chess, poker, and psychology, Jen shares practical tips and memorable stories about decision-making, creativity, and improvement.
We discuss:
Why she interviewed reformed chess cheaters and what their stories reveal about ambition
Helpful advice for remembering opening lines
The “Einstellung Effect” and how to avoid missing better ideas
How AI is changing the way we learn and think
We also catch up on Jen’s recent travels and upcoming events. There is a lot to learn and plenty of great stories along the way.
0:00- Intro-
Jen Shahade and US Chess announce a settlement:
https://x.com/KenneyBaden/status/2039375140534767852?s=20
0:02- Jen Shahade joins me. How did she find reformed chess cheaters to interview? What did she learn from talking with them for her book?
Mentioned: Netflix Untold Documentary about the Niemann-Carlsen story
https://www.netflix.com/title/81582391
0:10- What is “MTR”?
0:14- Working with legendary trainer IM Mark Dvoretsky
0:18- Lessons learned from interviewing a memory champion
Mentioned: Yanjaa Wintersoul, GM Sam Shankland
0:28- Jen’s experiences coding with Claude
Check out the links to the app she built here:
https://jenshahade.substack.com/p/spin-the-wheel-vibe-a-move
0:36- What is “the Einstellung effect”?
0:40- Jen’s chess-related conversation with legendary psychologist and author Daniel Kahneman
0:42- How chess master and Alpha Zero creator Demis Hassabas “thought sideways” to secure funding for his start up.
0:48- Observations from the recent Sloan sports analytic conference
0:50- What is “the sandwich method”?
0:51- Upcoming book events for Jen
0:52- If you will be in NYC on May 12 and want to support a good cause, come see Jen and I at this event.
You can buy tickets to the Chess in the Schools Poker/Chess Fundraiser here:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-3rd-annual-charity-poker-tournament
0:54- Thanks to Jen for joining me again, here is where to order her book.
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Thinking-Sideways/Jennifer-Shahade/9798897100729
https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Sideways-Think-Chess-Player/dp/B0FCDDB8XV
Photo in thumbnail by Maria Emelianova
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FM Mike Klein of Chess.com joins the show from Cyprus to give an on-the-ground look at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. We discuss the incredible start by GM Javokhir Sindarov, and what Mike has observed from his interactions with the rising star. Mike also describes the tournament atmosphere,shares behind-the-scenes stories from the venue, and provides insights on the Women’s Candidates race. We also discuss what to expect in the critical rounds ahead including a huge round 8 battle.
0:00 – Intro + Mike Klein joins (Candidates update)0:45 – Javokhir Sindarov’s historic start (6/7) + Anna Muzychuk leading women’s field
1:20 – Sindarov’s personality: “infectious,” approachable, media-friendly3:35 – Candidates trivia + chess culture vs performance debate
4:45 – Comparing Sindarov’s start to past Candidates performances6:18 – Mindset: why Sindarov isn’t satisfied (even after a draw)
7:50 – Will Sindarov keep pushing or coast to victory?9:27 – Tournament suspense vs runaway leader (Nepo comparison)
10:25 – Life in Cyprus: smaller scene vs Madrid/Toronto11:00 – Hotel stories + luxury setting + “White Lotus vibes”12:48 – Safety, isolation, and player accommodations
13:51 – Venue setup: viewing area, fan zones, and logistics15:30 – Rest day activities + paddle tournament
16:30 – Paddle tournament results + Caruana appearance17:50 – Chess + tennis crossover (Pavel Tregubov trivia)19:05 – What is paddle? (sport explanation + Magnus tie-in)
20:30 – Women’s Candidates overview: Muzychuk vs Vaishali + contenders22:48 – Seconds and prep teams (Caruana, Hikaru, etc.)
25:00 – Key matchup: Nakamura vs Caruana26:00 – What would Sindarov be like as World Champion?
28:30 – Mike’s YouTube channel + future content plans29:20 – “Weightless chess” goal (fun viral idea)30:40 – Wrap-up + sign-off
31:00- Thanks to Mike Klein for joining me! Be sure to sub to his YouTube channel here for additional on-site Candidates coverage:
https://www.youtube.com/@FunMasterMike
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It has been over two years since FIDE implemented major changes to its rating system aimed at combating rating deflation. But are those changes actually working?My guest, Vlad Ghita, joins me to dig into the data. Vlad is a Romanian arbiter, instructor, and chess enthusiast with a master’s degree in physics. In his new e-book, The Rating Revolution, he takes a rigorous, data-driven look at how the global rating system is functioning—and where it may still be falling short.We discuss: What Vlad calls the “participation paradox” Which countries may be the most underrated How age impacts rating expectations Why some players feel stuck despite improving Is the US rating system functioning more effectively than FIDE?As discussed in the episode, many of these issues stem from structural imbalances in the rating pool—something Vlad illustrates through extensive analysis of nearly one million games .In our conversation (and in his book), Vlad not only identifies problems but also proposes thoughtful solutions. As a dedicated coach and adult improver himself, he also shares practical advice for chess improvement.;0:00- IntroThanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Check out their FIDE Candidates Sale here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/offer/Sign up for Chessable Pro here:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- Vlad’s joins the show, we being by diving into his chess backgroundMentioned: Michael Franco/NoseKnowsAll’s free Lichess materials-https://lichess.org/study/by/NoseKnowsAll0:10- How Vlad’s curiosity about ratings was piqued around the pandemic, what he learned about ratings0:11- What is the cause of FIDE rating deflation?Mentioned: Jeff Sonas, Dr. Mark Glickman0:16-What is “the participation paradox?” 0:21- Is the US rating system working better than FIDE’s?29:00- Should FIDE institute adjustable rating floors? 31:00- What solutions does Vlad propose to improve the rating system? 42:00- Chess improvement lessons from Vlad’s playing and training experience Mentioned: Chess Structures, How to Study Chess on Your Own, Chessbook50:00- The pros and cons of working full time in chess52:00- Thanks to Vlad for coming on the pod and writing an insightful book. Vlad has offered a discount to Perpetual Chess Listeners if you use the code “perpetual” at checkout.https://vladchess.com/rating-revolutionIf you are interested in getting coaching from Vlad, you can reach him via his website:https://vladchess.com/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Perpetual Chess book discussion series Chess Books Recaptured returns with a personal, funny, and heartfelt episode.
Gaurav Datta, a longtime student and close friend of IM Jeremy Silman, joins me to discuss Silman’s Chess Odyssey: Cracked Grandmaster Tales, Legendary Players, & Instructions and Musings. This memoir and collection of writing was Silman’s final work, and it beautifully captures his deep and enduring love for chess.
As Gaurav shares, he was an ordinary club player who repeatedly emailed Silman until Jeremy reluctantly agreed to take him on as a student in the late 1990s. What began as lessons soon turned into a decades-long friendship. Jeremy did not care much about Gaurav’s rating, but he appreciated his sense of humor and his ability to tell interesting stories.
Throughout the conversation, Gaurav interweaves touching and often hilarious personal memories with insights from the book, offering a glimpse into Silman’s life and teaching philosophy.
I greatly enjoyed reading Silman’s Chess Odyssey, and hearing Gaurav’s stories added a whole new dimension to understanding one of chess’s most beloved teachers.
0:00 Intro + overview of Silman’s Chess Odyssey
Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com. Check out IM Jeremy SIlman’s vast catalog of courses here:
https://www.chessable.com/author/Jeremy_Silman/5:48 Guest intro: Gaurav Datta (long-time student & friend of Jeremy Silman)
7:00 How Gaurav discovered Silman, early struggles, and first meeting12:30 What lessons with Silman were really like (stories, life, chess)
18:20 Chess as art: Silman’s core philosophy22:40 Training methods: studying master games & subtle ideas
Mentioned: IM Erik Kislik, NM Steve Brandwein
28:00 Gambling struggles, life setbacks, and returning to chess
33:00 Silman’s personality: stories, Japan, boxing & unique interests
38:40 Final years, illness, and completing his last book
Mentioned: Autobiography of a Goat
51:30 Key lessons: play for beauty, not rating + lasting impact
1:15:00- Thanks so much to Gaurav for sharing his amazing stories! Here is how you can reach him:
Email- gdatta at gmail.com
Chess.com-
https://www.chess.com/member/olddirtypatzer
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The 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament is almost here, and GM Jan Gustafsson joins the podcast to break down the entire field. As a leading opening theoretician who has worked on GM Magnus Carlsen’s World Championship team, Jan brings unique insight into this high-stakes event. Jan will be on site in Cyprus providing commentary alongside his longtime friend GM Peter Svidler. In this episode we go player by player discussing the contenders’ chances, from rising stars like Praggnanandhaa and Javokhir Sindarov to established veterans like Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. Jan shares insights on preparation, momentum, and who is most likely to win the Candidates and earn the right to challenge for the World Championship. We also discuss the Women’s Candidates Tournament, pop culture, and Jan’s latest projects.
Episode Recorded on March 11, 2016
0:00 Intro – Candidates preview with GM Jan Gustafsson
You can buy tickets to the Chess in the Schools Poker/Chess Fundraiser here:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-3rd-annual-charity-poker-tournament
Check out Jan’s Chessable courses here:
Be sure to check out Chessiverse.com, and use code “Perpetual30” for a discount on premium features and IM John Bartholomew’s course.
5:16 Jan Gustafsson joins the show
6:36 Patreon mailbag question: Strategy for the Candidates tournament
12:55 Matthias Bluebaum preview
Mentioned: Kalshi FIDE Candidate’s Odds:
https://kalshi.com/markets/kxchesscandidates/chess-candidates-champion/kxchesscandidates-26
17:18 Andrey Esipenko preview
22:39 Praggnanandhaa preview
26:35 Javokhir Sindarov preview
31:20 Anish Giri preview
33:52 Wei Yi preview
39:00 Fabiano Caruana preview
44:42 Hikaru Nakamura preview
49:57 Predictions for the winner
52:40 Women’s Candidates preview
57:00- Patreon mailbag question: What would Jan like to keep as is in the chess world, and what would he like to see changed?
1:00:05 Closing thoughts, tv shows, nonsense.
Mentioned: Jeselnik book club:
https://anthonyjeselnik.com/the-jeselnik-book-club
1:06:00- Thanks to Jan for joining! Be sure to tune in to the FIDE YouTube channel for his Candidates coverage, sub to Janistan TV on Twitch, and check out his Chessable courses here.
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This week’s guest on the Adult Improver Series is Matt Biancuzzo. Matt is a 31-year-old New York City consultant who is very active in both the local chess scene and on social media. He has taken full advantage of New York’s many chess opportunities, regularly attending chess gatherings and pub nights while also competing in tournaments locally. Over the past few years he has improved from below 1400 USCF to a peak of over 1800! Matt has worked with multiple coaches, grinded tactics, and consumed countless chess videos, but he credits the majority of his improvement to building a social network that made chess fun for him.
Speaking of fun, Matt has also built a large online following thanks to his hilarious short-form videos. Posting as “byredofantome” on Instagram and “fantomechess” on TikTok, Matt creates impressions and humorous shorts that lightly satirize chess culture. In the second half of our interview, we shift our focus from chess improvement to the story behind Matt’s videos. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the bonus video breaking down some of Matt’s best clips here.
Join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community here:
Ben Johnson | creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon
Join the Perpetual Chess Discord here:
https://discord.gg/gUPSsHMK
Check out Chessable’s Women’s Day sale here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/offer/f/
Check out Chessiverse.com, use code “Perpetual30” to save 30% on premium offerings.
00:00 Introduction to Chess Improvement and Content Creation
04:45- Matt Biancuzzo joins the show! We begin by discussing how he got into chess in college.
13:29 The Role of Community in Chess Improvement
Mentioned: GM Robert Hungaski, IM Denys Shmelov, Alex Pickett, IM Jan van der Mortaal, Jonathan Williams, Pobo Efikoro
18:03 Coaching and Learning Strategies
23:04 The Impact of Online Chess and Content Creation
Mentioned: MaddiePlaysChess, GambitMan
25:00- Getting a chess coach
Mentioned: IM Sam Khanin, IM VIktor Matviishen
28:00 Personal Growth Through Chess
33:14 Final Thoughts on Chess and Community
40:16 The language and habits of chess players
48:55 Content Creation in Chess
Mentioned: Matt’s article about Where to Play Chess in NYC
https://www.chess.com/blog/byredofantome/where-to-play-chess-in-nyc-and-how-to-gauge-a-good-club
POV When you are Prepping for the 2002 World Under 12 Championship:
https://www.instagram.com/byredofantome/reel/DT6A_OHDqTi/
What I learned Playing 130 Chess Tournaments in 2 Years
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ-fgbeDmHY/
POV You are Spassky in 1971
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOntmlDlEM/
49:54 The Art of Subversive Commentary
52:06 Impressions and Mannerisms in Chess
Matt’s Yasser/magnus video is here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@byredofantome/video/7240979768525573418?_r=1&_t=ZP-94OfoAItpk7
53:50 Translating Chess for the Average Person
55:15 Inspiration from Online Trends
Mentioned: POV Chess Players Training at the Gym
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRqJ2x_jvKs/
01:03:19 Monetization and Content Creation Challenges
01:05:26 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Chess
01:09:05 Colliding Worlds: Chess and Consulting
01:12:26 The Nature of Content Creation and Recognition
Matt’s linktree is here:
https://linktr.ee/byredofantome?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnKZHTvXc3y6vDxPUApYvPDxbUFpbNtVLXr58nVATFdTyrdu7mR6xgzob8An4_aem_SjGs6svkY3aTt1lbEPnWOg
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This week’s returning guest is NM Han Schut. Han is a former corporate executive turned Chessable author and trainer, known for his expertise in the Chess Steps Method and chess technology. Han joins me to reflect on the legacy of his fellow Dutchman, GM Jan Timman, who recently passed away. He shares personal anecdotes and discusses Timman’s impact as a world-class competitor, prolific author, and cultural icon in the Netherlands.
We also explore a fascinating recent project: Han built a custom chess database with the help of the LLM Claude, which handled all of the coding. He explains how players can use LLMs effectively for chess study and recommends other powerful digital tools.
Finally, Han offers evergreen advice on rest, mindset, and accurately assessing your own chess performance. As always, I came away inspired by Han’s wide-ranging knowledge and practical approach to chess.
Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com! Check out Han Schut's courses here:
https://www.chessable.com/author/HanSchut/
00:00 Remembering Grandmaster Jan Timman
Mentioned: Read Peter Doggers’ obituary here:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/jan-timman-obituary
Timman-Ribli 1978-
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1142478
12:03 Exploring LLMs in Chess Coding
Check out Han’s video about coding with Claude here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSj69yLmwMg&t=3s
Download the Lichess Puzzle Database Here:
https://database.lichess.org/#puzzles
Link to download Han and Claude’s creation within this article:
https://lichess.org/@/HanSchut/blog/the-lichess-opening-puzzles-with-games-makes-them-searchable-from-any-position/BUHE9eQ3
Matt Shumer article “Something Big is Happening”-
https://x.com/mattshumer_/status/2021256989876109403
21:45 Creating Chess Tools with AI
27:56 The Rise of AI and Its Implications
34: 00 Han’s Chess Study Tool Recommendations:
Mentioned:
Forward Chess
https://forwardchess.com/
Chessvision AI
https://chessvision.ai/
36:55 Patreon mailbag question: What is Han’s advice for how to approach chess puzzles?
Mentioned:
CT Art Puzzles- (Chessking App)
https://chesskingtraining.com/ct-art/
Chessbase Puzzles
https://tactics.chessbase.com/nl/Solve
45:40 Mindset and Mental Strength in Chess
Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by Michael Adams
How to Chess Podcast with Han Schut:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPN60QMA2oA
53:12 Managing Anxiety and Performance Pressure
58:46 Patreon mailbag question: What does Han think of Chessalyz AI and other AI Chess Tutors?
Mentioned:
Chessalyz AI:
https://chessalyz.ai/
FM Dalton Perrine’s blog:
https://chesschatter.substack.com/
Novachess AI
https://www.chessagine.com/
1:05:00- Thanks to Han for joining me! Here is how to keep up with him:
YouTube (including Saturday morning streams):
https://www.youtube.com/c/hanschut
Lichess coaches:
https://lichess.org/coach/HanSchut
Chessable courses:
https://www.chessable.com/author/HanSchut/
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GM Aman Hambleton has been busy lately. In addition to his usual role as a popular Twitch streamer and Youtuber for the Chessbrah channel, he recently returned from London, where he was one of the lead commentators for Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship. He also has recently released his highly anticipated Chessable course, Aman Hambleton’s London System. In our conversation we discuss:
What made the latest Speed Chess Championship “special” according to Magnus Carlsen, and Aman’s thoughts on rapid, classical and freestyle chess.
What Aman says to haters of the London Opening.
Aman’s thoughts on the FIDE Candidates.
We also discuss whether Aman is an adult improver at blitz chess (having recently crossed 3000 on Chess.com , Aman’s thoughts on The Queen of Chess, and the all important question of what Aman thinks of Magnus Carlsen’s new mustache. Its always fun chatting with Aman!
0:01- Aman’s reflections on Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship in London
0:14- Looking ahead to the Esports World Cup
0:19- Aman’s thoughts on the FIDE Candidates
0:23- Highlights of Aman’s London course.
More on Aman’s chessboxing match with IM Lawrence Trent here:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/mogul-chessboxing-championship-hambleton-trent
35:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Aman have plans of doing a formal course on the Taimanov?
Mentioned: Aman’s Taimanov Speedrun:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUjxDD7HNNTjZAD99gBAKVm_ZipXTtNYn
Mentioned: The Taimanov Bibl
41:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Aman’s advice for how to improve your middlegame play?
46:00- Where did Aman come up with the term “snorkel”?
49:00- Aman recently went over a 3000 blitz rating. Is he an adult improver?
52:00- Does Aman have any new impersonations?
53:00- Aman’s thoughts on The Queen of Chess
54:00- Did the Chessbrahs go out in London?
55:00- Favorite chessbrah videos
56:00- Does Aman approve of Magnus’ new mustache?
59:00- Thanks to Aman for joining me again! Here is how to keep up with he and the Chessbrahs:
Chessable course:
https://www.chessable.com/aman-hambletons-london-system/course/353577/
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/chessbrah
Kick:
https://kick.com/chessbrah/videos
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@chessbrah
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What role does chess play in our lives? That’s a recurring question on Perpetual Chess, and one that author Katie Kormanik explores in her new, personal memoir, Adventures of a Chess Girl. A former top scholastic player, Katie looks back at the competitive years of her early 20s and reflects on how chess became a refuge during a stressful and uncertain time. The game allowed her to travel widely and immerse herself in an eclectic social circle of strong players from around the world. Although Katie ultimately stepped away from competition, she still loves chess, and now fondly revisits those formative memories. We also discuss her experience self-publishing the book, as well as our thoughts on the new Queen of Chess documentary on Netflix.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Check out GM Simon Williams' new course here:
https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-stonewall-dutch/course/378958/
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:49 Exploring the Memoir: Adventures of a Chess Girl
Mentioned: All the Wrong Moves by Sasha Chapin
03:28 Chess as a Refuge and a place to build identity
08:14 The Role of Peer Influence in Chess
12:00- Does Katie have a love-hate relationship with chess?
16:09 Romantic Relationships and Chess Improvement
19:00- Gender dynamics in the chess world
22:05 Advice for Young Women in Chess
23:15 Introducing Chess to Children
25:59 The Journey of Self-Publishing a Book
You can find Katie’s self-publishing checklist within this article:
https://booksbywomen.org/the-case-for-self-publishing-and-why-its-easier-now-than-ever-before/
34:13 Reflections on Life Lessons and Risks
39:47 Our thoughts on the new Netflix Queen of Chess documentary
43:32 Parenting Styles and Nurturing Passions
45:00- Thanks so much to Katie for joining me! You can find out more about her and her book at:
https://www.chessgirlbook.com/
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