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: