EP 493- GM Vasif Durarbayli: Why Every Serious Chess Player Needs a Coach 

GM Vasif Durarbayli is a former World Youth Champion and two-time champion of his native Azerbaijan. Now based in St. Louis after graduating from Webster University, Vasif has turned much of his attention to ChessEver, an app designed to make following live chess easier.

In our conversation we discuss:

•• Why he believes every serious chess player needs a coach, and how not hiring one nearly derailed his own career.

• Vasif's outstanding performance at the Naroditsky Memorial blitz, including a near-upset of Hikaru Nakamura.

• An unforgettable over-the-board encounter with legendary GM Viktor Korchnoi.

• How chess broadcasting can be improved, and his ambitious long-term vision for ChessEver.

This was a really enjoyable conversation, and I recommend ChessEver to anyone who enjoys following top-level tournaments.

In our conversation we discuss:

•• Why he believes every serious chess player needs a coach, and how not hiring one nearly derailed his own career.

• Vasif's outstanding performance at the Naroditsky Memorial blitz, including a near-upset of Hikaru Nakamura.

• An unforgettable over-the-board encounter with legendary GM Viktor Korchnoi.

• How chess broadcasting can be improved, and his ambitious long-term vision for ChessEver.

This was a really enjoyable conversation, and I recommend ChessEver to anyone who enjoys following top-level tournaments.





00:00 - Intro

01:16 - Insights from a top 10 finish at the Naroditsky Memorial blitz tournament

Check out Vasif’s Naroditsky Memorial games here:

The Nakamura game is game 13, 35. Rxa7! Was mate in 12. 

https://lichess.org/study/UoNAiYdm/TehrviPk



03:52 - Playing Korchnoi

05:02 - Playing style: aggressive opening choices and psychological play

06:45 - The influence of legendary players and their aura on Vasif

09:16 - Off-the-board aspects of chess improvement and coaching advice

12:37 - Strategies for handling lost positions and psychological tactics

15:08 - The significance of coaching and Vasif’s past mistakes in self-improvement

Vasif’s thoughts on Gukesh’s slump here:

https://x.com/durarbayli/status/2079565216413556923



24:52 - The power of strategic preparation stories from chess books

Mentioned: The Random Book that Made me a Grandmaster

https://durarbayli.com/a-random-book-made-me-a-grandmaster/

The Method in Chess by Josif Dorfman

https://www.amazon.com/Method-Chess-Iossif-Dorfman/dp/2957289024

30:00- Why we should not emulate Sindarov’s study approach

Mentioned: Fooled by Randomness

39:06 - The journey from competitive chess to creating Chess Ever

44:50 - The vision for Chess Ever: following games, broadcasting, and innovation

53:41 - Monetization plans and future features of Chess Ever

58:51 - How Chess Ever differs from other streaming and follow platforms

61:47 - The future of chess broadcasting, AI commentary, and competition

63:48 - Final thoughts and encouraging feedback from listenersResources:

Connect with Vasif Durabayi:



EP 492: Mr. Dodgy on Improving at Classical Chess + Chess Fam 

⁠⁠⁠Michael Duke (better known as Mr. Dodgy, or @chessproblem on X) is a Chessable author, the co-founder of ⁠Chessfam⁠, and co-host of the Chicken Chess Club podcast. He has built a large online following through his passion for chess and his sharp sense of humor. But aside from the jokes, Michael has become more serious about improving his own game.

With a FIDE rating just shy of 2100, Michael was frustrated that he consistently performed much better in rapid than in classical chess. In order to change that, he sought out GM Alex Colovic for coaching after trying several instructors. He worked to address the biggest weaknesses in his game, including lazy calculation and overly ambitious opening choices. The work paid off as he defeated a grandmaster for the first time at age 38 and later held GM David Howell to a draw in a rapid game.

In our conversation, Michael shares what he learned about improving as an adult, why his rapid results have always been better than his OTB results, and the practical changes that helped close the gap.

We also discuss Chessfam, the ambitious new platform he co-founded to make finding and entering chess tournaments easier, as well as his observations from the recent European Chess Union Congress and the upcoming FIDE presidential election. (Please note this interview was recorded before Arkady Dvorkovich withdrew from the race.)

As always, timestamps for all topics discussed are below.

00:04 Introduction to Mr. Dodgy 

02:51 Chess Improvement Deep Dive and Dodgy’s recent achievements 

Mentioned: ⁠GM Alex Colovic’s Substack⁠

05:42 Lessons from Grandmaster Alex Colovic

GM Alex Colovic- How to Become a Grandmaster

⁠https://www.quora.com/How-did-you-become-a-grandmaster/answer/Alex-Colovic?share=55b455d3&srid=hY2IT⁠

08:49 Strengths and Weaknesses in Rapid vs Classical Chess

11:52 Opening Strategies and Learning Approaches

GM Alex Colovic’s Suggestions for the Alapin-

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6K0YFRN20U⁠

14:38 Daily Practice and Calculation Work

17:49 Patreon Mailbag Question: Can We Expect another Mr. Dodgy Chessable course? 

20:33 Recommended Resources for Improvement

Mentioned: Improve Your Chess Calculation by GM RB Ramesh, Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Philip Hurtado, ⁠Perfect Your Chess by GM Volokitin and IM Grabinsky ⁠

25:20 Exploring Diverse Thinking in Chess

26:15 Influential Players and Their Styles

27:21 Dodgy's Grandmaster Victory Story

30:19 Chess Party: A Unique Event Experience

35:45 Introducing Chess Fam: A New Chess Platform

Mentioned: Sligo International, Maia Chess Festival, Sitges International 

39:55 The Business Model Behind Chess Fam

43:54 Navigating New Skills in Chess Fam

48:01 Getting Involved with Chess Fam

48:26 The Need for Chess Tournament Reviews

50:43 Creating a Welcoming Environment for New Players

52:39 The Rise of Casual Chess Events

54:07 Insights from the ECU Congress

55:40 Understanding the Role of the ECU

59:00 The Future of European Chess

Mentioned: GM Peter Arnaudov from ⁠ModernChess.com⁠, Business Meets Chess & Kids & GM Pontuss Carlsson

01:05:07 FIDE Elections and the Importance of Term Limits

Thanks to Mr. Dodgy for joining! Here are links to his stuff:

X: https://x.com/ChessProblem

Chessable-

⁠https://www.chessable.com/courses/s/dodgy/⁠

Chessfam-

⁠https://chessfam.com/⁠


Photo in thumbnail by David Llada 

EP 491: Lessons from the Naroditsky Memorial with FM Dalton Perrine, GM Eugene Perelshteyn and NM Mike Mahoney


By all accounts, the Naroditsky Memorial was a touching tribute to the legendary streamer, educator and grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. This week I welcome three guests to share their stories from the memorable event in Charlotte.

Popular Chessable author and coach FM Dalton Perrine reflects on the lessons and memorable experiences of the tournament. Dalton also shares chess improvement insights from his excellent Chess Chatter newsletter and discusses Chessalyz, the AI-powered chess improvement platform he co-founded.

Following Dalton, GM Eugene Perelshteyn and NM Mike Mahoney return to the podcast for an update on the "Chess Rocky" story. They discuss Mike's results after months of training for the event, along with unforgettable stories from the tournament, including their encounter with legendary GM Vasyl Ivanchuk.

As always, I enjoyed hearing the stories and lessons from Dalton, Eugene and Mike, and I think listeners will find plenty to learn from their experiences.

00:04 Introduction and Background

01:01 The Narodzki Memorial Tournament Experience

04:01 Learning from Danya's Speedruns

Mentioned: Chessbase India- Naroditsky Memorial Coverage

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2unSfeOdoM

Chessbase India Interview with Danya’s Mother:

Daniel Naroditsky's mother shares heartfelt message to the chess community



06:53 Atmosphere and Community at the Tournament

10:04 Performance and Reflections on Games

13:01 Simplicity in Chess Improvement

16:02 Chessalyze: The AI-Assisted Coaching Platform

22:12 Future of Chessalyze and User Feedback

27:57 Advice for Ambitious Club Players

Mentioned:

Survive and Thrive: How to Blunder Less and Defend Better

https://www.chessable.com/survive-thrive-how-to-blunder-less-and-defend-better/course/80629/

34:00- Upcoming Tournaments and Projects

Thanks to Dalton for joining! Here is how to keep up with him:



Chess Chatter Blog



Chessalyz.ai



DaltonPerrine.com





38:00 GM Eugene Perelshteyn and NM Mike Mahoney join me

Mentioned: Ivanchuk is here, GM Steven Zierk

Sindarov-Woodward 2026

https://www.chess.com/events/2026-naroditsky-memorial-masters-rapid/03/Sindarov_Javokhir-Woodward_Andy

IM Sagar Shah-Mahoney 2026-

https://lichess.org/study/IgNM0rNc/ZiaxROGi

48:32 The Pressure of Competition: In-Person Challenges

54:37 Reflections and Future Aspirations



https://eugeneperel.substack.com/

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess



Photo in thumbnail via Charlotte Chess Center-



https://www.cltccf.org/portfolio-collections/naroditsky-memorial-rapid-and-blitz-2026/setupmisc



EP 490- Bruce Pandolfini on 50 Years of Teaching Chess 

Bruce Pandolfini is an American chess legend who has written many popular books, consulted on The Queen's Gambit and numerous other films and television projects featuring chess, and worked with countless future masters, including GM Fabiano Caruana and IM Josh Waitzkin.

Bruce rejoined me to reflect on what he has learned from an incredibly varied career in chess, from helping cover the 1972 Fischer-Spassky World Championship for PBS to nearly fifty years as one of America's most influential chess teachers.

In our conversation, Bruce discusses the nature of chess talent, what separates students who improve from those who don't, how technology has changed the way chess is taught, and shares memorable stories from his decades as a teacher, author, and film consultant.




00:00 Introduction and Bruce's background

00:23 Bruce's career highlights and teaching philosophy

06:06 Traits of successful chess players

09:10 Adults vs. kids in chess learning

Mentioned: 

Dream Moves by GM Miron Sher 

19:28 Talent and hard work in chess

Mentioned: Reveal Your Chess Style by GM Andy Soltis , 

Deadline Grandmaster 

24:00- Working on the movies Searching For Bobby Fischer, and Fresh 

31:58 The health and future of chess

40:15 Chess legends and historical stories

45:00- Patreon mailbag question: Would Bruce consider revising and updating any of  his books?

48:28 Bruce's involvement in media and films

56:16 Reflections on chess evolution and technology

Mentioned: Thinking Sideways, Dark Squares, Bobby Fischer’s Chess Queen, Rebel Queen,

The Seventh Seal, From Russia with Love, Casablanca 

01:03:14 Advice for chess enthusiasts and closing thoughts




If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess

EP 489- IM-elect Rose Atwell on Discipline, Improvement, and Chess Psychology 

17-year-old IM-elect Rose Atwell is one of the brightest young stars in American chess. She recently earned her International Master title, tied for first at the National High School Championship, and qualified for the U.S. Women's Olympiad team for the first time. Rose has also built a loyal following on social media by candidly chronicling her tournament experiences. She shares instructive positions and the lessons she learns from both her successes and setbacks.

In our conversation we discuss:

  • Her approach to reviewing games and systematically addressing weaknesses

  • How she uses digital flashcards and "mixed tactics" to accelerate improvement

  • Why she believes homeschooling has benefited both her chess and her education

  • The chess advice she would give to her younger self 

Rose is an impressive player and a great ambassador for the game. I appreciate her taking the time to join me during a very busy tournament schedule.




00:00 Introduction to Rose Atwell

03:23 Lessons Learned From a Disappointing Recent Tournament

06:24 Reviewing Games and Learning from Mistakes

09:29 Training Routines and Adjustments

12:33 Coaching Dynamics and Study Habits

Mentioned: 

Rose Atwell interview with GM Mauricio Flores Rios

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w-JQbZUIRs

“Class in Session” with WGM Sabina Foisor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6YiEvust3k

15:24 Digital Tools and Flashcards for Improvement

18:23 Balancing Study and Physical Health

21:23 Family Background and Support

24:31 Competitive Mindset and Gender Dynamics in Chess

Mentioned: Judit Polgar book trilogy 

https://forwardchess.com/product/judit-polgar-how-i-beat-fischers-record

31:32 Upcoming Tournaments and Travel Plans

33:58 Meeting Chess Heroes and Inspirations

36:00 Balancing Chess and Education

39:01 The Future of College and Chess

39:52 Attributing Success and Overcoming Challenges

42:04 Social Media and Sharing Chess Experiences

43:57 Advice to Younger Self and Emotional Resilience

46:05 The Importance of Identity Beyond Chess

49:02 Reading and Maintaining Focus

51:22 Chess Training and Future Goals

57:00 Thanks to Rose for joining me! Here is how to keep up with her:



X:

https://x.com/atwell_rose?lang=en

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/roseatwellchess/?hl=en





EP 488- GM R.B. Ramesh on Calculation, Confidence, and Coaching Champions 


Renowned author and trainer GM R.B. Ramesh is one of the rare coaches who has worked extensively with the world's elite players while still providing practical advice for ambitious amateurs.

Long respected as one of chess's leading trainers and authors, Ramesh has helped guide the development of stars such as GMs Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Aravindh Chithambaram. As his students continue to reach new heights, Ramesh remains committed to sharing lessons that can benefit players at every level. For that reason, it was exciting news when he recently announced the relaunch of his YouTube channel, where he plans to regularly share free instructional content.

In our conversation, we discussed:

• What he has learned from coaching elite players
• When to focus on calculation versus pattern recognition
• The risks of burnout for top young players

We also discussed Ramesh's plans for future content, whether he has any new chess book recommendations, and how aspiring players can make the most of their limited study time.

There is always so much to learn from GM R.B. Ramesh.




Thanks to this week’s sponsors, Chessiverse.com. Use code “Perpetual30” to save 30% on premium offerings, and IM John Bartholomew’s Complete Scandinavian Course. 

0:00 Introduction

2:10 GM Ramesh joins. Why is he relaunching his YouTube channel?

4:50 What Ramesh has learned from coaching elite players like Praggnanandhaa and Aravindh Chithambaram

7:45 Why young players focus too much on openings

10:00 How strong players think: candidate moves, objectivity, and avoiding analytical bias

13:30 Visualization, calculation, and why club players struggle to analyze deeply

16:15 Common problems even elite players face: time trouble, concentration, and handling losses

Check out Ramesh’s interview with Praggnandhaa here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU0J3ftM8BQ

21:00 How coaches can help players overcome psychological obstacles

27:00 Patreon mailbag question: Might players like Praggnandhaa and Gukesh be dealing with issues like burnout, and a lack of balance in their lives?

Mentioned:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/right-now-it-s-a-challenge-to-enjoy-chess-gukesh-101781022470045.html



31:30 The dangers of playing too many tournaments

35:15 Long-term burnout concerns for today's generation of prodigies

37:20 Patreon mailbag question: What does Gukesh need to do to regain his best form?

44:45 Does being World Champion create unique psychological pressure?

48:45 Listener question: Pattern recognition vs. calculation

51:00 Analysis vs. calculation: an important distinction

54:10 How adults with only a few hours per week should spend their chess study time

55:30 Future books, Chessable courses, and long-term projects

57:30 What viewers can expect from Ramesh's YouTube channel

1:00:30 Training camps, teaching philosophy, and adapting to students

1:02:30 Why Ramesh stopped reading most chess books

1:04:00 The psychological side of coaching and improvement

1:06:30 Final advice for amateurs and aspiring professionals

1:07:40 Outro

Thanks to GM Ramesh for joining me again! Be sure to SUB to his YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/@RameshRB




EP 487- Matt Rathkey on Chess Improvement, Jazz Improvisation, and Learning How to Learn 

Can a background as a professional jazz musician help you improve at chess? Matt Rathkey says “yes.”.

Matt is this week's guest on The Adult Improver Series. Like many players, he fell back in love with chess during the COVID pandemic and soon found himself playing regularly, watching top-level broadcasts, and solving puzzles. Along the way, he drew upon lessons from years of studying music, particularly the role of pattern recognition, deliberate practice, and improvisation. After years of dedication,  Matt has raised his Chess.com blitz rating from roughly 1200 to over 1900. 

Matt also has a fascinating day job. He is a learning designer on Duolingo's chess team, helping build what has quickly become one of the largest entry points into chess in the world. Launched last year, Duolingo Chess now has more than 7 million daily active users, most of whom are new to the game.

Matt shares his improvement advice, discusses the parallels between jazz and chess, and reflects on what he has learned about the science of skill acquisition. 

This was a fun conversation, and it is encouraging to see so many new players discovering chess through Duolingo.


00:00 Introduction

 Join the free Perpetual Chess Discord here:

https://discord.gg/7KxjmaTW

Sub to my free newsletter here: 

https://benjohnson.substack.com/

Join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community here:

https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess

02:00 Matt Rathkey joins

04:10 The Return to Chess: A Pandemic Story

07:04 Rediscovering Chess: The Queen's Gambit Effect

10:08 Setting Goals: The Journey to 1500

Matt’s USCF rating page:

https://ratings.uschess.org/player/13412385

13:09 Learning Through Observation: Active Engagement

16:04 The Importance of Tactics in Chess

18:48 Understanding Openings: Beyond Memorization

21:41 Chess Culture and Personal Growth

24:42 The Future of Chess: Duolingo's Chess Course

34:56 Overcoming Chess Intimidation

36:48 Duolingo Chess: Making Chess Accessible

39:44 Engaging with Oscar: The Duolingo Chess Bot

42:53 Learning Pathways in Duolingo Chess

46:41 Designing Effective Chess Lessons

51:08 Personalized Learning in Chess

53:14 The Intersection of Music and Chess

01:02:06 Advice for Chess Improvement

01:08:24 The Journey of Continuous Improvement





EP 486: James Black Jr. on Going from Scholastic Star to Chess Mentor 


As a scholastic player, James Black Jr. was an All-American who won numerous national titles and trophies, both as an individual competitor and as part of the famed IS 318 chess program in Brooklyn, New York, as featured in the documentary Brooklyn Castle. Alongside FM Joshua Colas and IM Justus Williams, James became one of the youngest African-American National Masters in U.S. history.

After stepping away from competitive chess for several years, James has recently returned to the game, both as a player and as a coach and mentor. In a full-circle moment, he is now teaching at the same school where he first made his name while also building his own organization, KnightShift.

James joins me to discuss:

• Why he came back to competitive chess, and his goals for the future
• The "four pillars" he emphasizes when teaching young players
• How chess training has changed since his rise in the early 2010s, and what he needs to do to catch up

Plus, we discuss a unique chess book recommendation, his memories of Webster University, and his reaction to the news that its chess program is coming to an end.

This was a fun conversation, and I am excited to see James's comeback unfold.


00:00 Intro+ What brought James back to chess after an OTB hiatus

Mentioned: Brooklyn Castle

https://www.rescuedmedia.com/brooklyn-castle

GM Alex Lenderman, GM-elect Liam Putnam

Background info we mentioned:

https://grokipedia.com/page/james_black_jr




10:59 Teaching and Learning: Evolving Chess Education

Watch James vs. Magnus in 2012 here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfbpC3dQWw



17:16 Opening Strategies: Adapting to Modern Chess

23:25 Inspiration from Legends: Shaping a Chess Career

29:28 Beyond the Board: Life Lessons Through Chess

34:36 Reflections on Growth: Embracing the Journey

36:12 Impact of Mentorship in Chess

38:48 Teaching Chess to Young Minds



43:00- Favorite chess book! 

Mentioned: WNYC video featuring James as a kid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiOVyiR5jUU

Knight Moves by Charles Alexander-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126711532470?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOopTKnSuidd7Eg5M3-xYtoYzP97-jcvhVtZSPv1S1T25hE9dzgcXGsU

48:58 Experiences at Webster University

Webster terminates chess program:

https://www.chess.com/news/view/spice-chess-program-terminated

53:49 Advice for Aspiring Chess Players



Thanks to James for sharing his story!

You can email him at 

JamesBlackChess at gmail dot com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/knightshiftofficial_/



EP 485: GM Simon Williams on Mistakes, Revival, and the Future of Chesspublishing 


GM Simon Williams returns to Perpetual Chess for the first time in several years. Simon is one of chess's most recognizable personalities, known as the Ginger GM through his work as a streamer, commentator, author and Chessable creator. He is also an accomplished tournament player, having shared first in the 2010 London Chess Classic and finished second in the 2004 British Championship.

Simon joined me for a wide-ranging conversation covering both chess and life. We discussed:

• His candid reflections on becoming involved with a pension company that later collapsed, the mistakes he made, and how he has worked to move forward

• His new role helping revitalize Chesspublishing.com, and why he believes its archive of opening analysis remains an underappreciated resource

• How modern opening preparation has changed, and why Simon increasingly relies on offbeat ideas to avoid preparation battles

• His love of creative, attacking chess and the memorable games he has played at the Reykjavik Open

We also discussed the Stonewall Dutch, rising British star Bodhana Sivanandan, the losses of IM Adam Hunt and GM Jonathan Hawkins, and even Simon's thoughts on Las Vegas.

As always, it was great catching up with Simon, and I am glad to see him creating chess content again.





00:00 The 2026 Reykjavik Open and Simon’s flair for the dramatic chess game 

Check out Simon’s epic queen sacrifice in this article by NM Anthony Levin:

https://www.chess.com/news/view/2023-reykjavik-open-williams-sacrifices-queen#:~:text=Williams%27%20Brilliancy,he%20played%20the%20interesting%205.

04:45 How Simon has adapted his approach to openings in the engine age 

Mentioned: Simon’s game vs. Bodhana Sivanadan

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=3124933



07:35 Playing Against Younger Opponents

10:38 The State of British Chess

13:32 Exploring the Stonewall Dutch

Mentioned: Bronstein’s famous blunder- 

https://www.chess.com/blog/ThummimS/the-1951-world-chess-championship



16:32 The Impact of Computer Analysis

19:39 Experiences playing against legends at the 2025 European Club Cup

22:26 Simon’s Involvement with Chess Publishing

More background info here:

https://www.chess.com/news/view/simon-williams-ordered-to-pay-back-900-000-to-pension-scheme



26:30 Innovative Chess Solutions

28:11 Lessons learned from working for a pension firm that went bankrupt. 

35:42 Navigating Financial Mistakes

40:17 The Importance of Chess in Life

44:48 Content Creation and Future Projects

Keep an eye out for The Ginger and The Bear podcast!

48:54 Remembering IM Adam Hunt and GM Jonathan Hawkins 

50:00- How to keep up with GM Simon Williams



Suggestions for Chesspublishing.com 

https://www.chesspublishing.com/contact




X:

https://x.com/ginger_gm?lang=en

YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/gingergm

Disclosure: Some links in this description are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, Perpetual Chess may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

EP 484- Jordan Himelfarb on Interregnum and the Drama of the 2024 Candidates Cycle 

Jordan Himelfarb is an award-winning editor for the Toronto Star and an avid games player who became fascinated by elite chess during the pandemic. That fascination eventually led to his excellent new book,  Interregnum : Inside the Grueling and Glamourous Battle to Become the Next King of Chess, a detailed and highly readable chronicle of the 2024 FIDE Candidates cycle.

Jordan traveled to events including the World Cup, Grand Swiss, Candidates Tournament and World Championship match, gathering revealing first-hand reflections from many of the game’s top players along the way.

We discuss:

  • Why the Candidates cycle makes for such compelling sports drama

  • The emotional and physical toll of professional chess

  • Which players and personal stories resonated with him most

  • Ding Liren, Fabiano Caruana, Gukesh and the shifting generational landscape in chess

  • The controversies, chaos and unforgettable moments of the 2024 cycle

I recommend Jordan’s book to anyone looking for “bedtime chess reading”, and this was a really fun conversation.



00:00 Project Origins, Jordan’s Chess and Games Background

03:48 The Structure and Narrative of the Book

07:01 Experiences at Major Chess Events

09:54 Challenges and Insights in Reporting

12:46 The Physical and Mental Toll of Chess

15:58 Gender Dynamics in Chess

19:00- Patreon mailbag question: Which Candidates’ story resonated with Jordan the most? 

22:16 The Weight of the Crown: Mental Health in Chess

23:40 Compelling Stories of Chess Players

25:30 The Agony and Ecstasy of Chess

30:07 The Relentless Grind of Chess Tournaments

31:09 Drama and Controversy in the Chess World

36:20 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates Cycle

38:13 The Future of Young Chess Players

39:54 Personal Reflections on Chess

40:00- Thanks to Jordan for joining me, here is where to get the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/1639369910

Audiobook:

https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/B0GCPR89VZ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0






EP 483- Paulo SantAnna: What Happens When a Retired Adult Treats Chess Like a Full-Time Job?

Paulo SantAnna is living the dream of many adult chess improvers. The retired software engineer has spent the past several years devoting serious time and energy to improving his game, and the results have been impressive. When Paulo rekindled his interest in tournament chess, his FIDE rating had fallen to a recent low of 1850. Through years of hard study, travel, disciplined training, and resilience, he recently reached a new high over 2100 FIDE in his mid-50s!

We discuss:

  • The moment Paulo decided to get serious about improvement

  • The mistakes he made early in his comeback

  • How he structures his training

  • Study recommendations and practical advice for adult improvers

  • Physical fitness, tournament selection, and maintaining motivation

I found Paulo’s story inspiring, and it offers hope for the rest of us,  if we only could get rid of these pesky jobs.




0:00 Intro 

More on the Adult Improver series here:

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adultimprover

Thanks to those who keep the show running!

Patreon 

Check out Chessiverse.com (discount code- ‘Perpetual30’)

4:00 Paulo’s chess comeback story begins

Check out Paulo’s FIDE history here:

https://ratings.fide.com/profile/2027402

6:00 Why his rating rebounded after moving to Europe

8:00 Retirement, Spain trips, and dedicating serious time to chess

11:00 Studying 35 hours a week

13:00 The dangers of doing too much

More about the Chessdojo  here (use code “Ben” at checkout to save 10%) :

https://www.chessdojo.club/signup

17:00 Calculation training and daily routines

20:00 Openings, Chessable streaks, and training structure

23:00 Online blitz, model games, and coaching

25:00 How much he studies versus other adult improvers

27:00 Avoiding burnout and keeping motivation

29:00 Brazilian chess streamers and coaches

Paulo has worked with: GM Rafael Leitao, GM Andres Rodriguez,GM Diego Flores, GM Lenderman, GM Izoria, GM Eugene Perelshteyn,GM Raven Sturt,  IM Jorge Bobadilla

31:00 Working with top trainers like Eugene Perelshteyn and Axel Bachmann

33:00 Blindfold training with GM Roven Vogel

36:00 What mattered most for improvement

38:00 Hiding online repertoires and preparation

40:00 Sparring games and training partners

41:00 His breakthrough tournaments

42:00 Tournament prep philosophy

46:00 Fitness, stamina, and nutrition for chess

49:00 Chess scenes in New York and California

52:00 Senior tournaments and future plans

54:00 Favorite chess books and resources

Mentioned: Postional Play by GM Jacob Aagaard, Endgame Strategy by Shereshevsky 

57:00 Advice for busy adult improvers

58:00 Rating goals and pursuit of FM

1:00:00 Why adults struggle to improve

1:03:00 Final thoughts

1:04:00- Thanks to Paulo for sharing his story! You can reach him at:

psantann at gmail.dot.com







EP 482- GM Ivan Sokolov on Talent, Training and Modern Chess 



GM Ivan Sokolov is a former top-15 player who won major tournaments across multiple decades and became national champion of both Yugoslavia and the Netherlands. In classical chess, he scored memorable wins against Kasparov, Kramnik and Anand.

In recent years, Ivan has become equally respected as a trainer and author. Most notably, he worked with the gold medal-winning Uzbek team at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, including GMs Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Given Sindarov’s recent success, Ivan reflects on how his game has evolved and why it was clear to him that Sindarov was both supremely talented and, at the time, somewhat unprofessional in his approach.

Ivan recently released a new Chessable course, Self-Improvement for Advanced Players. We discuss chess improvement for professionals and amateurs alike, the proper role of a trainer in a player’s development, preparation in the Kasparov era versus today, and memories from his legendary career. This  includes reflections on his close friendship with the late GM Jan Timman.

It is always an honor to hear GM Sokolov’s stories and perspectives.

Click here to download the Episode


00:00 Introduction to Ivan Sokolov

Prior interview with GM Ivan Sokolov:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm2slrqqW7s&t=209s



02:21 Insights on the Uzbek National Team

Interview with Chessbase India

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnN00uNrBEQ&t=588s

09:10 Assessing Grandmaster Sinderov's Potential

12:57 The Importance of Chess History

15:56 The Role of a Trainer

19:28 Experiences Against Chess Legends

22:09 Preparing for Kasparov vs. Modern Players

28:18 The Future of Chess: Classical vs. Chess 960

32:10 Insights from Ivan’s course. 

36:22 Memories of the 2012 World Open and other tournaments in the US

Mentioned: Sokolov vs. Shirov 1999

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1010044



40:05 Talent vs. Hard Work in Chess

42:06 Remembering Grandmaster Yantum

46:40 Current Projects and Future Plans

50:00- Thanks to GM Sokolov for joining me! Here is how to keep up with him:

X:

https://x.com/GMSokolovIvan

Chessable Courses: 

https://www.chessable.com/author/IvanSokolov/


EP 481- IM Greg Shahade: Inside His Incredible Jeopardy Run 


IM Greg Shahade has long been well known in the chess world as a three-time national scholastic champion and the founder of the Pro Chess League and the US Chess School. Recently, however, he reached a much broader audience with an impressive run on the syndicated trivia show Jeopardy!.

Greg amassed over $75,000 in winnings, dethroning 31-time champion Jamie Ding along the way. He joined me after what he described as “the craziest week of his life” to discuss:

  • The approach to adult learning that helped him go from trivia novice to Jeopardy! champion in just a few years

  • Behind-the-scenes insights from the recording process, plus his reflections on his controversial on-stage mannerisms

  • How his background in chess (and poker) shaped his strategy and decision-making under pressure

There isn’t a ton of chess discussion in this episode, but Greg’s approach to learning and performance has clear applications across many domains.

00:00 Introduction 

Check out our sponsors, Chessiverse.com , and you can use code Perpetual30 to save 30% on premium feature and/or IM John Bartholomew’s Complete Scandinavian Course. 

Chessiverse.com 


03:00- Greg Shahade joins the show, we begin by discussing adult learning and Greg’s late start to trivia. 

Mentioned: Learned League 

Thinking Sideways by Jennifer Shahade 

Ducksters 

07:43 Building Knowledge Structures

10:03 The Role of Intense Study

12:54 Flashcards and Review Techniques

15:43 Betting Strategies on Jeopardy

18:45 Reflections on the Jeopardy Experience

You can review questions Greg faced here:

https://www.j-archive.com/showseason.php?season=42

25:00-  Patreon mailbag question- Why does Greg know so little about current events? What is his approach to daily double hunting?

30:44 Daily Double Strategies and Insights

36:57 Patreon mailbag question- Why is Greg so expressive when playing Jeopardy?

42:16 Physicality and Focus in Jeopardy

49:25 Behind the Scenes of Jeopardy

52:40 Facing the Champion: Mental Strategies

55:11 The Weight of Anticipation: Media and Public Perception

57:02 Navigating Fame: Love, Hate, and Public Reaction

59:50 Preparing for the Tournament of Champions

01:03:51 Chess and Jeopardy: Cross-Disciplinary Insights

01:07:20 Reflections on Study Techniques and Memory

01:11:20 Final Thoughts: The Game and Its Emotional Toll


Thanks to Greg for joining me at a busy time. Follow him here:


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/gregshahade/?hl=en

X: 

https://x.com/GregShahade


EP 480-  GM Eugene Perelshteyn & NM Mike Mahoney: Chess Rocky-Taking on Nakamura & Niemann at the Naroditsky Memorial

When I read on GM Eugene Perelshteyn’s blog that his amateur friend had signed up to compete against players like Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann in the Naroditsky Memorial, I knew I had to hear this story.

That friend is NM Mike Mahoney. Mike is a pharmacist by day and a devoted online blitz player by night. For Mike, chess is usually a way to unwind, not something he takes too seriously. But he couldn’t pass up the chance to test himself in one of the strongest blitz tournaments the U.S. has ever seen. 

Eugene will be mentoring Mike and traveling with him to Charlotte, and they both joined me to discuss:

  • Why Mike decided to jump into such a stacked field

  • How Eugene is preparing him for the challenge

  • How Mike defines “success” in a tournament like this

We also talk about Mike’s unconventional path to becoming a National Master, starting relatively late, as well as some great stories from the Boston blitz scene.

I’m excited to follow how this unfolds, and Eugene and Mike will be back after the tournament for a trip report. In the meantime, you can follow Mike’s journey on Eugene’s blog.

 Be sure to check out the Perpetual Chess YouTube channel where Eugene goes over one of Mike’s model games against the Caro-Kann. (The video will be out later this week) 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcudElmRsQYTwULtd_gnFw



00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Journey

02:50 Mike's Decision to Compete in the Naroditsky Memorial

05:41 Eugene's Support and Coaching Role

08:41 Mike's Past Experiences with Top Players

11:35 Analyzing Mike's Strengths and Weaknesses

14:37 Training and Preparation for the Tournament

17:31 Opening Strategies and Game Analysis

Mentioned: The Hungarian Dragon 

The Dragodorf

20:32 Eugene’s Philosophy on Gimmicky Openings

23:21 Defining Success in the Tournament

Mentioned: IM Marc Esserman

27:04 Excitement in Facing Strong Opponents

31:35 Setting Performance Goals as a Coach

34:02 The Importance of Blitz Clock Management

35:33 The Origin Story of a Late Chess Starter

Mentioned: Ilya Koyfman 

36:39 Factors Contributing to Success in Chess

39:16 The Value of Community in Chess

40:56 The Evolution of Chess Accessibility

43:25 The Importance of a Fun and Relaxed Approach

43:37 Learning from Losses and Honest Reflection

46:02 Stories about legendary

 GM Roman Dzindziashvilli and Bobby Fischer 

Mentioned: Dzindzi-Jansa move 25

https://lichess.org/study/Th7i9fr2/kxMPOEjA

49:00 Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

50:00- Thanks to Eugene and Mike for joining me!



You can follow Mike’s training and progress on GM Eugene Perelshteyn’s blog. 

https://eugeneperel.substack.com/



If you would like to help support Mike’s dream trip you can do so via this Go Fund Me:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/send-chess-rocky-to-fight-supergms-in-charlotte?lid=nlkk8jxujhda&utm_source=product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TXN_User_Messaging_Thank_You_Option_A&utm_content=internal



EP 479 – GM Rafael Leitão on Sindarov’s Historic Candidates Win, His Training Methods & What Comes Next 


With the FIDE Candidates now in the rearview mirror, 7-time Brazilian Champion and Chess.com “Game of the Day” columnist GM Rafael Leitão joins me to help break it all down. We discuss:

  • Sindarov’s incredible performance and the training methods that helped him ascend to the top

  • Vaishali’s strong finish and her chances against Ju Wenjun

  • Rafael’s take on opening trends, and which players might be most disappointed with their performance

GM Leitão also shares his thoughts on the Judit Polgar documentary on Netflix, along with his story of getting to play Judit.

Thanks to Rafael for sharing his insights. I’m excited to see the two new World Championship challengers fight for the title later this year.


00:00 Introduction to the Candidates Tournament

02:04 Training Methods and Classical Chess Education

Mentioned: IM Roman Vidonyik interview with Charlize van Zyl 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc

04:50 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates

07:43 Analysis of Player Performances

10:56 Sindarov's Unique Play Style

13:51 Reflections on Historical Performances

16:54 Opening Trends in High-Level Chess

19:52 The Future of Chess Openings

30:09 Concurrent Tournaments: A New Perspective

31:41 Vaishali's Resilience and Performance

35:00 Sindarov vs. Gukesh: The Rising Stars

Mentioned: Chess.com article touching on Sindarov’s trainer IM Roman Vidonyak

https://www.chess.com/news/view/2026-fide-candidates-tournament-round-14

Interviews with IM Roman Vidonyok:

Chessbase India-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6VDTVVXMZU&t=442s

FIDE- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc&t=1s

Chessbase article about the support Erdogmus receives:

https://en.chessbase.com/post/a-billionaire-supports-chess-talents

38:40 Ambitious Goals: The Future of Sindarov

42:04 Support Systems in Chess: A Double-Edged Sword

44:20 The Candidates Tournament: Format and Future

48:01 Memorable Encounters: Rafael's Game with Judit Polgar

Mentioned: Rafael’s YouTube video-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvQuSfNd6A

50:20 Analyzing Chess.com’s “Game of the Day”: Rafael's Approach

Mentioned: Praggnandhaa vs. Rapport 2025-

https://www.chess.com/events/2025-uzchess-cup-masters/06/Praggnanandhaa_R-Rapport_Richard

54:15 The Future of Chess: New Generations and Trends

56:00- Thanks to GM Leitao for rejoining me! You can reach him via his website, and follow him via the following methods:

Website:

https://rafaelleitao.com/



Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCistQmaDouEpKROBZBkQQ9A

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/gmrafaelleitao/




If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess and join the Patreon community, you can do so here:

⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess⁠



EP 478 – GM Ben Finegold on the Candidates, the Hans–Magnus Netflix Documentary, and TakeTakeTake’s Bold Business Move


It has been a busy time in the chess world, as dramas new and old bubble to the surface. GM Javokhir Sindarov is on the verge of winning the FIDE Candidates. A highly anticipated Netflix documentary has just been released about the Hans–Magnus controversy, and there is even some business intrigue, as an app co-founded by GM Magnus Carlsen is set to compete directly with Chess.com.

Joining me to discuss it all is the popular and entertaining YouTuber and commentator, GM Ben Finegold. Questions answered include:

  • Is the early Kalshi market correct to make Sindarov a 66% favorite over Gukesh in a World Championship match?

  • Will the Netflix documentary change anyone’s mind about Chess.com, Magnus Carlsen, or Hans Niemann?

  • Is Magnus likely to be directly involved in Take Take Take’s new direction?

We also discuss Ben’s recent health struggles, the state of his OTB game, and his upcoming plans. It’s always worthwhile to hear Ben’s unvarnished opinions!

0:00 – Intro + GM Ben Finegold returns

0:40 – FIDE Candidates Discussion
 (Sindarov’s dominance, Gukesh, Women’s section, format talk)

7:30 – Netflix “Chessmates” Documentary (Niemann–Carlsen)
 (Impressions, cheating debate, Magnus/Chess.com dynamics, Hans’ future)

Mentioned: Untold: Chess Mates 

31:00 – TakeTakeTake vs Chess.com + Chess Business Drama
 (Magnus, Lichess partnership, Hikaru’s reaction)

Mentioned: Hikaru discusses the TakeTakeTake/LiChess partnership

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFdWHX8oHuE&t=1534s

Theo Wait of Lichess interview with Chessbase India:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8nm-RPZzsM

Poker scandal- 

https://www.reddit.com/r/HobbyDrama/comments/104pwwx/poker_the_infamous_j4_hand_that_nearly_tore_the/

42:30 – Ben Finegold on His Chess + Future Plans
 (Retirement from OTB, health, streaming, poker, travel)

Find Ben at the 2026 National Open:

https://new.uschess.org/2026-national-open



50:00- Thanks as always to Ben for coming on the podcast. Here is how to keep up with him:

Twitch:

https://www.twitch.tv/itsbenandkaren/videos?filter=highlights&sort=time

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EnFbK-P5q0zeaqI5yobKg

X:

https://x.com/ben_finegold

EP 477- Jennifer Shahade on Cheating, AI, and Thinking Like a Chess Player

Jennifer Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women’s Champion, poker professional, commentator, and acclaimed author. This week, she returns to the pod to discuss her new book Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life. Drawing on chess, poker, and psychology, Jen shares practical tips and memorable stories about decision-making, creativity, and improvement.

We discuss:

  • Why she interviewed reformed chess cheaters and what their stories reveal about ambition

  • Helpful advice for remembering opening lines

  • The “Einstellung Effect” and how to avoid missing better ideas

  • How AI is changing the way we learn and think

We also catch up on Jen’s recent travels and upcoming events. There is a lot to learn and plenty of great stories along the way.




0:00- Intro-

Jen Shahade and US Chess announce a settlement:

https://x.com/KenneyBaden/status/2039375140534767852?s=20

0:02- Jen Shahade joins me. How did she find reformed chess cheaters to interview? What did she learn from talking with them for her book?

Mentioned: Netflix Untold Documentary about the Niemann-Carlsen story 

https://www.netflix.com/title/81582391

0:10- What is “MTR”? 

0:14- Working with legendary trainer IM Mark Dvoretsky 

0:18- Lessons learned from interviewing a memory champion 

Mentioned: Yanjaa Wintersoul, GM Sam Shankland 

0:28- Jen’s experiences coding with Claude 

Check out the links to the app she built here:

https://jenshahade.substack.com/p/spin-the-wheel-vibe-a-move

0:36- What is “the Einstellung effect”? 

0:40- Jen’s chess-related conversation with legendary psychologist and author Daniel Kahneman 


0:42- How chess master and Alpha Zero creator Demis Hassabas “thought sideways” to secure funding for his start up. 

0:48- Observations from the recent Sloan sports analytic conference

0:50- What is “the sandwich method”?

0:51- Upcoming book events for Jen

0:52- If you will be in NYC on May 12 and want to support a good cause, come see Jen and I at this event.

You can buy tickets to the Chess in the Schools Poker/Chess Fundraiser here:

https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-3rd-annual-charity-poker-tournament

 0:54- Thanks to Jen for joining me again, here is where to order her book.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Thinking-Sideways/Jennifer-Shahade/9798897100729

https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Sideways-Think-Chess-Player/dp/B0FCDDB8XV 

Photo in thumbnail by Maria Emelianova 

Bonus Pod: Sindarov’s Historic Start + Inside the FIDE Candidates with Mike Klein



FM Mike Klein of Chess.com  joins the show from Cyprus to give an on-the-ground look at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. We discuss the incredible start by GM Javokhir Sindarov, and what Mike has observed from his interactions with the rising star. Mike also describes the tournament atmosphere,shares  behind-the-scenes stories from the venue, and provides insights on the Women’s Candidates race. We also discuss what to expect in the critical rounds ahead including a huge round 8 battle. 




0:00 – Intro + Mike Klein joins (Candidates update)
0:45 – Javokhir Sindarov’s historic start (6/7) + Anna Muzychuk leading women’s field

1:20 – Sindarov’s personality: “infectious,” approachable, media-friendly
3:35 – Candidates trivia + chess culture vs performance debate

4:45 – Comparing Sindarov’s start to past Candidates performances
6:18 – Mindset: why Sindarov isn’t satisfied (even after a draw)

7:50 – Will Sindarov keep pushing or coast to victory?
9:27 – Tournament suspense vs runaway leader (Nepo comparison)

10:25 – Life in Cyprus: smaller scene vs Madrid/Toronto
11:00 – Hotel stories + luxury setting + “White Lotus vibes”
12:48 – Safety, isolation, and player accommodations

13:51 – Venue setup: viewing area, fan zones, and logistics
15:30 – Rest day activities + paddle tournament

16:30 – Paddle tournament results + Caruana appearance
17:50 – Chess + tennis crossover (Pavel Tregubov trivia)
19:05 – What is paddle? (sport explanation + Magnus tie-in)

20:30 – Women’s Candidates overview: Muzychuk vs Vaishali + contenders
22:48 – Seconds and prep teams (Caruana, Hikaru, etc.)

25:00 – Key matchup: Nakamura vs Caruana
26:00 – What would Sindarov be like as World Champion?

28:30 – Mike’s YouTube channel + future content plans
29:20 – “Weightless chess” goal (fun viral idea)
30:40 – Wrap-up + sign-off

31:00- Thanks to Mike Klein for joining me! Be sure to sub to his YouTube channel here for additional on-site Candidates coverage:

https://www.youtube.com/@FunMasterMike











EP 476-Vlad Ghita: Is the Rating System Still Broken? A Data-Driven Investigation

It has been over two years since FIDE implemented major changes to its rating system aimed at combating rating deflation. But are those changes actually working?

My guest, Vlad Ghita, joins me to dig into the data. Vlad is a Romanian arbiter, instructor, and chess enthusiast with a master’s degree in physics. In his new e-book, The Rating Revolution, he takes a rigorous, data-driven look at how the global rating system is functioning—and where it may still be falling short.

We discuss:

  • What Vlad calls the “participation paradox”

  • Which countries may be the most underrated

  • How age impacts rating expectations

  • Why some players feel stuck despite improving

  • Is the US rating system functioning more effectively than FIDE?

As discussed in the episode, many of these issues stem from structural imbalances in the rating pool—something Vlad illustrates through extensive analysis of nearly one million games .

In our conversation (and in his book), Vlad not only identifies problems but also proposes thoughtful solutions. As a dedicated coach and adult improver himself, he also shares practical advice for chess improvement.



0:00- Intro

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Check out their FIDE Candidates Sale here:

https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/offer/

Sign up for Chessable Pro here:

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro


0:02- Vlad’s joins the show, we being by diving into his chess  background

Mentioned: Michael Franco/NoseKnowsAll’s free Lichess materials-

https://lichess.org/study/by/NoseKnowsAll

0:10- How Vlad’s curiosity about ratings was piqued around the pandemic, what he learned about ratings

0:11- What is the cause of FIDE rating deflation?

Mentioned: Jeff Sonas, Dr. Mark Glickman



0:16-What is “the participation paradox?” 

0:21- Is the US rating system working better than FIDE’s?

29:00- Should FIDE institute adjustable rating floors? 

31:00- What solutions does Vlad propose to improve the rating system? 

42:00- Chess improvement lessons from Vlad’s playing and training experience 

Mentioned: Chess Structures, How to Study Chess on Your Own, Chessbook

50:00- The pros and cons of working full time in chess

52:00- Thanks to Vlad for coming on the pod and writing an insightful book. Vlad has offered a discount to Perpetual Chess Listeners if you use the code “perpetual” at checkout.

https://vladchess.com/rating-revolution

If you are interested in getting coaching from Vlad, you can reach him via his website:

https://vladchess.com/















Book Recap #38- Silman’s Chess Odyssey + Stories from a Former Student with Gaurav Datta 


The Perpetual Chess book discussion series Chess Books Recaptured returns with a personal, funny, and heartfelt episode.

Gaurav Datta, a longtime student and close friend of IM Jeremy Silman, joins me to discuss Silman’s Chess Odyssey: Cracked Grandmaster Tales, Legendary Players, & Instructions and Musings. This memoir and collection of writing was Silman’s final work, and it beautifully captures his deep and enduring love for chess.

As Gaurav shares, he was an ordinary club player who repeatedly emailed Silman until Jeremy reluctantly agreed to take him on as a student in the late 1990s. What began as lessons soon turned into a decades-long friendship. Jeremy did not care much about Gaurav’s rating, but he appreciated his sense of humor and his ability to tell interesting stories.

Throughout the conversation, Gaurav interweaves touching and often hilarious personal memories with insights from the book, offering a glimpse  into Silman’s life and teaching philosophy. 

I greatly enjoyed reading Silman’s Chess Odyssey, and hearing Gaurav’s stories added a whole new dimension to understanding one of chess’s most beloved teachers.

0:00 Intro + overview of Silman’s Chess Odyssey

Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com. Check out IM Jeremy SIlman’s vast catalog of courses here:

https://www.chessable.com/author/Jeremy_Silman/
5:48 Guest intro: Gaurav Datta (long-time student & friend of Jeremy Silman)

7:00 How Gaurav discovered Silman, early struggles, and first meeting
12:30 What lessons with Silman were really like (stories, life, chess)

18:20 Chess as art: Silman’s core philosophy
22:40 Training methods: studying master games & subtle ideas

Mentioned: IM Erik Kislik, NM Steve Brandwein

28:00 Gambling struggles, life setbacks, and returning to chess

33:00 Silman’s personality: stories, Japan, boxing & unique interests

38:40 Final years, illness, and completing his last book

Mentioned: Autobiography of a Goat 

51:30 Key lessons: play for beauty, not rating + lasting impact




1:15:00- Thanks so much to Gaurav for sharing his amazing stories! Here is how you can reach him:

Email- gdatta at gmail.com

Chess.com- 

https://www.chess.com/member/olddirtypatzer










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