Perpetual Chess Podcast

We’ve got 6 rounds in the books and GM Ian Nepomniathchtchi and GM Fabiano Caruana are comfortably in first and 2nd place, respectively. GM Jonathan Tisdall is an American born, Norway based author, journalist and is the 3 time champion of Norway. Jonathan has been covering high level chess for decades, so it was great to get his thoughts on the first 6 rounds of the Candidates. Is he surprised by Nepo’s dominance? What has gone wrong for Firouzja and Ding? Do the current leaders make it less likely that we will see Magnus defend the crown? It has been a fascinating tournament so far, and it was fun to discuss it with GM Tisdall! 03:00- GM Jonathan Tisdall joins the show. Mentioned: Chess by the Numbers Blog 15:15- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out GM Anish Giri’s Candidates videos on his YouTube ,and go Pro to get the course here: Learn chess online: openings, tactics & more - Chessable.com 16:00- Will Magnus defend against these guys? 28:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Or use this link for the same discount: https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson12 30:00- Do we like the fact the clocks don’t have increments for this tournament? 39:00- Why does Nepo excel against everyone but Magnus? 45:00- Double blindness! We were referencing this moment in Anand’s game” https://twitter.com/norwaychess/status/1534982377293893633?lang=bg https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2288820 53:00- When will Jonathan’s next book finally come out? Mentioned: Nick Doody 57:00- We almost forgot to talk about GM Ding Liren! 1:00:00- Thanks to GM Tisdall for joining the show! You can follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/GMjtis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Ben Johnson is creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I am joined by two accomplished players, trainers, and co-authors, Grandmaster Eugene Perelshteyn, and FM Nate Solon. Together, Nathan and Eugene have written the forthcoming book, Evaluate like a Grandmaster. As highly-accomplished players and trainers, Nate and Eugene noticed that there wasn’t a lot of chess literature helping players improve their ability to evaluate positions. They have written a great book to help address this problem. In our conversation, they highlight some of the lessons from the book, including an important discussion of the perils of relying too heavily on numerical engine evaluations. We also discuss some of the standout points and anecdotes from Nate and Eugene’s other work. Nate is a data scientist who writes a great, free chess newsletter called Zwischenzug, and Eugene is a respected opening theoretician who has recently released his first Chessable course, The Grand Prix Attack Reloaded. As always, you can find more details, relevant links, and timestamps below. Prior Appearances by Eugene and Nate : Episode 31 with GM Eugene Perelshteyn Book Recap #17- Zurich 1953 with FM Nate Solon and GM Andy Soltis 02:00- Why write a book on evaluating positions? 09:00- Where do they find the puzzles? For what rating level is the book best suited? 12:00- Why does Nate think that the “centipawn” evaluation system is flawed? 20:30- Patreon mailbag question: “When calculating, how can we know when to shift from crunching potential moves to evaluating a position?” 25:00 What did GM Romani Dzindzichashvilli teach Eugene about evaluating positions? 27:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can find the free “Endgame Strategy” Lesson from GM Sam Shankland here: https://www.chessable.com/course/115673 28:00- Nate’s takes! What does Nate consider the “bare essential” chess improvement checklist to hold oneself accountable? 38:00 How well do club level players really know their openings? 52:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Or use this link for the same discount: https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson12 53:00- Eugene tells the story of playing Magnus OTB at Isle of Man Masters in 2017. 1:00:00- What can we learn from Magnus’ approach to a recent Titled Tuesday? 1:07:00- How did Eugene find an unexplored move on move 5 in his Chessable Course, The Grand Prix Attack Reloaded? 1:12:00- Eugene shares a few stories about legendary, deceased Grandmaster, Alex Wojtkiewicz 1:17:00- Nate is an accomplished adult improver, he discusses how his background in poker helped his mental game in chess. 1:20:00- Parting book recommendations! Mentioned: Zurich 1953, Perfect Your Chess, The Questions of Modern Chess Theory, Positional Decision Making in Chess, Dan Heismans books, GM Jacob Aagaard’s books, IM Kostya Kavutskity’s Chessable Course: Endgame Studies 101 Thanks to Nate and Eugene for joining us! Here are the key links to keep up with them: Evaluate like a GM website Nate’s Newsletter: Zwishenzug Eugene’s Chessable Course: The Grand Prix Attack Reloaded Nate’s Twitter Eugene’s Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Perpetual Chess we talk about chess improvement with one of the premier chess trainers in the world! GM R.B. Ramesh has worked with many of India’s top players including GMs Vidit Gujirathi, Harikrishna and Adhiban. I caught up with Ramesh on the night before he would commence a training camp with one of India’s Olimpiad teams. This team included Ramesh’s star student, GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, who is one of the top junior players in the world and recently made headlines by defeating Magnus Carlsen. GM Ramesh is an author, including of the excellent new book, Improve Your Chess Calculation. In our conversation, we discussed Chess in India as it prepares to host the Olimpiad, the keys to Praggnanandhaa’s success, plus Ramesh answers many listener questions related to chess improvement. There is always so much to learn from GM Ramesh, and this conversation is no exception! Prior Interviews: Episode 144 with R.B. Ramesh Episode 166 with GM R.B. Ramesh and GM Jacob Aagaard 0:00- GM Ramesh joined me shortly before starting a training camp for one of India’s Olimpiad teams. How does he prepare materials for these phenoms? 08:00- What was it like to work with GM Praggnanandhaa as a younger chess student? 14:00- GM Ramesh has written that training should be more challenging than competing OTB. Is this approach feasible for adult improvers? 16:30- Ramesh shares visualization advice for adult improvers. 23:00- Patreon mailbag question- “At what rating is it appropriate to begin training with blindfold puzzles?” Mentioned: Visualize series on Chessable 30:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Or use this link for the same discount: https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson12 31:30- GM Ramesh considers Anand a personal hero and now knows him personally, Is he surprised by GM Anand’s success at 2022 Norway Chess? 39:00- How did Ramesh react the first time GM Praggnanandhaa beat GM Magnus Carlsen? 43:00- Patreon mailbag question- “Will Ramesh do a Chessable course? How many books will be in his series?” 45:30- Patreon mailbag question- “What is Ramesh’s advice for handling tough losses?” 52:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What are some common calculation mistakes that even GMs make?” 55:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What can we learn from the success of another of Ramesh’s students, WGM Divya Deshmukh? 57:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can find the free “Endgame Strategy” Lesson from GM Sam Shankland here: https://www.chessable.com/course/115673 59:30- Are chess players as a whole getting better at calculation? Mentioned: Free excerpt of Ramesh’s book here. Mentioned: GM John Nunn’s Secrets of Practical Chess 1:07:00- How does Ramesh define “the drawback principle”? 1:10:00- What advice can Ramesh share for knowing when to stop calculating within a variation? 1:14:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Ramesh observe from Firouzja’s phenomenal success? Does he have any Candidates predictions?” 1:17:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Ramesh have an opinion on the fact that Indian players can no longer compete in the British Championship” (which Ramesh won in 2002)? 1:19:00- With the Chess Olimpiad set to take place in Chennai in July, Ramesh shares his thoughts on the explosion of chess in India. 1:24:00- In our last interview, Ramesh gave a ton of book recommendations. Is he keeping up with new chess books? Mentioned: Judit Polgar’s Quality Chess Series, New in Chess Books, Quality Chess Books, Thinker’s Publishing 1:28:00- Thanks so much to Ramesh for sharing some of his chess expertise. Here are links for ways to keep up with him: Improve Your Chess Calculation ProChessTraining.com Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The wait is almost over! With the 2022 FIDE Candidates Tournament beginning June 17, we present one last deep dive on this chess-history defining tournament. The winner of this tournament is slated to play GM Magnus Carlsen in the 2023 World Championship match if it takes place. I am joined by two separate guests to discuss the players and what we can expect. First up is GM Robert Hess. Robert, of course, is an insightful and popular commentator who will be traveling to Madrid to cover the event live with his Chess.com team. Robert and I discuss each player individually, as Robert shares his reflections on what he has observed from many years of observing these players up close. Robert’s other appearance on the podcast was nearly 5 years ago, so after an hour of FIDE Candidates talk, we spend some time catching up on other chess-related matters. Following Robert, I am joined by Tai Pruce Zimmerman of the “Chess by the Numbers” blog. I always enjoy getting Tai’s insights, which are primarily derived from an Elo-rating based model. Who is statistically most likely to win? How do Tai’s numerical assessments differ from those of other models and the betting markets? Tune in to hear some fascinating Candidates discussion! You can find brief timestamps below, and more detailed ones on the podcast website here. FIDE Candidates info here 01:00- Intro with details on the Candidates format and Schedule. Prior GM Robert Hess appearance 05:45- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com you can find the free “Endgame Strategy” Lesson from GM Sam Shankland here: https://www.chessable.com/course/115673 7:45- How does Candidates prep compare for Robert and his announcing team compare to prep for an event like the World Championship? 13:00- What can Robert share about GM Jan-Krystof Duda? 16:45- GM Teimour Radjabov 20:00- GM Hikaru Nakamura 29:30- GM Ian Nepomniatchtchi 35:00- GM Richard Rapport 41:00- GM Fabiano Caruana 47:15- GM Alireza Firouzja 55:45- GM Ding Liren 1:07:00- How does Robert approach commentating on an event like the ongoing “I am not a GM” tourney on Chess.com? 1:15:15- Robert’s OTB exploits! How did it feel to draw GM Viswanathan Anand in 2018 and defeating GM Sam Shankland in 2019. 1:24:45- Global Chess Championship more info here 1:26:30- How does Robert work on his commentary? 1:35:30- Robert’s Book Recs: 1:36:30- Does Robert get recognized in public much? 1:42:45- What is Robert looking forward to most about the Candidates? 1:46:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice of how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 1:48:00- Tai Pruce Zimmerman of the Chess by the Numbers blog joins to give an analytical perspective on the FIDE Candidates. We begin by discussing what differentiates the Candidates from other tournaments. 1:56:15- What do the betting markets and Tai’s model say the probabilities are for each player? Mentioned: BWIN odds here, Smarter Chess Probabilities here 2:06:00- Which player does Tai think the betting market undervalues? Thanks so much to Tai for joining us again. Be sure to subscribe to his blog and support his work via his website. Follow him on Twitter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Perpetual Chess we are joined by Dr. Stuart Margulies, the co-author of the legendary, best-selling chess book, Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess. First published in 1966, and written along with Donn Mosenfelder and Fischer himself, this book has sold more than 1.25 million copies, and many believe it to be the best selling chess book of all time! Dr. Margulies tells the story of the modest beginnings of the book, and of his first and subsequent encounters with his fellow New Yorker, Bobby Fischer. Stuart is 89 years of age, but has vivid memories of Fischer and many other key New York City chess figures. Stuart worked as an educational psychologist, and also shares his take on the whether playing chess can positively impact reading scores, a subject about which he wrote a paper in the 1990s. It was so much fun to hear Stuart’s reflections on his life in chess! More details and timestamps can be found below. 0:00- Stuart shares his earliest first-hand memories of Bobby Fischer Mentioned: Alan Kaufman, Jack Collins, FM Asa Hoffman 0:08- We discuss the origins of Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess Mentioned: Donn Mosenfelder, Leslie Ault, IM Raymond Weinstein, IM Michael Valvo, Shelby Lyman, Episode 250 with FM Asa Hoffman 16:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 17:00- We discuss more about the history of Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, including the origins of its title. Mentioned: Dr. Frank Brady, Fischer-Larsen 1958 28:00- Stuart discusses the one time he beat Fischer in a casual game, and shares more about his personal interactions with Fischer. Mentioned: The Kevitz defense, Shernaz Kennady 44:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 45:00- Patreon mailbag question: How did Margulies and his collaborators decide to use a format that had no chess notation? Mentioned: Secrets of Spectacular Chess 50:00- Stuart discusses his own, and others people’s research into the effect of chess instruction on kids’ reading scores. Mentioned: Margulies’ Whitepaper: The Effect of Chess on Reading Scores, WGM Tatev Abrahamyan, GM Levon Aronian 58:00- Stuart describes his encounters with GM Nicolas Rossolimo and a young GM Judit Polgar Mentioned: FM Jude Acers, Abraham Kupchik, Irving Chernev, Al Horowitz, Fred Reinfeld 1:07:00- What was the motivation for writing Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess? 1:13:00- As such a sharp 89 year old, does Stuart have any mental and physical health tips? Mentioned: New in Chess Magazine, GM Genna Sosonko’s books , A Change of Air by Ivan Gold can be found the compilation Nickel Miseries, Endgame by Dr. Frank Brady 1:21:00- Thanks so much to Stuart for joining the show! If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Donate — The Perpetual Chess Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a one month hiatus, Chess Books Recaptured returns to discuss another classic chess book- GM Alexei Shirov’s Fire on Board. This 1997 game collection book shows the games of one of the world’s best attacking players at the peak of his powers. Joining me to discuss the book is Mitchell Fabian. Mitch is a 26 year old dad, actuary and avid chess student who suggested this book because he felt that it helped his chess tremendously. In addition to many wild slugfest games and creative ideas, the book covers an interesting time in chess history, when the World Championship Title was disputed by different organizations. We cover all of this in a fun conversation about a challenging, but informative book. More details and timestamps below: 0:00- We welcome Mitch Fabian to the show and he discusses why he chose Shirov’s Fire on Board. Mentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiiy 6:00- For what rating is Fire on Board best suited? Mentioned: Seirawan’s Play Winning Chess 12:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you by Chessable.com, the premier chess education website. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 13:00- Patreon mailbag question: Any hot takes on the Shirov-Kasparov World Championship match that was supposed to take place in the late 1990's but never did? Mentioned: Fire on Board 2, Luis Rentero Suarez 24:00- Back to the book! We discuss the book’s structure and share some quotes from a great foreword by GM Jon Speelman Mentioned: Topalov-Shirov 2004 with 47… Bh3!!! 36:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice of how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 37:00- We share a few of things that struck us about Fire on Board Mentioned: Attack with Mikhail Tal, Episode 273 with GM Johan Hellsten, GM Vasilios Kotronios, Lifetime Repertoires: Jan Gustaffson 1. E4 e5 , Everyman Chess “E Book” of Fire on Board 48:00- Should we be concerned about some errors in the book that modern engines identify? Mentioned: GM Samuel Sevian, Shirov-Kramnik 1994 51:00- Mitch and I share a few other things we like about Fire on the Board. Mentioned: Book Recap #1- The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal, Chess Structures by GM Mauricio Flores Rios 1:04:00- We wrap the book discussion before segueing to some adult improvement discussion with Mitch. In Mitch’s honor I will be making a modest donation to The US Chess School. 1:05:00- Mitch is quite an accomplished adult improver so before we wrap up he shares some improvement recs. Mentioned: Chess Dojo Discord, GM Eugene Perelshteyn 1:16:00- Thanks so much to Mitch for joining us! Here is where you can find him: Chess Dojo Discord Twitter Chess.com Lichess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are re-joined by the popular and amusing Twitch streamer, YouTube presenter and commentator, GM Ben Finegold. Lots has changed since our last interview! For one thing, there has been lots of discussion recently about a decline in the popularity of chess?. Does Ben think chess is losing popularity? Is he seeing a decline in his viewership on Twitch? What about on his YouTube channel? Other recent developments which we discussed include: Why Ben and his wife Karen sold their chess center in Atlanta, the state of Ben’s OTB chess game in the wake of some recent tourneys, plus some discussion of the Candidates, recent elite tournaments, and a few stories about Ben’s earlier days in the chess world, including Ben Finegold, “the college years.” Its always fun to catch up with Ben, lots more details and links in the show notes below. Prior Finegold appearances on Perpetual Chess- 2017- Episode 9 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2o91dlqfOFf2Lwl9hfbrGF?si=b01f64b4f4fe4f8a 2018- Episode 52 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4f3W9CS9Q9nC5JUOYib5cn?si=e97663b0a8eb4879 2021- Episode 228 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ONlsNPYykFsH3sqM28LWL?si=5c1710b4b2514f79 0:00- Are Ben’s Twitch viewers down? Is the popularity of chess declining? Mentioned: Martin Justesen’s post “Is the Chess (Twitch) Boom Over?, IM Levy Rozman’s Tweet, GM David Smerdon’s post 13:00- With the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Atlanta having been sold, will Ben still be doing his popular chess history lectures? Mentioned: Kid Chess Atlanta, IM Carlos Perdomo 23:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice of how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 24:00- Ben has been competing regularly OTB recently, he wonders “was I always this bad at chess?” Mentioned: Charlotte Chess Center ALTO tournament, Foxwoods Open, GM Alex Shabalov 40:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does Ben define a blunder at different rating levels? Mentioned: GM Gregory Kaidanov, 2022 Continental Chess Championships in El Salvador 48:00- Which young players impress Ben? What does it take to reach and stay at the top? Mentioned: GM Sarin, GM Praggnanandhaa, GM Christopher Yoo, GM Hans Niemann, Episode 271 with GM Hans Niemann 56:00- Are there any chess talents that Ben has been surprised to see not to reach their potential? Mentioned: GM Baadur Jobava, GM Wei Yi, GM Etienne Bacrot, GM David Navara, GM Jeffrey Xiong, GM Sam Shankland 1:02:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 1:03:00- Who does Ben expect to win the 2022 FIDE Candidates tournament? 1:06:00- Did Ben ever meet the recently passed legendary GM Yuri Averbakh? 1:08:00- How does Ben prepare for his chess history lectures? 1:11:00- What was it like for Ben to attend university in his 20s? Mentioned: Chess Life Magazine Article by Ben Finegold The 40 Year Old GM: https://t.co/3CozXi7lbC 1:16:00- Ben’s upcoming Twitch and tournament plans! Here are the links to keep up with Ben. Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/gmbenjaminfinegold YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EnFbK-P5q0zeaqI5yobKg Twitter: https://twitter.com/ben_finegold?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Adult Improver interview is with Derek Wilder. Derek is a 33 year old Detroit- based Scholastic Chess Coach and Chess Podcaster (host of the Detroit Chess Killers pod). Derek is always working on his game, and he recently leveled up and surpassed the USCF rating of 2000 for the first time. This puts Derek in the 95th percentile of all USCF players. It took Derek years of hard work to break through this plateau, and it was illuminating to hear what he believed to be the keys to his success. Derek was quick to credit lots of friends and trainers with advice and tips that helped his game, and he offered lots of advice for those looking to achieve a similar breakthrough. Please read on for timestamps, resources, and people that were referenced in our interview. 0:00- Derek recently had a breakthrough in his OTB game. How’d he get to that moment? Mentioned: IM John Brooks, Paul Grams, Chrysler Elementary School 08:00 Growing up in Detroit, Derek was one of the top scholastic players in his state, but he was bullied a bit for playing chess. How did he get through it? 09:30- What influence did FM James Canty and others have on his chess game? 12:00- What adjustments did Derek make when he came to chess in 2016 after a long hiatus? Mentioned: Nunn’s Chess Openings 14:30- What kind of chess learner is Derek? Mentioned: NM Mike Zaloznyy, IM Atulya Shetty, Derek’s interview with NM Kofi Tatum 18:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice of how to improve your game. Check it out for free and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 19:00- In his recent gains, did Derek focus more on strengthening his strengths or on shoring up his weaknesses? Mentioned: FM Josh Posthuma, NM Gopal Menon, My System, IM Mark Dvoretsky’s books, IM Jeremy Silman, Charisse Woods 26:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How much did studying theoretical endgames help Derek’s game?” Mentioned: Kameron Tolliver 30:00- -Patreon mailbag question: “Did Derek’s training method change leading up to his recent breakthrough?” 39:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 40:30- How big was the goal of reaching the USCF expert level for Derek? Do his students follow his chess progress? 43:00- How does Derek approach his openings? Mentioned: IM Orlando Husbands, IM Richard Leyva Proenza 48:00- How does Derek think about budgeting for chess tournaments? 49:30- Welcome the the Chess dot bomb! On this month’s sponsored segment we discuss the Global Chess Championship and Chess.com’s new verification feature. If you get verified on Chess.com you are eligible to compete in the $1,000,000 Global Chess Championship for free. If you decide to get verified ($15 for initial verification / $10 per year thereafter), please use this link to help support Perpetual Chess. Chess.com verification: Verified - Chess.com Global Chess Championship https://www.chess.com/article/view/chesscom-global-championship-2022?ref_id=17919348 Premium Membership: https://go.chess.com/Perpetual 52:30- What does Derek think he needs to do to become a USCF master? Mentioned: Max Euwe, Tigran Petrosian 55:30- When did Derek start working with coaches? How much do they help him? 58:00- Why is it important to play against tougher competition? Mentioned: FM Ylon Schwartz 1:00:00- Thanks to Derek for joining the pod! You can check out his podcast, Detroit Chess Killers, here: Detroit Chess Killers Follow Derek on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/derekewilder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Jan Gustafsson is a popular and entertaining commentator for Chess24.com, a noted opening theoretician, a Chessable author, and 3 time member of GM Magnus Carlsen’s World Championship preparation team. Jan returned to Perpetual Chess for the fifth time to discuss chess news and the World Championship cycle, catch us up on the state of his chess game and to discuss what else he has been up to. Jan’s new projects include the launch of his own chess podcast, Chicken Chess Club,, where he and his friends, GM Laurent Fressinet and Peter Heine Nielsen give a light hearted rundown of the latest chess news. You can find timestamps below, for more detailed show notes, please go to the podcast webpage here: Listen to Episodes! — The Perpetual Chess Podcast 0:00- We briefly discuss the origins of Jan’s new podcast, The Chicken Chess Club. 5:30- Jan’s thoughts on the 2022 FIDE Candidates tournament, and whether Magnus will defend his title Mentioned: Inside Team Magnus (behind Chess24 Paywall use promo code #Janistan) 12:30- When did Jan find out he would be on Magnus Carlsen’s 2022 World Championship Preparation Team? 17:00- Patreon mailbag question: What does Jan think of IM Lawrence Trent’s new courses on 1… b6 and 1. Nc3. ? 19:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is the stupidest opening idea that works? 20:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 21:00- Jan plays in the elite German chess league called the Bundesliga. He discusses how his recent games have gone and the state of his chess game. 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Jan’s advice for creating an opening repertoire? 37:00- What is Jan trying to improve at? 42:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. If you choose to subscribe to Aimchess, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 44:00- Any plans for more weekly features on The Chicken Chess Club podcast? 49:00- How is Jan’s daughter’s chess game? 51:00- More Team Magnus and World Championship talk! What was the celebration like when Magnus defended his crown? 59:00- Will Jan do another Chessable course? 1:01:00- Jan reveals his plans for the 2022 Chess Olympiad? 1:03:00- What TV/series/moves has Jan been watching? 1:08:00- Thanks to Jan for joining us! Be sure to subscribe/rate/review the Chicken Chess Club If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Perpetual Chess we are joined by a Ukrainian and then a Russian guest to discuss the impact that the Russian-Ukrainian war has had on their lives and on the chess world. My first guest is GM Kirill Shevchenko. Kirill is a 19 year old rising star in the chess world, currently ranked #92 in the world, and #6 among juniors. He joined me from Germany, where he is in between tournaments, after leaving Ukraine to pursue his chess career. Kirill spoke very movingly about the devastation Russia’s attacks have wrought on his loved ones and his country, and about how he balances that with his chess career. Kirill continues to compete, and will soon play in his first Grand Chess Tour event. Following Kirill, I am joined by chess journalist and Twitch streamer, WFM Maria Emelianova. Maria is Russian, but like Kirill, felt compelled to leave her country when news of the attack broke. Maria has been an outspoken critic of the war, and has been working hard to raise funds to support Ukrainians. As Maria explains, this war has divided and scattered her family, an unfortunate situation which is not uncommon in Russia. I found both interviews to be quite enlightening, and I am inspired by the spirit of the chess community in trying circumstances. Please read on for interview timestamps and relevant links. I apologize for the background noise at points in these interviews, if you would like to read an edited transcript while you listen, you can do so here: EP.276-KirillShevchenkoandM... | Public Trint | Trint You can also view a ‘read only’ lightly edited transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQG2m9fXCK23o0UBTkWzBhhS_dss2ogQneNnTU2Za0GpkSTInIRY-59QzWIl0vEVhm_nVODtvrcuJTr/pub You can donate to Kirill’s charity, Care with Team Hikaru, here: https://events.softgiving.com/donate/Team-Hikaru-CARE-For-Ukraine Or donate directly to Ukrainians in need via WIM Nastya Rakhmangulova here: https://linktr.ee/nastiachess 0:04- Kirill joins the show 42:00- Maria Emelianova joins the show! Follow Kirill on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/chesser_22?lang=en Maria’s Twitch- : https://www.twitch.tv/photochess Maria’s Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/photochess/?hl=en Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com and Chessable.com For full show notes, please go here: Listen to Episodes! — The Perpetual Chess Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Michael “Mickey” Adams is a legend of British chess who has been an elite chess player for the last 30 years. He is a former World Champion finalist, the 7 time champion of Great Britain and has been ranked as highly as #4 in the world. Michael is also an author, most recently of the very original and instructive new book, Think Like a Super GM, with co-author Philip Hurtado. Michael is normally one of the most active players on the tournament circuit, and as Covid subsides he is preparing to resume a busy schedule, beginning with the Tepe Siegman invitational in May. In our fascinating and entertaining conversation, Mickey shares some memorable stories, and discusses whether he has made adjustments to his game as he turns 50. We also discuss Michael’s new book in detail and shared some of its chess improvement takeaways. Please read on for lots more details, timestamps, and links to topics that were referenced. Brief timestamps are below, for full show notes please go to the podcast website EP 276- GM Michael Adams- Stories and Lessons from Mickey's decades Among the Chess Elite — The Perpetual Chess Podcast You can read my reviews of Think Like a Super GM on my Lichess blog or Chess.com blog. 0:00- Mickey has a tournament coming soon, how does he prepare especially after the pandemic? 10:00- How has Mickey maintained his chess strength up to age 50? 18:00- What is Mickey’s approach to using engines? 21:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on that data. If you choose to subscribe to Aimchess, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 22:00- Patreon mailbag question: Who is the most naturally talented player that Mickey has ever played against? 27:00- What was it like to play chess with legends like Spassky and Tal? 30:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Mickey’s favorite victory over a fellow Super GM? 33:00- Mickey tells a few entertaining stories from his younger years involving Kasparov . Kramnik and GM Joel Lautier. 43:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Best of British Chessable Course with GM Simon Williams 44:00- Chess improvement takeaways from Mickey’s new book 57:00- Patreon mailbag question: Will Mickey ever write a games collections book? 1:02:00- Patreon mailbag question: What self-study methods did Mickey use, and which does he recommend? Mentioned: GM Mark Hebden, GM Keith Arkell 1:07:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Mickey’s advice for how to approach big open Swiss tournaments? 1:11:00- Patreon mailbag question: Who does Mickey think will win the Candidates tournament? 1:20:00- Patreon mailbag question: What does Mickey think of the possibility that Magnus won’t play the next World Championship match? He also shares some ideas of alternative World Championship formats. 1:30:00- Is it true that Mickey has never had a “real job? 1:34:00- Does Mickey still have a condo in Florida? 1:36:00- What is Mickey’s favorite chess venu 1:39:00- Thanks so much to Mickey for joining the pod! Here are the best ways to keep up with him. Mickey's Website Think Like a Super GM (free excerpt here) (Forward Chess version) Best of British Chessable Course with GM Simon Williams If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Ben Johnson is creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IM Ali Mortazavi is a former top British junior player and chess author who has gone on to attain significant success outside of the chess world. Ali has been an active investor in many small biotech companies and is currently the CEO of a publicly traded, UK-based biotech company called, E therapeutics. Despite his busy professional life, Ali frequently plays online blitz, solves endgame studies, and associates with his many chess friends. In our entertaining conversation Ali discusses British chess culture, his chess beginnings, and his encounters with notable chess figures like Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, Demis Hassabas (Creator of Alphazero), and his friend IM Lawrence Trent. Ali also discusses the ways that chess has helped his career and shares what he believes differentiates chess players from other people. You can find timestamps and relevant links for our conversation below. 0:00- Ali tells the story of his early beginnings in chess. Mentioned: GM Michael Adams , IM Michael Basman, World Youth Chess Championship, GM Matthew Sadler, GM Julian Hodgson, GM David Norwood 10:00- Patreon mailbag question- “What were Ali’s early encounters against GM Michael Adams like?” 13:00- What were Ali’s early encounters with GM Viswanathan Anand like? 15:30- Ali tells stories from some of his early chess travels. 22:00- Does Ali want to become a GM? GM Noel Studer’s blog 25:00- Ali was a pioneer in his work with chess computer software in the early 1990s. He tells some stories about working with Kasparov in those early days. 28:00- Ali tells the story of how chess helped him get his start in finance. 33:00- What makes chess players mentally tough? 35:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 38:00- Ali discusses his impressions of and interactions with GM Fabiano Caruana, AlphaZero/DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis, GM Magnus Carlsen, GM Garry Kasparov and IM Lawrence Trent Mentioned: Magnus Carlsen’s recent Poker Tournament 50:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. If you choose to subscribe to Aimchess, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 52:00- What advice would Ali give to talented young chess players? Mentioned: Episode 271 with GM Hans Niemann 57:00- Does Ali think the chess boom will last? 1:01:01- How many chess books has Ali read? Mentioned: The Encyclopedia of Chess Combinations 1:04:00- Thanks to IM Ali Mortazavi for sharing his chess story. You can keep up with him and reach him via Twitter. https://twitter.com/AAMortazavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Perpetual Chess Adult Improver Series is back, but this time with a twist. We feature a senior guest who is “more interested in sustainment than improvement”, and we have a guest co-host joining the conversation! Our guest, Paul Hedrick is a 56 year old literature and history teacher based in New Mexico. Paul enjoys listening to Perpetual Chess, but felt that older, less improvement focused chess lovers like himself were underrepresented on the podcast. To help guide the conversation, I enlisted the help of Han Schut. Han is a Chess Steps trainer, a Chessable Author and a frequent contributor to New in Chess magazine. The three of us try to sort out questions such as: Why does Paul study chess daily if his goal is not to improve? How can one know if they should shift their goals from “Adult Improver” to “Senior Sustainer?” How should one supplement the curriculum of the Chess Steps method? Both Paul and Han offered great perspectives on the different roles chess study can play in one's life, so I hope you all enjoy the conversation as I did. More details below. 0:00- Interested in appearing or suggesting an adult Improver guest for Perpetual Chess? Please use this form so that I can potentially refer back to it later : Potential Adult Improver Guest Han Schut’s Prior Appearance- (Episode 142, 2019) Book Review #25- Review and Discussion of the Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games 06:00- Why did Paul volunteer to come on the show? Mentioned: Episode 272- Positional Puzzle Book Championship with Neal Bruce 11:00- What is Paul’s “why” for playing chess? 19:00- Paul discusses his chess routine Mentioned: Second Piatgorsky Cup 1966, Ken Smith, 30:00- Patreon mailbag question- Was there a moment where Paul decided to switch from “improver” to “sustainer” mode? 33:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. If you choose to subscribe to Aimchess, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 35:00- Patreon mailbag question How can one decide whether to focus on improvement or sustainment? 40:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Paul prioritize studying things he sounds fun? 42:30- Patreon mailbag question: Does Paul think his study is helping him avoid blunders? 43:30- Han’s advice for mitigating blunders. 46:30- Han describes the Chess Steps method, which you can order here. 47:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com, check out what is new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 48:00- Patreon mailbag question: In the current chess climate, does one need to get better just to keep the same rating? 51:30- The Chess dot bomb sponsored segment is brought to you by Chess.com! Paul and I discuss the Chess.com Explorer feature, which allows you to learn openings, study master games, your own archive, and to add them to a personal library. If you decide to upgrade to a premium membership at Chess.com, you can help support the pod by signing up using this link (https://go.chess.com/Perpetual). 54:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Han think there will be greater adoption of the Steps Method in the US? Mentioned: Episode 167 with IM Jop Delemarre, IM Cor van Wijgerden 1:01:00- Patreon mailbag question: Question for Han: What makes a good compliment to the Chess Steps series? Mentioned: Lichess Database, Chess Structures by GM Mauricio Flores Rios, Lichess 4545 League 1:14:00- Thanks so much to Paul for joining us! And thanks to Han Schut for guest co-hosting and sharing his expertise! Here is the link for Han’s scheduled live Chess Steps presentation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D7gfDpEiDks Saturday April 16 at 2 pm EST Link to Dubov’s Explosive Italian: https://www.chessable.com/dubovs-explosive-italian/course/80152/ If you would like to join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community you can do so here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am joined this week by renowned trainer, author, and 2006 Swedish National Champion, GM Johan Hellsten. Johan is best known for his excellent book/Chessable course Mastering Chess Strategy, and its successors Mastering Opening Strategy, and Mastering Endgame Strategy. These courses are highly regarded by chess trainers and students alike, and are packed with educational puzzles. In our conversation, we got into the origins of these voluminous projects, plus Johan answered a ton of chess improvement related questions from listeners to the podcast. Lastly, Johan told some fun stories from his time playing on the Swedish Olympiad Team, and shared the names of some authors that were formative in his own chess development. Please read on for timestamps and relevant links. 0:00- How was Johan influenced by the work of legendary trainer, IM Mark Dvoretsky? Mentioned:Sergey Dolmatov, GM Artur Yusupov, 64 Chess Magazine 08:25- What was the vision behind Mastering Chess Strategy and Johan’s Mastering series? 15:00- What are some books one could do that aren’t as challenging as Johan’s fantastic books? Mentioned: Simple Chess by Michael Stean, Winning Chess Strategies by Yasser Seirawan (also on Chessable) , Silman’s Reassess Your Chess Workbook Episode 272- “Positional Puzzle Book Championship” with Neal Bruce Shane Taulbut, chess books, GM Arthur Yusupov, IM Mark Dvoretsky, GM Yasser Seirawan, John Nunn’s Understanding Chess Move by Move 18:45- How does Johan find so many instructive positions? Mentioned: Follow Chess App, Chessbomb, Chess24.com, Mark Crowther’s The Week in Chess 29:00- Patreon mailbag question from Neal Bruce! Should players at different rating levels approach Johan’s books differently? 39:00- Patreon mailbag question: In what order should one read Johan’s courses/books? Mentioned: Chess for Educators by Karel van Delft 45:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. In addition to GM Johan Hellsten’s series, one can find tons of courses on all phases of the chess game, check out what is new here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 46:00- If you don’t have a coach what is the best way to identify your weaknesses that are holding you back? Mentioned: GM Stellan Brynell 1:00:00- Johan discusses how club players can choose openings based on their styles. 1:06:00- What are Johan’s favorite game collection books? Do we need to study their books or just play through a great players games on a computer? Mentioned: GM Mickey Adams, GM Viswanthan Anand, GM Mark Taimanov, GM Svetozar Gligoric, GM Bent Larsen, GM Mikhail Botvinnik, GM Bobby Fischer 1:14:00- Patreon mailbag question: What are the chess cultures like in Sweden and Ecaudor? (Where Johan lives) Mentioned: GM Stellan Brynell, GM Johnny Hector, GM Jan Timman, GM Julio Granda Zuniga, IM Greg Shahade, GM Johan Hellsten’s YouTube Lectures, GM Wesley So 1:22:00- Patreon mailbag question: How was Johan influenced by legendary Swedish player Ulf Andersson? Mentioned: GM Viktor Korchnoi, GM David Anton, Hellsten-GM Viktor Kupreichik (1996), GM Andrey Kovalev, Hellsten-Kovalev 1996 1:35:00- Thanks so much to GM Hellsten for sharing his wisdom and stories! You can reach him and check out his Chess.com Series here https://www.chess.com/member/jhellsten And be sure to get his Chessable courses here: https://www.chessable.com/author/jhellsten2/ You can find the same material in book form, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Popular guest and dedicated improver Neal Bruce is back on Perpetual Chess to break down the most useful “Positional Chess Puzzle” Books for club players. For those who have not heard Neal’s prior appearances, he is a dad and an executive at a software startup who devotes a lot of his free time to improving his chess game, often via flash cards made from chess books. Neal is amidst a 10 year study plan and has recently completed a phase during which he went through 8 positional puzzle books. In our interview, Neal discusses why he thinks this was an important step for his chess development and assesses the books he read. He ranks them in order, assesses their pros and cons, and their usefulness for different rating levels. At the end of Neal’s book breakdown we catch up with Neal a bit and discuss what is next in his 10 year chess study plan. Links for all of the books referenced, as well as timestamps are below. Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition by IM Arthur van de Oudeweetering How to Reassess Your Chess 4th Edition by IM Jeremy Silman Mastering Chess Strategy by GM Johan Hellsten (also available on Chessable) Mastering Positional Sacrifices by IM Merijn van Delft The Positional Chess Handbook by FM Israel Gelfer Practical Chess Exercises by Ray Cheng IM Jeremy Silman’s Reassess Your Chess Workbook Techniques of Positional Play by Valeri Bronznik and IM Anatoli Terekhin . Prior appearances by Neal: “Pawn Book Championship” Episode 241 Book Recap #11- Taking Winning Chess Strategies with Neal Bruce Book Recap #6- Woodpecker Method and Rapid Chess Improvement with Neal Bruce 0:00- We begin by catching listeners up on Neal’s background and discussing why Neal decided to study 8 “positional puzzle” books. 5:00- How has this intense study of positional chess impacted Neal’s chess game? 14:00- What books might be good precursors to the books that Neal discusses? Mentioned: Simple Chess by GM Michael Stean, The Power of Pawns 16:00- Neal discusses two books that didn’t make the list: Winning Chess Strategy for Kids by Jeff Coakley, Beyond Material by GM Davorin Kuljasevic 20:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com.. To check out their latest offerings, please go here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 21:30- Neal ranks the 8 books he reviewed! The first 4 books are: IM Jeremy Silman’s Reassess Your Chess Workbook (Read Dr. Patzer’s review here) The Positional Chess Handbook by FM Israel Gelfer How to Reassess Your Chess 4th Edition by IM Jeremy Silman (Discussed in Book Recap #2) Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition by IM Arthur van de Oudeweetering 37:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 38:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 39:30- The final 4! Techniques of Positional Play by Valeri Bronznik and IM Anatoli Terekhin . Read Sam Copeland’s Review of Techniques of Positional Play Mastering Positional Sacrifices by IM Merijn van Delft Check out IM Andras Toth’s review of Neal Mona List here Practical Chess Exercises by Ray Cheng Mastering Chess Strategy by GM Johan Hellsten (also available on Chessable) 1:04:00- What are Neal’s OTB tournament plans? What books will he read next? 1:08:00- Thanks as always to Neal for dedicating so much time to sharing his chess knowledge! The best way to reach and keep up with him is via Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chess Books Recaptured returns to discuss an excellent game compilation book, The Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games by GM John Nunn, GM John Emms, GM Michael Adams, and GM Wesley So. Joining me to discuss the book are cognitive scientist and USCF Master, Dr. Christopher Chabris, and a co-author and editor of the book, FM Graham Burgess. We discuss questions such as “What defines a great chess game?” “How are the best games chosen in this book?” “Why aren't any wins by Nakamura or Aronian in the book?” “What other books attempt to cover the best chess games in history?” It is a fascinating project, and the book is excellent, with an amazing compilation of historic games with instructive, succinct prose and high-level analysis. You can find lots more details, timestamps, links below.. Prior appearances by Dr. Christopher Chabris: Episode 95 with Christopher Chabris Episode 187 with Christopher Chabris Book Recap #4: Think Like a Grandmaster by Kotov Book Recap #15: Secrets of Practical Chess and Attack the Strongpoint Gambit apps on which you can purchase Mammoth for Apple and Google 0:00- Why did Christopher Chabris choose this book to discuss? What is the structure of the book? 13:00- What other game compilations are comparable? Mentioned: Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors, Logical Chess Move by Move, The Most Instructive Games of All Time, The Golden Dozen, Understanding Chess Move by Move,100 Best Games of the 20th Century 20:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 21:15- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 22:00- We are joined by the co-author and overseer of The Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games, FM Graham Burgess 35:00- How did GM Wesley So and GM Michael Adams get involved in the project? 43:00- Graham shares some details on the game selection process. Mentioned: Kramnik-Kasparov 2000 48:00- Did the authors think of using engines to judge the “quality” of the games? Mentioned: Krogius-Stein, Kasparov-Karpov Game 24, 1985 58:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Their new and upcoming courses include GM Simon Williams updating The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal, and GM Hans Niemann course on Jobava London. 59:00- We return to discuss some highlights of the book. Mentioned: Gufeld’s Mona Lisa, The Seven Deadly Chess Sins, Boguljubow-Alekhine 1922 1:13:00- Which legendary player is featured the most in the book? Mentioned: Alekhine’s Gun , Aronian Anand, Rotlewi-Rubinstein, Anand-Adams 1:23:00- Should they have more engine games? 1:26:00- Patreon mailbag question- “What are Dr. Chabris’ recommendations for aging chess players aka “senior sustainers”? Mentioned: GM Larry Kaufman, Cognitive Chess 1:31:00- Patreon mailbag question- “Is there a Mozart effect in chess?” If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Ben Johnson is creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 year old GM Hans Niemann is a rising star in the chess world. He has rapidly risen from U.S. scholastic champion to one of the top 100 players in the world! His ascent has been particularly steep since January 2021, as he has gained over 150 rating points in 15 months! Hans joined me shortly after a tournament in St. Louis to assess his recent progress and to talk about his upcoming plans. Hans has a loyal Twitch following, and is at an age when many start university, but he has chosen to devote all of his energy to chess, and is spending 10-12 hours per day studying, with a goal of playing 150 tournament games per year. Hans has also recently completed a Chessable course on the Jobava London, and as this podcast is being released, he is competing in a Champions Chess Tour event. We covered a lot of ground in our interview, and it was fascinating to hear about the training regimen and lifestyle of one of America’s top young chess players. Please read on for more details and relevant links. . 0:00- Who has Hans run into while staying in St. Louis? Mentioned: GM Fabiano Caruana, GM Leinier Dominguez, GM Levon Aronian 04:30-How on earth did Hans go from 2480 FIDE to 2640 FIDE in 14 months? Mentioned: Cover Stories with Chess Life Episode 35 09:00- What is a typical day like for Hans? Mentioned : 2022 Airthings Masters, 2022 Spring Chess Classic 15:30- Patreon mailbag question : “What might Hans need to do differently to get to 2700 FIDE?” 21:00- Hans set aside a successful Twitch stream and the possibility of attending a good university to pursue chess. Does he ever think about the risks involved with this choice? 24:00-What Hans learned from his coaches. Mentioned: IM John Grefe, GM Walter Browne, GM Maxim Dlugy 29:00- Does Hans consciously work on his blitz game? Mentioned: Episode 191 with GM Daniel Naroditsky 30:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Hans think one should hire a coach?” 32:45- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Their new and upcoming courses include GM Simon Williams updating The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal, and GM Hans Niemann course on Jobava London. 33:00- Hans discusses his busy upcoming tournament schedule 36:00- Does Hans do any traveling or socializing in between tournaments? 39:00- Hans on Bobby Fischer 45:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 46:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 47:00- Dubai World Championship Trip Report Mentioned: Antipov-Niemann 2022 58:00- Has Hans considered a less intense approach to chess study? Mentioned: Jeen-yuhs on Netflix 1:02:00- Hans discusses his upcoming Chessable course on The Jobava London and how he thinks about the tradeoffs involved in devoting time to making a course. 1:04:00- What books or chess resources does Hans recommend? What are his other chess improvement recommendations? Mentioned: Capablanca’s Hundred Best Games of Chess, Grandmaster Preparation- Positional Play 1:06:00- Hans discusses his interactions with some top players. Mentioned: GM Magnus Carlsen, GM Richard Rapport, GM Anish Giri 1:10:00- Hans shares his thoughts on young phenom, GM Alireza Firouzja. Info on the Firouzja/Tata Steel Controversy Hans references is here. 1:16:00- Did being a top youth cyclist help Hans’ chess? 1:18:00- Hans shares some more details on his Chessable course on The Jobava London. 1:20:00- Thanks to Hans for joining the show! Here are the best ways to keep up with him: Twitter- https://twitter.com/hansmokeniemann?lang=en Twitch- https://www.twitch.tv/gmhansn If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cody Smith is a 31 year old Alabama- Twitch streamer, and chess instructor. Cody started serious chess at age 24 and has seen a slow and steady climb over the years to a Lichess blitz rating of about 2050 and about 2150 Rapid. Cody is self-taught, using free online resources and has barely ever cracked a chess book! He recently has tried out OTB tournaments, and offers lots of useful reflections and advice for anyone interested in making a similar transition. Cody also offers lots of tips about how to get the most out of game review, and shares his approach to studying openings, tactics, and many other phases of the game. Please read on for many more details, timestamps, and any relevant links. Check out the rest of the Adult Improver series here Or on this Spotify Playlist 0:00- Are you interested in appearing on Perpetual Chess as an adult Improver? Please fill out this form so that I can keep it for future reference: Potential Adult Improver Guest 02:00- Cody’s chess beginnings Mentioned: GM Simon Williams YouTube, IM John Bartholomew’s Climbing the Rating Ladder, NM ChessNetwork’s Beginner to Chess Master, GM Ben Finegold, IM Levy Rozman, GM Daniel Naroditsky’s Speed Run 09:00- Why didn’t Cody play much speed chess in his early chess days? 12:00- Cody discusses his approach to engine game review. 21:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 24:30- Has Cody hit any major rating plateaus? 26:00- How many hours a day does Cody spend on his chess? 28:00- Cody has recently begun playing an OTB live league in Alabama. What can he share about that experience? Was he nervous? 40:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here. New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 41:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Cody’s approach to learning from videos?” 45:00- What is Cody’s approach to learning about openings? Mentioned: My blog can be read on Chess.com or LiChess 50:00- Chesskid offers a safe environment for kids to learn chess, and provides opportunities to play against other kids and bots, watch instructive videos and lessons, do puzzles, and join clubs where coaches can run tournaments. You can receive a discount when you sign up or upgrade your child or students to a gold membership by using this link: https://www.chesskid.com/membership/promo/perpetual CHESSKID CONTEST INSTRUCTIONS- Play the Anand bot here, he’s the avatar on the bottom right If you win, draw, or last at least 40 moves, email the game or your Chesskid screenname to [email protected] (with subject line Perpetual Chess) The first 3 winners receive a free 1 yr gold membership both for themselves and 1 kid 54:30- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Cody think about the issue of Twitch streamers and their followers potentially forming ‘parasocial relationships.’ ” Mentioned: GM Ben Finegold 1:01:00- What is Cody’s advice for getting into Twitch streaming? 1:05:00- Cody has also gotten into scrabble, shogi, and go, how does learning these games compare to chess? Mentioned: Episode 263 with Oliver Roeder, GM Mathew Sadler, GM Peter Heine Nielsen 1:11:00- Thanks so much to Cody for sharing his tips and his story. Follow CLSmith15 on his Twitch channel here. Follow him on Twitter here. If you would like to help to support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest today is Jen Shahade. Jen, is a champion chess and poker player, an author, an award winning podcaster and the Woman’s Program Director at US Chess. It was the perfect time to catch up with Jen, as she has just released her new book, Chess Queens. Chess Queen’s is an insightful, entertaining and introspective look at key figures in the history of Women’s Chess, and a reflection on Jen’s own chess journey to the pinnacle of American chess. It is an updated and expanded version of Jen’s first book, Chess Bitch. In our interview, we dig into the process of updating and rewriting a book, and then Jen shares a few of the amazing life stories covered in the book. Jen also discusses her own upcoming projects, chess in the Queen’s Gambit age, and dispenses some chess and life improvement advice. There is always lots to learn from Jen! Lots more details and relevant links are in the show description. Jen’s Prior Appearances on the Pod: Episode 50 with Jen Shahade Book Recap #7 discussing Judit Polgar’s How I Beat Fischer’s Record with Jen Shahade 0:00- Jen discusses how her new book came into being. Mentioned: GM David Howell match against GM Nils Grandelius, GM Simon Williams, Silman-James Publishing, GM Judit Polgar, GM Hou Yifan, Vera Menchik, Lisa Lane, Diana Lanni, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, Kieie Laymon 15:45- What was the experience like of doing an audio book? Mentioned: Anya Taylor Joy 17:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here. New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 18:30- Jen tells the crazy story of the time a coin flip decided who gets to play for the Women’s World Championship. Mentioned: GM Susan Polgar, WGM Nona Ioseliani 26:30- Why is chess so much more popular with women in some countries than others? Mentioned: Ladies Knight with Martha Fierro, Nadya Ortiz 30:00- Jen discusses some her favorite figures mentioned in the book including some successful chess champions who became politicians and Sonya Graf. Mentioned: Antoaneta Stefanova, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Vera Menchik 35:00- Patreon mailbag question: Why does Jen think many girls quit chess in their teenage years? Mentioned: Rachel Crotto 40:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 41:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 42:00- Patreon mailbag question:When will a book about women in poker similar to Chess Queens be written? Mentioned: Poker Power, The Biggest Bluff 45:00- Patreon mailbag question: How can chess players apply poker strategies to chess? Has Jen done so herself? Mentioned: GM Danil Dubov, GM Fabiano Caruana, EP 265 with GM Simon Williams, How to Chess Episode 10 With FM Nate Solon , Zwischenzug Substack 52:00- Patreon mailbag question: Will there be ways to get signed copies of Chess Queens? Mentioned: Dr. Alexey Root, Facebook Chess Book Collector’s Group 57:00- Patreon mailbag question: Has Jen read Robert B. Tanner’s book about Vera Menchik ? 59:00- What is Jen’s next book, Reset, about? 1:01- What skills is Jen looking to develop right now? Any chess improvement tips? Mentioned: Daniel Kahneman, GM Jesse Kraai, GM Noel Studer 1:07:00- What can men do to help ensure a welcoming environment for female chess players? 1:08:00- Thanks so much to Jen for coming on the pod. Here are links to keep up with her. Twitter Instagram Chess Queens Website If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Perpetual Chess I am joined by co-authors of a great new book, Winning the World Open, by GM Joel Benjamin and Harold Scott. Joel Benjamin is a 6 time World Open Champion, 3 time US Champion, 2020 US Senior Champion, an Author, a Trainer and a Dad. He has been amongst the top 50 players in the world and battled with many chess legends over the years, as we discussed in our prior interview in 2018. His co-author is FIDE certified trainer, tournament director and USCF expert, Harold Scott. Their book is part historical retrospective, part chess instruction and has lots of fun stories and tons of instructive high stakes games. We discuss the history of the largest open tournament in America and tell some amusing stories involving cheating, alcohol, and, of course, chess. Please read on for more details and timestamps. 0:00- Ukraine related links: Photo of GM Alexandr Sulypa here US Chess/Kasparov Chess Support for Ukrainian Chess Players Initiative here Here are many other ways to support Ukrainians directly, via GothamChess’ Twitter: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ 03:00- Brenda Goichberg who was CCA founder Bill Goichberg’s wife, and a key contributor to the World Open, among many other things, passed away recently. Harold shares a few details about her personality. 07:30- How did this book come into being? 09:30- The World Open was founded in 1973. What were the early days of the World Open like? Mentioned: GM Bent Larsen 14:00- GM Joel Benjamin has won the World Open more times than anyone else? What are his most memorable moments? Who were the most impressive competitors? Mentioned: GM Alex Yermolinksy, GM Alex Shabalov, GM Alex Goldin 24:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 25:30- What are the most memorable cheating scandals at the World Open? Mentioned: GM Alexander Shabalov, GM Nukhim Rashkovsky, GM Igor Glek, “John von Neumann vs. Daniel Shapiro 39:00- Any memorable stories involving alcohol at the World Open? Mentioned: GM David Norwood 42:00- Any tips for playing under pressure and/or in large stakes games? Mentioned: GM Ilya Nyznhik 47:00- GM Eduard Gufeld was notoriously irascible. What memorable stories can Joel and Harold share about his behavior? Mentioned: Gufeld’s “Mona Lisa” vs. Bagirov 1973, FM Sunil Weerumantry, Weerumantry-Gufeld 1996, Benjamin-Gufeld 1998, GM John Fedorowicz 55:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com 55:30- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Will Joel sell his stockpile of Chess Chow magazine?” 58:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Does Joel have any tips for converting advantages?” Mentioned: Better Thinking, Better Chess, GM Ilya Smirin 1:01:00- Do the authors have some general tournament advice to share? 1:06:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “Any chance the authors would write a book about the famed US Amateur Team tournaments?” Mentioned: Facebook Chess Book Collectors Group 1:11:00- SIGNED BOOK CONTEST INSTRUCTIONS- Write a review or simply give 5 stars on Spotify to Perpetual Chess Take a screenshot Email the screenshot to Ben at perpetualchesspod.com with the subject line “Contest” That’s it! Winners will be announced via email on March 15, 2022. 1:12:00 Thanks to Joel and Harold for joining the show! Here is where to get their books: Amazon Ebook via New in Chess App Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chess Books Recaptured returns to discuss a relatively recent book that is quickly being recognized as a modern classic, GM Jan Markos’ Under the Surface. Jan’s book is a philosophical look at the beauty of chess, as demonstrated by many original concepts and chess metaphors. The chess examples are intermediate to advanced levels, but the book contains lessons that are applicable to all players. I am joined by 2 guest co-hosts this month, both of whom are also chess bibliophiles and particular fans of this book. NM Gopal Menon is a Chicago-based chess trainer, and a blitz and opening specialist with a peak online blitz rating over 2900. Matt Fletcher is a UK based actuary, dad, and strong club player who frequently competes OTB in his local chess leagues. It was tons of fun to discuss an amazing book with two fellow hardcore chess fans! As always, more details, timestamps and relevant links can be found below. 0:00- Why do we love this book? Mentioned: Gopal Menon’s post of his favorite chess books, Seven Deadly Chess Sins by GM Jonathan Rowson, Episode 239 with GM Jan Markos, Available on Forward Chess, The Secret Ingredient by GM Jan Markos and GM David Navara 12:15- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com 13:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 14:30- We select our favorite aspects of the book. Mentioned: Correspondence GM Tansel Turgut, Imagination in Chess, Pump Up Your Rating by GM Axel Smith 37:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 38:00- We discuss more of our favorite segments, including the author’s unique insights about openings and another favorite metaphor from the book. Mentioned: The London System, Stonewall Dutch, Follow Gopal’s Lichess blog here, GM Alex Shabalov. Check out the Stockfish Leela Zero game Matt mentioned here 52:00- We summarize GM Markos’ chess improvement advice and catch up a bit on Gopal’s book project and Matt’s chess. 57:00- Coming next month! Neal Bruce returns to the podcast to compare 8 different chess strategy puzzle books, and Chrisopher Chabris will join me to discuss the book The Mammoth Book of Chess. 58:00- Thanks to Gopal and Matt for joining me to discuss this great book, here are the links to keep up with them: Matt’s Twitter Gopal’s Twitter Gopal’s Lichess Blog If you are looking for chess instruction in Chicago, check out Gopal’s organization, Dynamic Chess: https://dynamicchessinc.com/ Dynamic Chess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NM Nelson Lopez is a USCF Master and former scholastic champion whose “ChessVibes” YouTube channel has grown from 0 to 100,000 subscribers in less than 2 years! In our conversation we postulate reasons for the channel’s rapid growth, and Nelson shares both chess improvement and content creation advice for listeners. Nelson also tells his own “chess story.” Chess played a major part of his teenage years, as his success helped him earn a chess scholarship to University of Texas at Dallas. After college, Nelson spent some years away from the game. He is a husband and dad of 2 young kids and in the wake of his success, he recently quit his job in software development to focus on his chess content full time. Nelson is also competing OTB again, and reflects on how that world has changed while he was away. Nelson has a great story to share, and I really enjoyed speaking with him. Please read on for more details, timestamps and relevant links. 0:00- Nelson retells the modest beginnings of his YouTube channel and walks us through its rapid growth. 13:45- Patreon mailbag question- One of Nelson’s most popular videos is about what he calls “the 1% rule”- “What should one do when one is accumulating chess knowledge, but not improving their chess skills?” Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear, Skip the Line by James Altucher 21:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess collects and analyzes your games and gives you actionable tips based on the data it gathers. Check the site out, and if you choose to subscribe, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 21:45- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 22:30- Nelson recently played his first OTB tournament in 8 years. What lessons did he learn? Mentioned: Game Recap: They Changed the Rules, Episode 262 with IM Kostya Kavutskiy 34:00- What is Nelson’s advice for limiting OTB mistakes? 35:00- How is Nelson studying chess? 39:00- Does Nelson watch much chess YouTube? How long does it take him to create a video? Mentioned: Nelson’s most popular video: 35 Vital Chess Principles 46:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out all of their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 47:00- Nelson’s scholastic highlight was winning the prestigious Denker tournament of State High School Champions. What does he remember about that victory? 52:00- Does Nelson have any favorite chess books? Mentioned: Winning Chess Endings, Fundamental Chess Openings 55:00- Nelson’s 3 tips for chess content creators. 57:00- Nelson’s 3 chess improvement tips 56:00- Thanks to Nelson for joining the show! Subscribe to his YouTube channel here. Subscribe to his Patreon here. Check out his courses here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s Adult Improver Edition of Perpetual Chess features NM Jeremy Kane: Blitz specialist, USCF Master, Curriculum Director for Chess.com, and the author of the new book, The Next to Last Mistake. Jeremy gained nearly 200 points in his 20s, and has a peak USCF rating of 2389. Because he is the dad of two young kids, Jeremy has recently turned his attention to online blitz. Jeremy shares some great tips for how to adapt your game to faster online play. Jeremy’s chess.com blitz rating is usually around 2700, so clearly he has some expertise on this subject. Jeremy is also a chess bibliophile, and a former scholastic teacher, so he is full of good chess- improvement advice and recommendations for chess players of all ages and experience levels. As always, relevant links and timestamps can be found below. 0:00- To Keep up with Ben’s blog: Follow me Chess.com Follow me on LiChess 03:00- For those rated under 1500 online, what is the best way to spend one’s chess improvement time? Mentioned: Adult Improver Episode 241 with FM Peter Giannatos, GM David Smerdon’s The Complete Chess Swindler 09:00- How did Jeremy ascend from 2200 to 2390 USCF in his 20s? Mentioned: Silver Knights Chess Academy 14:00- A few of Jeremy’s favorite game-collection books. Mentioned: My Great Predecessor’s, Seven Deadly Chess Sins, Chess for Zebras, Young Sam Sevian vs. Greg Shahade video, The Road to Chess Improvement 22:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Better Help. You can see some online reviews here, and if you sign up, use this link to save 10%: https://www.betterhelp.com/chess 22:45- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out all of their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 23:30- How has Jeremy adapted his game to online play, and blitz in particular? Mentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy’s Video on the Tromp Wall 29:00- For what rating level is blitz a useful training tool? (plus more blitz tips) Mentioned: GM Daniel Naroditsky Article The Blitz Manifesto 34:30- Aimchess has a brand new feature called Aimchess recap! It summarizes your year in chess a la Spotify wrapped. If you subscribe to Aimchess, be sure to use code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Check it out here: https://www.aimchess.com/recap 35:30- Patreon mailbag question: “As a dad, has it become difficult to stay motivated for chess?” 38:30- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Jeremy’s advice for a fellow dad who is working on chess while tired?” Mentioned: Gotham Chess YouTube, Kostya Kavutskiy YouTube 43:00- The Chess dot bomb sponsored segment is brought to you by Chess.com! Jeremy and I discuss the Lessons feature which contains interactive instruction for players of all levels. Here are a few of Jeremy’s favorites: GM Eugene Perelshteyn’s “Every Gambit Refuted” - GM Fabiano Caruana’s “Road to the World Championship” GM Shak Mamedyarov’s Games vs. World Champions IM Kostya Kavutskiy’s - “How to be Materialistic in Chess” If you decide to upgrade to a premium membership at Chess.com, you can help support the pod by signing up using this link (https://go.chess.com/Perpetual). 46:30- Patreon mailbag question: “Why are the Chess.com Puzzle ratings sometimes so high?” 48:30- Patreon mailbag question: “What are some tips for teaching chess to kids?” Mentioned: https://www.chesskid.com/classroom-planner, Chesskid Curriculm PDF- Chess Steps books 55:30- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Jeremy agree with the advice that one shouldn’t resign?” Mentioned: Episode 48 with Jonathan Corbblah 59:30- How does Jeremy recommend budgeting study time? 1:00:30- Thanks to Jeremy for joining the show. Here is how you can keep up with him: Jeremy’s book is called The Next to Last Mistake , edited by Ali Thompson. You can follow Jeremy on Twitter here You can email Jeremy at Jeremy at chess dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM SImon William, aka “The Ginger GM” is an entertaining and popular commentator, YouTube Creator, Twitch streamer, and, of course, prolific Chessable course creator (often collaborating with IM Richard Palisser). Simon also recently launched a chess platform, called GChess, which allows you to store and analyze your games and to work on openings using many popular chess resources. It had been 5 years since I had done a long-form interview with SImon, so it was great to catch up with him on the topics of his OTB plans, current opening trends, the British chess scene, his latest Chessable course, and, of course, many amusing anecdotes from Simon’s decades around top-level chess. Please read on for lots more details, timestamps, and links. Prior Interviews with GM Simon Williams: Perpetual Chess Episode 5 with GM Simon Williams How to Chess 06- How to Know When to Attack with GM Simon Williams 0:00- Simon will be playing in the Reykjavik Open in April. Why did he choose that tournament? How does he prepare for it? 07:00- What was Simon’s approach to earning the GM title? Mentioned: Episode 228 with GM Ben FInegold, Episode 217- “IM to GM” Special 14:00- As an up and coming player, what was Simon’s approach to chess improvement? 17:00- Patreon mailbag question: ” How did Simon pick the Classical Dutch and the Iron English as staples of his repertoire?” 21:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Who is Simon’s favorite player ever?” 22:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Favorite tournament venue?” Mentioned: British Chess Championships, Hastings 24:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out all of their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com 25:00- How did the idea come to be for Simon and IM Richard Palliser’s course on the British Grand Prix Attack? What else is Simon working on? 32:00- What did Simon learn about openings from chatting with Super GM Daniil Dubov? What did Simon think of the opening choices in the World Championship? 36:00- What strikes Simon about the chess talent of GM Luke McShane? Mentioned: McShane-Cheparinov 2009, GM Michael Adams 40:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How does Simon see the state of British chess?” Mentioned: GM Ravi Haria, IM Marcus Harvey 45:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What was it like to visit the Mindsports center in London, and to drink a flaming sambuco with Alexandra Botez?” 47:00- Aimchess has a brand new feature called Aimchess recap! It summarizes your year in chess a la Spotify wrapped. Check it out here: https://www.aimchess.com/recap 48:00- Patreon mailbag question: Simon has launched the website Gchess.com recently. A patreon supporter asks, “What is the vision for this chess site?” 55:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Any chance Gchess could link to books that mention specific positions?” 59:00- Patreon mailbag question: ‘What are Simon’s thoughts on the Elephant Gambit and the Papa-Ticulat Gambit?” Mentioned: Howell-Williams 2007, Episode 176 with GM David Howell 1:04:00- Any Magnus stories? Mentioned: The Hillbilly Attack 1:08:00- Simon is a small investor in The Good Knight Pub in Oslo. How did that come up? If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Ben Johnson is creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I am joined by the founder of the Berkeley Chess School (BCS), Elizabeth Shaughnessy. The Berkeley Chess School is a California based non-profit that has taught chess to approximately 250,000 kids over the decades and has taught future grandmasters like Sam Shankland, and Hans Niemann. At 84 years of age, Elizabeth is still razor sharp and competing regularly in tournament chess! We talked about how chess and life have evolved since she founded BCS in 1981, with a particular emphasis on the Queen’s Gambit and whether she thinks the show can help grow interest in chess among women. Elizabeth has so much wisdom to share from a lifetime as a chess competitor, teacher, organizer and mom, it was great to get to chat with her. Please read on for more details and timestamps. 0:00- How does chess help kids? Mentioned: Growth from Failure Interview with Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Cyrus/Asbergers 5:30- How did the Berkeley Chess School begin back in 1981? How has it grown over the years? 12:30- BCS has taught future GMs Sam Shankland, Hans Niemann and Christopher Yoo among other future chess stars. Did they intentionally try to cultivate champion players? 19:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com 20:00- What is Elizabeth’s impression of The Queen’s Gambit? Has Elizabeth subsequently seen an increased interest in chess from women? Mentioned: Queen of Katwe, The Polgar Sisters, Jen Shahade’s FAQ page 45:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com! If you subscribe, be sure to use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Check out their yearly recap here: https://www.aimchess.com/recap 46:30- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What is Elizabeth’s favorite opening to teach to kids? 50:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What experience has Elizabeth had with using chess as a tool to stave off dementia?” Mentioned: Episode 145 with WIM Beatriz Marinello 52:30- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What is the state of the BCS building renovation? How does the club foster a welcoming environment?” 1:01:00- What advice would Elizabeth give to anyone thinking of starting a chess club or academy? Mentioned: Episode 201 with FM Peter Giannatos 1:07:00- What role did legendary IM George Koltanowski play in founding the BCS? 1:13:00- Thanks so much to Elizabeth for joining the podcast. You can support the Berkeley Chess School here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chess Books Recaptured is back to discuss one of my favorite chess books ever, Mikhail Shereshevsky’s Endgame Strategy. Unlike a technical manual, this book simply shows some of the greatest endgame conversions of all time, and pulls together themes from the play, such as “do not hurry,” and “the principal of two weaknesses.” It is an intermediate to advanced book, best suited to those rated over 1600 USCF/FIDE. Joining me to guest co-host is my fellow chess podcaster, Dr. Kevin Scull. Kevin is an avid chess enthusiast who returned to the game in recent years. He has been working through Endgame Strategy in recent months and believes it has “transformed his game." Please tune in to the pod to find out why, as well as to the usual historical context, favorite chapters and lessons, and more. Please read on for more details and timestamps. 0:00- We dive right into Kevin’s history with the book, and discuss what chess experience level is best suited to this book. Mentioned: Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, Capablanca’s Best Chess Endings, 100 Endgames You Must Know 9:00- What is the “principle of two weaknesses?” 15:00- We discuss another key precept of the book- “do not hurry.” 18:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com! If you subscribe, be sure to use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Check out their yearly recap here: https://www.aimchess.com/recap 19:00- We share a bit about Mikhail Shereshevsky’s bio, the background of the book and its few minor flaws. Mentioned: Lots of discussion of Endgame Strategy on The Facebook Chess Book Collectors Group 32:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com 34:00- What are our favorite parts of the book? Least favorites? Mentioned: GM Fabiano Caruana, GM Magnus Carlsen, Episode 195 with GM Keith Arkell, Fred Wilson Books, GM Edmar Mednis Endgame Books here, Timeless Techniques by GM Sahaj Grover and FM Daniel Barrish, Small Steps to Giant Improvement, Smyslov-Aronin 1951, Episode 261, “Master to IM” 58:00- Thanks so much to Kevin for helping out this month. As an honorarium I will make a donation to the Berkeley Chess School. Mentioned: Under the Surface, Episode 239 with GM Jan Markos Be sure to subscribe to Chess Journeys on your favored podcast app. Chess Journeys Episode 28 with Neal Bruce. Follow Kevin on Twitch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oliver Roeder is an author, and a former senior writer for FiveThirtyEight.com who has often covered chess and other games. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Texas at Austin, with an emphasis on game theory, and studied Artifical Intelligence at Harvard University as a Niemann fellow. Today he appears with a new book, Seven Games, a Human History. It covers the history and current competitive contexts of the games Checkers, Chess, Backgammon, Go. Poker, Scrabble, and Bridge. Oliver’s book gave us an opportunity to talk about why people love games, why people love chess, and his own relationship with the game. Given Oliver’s expertise in A.I., we also discussed how it is changing all of these games. It was lots of fun to get a “big picture” view of chess’ enduring popularity from Oliver, and I highly recommend his book. Links, more details, and timestamps below! 0:00- Why do people love games, and especially chess? 5:00- We discuss Oliver’s background with the other games in the book: Go, Bridge, Checkers, Backgammon, Scrabble, and Poker 12:00- The ease of use and availability of chess learning tools have exploded. Has this been the case for the other games Oliver wrote about as well? 18:00- Does the joy of a game diminish when you get good at it? Mentioned: Word Freak by Steven Fatsis 21:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 23:00- What are the reasons that make Oliver think chess is booming? How has it sustained itself over the centuries? 30:00- What is Oliver’s own experience with chess? What does he try to convey to a non-chess audience on FivethirtyEight.com ? Mentioned: Modern Chess Openings 36:00- Did Oliver have a preferred broadcast for the FIDE World Championship? 41:00- Aimchess has a brand new feature called Aimchess recap! It summarizes your year in chess a la Spotify wrapped. Check it out here: https://www.aimchess.com/recap 43:00- How is AI affecting other games, like Go? Mentioned: Lee Sedol, Episode 196 with GM Jan Timman 51:00- Does Oliver think chess should be changed to something like Chess960 or “No Castling Chess”? 55:00- Is Oliver actively studying or working on his chess? 57:00- Will Seven Games be available on Audiobook? Mentioned: Yes, it will, here! 59:00- Are Oliver’s FivethirtyEight.com chess columns popular? Will he cover chess there in the future? 1:02:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does the question of whether or not there is “perfect information” available in a given game affect the appeal and enjoyment of the games? 1:07:00- Thanks to Oliver for joining the show! You can follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ollie?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor And you can order Seven Games from Amazon or your local book seller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Perpetual Chess welcomes back IM Kostya Kavutskiy. Kostya is a respected trainer, a founder of the ChessDojo training platform, a YouTube creator, and a Chessable author. I caught up with Kostya shortly after he returned from the North American Open, so we got the rundown on his own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the U.S. tournament landscape. Since Kostya is a popular online presenter, he received a bunch of listener questions soliciting chess improvement tips. Lastly we checked in on Kostya’s content- creation plans, and the “state of the Dojo,” as Kostya discussed visions for the teaching platform that he heads, along with GM Jesse Kraai and IM David Pruess. It is always insightful to talk chess with Kostya! Please read on for timestamps and show notes. Prior Interviews: Perpetual Chess Episode 4 with IM Kostya Kavutskiy Perpetual Chess Episode 89 with IM Kostya Kavutskiy How to Chess #20 with IM Kostya Kavutskiy 0:00- Kostya shares lessons learned from his recent tournament in the North American Open about improving game preparation and execution. You can watch video recaps of all of his rounds here. Mentioned: Continental Chess, The Secret Ingredient by GM Jan Markos, GM Andrew Tang, IM Levy Rozman 19:45- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels in all - Chessable.com 21:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What are the chances a Class A player over the age of 50 can earn the Master title?” Mentioned: IM Levy Rozman’s Tweet 30:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Where can older players find a coach?” Mentioned: Lichess coaches page, Chess.com coaches page 34:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What might the subject of Kostya’s next Chessable course be?” Mentioned: How to Chess #20 with IM Kostya Kavutskiy 37:00- What is discord? What is Chess Dojo? What is new with Chessdojo? Mentioned: IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai, 41:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Aimchess analyzes your online games and provides actionable improvement insights. Check out their updated website, and if you decide to subscribe please use the code “Perpetual30” to save 30%. 42:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How does Kostya balance his time between ChessDojo and his own chess goals?” 46:00- Patreon mailbag question “With the growth of the Dojo, what content would you like to see it offer that is currently missing?” Mentioned: Link for ChessDoJo Discord here 53:00- What chess advice does Kostya repeat the most often? 55:00- What chess books does Kostya recommend? List of his recs here, Top 4 Most Overrated Chess Books Video, Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, My System, How to Reassess Your Chess, Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual 1:05:00- Kostya’s has other interests outside of chess. We talk about them here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perpetual Chess is back with another adult improver multi-guest “special edition.” This episode is called, “Master to IM” and continues the series started in Episode 217 (IM to GM). As the title suggests, we feature Master-level players who are training and competing with the hope of earning the FIDE International Master title (IM.) Our three guests are FM Doug Eckert, NM Evan Rosenberg, and FM Dalton Perrine. Each interview is entertaining and insightful in its own way. Our guests discuss questions like, “What chess skills differentiate a Master from an IM?” and “Why are our 3 guests willing to sacrifice so much time and money to play competitive chess in order to earn this title?” And, of course, they share many details about their regimens for training and competing.. Please read on for more details and timestamps! 0:00- Intro Mentioned: Check out the new dedicated Perpetual Chess Adult Improver page here, and the Spotify Adult Improver Playlist here 4:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Aimchess analyzes your online games and provides actionable improvement insights. Check out their updated website, and if you decide to subscribe please use the code “Perpetual30” to save 30%. 5:00- FM Doug Eckert joins the show! Doug is a 57 year-old retired CPA, dad, and board member of the St. Louis Chess Club. Mentioned: GM Patrick Wolff, GM Maxim Dlugy, GM Jacob Aagaard’s Killer Chess Training, Episode 241 with FM Peter Giannatos, Charlotte Winter Invitational Results here, Reykjavik Open 2022 35:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here. 36:30- NM Evan Rosenberg joins the show! Evan is a 38 year-old lawyer, dad, and chess trainer, with a Masters in Education. Mentioned: Dojo All Stars: Evan Rosenberg, FM Sunil Weerumantry, Info for the Norm tournament that Evan and Levy Rozman will be playing in is here: http://nycchessnorms.com/players/, Evan Rosenberg-Dominique Myers 2021, How to Chess with GM Eugene Perelshteyn, Abdusattorov-Carlsen 2021 52:00- New sponsored segment! Evan and I discuss Chess.com insights, which is one of many features available with a diamond level Chess.com membership that highlights your strengths and weaknesses based on your games. It also tests you on any missed tactics. Diamond level membership also gets you full access to Chess.com’s huge video library. Whatever membership level of Chess.com you choose, you can help support the pod by signing up using this link. 1:21:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessvis.com. Chessvis is an educational chess app which helps you train your visualization skills. You can check out their website, or search for the app on Android or Iphone. 1:23:00- FM Dalton Perrine joins the show! Dalton is a 28 year- old chess trainer and the author of the Chessable course, Survive and Thrive: How to Blunder Less and Defend Better. Mentioned: Episode 8 with GM Sam Shankland, Episode 217 IM to GM Episode , How to Chess with FM Dalton Perrine, Recognizing Your Opponent’s Resources by IM Mark Dvoretsky , GM Jacob Aagaard’s Grandmaster Preparation Series and Excelling at Chess Series, Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors Series, GM Johan Hellsten’s books, Strategic Chess Exercises, Critical Moments 1:55:00- Thanks so much to our guests for joining the pod! Here are the chess.com accounts at which you can reach them: Chess.com accounts: FM Doug Eckert NM Evan Rosenberg FM Dalton Perrine Twitter: Evan Rosenberg Dalton Perrine Dalton’s Website: https://nextlevelchesscoaching.com/ Email Dalton at NextLevelChessCoaching at gmail.com Dalton's Course: Survive and Thrive: How to Blunder Less and Defend Better. If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Ben Johnson is creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perpetual Chess is back with an edition of Chess Books Recaptured, a recurring book review podcast. Today I am joined by Martin Justesen to discuss the underrated Soviet-era classic Questions of Modern Chess Theory, by Isaac Lipnitsky. Originally published in 1956 in the Soviet Union, it was not translated and published in English until Quality Chess did it in 2006. And the chess world is quite lucky that it was translated! As usual we share historical details, lessons learned from the book and a few favorite segments in our discussion. Of course we also get into some of the details of Isaac Lipnitsky’s life, as well as discussing what is new with our returning guest-co-host, Martin. Please read on for more details and timestamps. Martin's prior Adult Improver Interview: Episode 209 0:00- Why did Martin choose this book? What makes it noteworthy? Mentioned: Book Recap #18- Nimzowitsch’s My System, Endgame by Frank Brady 8:30- For what level chess player is this book most helpful? Mentioned: Logical Chess Move by Move, Winning Chess Strategies, Simple Chess 12:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Aimchess analyzes your online games and provides actionable improvement insights. Check out their updated website, and if you decide to subscribe please use the code “Perpetual30” to save 30%. 13:30- We discuss the formats in which the book is available. We couldn’t find much beyond the paper book format. 17:00- Who was Isaac Lipnitsky? 19:00- Why is this book sometimes compared to IM John Watson’s Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy? Mentioned: Lipnitsky-Petrosian 1950, Episode 258 With GM Matthew Sadler, Translator John Sugden 28:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels - Chessable.com 29:30- What were the most noteworthy segments of the book? Mentioned: Anderson-Kieseritzky, Botvinnik-Capablanca 1938, Steinitz-Von Bardeleben 1895 46:00- Thanks so much to Martin for joining the show Check out all of Martin’s Books Here: Amazon.com: Martin B. Justesen: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle Also Mentioned: Street Smart Chess, Improve Your Chess Now Sign up for Martin’s newsletter here. This month we will make another donation to Chess in Slums. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chess-education-in-africa?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet Listen to my Interview with Tunde Onakoye on Episode 219 54:00- This month's blindfold puzzles are straight from Martin's new book, Blindfold Opening Visualization Puzzle #1, White to move - 1. E4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. Nc3 Ne7 5. Nd5 g6?? Puzzle #2, White to move- 1. Nf3 d5 2. G3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. D4 e6 5. 00 Nf6 6. C4 dxc4 7. Ne5 Nxd4? You can find a Lichess study with the answers to both puzzles here: https://lichess.org/study/ZYkBctm8/gXF6JORT If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess marks the return of award-winning author, Chessable writer, and noted opening theoretician, IM Christof Sielecki. Christof has recently released, Keep it Simple: Black, an ambitious course which provides solid opening lines against every possible White first move. We discuss how Christof’s process for creating Chessable courses, using engines and choosing opening lines, has evolved over the years. Of course, there was quite a bit of chess news in the form of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz, so we also spent some time discussing this tournament, its standout performances, and its many attendant controversies. Lastly, Christof always has a few fun stories to share, and this interview was no exception. He shared some details about the process behind helping to create The Magnus Touch with Magnus and his team. As always, you can read on for more details and show notes below. Prior interviews with IM Christof Sielecki: Episode 6 Episode 153 Book Recap 18- My System 0:00- FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Recap and discussion Mentioned: Dude fell from his chair!, GM Magnus Carlsen-GM Nodiberk Abdusattorov Blitz game 26:15- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can check out IM Christof Sielecki’s courses, including free “Short and Sweet” previews of his new course here. 27:30- How did Christof decide which openings to include in “Keep it Simple Black?” Mentioned: Lifetime Repertoires: Pirc Defense, Lifetime Repertoires: Caro-Kann, Lifetime Repertoires: Nimzo-Ragozin 44:00- How has Christof’s use of engines evolved during the process of designing courses? Mentioned: Chessify Cloud Engine Rental 49:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Aimchess analyzes your online games and provides actionable improvement insights. Check out their updated website, and if you decide to subscribe please use the code “Perpetual30” to save 30%. 51:00- Christof tells the story of meeting and working with GM Magnus Carlsen and family in conjunction with Magnus’ course The Magnus Touch. 1:02:00- What will Christof be working on next? Mentioned: Episode 257 with GM Erwin L’Ami 1:05:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What role should openings and Chessable opening courses play for amateur club-level players?’ 1:17:00- Thanks so much to Christof for rejoining us! Here are links to keep up with him: Keep it Simple Black is ON SALE now. Get it here: Keep It Simple For Black - MoveTrainer™ Course - Chessable.com Short and sweet free previews here and here Follow Christof on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ChessExplained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this holiday week, with The Perpetual Chess Podcast having recently turned 5 years old, it seemed like an appropriate time to feature myself as “the guest” on Perpetual Chess. In order to help out, I brought in longtime listener of the pod, chess journalist and improver, Chris Wainscott, to perform hosting duties. Chris and I covered lots of ground, as he asked me about the origins of Perpetual Chess, its growth over the years, my approach to interviewing people, favorite interview types and “dream guests.” He asked probing questions about my own chess origins and improvement efforts. Although I do prefer being the interviewer rather than the interviewed, it was fun to play the other role and to answer so many good listener questions. Details and show notes are below. 0:00- My chess background, and when did chess initially captivate me? 15:00- There are always great new courses from Chessable including FM Kamil Plichta’s Lifetime Repertoires: Accelerated Dragon. Check out what else is new here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 16:00- Patreon mailbag question:’When will GM Yasser Seirawan be on the show?” Mentioned: EP 134 with Megan Chen 19:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How did Perpetual Chess come to be?” 23:00- Patreon mailbag question: ‘To what do you attribute the podcast’s success?” 25:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What do you wish you had known at the beginning? Any regrets?” 26:00- Patreon mailbag question: “ How has your interviewing style/approach evolved?” 31:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What do you consider to be the highlights of the show?” 35:00- Twitter question: “Which handful of episodes are most representative of Perpetual Chess?” Mentioned: Ep. 193 Tom Murphy, EP 250- FM Asa Hoffmann, EP. 76 Andrez Kryzdwa, GM Jan Timman, EP 15 GM Alex Yermolinksky. plus I forgot to mention my favorite episode, a World Championship prep oral history with GM Peter Heine Nielsen 40:00- Twitter question: “When will you do a Chessable course?’ 42:00- Twitter question: “What are the most challenging types of interviews? What are your favorite non-chess podcasts?” Rights to Ricky Sanchez, Animal Spirits Podcast, WTF with Marc Maron, Fresh Air, The Ezra Klein show, Death, Sex and Money 46:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is your work flow/chess study regimen like in a given week?” 50:00- What value does my producer, Mathew Passy bring to the podcast? 52:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 53:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How has your approach to chess studying changed over the years?” Mentioned: Greg and Jen Shahade, GM Maurice Ashley 58:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What are your own favorite training tools? What guests’ advice resonated with you?” Mentioned: Neal Bruce, GM Jacob Aagaard, Thinking Inside the Box, GM Jan Gustafsson 1:03:00- When it comes to competitive chess? What is my “why? Mentioned: GM Jonathan Rowson’s The Moves that Matter 1:07:00- What are my goals in OTB chess? Mentioned: Episode 241 with FM Peter Giannatos, Episode 232 with James Altucher 1:10:00- Patreon mailbag question: What are my favorite learning tools? Mentioned: Episode 257 with GM Erwin L’Ami 1:13:00- How has life changed since Queen’s Gambit? 1:16:00- My evolving philosophy for choosing Adult Improver guests Mentioned: Episode 256 with Alex Crompton 1:19:00- Who are my “dream guests?” Mentioned: Lazslo Polgar, Magnus’ Bullet Twitch Stream, GM Ljubomir Ljubojevic, GM Ulf Andersson 1:25:00- Thanks so much to Chris for guest co-hosting! You can read his blog and book reviews here: http://ontheroadtochessmaster.com/ And follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/cwainscottmke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess is 2 time British champion, and award winning author, GM Matthew Sadler. Matthew has been one of Great Britain’s top players for decades and is currently ranked #41 in the world. He has impressively managed to maintain his form well into his 40s while working outside of chess. Matthew has also made quite a mark as an author. His books,Gamechanger and the adult improver focused, Chess for Life, both co-authored with WIM Natasha Regan, are both favorites of this podcast. You can hear us discuss these books in Episode 112. In Matthew’s new book, The Silicon Road to Chess Improvement, Matthew goes beyond just Alphazero and extracts lessons for humans from many of the other modern chess super engines. He is also the regular book reviewer for NIC magazine, and did game recaps of the 2021 FIDE World Championship with none other than GM Garry Kasparov! I am happy to report that Matthew was very generous with his time, so we managed to cover all of these areas of chess interest in our conversation. Timestamps and relevant links are below. 0:00- As a full time IT professional, author, New in Chess book reviewer, content creator and top player, how on earth does Matthew get so many things done? 04:45- What are some of Matthew’s favorite recent chess books? Mentioned: Winning by GM Nigel Short , The Creative Power of Boguljubov, The Unstoppable American 10:00- What did Matthew observe from Magnus’ play in the World Championship. Mentioned: Silicon Road to Chess Improvement YouTube Channel, Chessbase India video with GM Peter Heine Nielsen, More Info on the TCEC- Top Engine Chess Championship, Games from the match here 24:00- What can club players learn from super engines? Mentioned: Small Steps to Giant Improvement 31:00- Does Matthew see an engine footprint in GM Alireza Firouzja’s play? Mentioned: Erdos-Firouzja 2021, Acquisition of Chess Knowledge in Alpha Zero 36:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Did Alphazero’s opening acquisition trace the path of the evolution of chess?” 38:00- There are always great new courses from Chessable including FM Kamil Plichta’s Lifetime Repertoires: Accelerated Dragon. Check out what else is new here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 40:00- Why does it seem like the numerical evaluations of engines are getting more extreme, i.e. “+5 in an even position?” 45:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Do engines still threaten to end competitive chess"?” Mentioned: GM Pia Cramling, GM Juan Bellon, GM Robin van Kampen 50:00- What are Matthew’s thoughts on Magnus’ recent mention of potentially dropping out of the World Championship cycle? 55:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 57:00- Patreon mailbag question “If chess is fundamentally a draw, why do top engines still sometimes beat each other? 1:00:00- Patreon mailbag question; “Will engine play become more “human” in the future?’ Plus, Matthew on Magnus’ uncanny ability to play mistake-free chess. Mentioned: Maia bots on Lichess, Topalov interview with Chess24 1:09:00- Matthew describes the experience of working with Kasparov on World Championship recap videos 1:15:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does correspondence chess have a future given the preponderance of draws?’ 1:22:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Are there engines that are more instructive about how to convert advantages in a “human” way that avoids complications?” 1:28:00- Patreon mailbag question: What chess improvement and maintenance tips can Matthew share for other adults? 1:38:00- Patreon mailbag question: Why does The Carlsbad structure fascinate Matthew so much?” 1:41:00- Thanks so much to Matthew for being so generous with his time. Here are the links to keep up with his content. Twitter Silicon Road to Chess Improvement YouTube Channel Buy the Book here Or The E Book from New in Chess here Chess for Life Gamechanger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perpetual Chess is back for one more World Championship wrap-up (among other topics) with top Dutch player, trainer, and popular Chessable author, GM Erwin L’Ami. As the second to GM Anish Giri, and a former member of GM Veselin Topalov’s World Championship team, Erwin shares his general reflections on the Carlsen-Nepomniatchtchi match, as well as lots of insights about the opening choices of each player. We also talk about chess improvement. Erwin himself is gearing up to compete in the prestigious Tata Steel tournament in Wijk an Zee after a long layoff from OTB chess. He also answers some listener questions relating to how amateurs should approach openings. Lastly, I was quite interested to hear how chess engines and opening theory have changed, even in the time since Erwin last was a guest on Perpetual Chess, in 2020. There is always lots to learn from GM L’Ami, so please enjoy the conversation, and check out the relevant links and timestamps below if needed. Prior interview: Episode 186 with GM Erwin L’Ami 0:00- Erwin shares his thoughts about the World Championship, especially the openings chosen. Mentioned: The games we discuss can be viewed here, Chessbase India interview with GM Peter Heine Nielsen and GM Vladimir Potkin, Sesse Engine 30:00- There are always great new courses from Chessable including FM Kamil Plichta’s Lifetime Repertoires: Accelerated Dragon. Check out what else is new here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 30:30- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 31:30- How is Erwin preparing for the Challenger’s group of the upcoming Tata Steel Chess Tournament? Mentioned: More on the Dubov-Karjakin issue here. Perpetual Chess W.C. Pod with GM Jan Timman, 44:00- How does Erwin work on his tactics? Mentioned: The Silicon Road to Chess Improvement, FM Frank Erwich’s 1001 Chess Exercises for Advanced Club Players Silicon Road YouTube Channel, Kasparovchess World Championship Game Recaps 49:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 50:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Is 1. e4 still ‘best by test’?” Mentioned: Carlsen-Tari 2021 55:00- Patreon mailbag question: Have super-engines recently refuted any openings? 57:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Would having a second for a round robin event be of any use for a 2200 level player?” 1:02:00- Patreon mailbag question: ‘What approach and opening resources does Erwin recommend for club level players?” 1:05:30- How did IM Cor van Wijgerdan, co-creator of the Chess Steps Series come up with so many cool puzzles? Mentioned: Episode 142 with Han Schut, Episode 167 with IM Jop Delemarre 1:08:00- Are cloud-based engines taking over from heavy duty private machines? Mentioned: Chessify 1:12:00- We wrap up with a bit more World Championship and Candidates Cycle talk Mentioned: FIDE Grand Prix 2022 1:18:00- Thanks so much to Erwin for sharing his insights. You can follow him on Twitter here. Keep up with his Chessable courses here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Vasyl Ivanchuk is a modern chess legend who has won countless tournaments including the 2016 World Rapid Championship and the 2007 FIDE World Blitz Championship. He has been ranked #2 in the World on 3 separate occasions. Vasyl is known for his creative play and his wide opening repertoire. Vasyl joined me just after the World Championship concluded to share his thoughts on the match, and to discuss his recent foray into Twitch streaming, his passion for checkers, and to answer my many questions about his illustrious career. So much fun to talk chess with "Chucky!" You can follow/subscribe to Vasyl's Twitch channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/ivanchukchess 0:00- Intro, Match Wrapup 6:00- GM Vasyl Ivanchuk joins the podcast! If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back for another Book Review podcast, a series called Chess Books Recaptured. This month we tackle Frisco Del Rosario’s First Book of Morphy, which is a Paul Morphy game collection book geared towards novice to intermediate players. My guest co-host this episode is Danish chess enthusiast, dad and linguist Mads Jønsson. As we note, First Book of Morphy does have some flaws, but Morphy’s games are amazing, and the annotations are helpful enough to make this book well-suited to its target audience. Please read on for lots more details, show notes, and relevant links. 0:00- We introduce our guest go-host, Mads Jonson, and he shares for his suggestion that we recap the First Book of Morphy. 6:30- We talk a bit about the book's background. Mentioned: Lichess Study games 1-60, and 61-69 11:30- There are always great new courses from Chessable including FM Kamil Plichta’s Lifetime Repertoires: Accelerated Dragon. Check out what else is new here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 12:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe, use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 13:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Did Morphy play at the level of a modern IM?” Mentioned: IM Ken Regan’s Intrinsic Rating Compendium, Chess Metrics Morphy 17:00- What chapters did Mads find most helpful? Mentioned: Book Recap #16 Logical Chess Move by Move 25:00- What other changes could have been made stylistically? 28:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 29:00- We share a few of our favorite games and quotes. Mentioned: Morphy-Guibert 1958, Ben Finegold’s Paul Morphy videos, 36:00- We give a list of pros and cons related to the books. 39:00- What other “move by move” style books might one consider reading? (They are listed below in order of difficulty) Logical Chess Move by Move (Podcast about it in Book Recap 16) The Most Instructive Chess Games of All Time Instructive Chess Miniatures World's Most Instructive Amateur Game Book Chess: The Art of Logical Thinking: From the First Move to the Last Nunn- Understanding Chess Move by Move Morphy Move by Move Chess Master vs. Amateur 46:00- Tune in next month for a recap of Lipnitsky’s Questions of Modern Chess Theory with Martin Justesen a/k/a Say Chess! Be sure to follow Mads on Twitter here. And we are always happy to support Chess in Slums. 50:00- Blindfold puzzles are back! Puzzle #1- Meek-Morphy 1855 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. Ng5 Nh6 6. Nxf7 Nxf7 7. Bxf7+ Kxf7 WHITE TO MOVE AND REGAIN MATERIAL Solution here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1335871 Puzzle #2- Morphy-Conway 1959 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. d4 gxf3 6. Qxf3 Bh6 7. O-O Ne7 8. Bxf4 Bxf4 9. Bxf7+ Kxf7 10. Qxf4+ Kg7 FIND MATE in TWO FROM THIS POSITION Solution here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2036628 If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Jacob Aagaard is an award winning author, and a founder of Quality Chess and of Killer Chess Training.com. With Magnus Carlsen firmly ahead in the match (by a score of 6.5 to 3.5), I thought it would be fun to check back in with GM Jacob Aagaard, who had written a prescient prediction for the match which was shared with our listeners in Episode 254. In our conversation, Aagaard expounds a bit on his thoughts on the match, and also shares his concerns about future World Championships when it comes to potential match formats and venues. It is always illuminating to hear GM Aagaard's thoughts! Following the Aagaard interview Shaun McCoy of Chess.com joins the show to give an update from Dubai. Shaun shares his highlights so far and discusses what it was like to be on the premises for Magnus' historical win in Game 6. As always, you can find the timestamps for the interviews below. 0:00- Intro 10:00- GM Jacob Aagaard interview 43:45- Shaun McCoy joins the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to another Adult Improver Edition of Perpetual Chess. In this episode, we feature another Queen’s Gambit convert to Perpetual Chess. 30-year-old tech executive and musician Alex Crompton recently became obsessed with the game and dove headlong into the best ways to improve at it. Alex is quick to note that his accomplishments are modest, but as he detailed on his blog, he has gone from total beginner to a respectable 1500 FIDE rating in less than a year. As our conversation reveals, lots of research and work went into this improvement. In our conversation, Alex shares tons of good study tips and reflections about the science of learning, including the ways that the study of languages has helped him improve his chess. It was a lot of fun hearing about Alex’s chess progress, and any listener of any rating can learn from this conversation. Please read on for lots of details, timestamps and relevant links. 0:00- For more information about the Harvard Chess Cognition Study go here. 3:00- Alex joins the show, and we begin by discussing why Alex finds it challenging to follow the World Championship despite his enthusiasm for chess. Mentioned: The Art of Learning by IM Josh Waitzkin 12:00- We discuss Alex’s adult improvement journey, which you can read about in his blog post here. 18:30- NEW SPONSOR! Chessvis is an app designed designed to help you train your visualization skills. Search for it at an app store or get the links here. https://www.chessvis.com/ 19:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 20:00- What were Alex’s first steps to develop a system to study chess? Mentioned: Squareoff Chess, Bryght Labs’ ChessUp, Woodpecker Method on Chessable, Woodpecker Method Podcast with Neal Bruce, Michael De La Maza article- 400 Points in 400 Days, Tim Brennan’s Tactics Time on Chessable 39:00- How did Alex approach the study of openings? Mentioned: Make it Stick by Peter C. Brown 41:00- Alex shares some interesting research about why adults may improve at chess more slowly than kids. Mentioned: Some of the research Alex referenced is here. Lichess study, Episode 231 with Braden Laughlin, James Heisig: Remembering the Kanji, Episode 215 with Dr. Vishnu Sreekumar 54:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 54:30- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 55:30- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Alex’s approach to learning openings?” Mentioned: My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White, Lifetime Repertoires: Chessable 1. b3, Logical Chess Move by Move 1:11:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Any theories on why ratings tend to repeatedly plateau and then jump?” Mentioned: Episode 181 with Elijah Logozar 1:15:00-What resources have helped Alex blunder less, rather than just solve tactics? Susan Polgar’s How to Learn Chess the Right Way Volume 3, FM Peter Giannatos’ Everyone’s First Chess Workbook 1:19:00- What are Alex’s next chess goals, if any? Mentioned: Sean Carroll’s Mindscapes: Episode 169 Games 1:28:00- Thanks so much to Alex for sharing his insights. You can keep up with him via his blog here: https://www.alexcrompton.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 8 rounds, things have changed! As you may have heard, Magnus Carlsen has taken a 5-3 lead in the 2021 World Championship, highlighted by a record breaking, unforgettable win in Game 6. Please listen in as a do a quick rundown of the highlights of the match, then bring in two great guests: Grandmaster Jan Timman is the 9 time champion of the Netherlands, an award winning author, and was one of the highest rated players in the world for decades. Among other topics, Jan shares his thoughts on the match so far and discusses the ascendance of young Super GM Alireza Firouzja, who we could potentially see in the next World Championship. My second guest, John MacArthur is an accomplished scholastic coach and Twitch streamer who joined me just after returning from Dubai on Monday. Dubai was the 6th World Championship match he has attended. John shares some great stories and contrasts this event with the many other memorable matches he has attended. Timestamps and the links you need are below. 10:00- GM Jan Timman joins me! Jan is a founding editor and columnist for New in Chess Magazine His latest book is, The Unstoppable American: Bobby Fischer's Road to Reykjavik 33:30- NM John MacArthur joins Check out his photos from Dubai on his Instagram here. Follow him on Twitch here. On Twitter here If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 8 rounds, things have changed! As you may have heard, Magnus Carlsen has taken a 5-3 lead in the 2021 World Championship, highlighted by a record breaking, unforgettable win in Game 6. Please listen in as a do a quick rundown of the highlights of the match, then bring in two great guests: Grandmaster Jan Timman is the 9 time champion of the Netherlands, an award winning author, and was one of the highest rated players in the world for over a decade. Jan shares his thoughts on the match so far and discusses the ascendance of young Super GM Alireza Firouzja. John MacArthur is an accomplished scholastic coach and Twitch streamer who joined me just after returning from Dubai on Monday. Dubai was the 6th World Championship match he has attended. John shares some great stories and contrasts this event with the many other memorable matches he has attended. Timestamps and the links you need are below. 9:00- GM Jan Timman joins New in Chess Magazine His latest book, The Unstoppable American: Bobby Fischer's Road to Reykjavik 33:00- NM John MacArthur joins Check out his photos from Dubai on his Instagram here. Follow him on Twitch here. On Twitter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess marks the return visit of one of the top female players in the US, WGM Tatev Abrahamyan. I caught up with Tatev after a hectic few months in which she competed in the FIDE Women’s World Cup and also competed in and placed 4th in the US Women’s Championship. For good measure, she moved from Southern California to Kansas City to begin her work as the Director of Chess Content at chess startup Bryght Labs. Tatev’s busy schedule gave us plenty to talk about, as Tatev gave some insightful tournament reports, discussed her new job, and, of course, dispensed some chess improvement advice and some reflections on dealing with setbacks in chess. It is always fun to talk chess with Tatev, so we hope you make time for this interview in between World Championship rounds. Please read on for more details and show notes. 0:00- GM Johan Sebastian Christiansen recently expressed his extreme frustration with a slump in his competitive chess. Tatev talks about how common such feelings of frustration can be for be top players, and ways to work through it. Mentioned: Episode 49 with WGM Tatev Abrahamyan , Chess.com Article with GM Alireza Firouzja’s quote regarding chess and mental health 11:00- How does Tatev reflect on her 4th place finish in the 2021 US Women’s Chess Championship? Mentioned: GM Alejandro Ramirez, You can review Tatev’s games here, How to Chess Episode 17 with IM Lawrence Trent, 26:00- Now that she has a 9-5 job, Tatev reflects on how she will manage her chess career as well as a new job in a new town (Kansas City, MO). 29:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 31:00- Tatev gives the trip report from the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup in Sochi, Russia, and we discuss the Women’s World Championship Cycle. Mentioned: Episode 243 with GM Anna Muzychuk, Information on the 2022 FIDE Woman’s Candidate Tournament is here, Goryachkina-Motylev 2021 39:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 39:30- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 40:00- Does Tatev think that US Women's Champion IM Carissa Yip will be competing for a World Championship someday? Mentioned: FM Jennifer Yu, IM Annie Wang 43:00- What sort of products is Tatev working on at her chess startup, Bryght Labs? Mentioned: ChessUp, GM Levon Aronian 1:01:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What tips can we share for how to evaluate a position?” 1:05:00- We discuss GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov’s recent interview about chess engines and his work with GM Fabiano Caruana. Mentioned: More information about Kasimdzhanov’s interview with Ilya Levitov here 1:14:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is the secret to Tatev’s success in her OTB games against Latvian/American legend GM Alex Shabalov? Mentioned: Krush-Abrahamyan 2021, 1:17:00- Thanks so much to Tatev for joining us! If you decide to order ChessUp from BryghtLabs.com, use the promo code “Perpetual” or the promo code should be inputted directly with this link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Carlsen-Nepomniatchtchi World Championship match tied after 3 hard-fought draws, I do a quick rundown of the main story lines emerging from what has been a tense and entertaining battle so far. Then, we get reports from Dubai from Chessable C.E.O. Geert van der Velde, followed by Chess.com reporter/Trivia Whiz Jonathan Corbblah. Timestamps and the links you need are below. 0:00- Ben on the 3 key story lines from the match so far. 14:00- Chessable C.E.O. Geert van der Velde on what its like to watch the match from the Play Magnus lounge in Dubai. 30:30- Trivia Whiz turned Chess.com reporter Jonathan Corbblah on how he wound up in Dubai, and his favorite foods and memories from his trip so far. Links: Geert’s Twitter Jonathan’s Twitter Chessable Classroom (as Geert mentioned) Jonathan's Chess: A Reflection of Us is being premiered each day on Chess.com’s World Championship Broadcasts. Perpetual Chess Episode 161 with Geert van der Velde Perpetual Chess Episode 48 with Jonathan Corbblah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest for Part 2 of the World Chess Championship preview is chess blogger Tai Pruce Zimmerman. Tai is an accountant by training, who created the excellent Chess by the Numbers blog to write about elite chess from a statistical perspective. With the World Championship just days away, I was excited to have the opportunity to ask Tai to walk us through various scenarios in the upcoming showdown between GMs Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniatchtchi. We tackled questions such as the following: Based on rating, how likely is Magnus to win? How likely are we to see tiebreaks? Would Magnus be as big a favorite if the match were to go to rapid tiebreaks? How likely would it be that one player “adopt” another? We take on all of these questions and more, as Tai describes how his model is made and tells all of the numbers we need to know for the match. As always, please read on for more details, timestamps, and relevant links! 0:00- Info from the Intro: Be sure to go to MagnusNepo.com to join Aimchess’ Prediction Challenge! Check out Chess.com’s easy-to-read World Championship schedule breakdown here. Perpetual Chess Bonus World Championship Pods are planned for: November 29, December 2, December 6, December 9 and December 13 3:00- We briefly review the format of the World Championship Match, and then Tai dives into what goes into his statistical model, and what it says about the upcoming match. Mentioned: Episode 249 with Dr. Mark Glickman, Nate Solon’s article about the World Championship 11:00- How would Tai’s model assess a potential rapid playoff? 16:00- What did Tai do to guess the competitors rating strengths other than just use their current FIDE ratings? Mentioned: Pinnacle Sports World Chess Championships Odds 20:30- If the match goes to blitz tiebreaks, who would be the favorite to win the match? Mentioned: Matt Jensen’s World Championship Preview of Chess.com 27:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 27:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. ACT NOW to enter their free Magnus-Nepo challenge on this site: https://magnusnepo.com/ 29:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How does acclaimed trainer and author, GM Jacob Aagaard of KillerChessTraining.com assess the World Championship?” Mentioned: Tarjei Svenson’s summary of a recent Magnus Carlsen interview 31:00- Patreon mailbag question “What are the odds of Magnus adopting Nepo?” 33:30- How does the Aimchess.com algorithm assess the players strengths and weaknesses? Mentioned: Aimchess analysis here 35:00- We briefly discuss GM Alireza Firouzja’s recent dominance. 42:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 43:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Any chance of Tai’s blog being sponsored by a major chess site?” Mentioned: TwoPlusTwo chess forum, New in Chess Free World Championship Digital Magazine, Dennis Monokroussos’ The Chess Mind Blog 50:00- Tai shares a few more details about the methodology of his model. 54:00- Tai shares a bit more about his background and his other interests outside of chess. 56:00- In terms of rating differential, what prior World Championship provides the best historical analogue? 57:00- Thanks so much to Tai for sharing his data with us. Check out and subscribe to his blog here: https://chessnumbers.wordpress.com/ You can follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ChessNumbers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grandmaster Daniel King is a popular Commentator, Author, YouTube Creator and Chessable Author. As a player, he has represented England internationally, won many tournaments, and has beaten the likes of Anand and Korchnoi! On his excellent YouTube channel, Powerplay Chess, Daniel has recently been sharing his analysis of key games between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniatchtchi. With such a resume, he is the perfect person to join me for a preview of the World Championship match, which is less than a week away. Of course, when Daniel visits the podcast there is always more to be discussed. Other highlights include his unforgettable interactions with GM Viktor Korchnoi, and his long relationship with the Kalashnikov Sicilian, which is the subject of his excellent new Chessable course. Please read on for all of the details and relevant links. 0:00- Info from the Intro: Be sure go to MagnusNepo.com to join Aimchess’ Prediction Challenge! Check out Chess.com’s easy-to-read World Championship schedule breakdown here. Perpetual Chess Bonus World Championship Pods are planned for: November 29, December 2, December 6, December 9 and December 13 6:00- Daniel King joins me to share his thoughts on the World Championship match. Mentioned: Wang Hao 2021-Nepomniatchtchi Candidates 2021, Vachier-Lagrave-Nepomniatchtchi Candidates 2021, GM Nigel Short, GM Michael Adams, GM John Nunn, Peter Doggers interview with GM Fabiano Caruana, Caruana-Carlsen Game 1, 2018, World Championship Odds on Pinnacle.com 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is the etiquette for former seconds discussing their work with a World Championship contender, a la Rustam Kasimdzhanov’s recent comments about GM Fabiano Caruana. ?” 35:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chess.com- be sure to check out their new Game Review feature after every game 35:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 37:00- What is Daniel’s history with the Kalashnikov opening, the opening that is the subject of his new Chessable course? 45:30- Does Daniel have a favorite opening? 47:00- Patreon mailbag question:” Does Daniel have any plans to update his classic book Mastering the Spanish?” Mentioned: Chess Magazine 52:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 52:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. ACT NOW to enter their free Magnus-Nepo challenge on this site: https://magnusnepo.com/ 53:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Will Daniel ever flip the board so Black is on the bottom when showing the Black POV on Powerplay Chess?” 56:00- Patreon mailbag question- “Is there any video of Daniel playing the bass?” Mentioned: Nette Robinson art 58:00- What were Daniel’s interactions with Korchnoi like? Mentioned: Book Recap #20- Talking Korchnoi with John Fernandez, Korchnoi-Karpov Game 31, 1978 Thanks as always to Daniel for joining the show! If you enjoy his content, feel free to support his Patreon page, as I do. Youtube- Powerplay Chess Free short and sweet version of Daniel’s Kalashnikov course: https://www.chessable.com/short-sweet-kings-kalashnikov-sicilian/course/83454/ Purchase the full course here: King’s Kalashnikov Sicilian Follow Daniel on Twitter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Andy Soltis is an award winning journalist,World Chess Hall of Fame member, a Chess Life Magazine columnist , and a prolific author who has written over 50 books. In this interview, we discuss Andy’s most recents works, Smyslov, Bronstein, Geller, Taimanov and Averbakh: A Chess Multibiography with 220 Games, and 500 Chess Questions Answered: for all new chess players. We also discuss Andy’s own chess improvement journey, as well as the upcoming World Chess Championship. Andy is always fun to chat with due to his encyclopedic knowledge of all things chess. For lots more details, relevant links, and timestamps, please read on. Previous appearances by GM Andy Soltis: Episode 91 with GM Andy Soltis Episode 172 with GM Andy Soltis Book Recap #17 - Discussing Zurich 1953 with FM Nate Solon and GM Andy Soltis 0:00- We begin by getting Andy’s chess improvement advice, including a Patreon question about whether Andy thinks chess books are superior to online learning tools as means for improving your game. Mentioned: DeGroot’s Thought and Choice in Chess, GM Hikaru Nakaura, GM Yasser Seirawan Weltgeschichte Des Schachs Lieferung 27- Boris Spassky, GM Daniel Gormally, GM Walter Browne 12:45- What is the proper mix between studying and playing? Mentioned: GM Alireza Firouzja 15:30- What most helped Andy improve at chess? Mentioned: GM Reuben Fine 17:30- How did GM Yefim Geller go from Candidate Master to World Class player in his early 20s? Mentioned: GM Bobby Fischer, 22:00-Patreon mailbag question: What was Andy’s most memorable Marshall Chess Club Championship victory? Mentioned: FM Orest Popovich 26:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 26:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. ACT NOW to enter their free Magnus-Nepo challenge on this site: https://magnusnepo.com/ 27:00- We discuss a bit about each player in GM Soltis’ beautiful new book, Smyslov, Bronstein, Geller, Taimanov and Averbakh starting with former World Champion GM Vassily Smyslov. 33:00- What should we know about GM David Bronstein? Was his Candidates match with Boleslavsky in 1950 really fixed? Mentioned: Episode 80 with GM Genna Sosonko, Ruth Haring, GM Bobby Fischer 42:00- What should we know about legendary Ukrainian GM, Yefim Geller? Mentioned: GM Boris Spassky 44:00- Mark Taimanov was a world class pianist and chess player both. What else distinguished him from his chess contemporaries? Mentioned: I was the Victim of Fischer, Vspominiaia-Samykh-Samykh, GM Eduard Gufeld, Chessgames.com Taimanov-Matulovic “Caveat Emptor” 53:00- What should we know about GM Yuriy Averbakh? Mentioned: GM Boris Spassky, GM Lubomir Kavalek 59:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They offer a huge video library with instruction on every phase of the game. 1:00:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What book would Andy love to write that he hasn’t written yet?” 1:03:00- What does Andy think are the most important factors in which of his books sell the best? Mentioned: GM John Fedorowicz, GM Arthur Bisguier, GM Pal Benko: My Life Games and Compositions, Magnus Carlsen: 60 Memorable Games, Pawn Structure Chess, Chess Fundamentals, Episode 240: Pawn Book Championship with Neal Bruce 1:12:00- Patreon mailbag question: What does Andy think of the World Championship match? Has Magnus been out of form recently? 1:19:00- Thanks as always to Andy for sharing his immense chess knowledge. You can check out his latest books here: 500 Chess Questions Answered Smyslov, Bronstein, Geller, Taimanov and Averbakh If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here: Donate — The Perpetual Chess Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Hartmann is the Editor of US Chess’ Chess Life and Chess Life Online, and the host of the podcast, Cover Stories with Chess Life. He was recently named the 2021 Chess Journalist of the Year by the Chess Journalists of America, the second consecutive year he received this honor. When John last visited the podcast, US Chess was just coming to grips with the financial impact the pandemic would have on the organization. 18 months later, I am happy to report that John is back to give a more upbeat assessment of the state of the US Chess Federation. John is also an expert in chess computers - he built his current chess computer from scratch! John shares some fascinating tidbits about how top players use engines these days. Lastly, although it is not his top priority, John tries to work on his own game when time permits. While he prefers to think of himself as a #chessamateur instead of a #chessimprover, his online blitz rating is at an all-time high, and he always has useful book recommendations for improvers. So as always, there is much to learn from John Hartmann in this interview! Please read on for all of the details, plus timestamps and relevant links. 0:00- We begin by catching up on the financial health of US Chess, which hit some tough times during the pandemic. Mentioned: Cover Stories with Chess Life with GM Alex Lenderman, Episode 179 with John Hartmann (John was also on episodes 60 and 120), John Rockefeller III Endows US Chess National Tournaments 20:00- Has John read any good chess books lately? Are chess books truly, finally, in decline? Mentioned: Episode 4 with IM Kostya Kavutskiy, On the Origin of Good Moves by IM Willy Hendriks, Everything and Less: The Novel in the Age of Amazon, JJ Lang, IM Levy Rozman, Agadmator, FM Robert Shlyakhtenko, Dr. Christopher Chabris 42:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What was the most instructive chess book John has ever read?” Mentioned: Chess Steps Method Workbooks, Episode 241 with FM Peter Giannatos, Everyone’s First Chess Workbook by FM Peter Giannatos, Rakhmanov’s Secrets of Opening Preparation 47:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 47:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 49:00-What is John doing to work on his own games? Mentioned:Jacob Aagaard’s Killer Chess Training, Botvinnik: One Hundred Selected Games, GM Sam Shankland on Cover Stories with Chess Life, IM John Watson 1:02:00- What are the most recent developments in the advancement of chess engines? Mentioned: Stockfish 14.1, Leela 0.28.0, 2021 Russian Championship Superfinals, Vitiugov - Andreikin, Chessify, GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, Skolkovo Innovation Center 1:11:00- How will Chess Life Online be covering the World Championship? 1:15:00- Thanks to John for joining us! For more information about US Chess and Chess Journalists of America upcoming seminars, go here: https://new.uschess.org/news/cja-continuing-education-series-announced For US Chess annotated games from the US Championships, go here: https://lichess.org/study/iLDop9iy Follow John on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/hartmannchess?lang=en Email John at John.Hartmann at Uschess.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week FM Asa Hoffman joins us for an interesting talk. Asa is an author, speed chess specialist, and New York City chess legend. Like Bobby Fischer, Asa was born in 1943, and both spent their formative years in NYC. With such shared history, Bobby Fischer is one of the many chess legends with whom Asa had personal encounters and blitz battles. In fact, Asa has met every chess World Champion who came after Max Euwe! He also has beaten Fischer in a famous blitz game, and once defeated Gata Kamsky in a rapid game. In our interview, Asa sheds light on the personality of Bobby Fischer and tells a few of his favorite stories from his encounters with countless chess legends who have passed through New York. Please read on for more details, timestamps and relevant links. 0:00- What are Asa’s memories of Bobby Fischer? How does the current chess moment compare to the Fischer boom? Mentioned: Hans Kmoch, Al Horowitz, Sylvia Miles, GM Yasser Seirawan, Bernard Zuckerman, Asa Hoffman vs. Bobby Fischer (blitz, 1963) 13:00- Who are the strongest blitz players Asa ever played? Mentioned: GM Valentin Arbakov, GM Roman Dzindzichashvili, GM Yasser Seirawan, Polgar sisters, Episode 185 with IM Stuart Rachels, IM Jorge Sammour-Hasbun, GM Nicolas Rossolimo 19:30-After Fischer won the World Championship in 1972, did Asa ever see him again? 22:45- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com. They have a huge library of opening, middlegame, and endgame instructional videos, as well as a free blog. 23:45- Asa tells some more stories from playing against Fischer, as well as describing many of the classic NYC chess venues. 29:00- Why did Asa decide to drop out of Columbia University to pursue chess? 31:00- What was Asa’s involvement with the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer? Mentioned: GM Nona Gaprindishivili lawsuit against Netflix 33:00- What did Asa do to improve at chess? Mentioned: Mike Valvo, IM Greg Shahade, John Fernandez, GM Gata Kamsky, GM Julio Becerra, GM Michael Rohde, IM Jay Bonin 39:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: What was Asa’s most memorable game against IM Jay Bonin? Mentioned: Active Pieces by IM Jay Bonin and Greg Keener 43:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 43:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 45:00- What were Asa’s highest stakes blitz matches? Mentioned: IM Cris Ramayrat, Episode 193 with Tom Murphy, GM Fabiano Caruana, GM Robert Hess, GM Alex Lenderman, GM Irina Krush 51:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: When will Asa’s memoir be published and will it be available as an e-book? Mentioned: Dr. Frank Brady 53:00- Asa has met every world champion since Max Euwe. What are his most memorable interactions? Mentioned: GM Miguel Najdorf, Edward Lasker 57:00- Asa tells a few stories of fights and muggings at NYC gaming establishments 1:02:00- In addition to chess, Asa plays Scrabble, bridge, poker, and backgammon, and he dabbled in betting at horse racing as well. What is Asa’s 2nd best game after chess? 1:04:00- Has Asa had any non-chess jobs? Mentioned: Al Horowitz 1:06:00- Has Asa played GM Maurice Ashley? Did he ever see GM Viktor Korchnoi in New York? Mentioned: GM Anatoly Karpov, GM Maxim Dlugy, IM Anatoly Lein 1:09:00- Did Asa ever play GM Samuel Reshevsky? Mentioned: GM John Fedorowicz 1:12:30- Asa's World Championship thoughts 1:14:30- What are Asa’s favorite chess books? Mentioned: Masters of the Chessboard by Richard Reti, The Psychology of the Chess Player by Reuben Fine 1:18:00- Why did Asa stop betting on horse racing? 1:22:00- Thanks to Asa for joining the show! You can reach him via his chess.com profile here: https://www.chess.com/member/asahoffmann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back for another edition of Chess Books Recaptured. This month we take a brief break from discussing books that are focused on chess improvement and discuss the eventful, insightful, autobiography, Chess is My Life, by legendary GM Viktor Korchnoi. Korchnoi, of course, was a 4 time Soviet champion, who eventually emigrated to Switzerland, and twice challenged GM Anatoly Karpov for the World Championship. My guest co-host this month is John Fernandez. In addition to being an old friend of mine, John is a member of the US Chess Executive Board, a USCF expert, and was an early admin and employee of the Internet Chess Club. By day, he works as a Senior Vice President of Marketing at Glia, and he is also the father of twins. John has had some memorable interactions with GM Korchnoi, so it was great to hear those, as well as to discuss the book of this legendarily irascible chess figure. As you will hear, this 2 hour podcast only scratches the surface of Korchnoi’s legacy, so you might want to click through to some of the links below, which are given with timestamps. 0:00- Why did we pick Korchnoi’s Chess is My Life? Mentioned: Book Recap #17 of Bronstein’s Zurich 1953, Korchnoi’s Best Games Volume 1 and Volume 2 5:30- We go over Korchnoi’s amazing chess resume and exceptional life story. Mentioned: Caruana-Korchnoi 2011 15:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com Chessmood offers a huge library of instructive videos. You can hear GM Avetik Grigoryan on Episode 192 of Perpetual Chess. Be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel here. 16:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought you in part by Chess.com! Among their many resources, you can check out their drills here and their vision trainer here. 17:00- We read a few excerpts from the Preface (by Kasparov), the Foreword(by GM Sergey Ivanov) and the Prologue by Korchnoi himself and discuss Korchnoi’s playing style. Mentioned: Book Recap #1 Life and Games of Mikhail Tal, Closing Gambit, Episode 235 with Joe Posnanski 29:15- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 30:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 31:00- We each draft our top 5 storylines from Chess if My Life, starting with Korchnoi’s difficult upbringing. 37:00- We discuss the insanity of the 1978 World Championship Match with Karpov. Mentioned: Korchnoi’s Mirrored Glasses, YouTube footage of the match 51:30- Why did Petrosian and Korchnoi hate each other? 56:00- How was the Korchnoi-Fischer relationship? 1:01:00- Did Korchnoi know the rules of castling? Mentioned: Korchnoi-Karpov Game 21 1974, Bagirov-Korchnoi 1960 1:07:00- Patreon mailbag question- “Korchnoi had a rules issue in a game with a young Magnus Carlsen- What happened there?” Mentioned: Photo and Reddit Thread about Korchnoi-Carlsen 2004 1:13:00- Korchnoi played Maroczy while he was dead! How was the game? Mentioned: Maroczy/Robert Rollans vs. Korchnoi 1985, Lichess analysis here 1:18:00- Korchnoi played Che Guevara! 1:20:30- What were Korchnoi’s interactions with Tal like? 1:24:30- Korchnoi lived in New York for 2 years!? 1:27:00- Korchnoi on Nimzowitsch! Mentioned: Book Recap #18: Talking Aron Nimzowitsch’s My System with IM Christof Sielecki 1:31:30- John discusses his own involvement in one of Korchnoi’s most legendary displays of poor sportsmanship Mentioned: Reddit thread about Korchnoi-Polgar incident 1:41:00- Coming next month-- recapping the allegedly excellent book for newer players: A First Book of Morphy 1:43:00- Thanks to John for helping out! You can support US Chess here You can support Perpetual Chess here You can reach John via Twitter here: Or Chess.com here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our guest this week is one of the world’s leading experts on chess ratings. Mark Glickman is a senior lecturer on Statistics at Harvard University, from which he completed a Ph.D. in statistics. Mark has been researching and sharing ideas about ratings for decades, and has been the chairman of the US Chess Ratings committee since 1992. He is the inventor of the Glicko and Glicko2 rating systems, versions of which are used on liChess and Chess.com. He is also a USCF Master, and has written and co-written several papers on ratings. In our conversation, we review the history of chess ratings, the efficacy of the “Elo rating system,” rating deflation and other potential issues with the current online and OTB systems. This was a fascinating conversation during which I learned a great deal! More info and shownotes below. 0:00- We begin by discussing how Mark became interested in ratings, and a bit about the history of chess ratings. Mentioned: Arpad Elo, Kenneth Harkness Bradley-Terry Model, Ernst Zermelo 15:15- Mark tells the funny story of some work they did developing a “rating” model for Tinder to improve their dating app. 17:00- Why have ratings been such a boon for the popularity of chess? 21:30- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Mark think of IM Ken Regan’s concept of Intrinsic Rating?” Mentioned: Dr. Ken Regan’s paper on Intrinsic Rating, Episode 136 with IM Kenneth Regan 28:00- Does Mark think the FIDE and USCF rating systems are working? 34:00- What is the history of Mark’s “Glicko system” and where does the name come from? Mentioned: Dr. Christopher Chabris 37:30- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 38:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 41:00- Patreon mailbag question: How do we know if rating gains reflect a gain in strength rather than just that they were underrated to begin with? 47:30- Patreon mailbag question: What could FIDE and US Chess learn from the advances in rating systems that have been made by online video game sites? Mentioned: Trueskill Ranking System 52:00- Has Mark had any conversations with FIDE about implementing changes to the rating system? 54:00- Perpetual Chess is also brought you in part by Chess.com! Among their many resources, you can check out their Drills here and their vision trainer here. 54:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com Chessmood offers a huge library of instructive videos. You can hear GM Avetik Grigoryan on Episode 192 of Perpetual Chess. Be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel here. 56:00- Mark has written that the ELO rating system may have a deflationary tendency. Mark explains why this is, and suggests some potential fixes. Mentioned: Pandemic Lag by Dr. Kenneth Regan 1:06:00- Mark reflects on his own competitive chess career and shares a few stories and study tips from his journey to USCF Master. Mentioned: Alexey Troitsky 1:14:00- Are there any lessons to be derived for chess from the sports analytics revolution? 1:18:00- Could Mark envision a universal rating system across live and online sites? Mentioned: Rating conversion site here 1:20:00- Thanks so much to Mark for sharing his knowledge. You can keep up with him via his website: http://www.glicko.net/index.html You can read his papers here: http://www.glicko.net/research.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Noel Studer is a top Swiss player and a winner of many Swiss national titles. He has a popular and insightful blog called Next Level Chess, where Noel shares great chess improvement advice, book recommendations, and relates anecdotes from his experiences as a chess professional. Noel recently surprised his readers by announcing that at the age of 24 he is retiring from professional chess. In our conversation, Noel shares the reasons for his decision, and dispenses all kinds of awesome chess improvement advice. It was both helpful and enjoyable to hear all of Noel’s recommendations and stories. Please read on for lots more details and any relevant links. 0:00- What led to GM Noel Studer’s decision to retire from OTB chess at the age of 24? What is he planning next? Mentioned: Derek Sivers 13:30- What will be the topic of Noel’s upcoming chess course? 16:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessmood.com Chessmood offers a huge library of instructive videos. You can hear GM Avetik Grigoryan on Episode 192 of Perpetual Chess. Be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel here. 16:30- Perpetual Chess is also brought you in part by Chess.com! Among their many resources, you can check out their Drills here and their vision trainer here. 17:30- Patreon mailbag question from Neal Bruce! “What are the most common mistakes Noel sees from amateurs?” Mentioned: Atomic Habits 23:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is the minimum amount of work to do to maintain a level while one is unable to train chess seriously due to life circumstances?” Mentioned: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz 2021 29:00- Patreon mailbag question “How much do openings matter for club players?” Mentioned: GM Ben Finegold, Noel’s posts Chess Improvement: Simple not Easy, What is The Best Chess Opening?, GM Surya Ganguly, GM Avetik Grigoryan’s Post: How to Memorize Chess Openings and Variation- Without Forgetting Them a Few Days Later 36:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What would Noel recommend for breaking through a tactics training plateau?” Mentioned: The Woodpecker Method , Episode 241 with FM Peter Giannatos, GM Pentala Harikrishna 48:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out what's new from them here: New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com Don’t forget to subscribe to the How to Chess podcast as well! 48:30- Perpetual Chess is also brought to you in part by AImchess.com. Check out the site, and if you decide to subscribe use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 49:00- What are the best sources of motivation for chess improvement? How did Noel get through a period where he was bullied as an adolescent? Mentioned: Simon Sinek’s Start With Why 1:01:00- What approach does Noel recommend for analyzing games after you play them? Mentioned: How to Analyze Your Game Part 1, How to Analyze Your Game Part 2 1:11:00- What lessons has Noel learned from working with GMs Artur Yusopov, Josif Dorfman, Markus Ragger? Mentioned: My Favorite Chess Advice: Talk With Your Pieces, IM Mark Dvoretsky, IM Josh Waitzkin’s The Art of Learning 1:22:00- What are Noel’s favorite books? Mentioned: Atomic Habits, The Art of Learning, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Learn from the Legends, GM Boris Gelfand’s Books ,GM Judit Polgar’s Books, GM Alireza Firouzja, Bortnyk-Studer 2014, Harikrishna-Studer 2019 1:31:00- What is Noel’s life like away from the board? Mentioned: Lucy the Golden Queen’s Instagram! 1:32:00- Thanks so much to Noel for sharing his insights! Be sure to subscribe to his blog/newsletter at https://nextlevelchess.blog/ You can follow him on Twitter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices