EP 279- Derek Wilder (Adult Improver Series)- The key lessons that helped an 1800 break through to a USCF 2000 rating.

Photo by Nathan Kelly of the National Blitz League

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. 

Click here to Download the Episode

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

Ep 278- GM Jan Gustafsson- The Popular Chess24 Commentator discusses the World Championships, Chess Openings, The State of his Chess Game, and his new Chess Podcast

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 and relevant links below:

Click here to Download the Episode

0:00- We briefly discuss the origins of Jan’s new podcast, The Chicken Chess Club. 

Mentioned: Chicken Chess Club, GM Laurent Fressinet, GM Peter Hiene Nielsen 

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), Episode 276 with GM Michael Adams, The Anand Files, From London to Elista 

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 - 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. 

Mentioned: IM Greg Shahade 

32:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Jan’s advice for creating an opening repertoire?”

37:00- What is Jan trying to improve at?

Jan’s Twitch Channel, KugelBuch Twitch Channel 

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? 

Mentioned: Jeselnik and Rosenthal Vanity Project, GM Alireza Firouzja 

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? 

Mentioned:  Inside Team Magnus, GM Danill Dubov, GM Jorden van Foreest 

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?

Mentioned: Coda, Fleabag, Barry, White Lotus, Atlanta, Succession, See, Reacher, Louis C.K., Daniel Simonsen

1:08:00- Thanks to Jan for joining us! Be sure to subscribe to/rate/review the Chicken Chess Club.

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

EP 277-GM Kirill Shevchenko and WFM Maria Emelianova, a Ukrainian GM and a Russian Chess Streamer, on How the Russian-Ukrainian War Impacts their lives, their Careers and the Chess World

Photo of GM Kirill Shevchenko via Wikimedia Commons, Photo of Maria Emelianova via Maria

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 timestamps and relevant links. 

Click Here to Download the Episode

I apologize for the background noise 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- GM Kirill Shevchenko joins the show, and retells the events of his life since Russia initiated its attack on Kiev. 

17:00- Kirill describes how he made his way to Germany with a few family members. 

21:00- Does Kirill find it difficult to focus on chess in events like the European Championship, and the upcoming European Chess Tour? 

25:00- In 2021, Kirill won the Lindores Abbey blitz tournament over Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and others. Does he play or practice a lot of blitz? 

26:00- What has Kirill heard about how other top Ukrainian players are reacting to the war? 

29:00- 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

33:00- Does Kirill think Russian players should be able to play in international tournaments? Should Dvorkovich stay the head of FIDE? 

Mentioned: Peter Doggers’ article- Ukrainian Players in Times of War 

36:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Would Kirill consider switching federations?” 

36:00- What does Kirill consider to be his career highlights? 

Mentioned: GM Alireza Firouzja, GM Alexander Moisenko, 2021 European Team Chess Championship 

39:00- Thanks so much to Kirill for joining us! You can follow Kirill here:

And Donate to Team Hikaru Care for Ukraine to support Ukraine here:

https://events.softgiving.com/donate/Team-Hikaru-CARE-For-Ukraine

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. If you choose to subscribe to Aimchess, please use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. 

42:00- Maria Emelianova joins the show! She describes the impact on her life when Russia unexpectedly attacked Ukraine. 

43:00- How can Russian citizens follow the news, given the Russian government restrictions? What percentage of Russian citizens believe the state media propaganda? 

49:00- Maria shares more details about the political situation in Russia

1:11:00- Maria gives some details about the fundraising efforts she and some of her Chess.com co-workers are spearheading. 

Mentioned: Maria’s interview with Josep Fontelles, GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Natalia Zhukova, GM Anton Korobov

1:19:00- Does Maria think that Russians should be allowed to compete internationally? 

1:31:00- Thanks so much to Maria for joining us again.

Follow her on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/photochess 

Maria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photochess/?hl=en

You can support Ukrainians directly through WIM Nastya Rakhmangulova:

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

EP 276- GM Michael Adams- Stories and Lessons from Mickey's decades Among the Chess Elite

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.  

Click here to Download the Episode

0:00- Mickey has a tournament coming soon, how does he prepare especially after the pandemic? 

Mentioned: Tepe Sigeman Tournament, Development of a Grandmaster, Chess in the Fast Lane by Bill Adams and GM Mickey Adams , GM Gawain Jones, GM David Howell, GM Luke McShane, GM Matthew Sadler 

10:00- How has Mickey maintained his chess strength up to age 50? 

18:00- What is Mickey’s approach to using engines? 

Mentioned: Episode 257 with GM Erwin L’Ami 

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? 

Mentioned: GM Viswanathan Anand, GM Vasyl Ivanchuk, GM Magnus Carlsen 

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?

Mentioned: Ivanchuk-Adams 1991, Adams-Topalov 2006, Best of British Chessable Course with GM Simon Williams 

33:00- Mickey tells a few entertaining stories from his younger years involving Kasparov . Kramnik and GM Joel Lautier. 

Mentioned: GM Julian Hodgson, GM Vasyl Ivanchuk 

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

Mentioned: You can read my reviews of Think Like a Super GM on my Lichess blog or Chess.com blog. Thought and Choice in Chess by Adriaan de Groot, Forward Chess version of Think Like a Super GM

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? 

Mentioned: BWin Candidates Betting Odds 

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?”

Mentioned: New in Chess Magazine  

1:34:00- Does Mickey still have a condo in Florida? 

Mentioned: Mickey’s Blog

1:36:00- What is Mickey’s favorite chess venue?

Mentioned: GM David Norwood, Wijk an Zee, Episode 5 with GM Simon Williams 

1:39:00- Thanks so much to Mickey for joining the pod! Here are the best ways to keep up with him. 

Mickey’s Blog

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

EP 275- IM Ali Mortazavi- A CEO and Successful Stock Investor on how the Challenges of Chess Help Everything Else Seem Easier

Photo by John Upham, courtesy of British Chess News

IM Ali Mortazavi is an Iranian born 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. 

Click here to download the Episode

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.

EP 274- Paul Hedrick (Adult Improver Series) with guest co-host Han Schut

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.

Click here to Download the Episode

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: 

EP 273- GM Johan Hellsten on Chess Improvement, the Inspirations for his "Mastering Chess" Book Series, and his favorite OTB Memories

My guest  this week is 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 get into the origins of these voluminous projects, plus Johan answers a ton of chess improvement related questions from listeners to the podcast. Lastly, Johan tells some fun stories from his time playing on the Swedish Olympiad Team, and shares the names of some authors that were formative in his own chess development. Please read on for timestamps and relevant links.  

Click here to Download the Episode

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 is 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 player’s 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?” (Johan lives in Ecuador.) 

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. 

EP 272- "Positional Puzzle Book Championship" with Neal Bruce

Neal Bruce with his #chesspunks mug

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. 

Click here to Download the Episode

 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. Their new courses include 1. E4 for beginners by IM Andras Toth, and Lifetime Repertoires by GM Hans Niemann. You can check out free “Short and Sweet” previews of them here (Andras) and here (Hans) 

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. 

Book Recap #25- The Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games with NM Chrisopher Chabris and FM Graham Burgess

I was joined by guest co-host Christopher Chabris, and we were paid a visit by the co-author and editor, FM Graham Burgess

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.

Click here to download the episode

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

EP 271- GM Hans Niemann on his Rapid Climb up the Chess Rankings and What's Next for Him in 2022

Photo by IM Eric Rosen

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. . 

Click here to Download the Episode

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.

EP 270- Cody Smith (Adult Improver Series)

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. 

Click here to download the Episode

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-

1. Go play the Chesskid Anand bot here

2. Play the Anand bot here, he’s the avatar on the bottom right

3. If you win, draw, or last at least 40 moves, email your the game with account name to support@chesskid.com (with subject line Perpetual Chess)

4. 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. 

EP 269- Jen Shahade on her New Book and Chess in the Queen's Gambit Age

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 Queens 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 she dispenses some chess and life improvement advice. There is always a great deal to learn from Jen! Many more details and relevant links are in the show description. 

Click here to Download the Episode

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- How would Jen describe the experience of creating 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 - Chessable.com

18:30- Jen tells the crazy story of the time that a coin flip decided who got 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 it is in others? 

Mentioned: Ladies Knight with Martha Fierro, Nadya Ortiz

30:00- Jen discusses some of 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 someone write a book about women in poker that is similar to Chess Queens?”

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 : ”Are there 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 

EP 268- GM Joel Benjamin and Harold Scott on Winning the World Open

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.

Click Here to Download the Episode

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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-

1. Write a review or simply give 5 stars on Spotify to Perpetual Chess

2. Take a screenshot

3. Email the screenshot to Ben at perpetualchesspod.com with the subject line “Contest”

4. 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

1. Ebook via New in Chess App

Book Recap #24- Discussing GM Jan Markos' Under the Surface with NM Gopal Menon and Matt Fletcher

Me, Matt Fletcher and NM Gopal Menon (pictured clockwise)

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. 

Click here to Download the Episode

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 

EP 267- NM Nelson Lopez (of the ChessVibes YouTube Channel)

Click here to Download the Episode

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 video 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 in all - 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. 

Sub to his Patreon here.

Check out his courses here. 

EP 266- NM Jeremy Kane (Adult Improver Series)

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. 

Click here to Download the Episode

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 

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

EP 265- GM Simon Williams (aka the Ginger GM) returns

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 your 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. 

Click here to download the Episode

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 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 in all - Chessable.com

25:00- How did the idea come to be for Simon and IM Richard Palliser’s British Grand Prix Attack course? 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? 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

EP 264- Elizabeth Shaughnessy (Founder of the Berkeley Chess School)

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. 

Click here to download the Episode

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

Book Recap #23- Discussing Shereshevsky's Endgame Strategy with Dr. Kevin Scull

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. 

Click here to Download the Episode

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 

EP 263- Author Oliver Roeder on the Enduring Appeal of Chess and Other Games

Photo by Tony Luong courtesy of W.W. Horton books

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! 

Click here to Download the Episode

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.