Perpetual Chess Podcast

This week on Perpetual Chess we are joined by award winning chess author and renowned trainer, GM Jacob Aagaard. It has been more than 2 years since our last long-form interview, and we had tons of topics to cover. We discussed topics including the rise of the top young talents in the chess world, potential World Championship format chances, and chess business news. There was also plenty of talk about chess training and improvement. Our talk about improvement was particularly focused on endgames, because Jacob has recently released an ambitious and highly informative new book, A Matter of Endgame Technique. This book is nearly 900 pages in length and is packed with practical tips and illustrations of moments at which Grandmasters have gone wrong in endgames. Although Perpetual Chess is an audio only format, we tried to extract a few lessons that listeners can apply to their own games. GM Aagaard is never hesitant to share his opinions, and I always learn a lot from speaking with him. You can find timestamps o

The chess world has been rocked this week by the sudden withdrawal of GM Magnus Carlsen in the early rounds of the Sinquefield Cup. Although only explained by a cryptic tweet, this unprecedented action has been widely interpreted as an allegation of foul play by GM Hans Niemann, who had defeated Magnus in the prior round.. This has been a complex story with tentacles reaching all over the chess world and making headlines beyond it. In this podcast I briefly attempt to catch listeners up on the key events, and then welcome IM Greg Shahade to try to provide a bit of clarity about what we know right now. Greg is the founder of the Pro Chess League and the US Chess School and in the latter role has observed Hans' chess talent as he has risen up the ranks. Greg shares his perspective of Hans' personality, and of the overall story. Links to the important topics referenced can be found below 0:00- I go through the timeline of events and share a few thoughts.  18:00- IM Greg Shahade joins to discuss the news A fe

This week our guest is a renowned trainer, and one of the most accomplished players on the American Chess circuit, GM Gregory Kaidanov. GM Kaidanov was ranked as high as top 20 in the world, and has accumulated a wealth of chess wisdom and memorable stories from his decades in the game. In our interview, Gregory takes us through his famously difficult journey from the former Soviet Union to Kentucky, and shares great chess advice based on his observations while coaching many scholastic champions and future GMs as well as adult chess enthusiasts. Speaking of adult chess enthusiasts, Gregory himself remains active as a chess player and recently qualified for one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, the FIDE World Cup. Gregory discusses how he stays motivated and how he has adjusted his tournament planning over the years. This is a long, but fun conversation. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Show notes and timestamps of topics discussed can be found below.  0:00- GM Gregory Kaidanov qualif

With Season 2 of The How to Chess Podcast concluding, we are sharing one more "bonus pod" on this feed. This How to Chess episode features the renowned trainer and author, GM Johan Hellsten. In the interview, Johan shares tips for reviewing your chess games, and shares a few mistakes he commonly encounters from his students. To make sure you don't miss an episode of How to Chess, be sure to subscribe to it separately: You can Subscribe to How to Chess on all of the major podcast Platforms: How To Chess on Apple Podcasts Spotify And here is the Perpetual Chess interview with GM Hellsten which I referenced: Perpetual Chess Podcast: EP 273- GM Johan Hellsten on Chess Improvement, the Inspirations for his "Mastering Chess" Book Series, and his favorite OTB Memories on Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are joined by the third highest rated chess player of all time, GM Fabiano Caruana. Fabiano joined me from the St. Louis Chess Club just days before he was set to begin a string of elite competitions there. This presented the opportunity for Fabiano to reflect on what has been an action packed and noteworthy 2022. Topics include:the 2022 Candidates, the World Championship Cycle, and Magnus’ decision to step down, what it feels like to be in a slump, the continued evolution of chess engines, the rise of teen talents and the evolution of chess, and lots more. It was quite an honor to speak with Fabiano, timestamps for topics discussed can be found below.   0:00- To subscribe to receive the Perpetual Chess Linkfest for free in your inbox, you can submit your email address at the bottom of the most recent post here: https://benjohnson.substack.com/p/perpetual-chess-link-fest-2-august Sinquefield Cup info:  https://grandchesstour.org/2022-grand-chess-tour-watch/live World Chess Hall of Fame info ht

This week’s double episode features one more look back at the historic 2022 Chess Olympiad. We are joined by two different guests who  just returned to their homes from Chennai. Our first guest is Lula Roberts, a 24 year-old popular Twitch streamer who got the chance to represent her country (Jersey) at the Women’s Olympiad. Lula retells her chess results and her many memorable moments at what she hopes will be her first Olympiad of many.  Speaking of many Olympiads, our second guest is return guest and award winning author and historian, IM John Donaldson. John served as captain of the United States’ team for the 14th time, so he was able to draw on his vast knowledge of prior Olympiads to contextualize this one. In addition to discussing the Olympiad, John is a leading scholar of Bobby Fischer, so we discuss John’s latest Fischer research and his upcoming projects later in the interview. It was a lot of fun to get two vastly different perspectives on the Olympiad, and I am already looking forward to the nex

Karen Boyd is a 56 year old mother, wife and chess lover with a background in computer programming. She often appears in the videos and streams of her husband, GM Ben Finegold, but she also does a ton of the work behind the scenes, producing Ben’s content. Despite Karen’s busy life, she has been making lots of time for chess study and joined me after a busy summer with plenty of chess tournaments in the United States. Karen assiduously documents her chess study, and has been averaging about 3 hours per day of study when not on the road. She showed some good results in the World Open, and is on the verge of eclipsing her personal high rating of 1421. In our interview, she discussed her background, her study regimen, her goals, her relationship with Ben, and why she thinks she currently finds tournaments more enjoyable than her husband does. I really admire the dedication that Karen is showing to chess and look forward to seeing her continued chess progress. More details, timestamps and relevant links can be fo

Here is the most recent episode of the How to Chess Podcast. If you enjoy it, please be sure you are subscribed to How to Chess on its own feed. The How to Chess archive features insightful interviews with GM Peter Svidler, GM Vladimir Kramnik, FM Peter Giannatos, with lots more to come. You can Subscribe to How to Chess on these Platforms: How To Chess on Apple Podcasts Spotify Be sure to check out GM Sahaj Grover's course, Timeless Techniques: Strategic Endgames, here: https://www.chessable.com/timeless-technique-strategic-endgames/course/42898/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Alex Fishbein has been one of the top players in the US for decades and remains a frequent competitor on the American chess circuit. He is a four-time US Championship participant and is the Tennessee state champion. Alex is also a chess writer. His most recent book, The French Exchange Comes to Life, is a uniquely presented and instructive guide to a somewhat misunderstood opening. Alex also has a successful career away from the board. He works as a Director in Fixed Income at TD Securities. In our conversation, we discuss Alex’s storied OTB career. Born in the USSR, Alex has learned from many Soviet-era legends and tells memorable stories about Mikhail Tal and Viktor Korchnoi. Alex also shares tips for staying sharp into one’s 50s and discusses how chess learning has changed. Alex’s dad and son are chess masters as well, so he has had a close-up-view of the evolution of chess learning. This was a really fun conversation.   Notes and timestamps on topics discussed can be found below. 0:00- We begin with a

I have been enjoying the ongoing Chess Olympiad so much that I wanted to hear first hand from some people on the scene about what its like to be there. I am joined by 2 separate guests to give their impressions from Chennai. GM Axel Bachmann is the first board for Paraguay, a former top 100 player in the world, and a 6 time chess Olimpian. Axel discusses the early notable results, the conditions of the venue, and noteworthy results early in the tournament. Following Axel, I am joined by Michael Duke aka Mr. Dodgy of Chessable. Dodgy discusses the chess fever in India, his role as a coach for the Jersey women's team, and shares a few observations from the fabled Bermuda party. 0:00- Intro Mentioned:  Chessbase India YouTube Channel Chess.com YouTube Channel  Gotham Chess Channel  NM Bryan Tillis’ Chessable Olympiad Course Aimchess.com (use code Perpetual30 to save 30% if you subscribe)  6:00- GM Axel Bachmann joins me from Chennai after round 5. Axel discusses what has struck him about India, how this compar

This week I talk with a top Dutch trainer, chess player, opening theoretician and prolific author, IM Jeroen Bosch. Jeroen is well known for his 14-volume New in Chess series, Secrets of Opening Surprises, and he has recently released a highly instructive new book called How to Out Prepare Your Opponent. The book discusses all aspects of how one should approach the opening, with topics ranging from how to select a repertoire, which openings to play, to GM Magnus Carlsen's unique approach to the opening. Jeroen joined me shortly before heading to the Olympiad as the trainer for the Dutch Women’s Team, so we also talked about how he planned to approach helping the team prepare for such a prestigious event. Lastly, we also discuss Jeroen’s career highlights. As a player, Jeroen has competed in several Dutch National Championships and has beaten 2 players who have been in the top 10 in the World!  Please read on for lots more details and timestamps of topics.  0:00- IM Bosch shares his thoughts about Magnus Carl

Chess Books Recaptured is back for another review and discussion of a chess book. This month, I am joined by Steve Wollkind, to discuss the excellent book and Chessable course Chess Tactics from Scratch. The title might make you think it is for beginners, but it is actually an intermediate-level book which aims to break down the core elements of various tactics. The book was written by an accomplished adult chess learner, and Steve believes that this is evident in the clear explanations of basic tactics. The book is differentiated by an incredible selection of illustrative positions, making it a great choice for chess students and teachers alike. To learn more about the book please tune in. You can find timestamps of topics discussed and links below.  To apply to be a guest-co host on Chess Books Recaptured please submit an email via this link: Interested in Guest co-hosting Chess Books ReCaptured? — The Perpetual Chess Podcast 0:00- Steve discusses his background and why he suggested the book/Chessable co

This week on Perpetual Chess, Tony Ballard, who is serving a 294-month prison sentence for attempted murder, tells the remarkable story of how chess has changed his life. Tony joined me via phone from a minimum security rehabilitation facility in Wichita, Kansas, where he currently lives. As you will hear Tony discuss, he had a difficult upbringing, and made some very regrettable choices in his early years, but while in prison, a love for chess took hold, and Tony credits the game as a transformative tool in his life. Tony is now working with a non-profit called The Gift of Chess. Their goal is to promote chess as a learning tool both within the prison system, and outside of it. Tony is taking online university classes and hopes to work in youth outreach when he is fully released from prison in 2025. This is a truly inspiring story of the many ways that chess can impact one’s life! Please read on for timestamps and links referenced.  0:00- We discuss Tony’s background, especially as it relates to chess.  3:

With a FIDE election coming up on August 7, I am extending the invitation for FIDE Presidential Candidates to share their stories and their reasons to run for FIDE President. Brief timestamps and more information below. 1:00- Why is Andrii running for FIDE President?  9:30- What would Andrii look to accomplish as FIDE President?  15:00- What does Andrii think of Magnus Carlsen’s suggestions of format changes?  21:30- Would Andrii keep his day job if elected?  25:00- Has Andrii heard stories of impropriety in prior FIDE elections? 28:00- Andrii discusses his love for the Yugoslav line of the King’s Indian and his favorite chess memories.  List of voting countries and delegates here- https://congress.fide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/List-of-FIDE-Member-Federations-having-voting-powers_7-June-2022.pdf More info about Andrii’s candidacy on the Baryshpolets-Nielsen campaign website here: https://fightforchess.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Magnus Carlsen has officially announced that he will not defend his World Championship title, and we are joined by tireless Chess24 reporter, Tarjei Svensen to get the inside scoop on this decision and to begin to assess the implications. Thanks to Tarjei for joining on short notice!  0:00- Why didn’t the news surprise Tarjei?  Mentioned: Tarjei’s July 18 Chess24 article , The Magnus Effect Podcast  9:00- How was the news received in Norway? 14:00- What was the reaction of other top players? Including GM Ding Liren, who Tarjei spoke with today? 18:00- Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com and Aimchess.com, if you sign up for Aimchess.com, use the code “Perpetual30” or this link to save 30%.  19:00- Is China a likely host for a Nepo-Ding match?  21:00- What really happened in Magnus meeting with FIDE in Madrid?  24:00- Would it have made a difference to Magnus if Hikaru had come in 2nd in the Candidates?  27:00- How likely would Magnus be to return if the format changed?  30:00- What else do we h

This week’s Perpetual Chess is the 2nd in a series, a special edition, oral history of the 2012 World Championship, brought to you courtesy of GM Peter Heine Nielsen. Peter, of course, is an accomplished Grandmaster and a renowned opening theoretician who has worked as a trainer for 8 World Championship match winners, first with GM Viswanathan Anand, and in recent years with GM Magnus Carlsen. For this podcast, Peter takes us behind team Anand’s mindset and preparation, as they helped Vishy prepare to defend his title against GM Boris Gelfand in May of 2012. This continues a series, as Peter discussed Anand’s 2010 match with GM Veselin Topalov in Episode 177. For a chess history enthusiast like myself it is such a treat to get a blow by blow account of a World Championship match from someone who had a prominent role in the match and a ringside seat. Please read on for timestamps, links to topics referenced can be found on the podcast webpage.  You can review any of the games from the match discussed here:  ht

As the dust settles on the FIDE Candidates tournament and its attendant news, three- time British Champion and popular Chess24 commentator GM David Howell joins me to assess the news. As you might expect, we discuss the World Championship plans of David’s friend GM Magnus Carlsen, and we discuss both of the potential World Championship matchups, based on Magnus’ decision about whether to retain his title. David also assesses the performances of other notable players including GM Hikaru Nakamura and GM Ding Liren, and GM Alireza Firouzja. In the second half of the interview we focus on David’s own career. David will be heading to India soon to represent Great Britain in the Olympiad, and he discusses his recent and upcoming tournaments. Lastly, David discusses his plans for commentating in the coming months and how he balances it with his playing career. I always appreciate David’s insights and modesty, and there is lots to learn from this conversation. Please read on for timestamps, for referenced links go to

Chess Books Recaptured returns to discuss the beginner-oriented chess book, Play Winning Chess, by legendary GM, Yasser Seirawan. I am joined by Sam Robinson, who is a 28 year old, Chicago-based chess enthusiast. Sam got into chess in recent years, and this was one of the first chess books that he read. For him, it was the book that really started to demystify the subtler parts of the game. It was also my first time reading Play Winning Chess, and I found it to be a solid choice for newer chess players or for chess trainers looking to sprinkle some good anecdotes and instructive games into their lessons with newer players. Tune in to hear our conversation about the pros and cons of GM Seirawan’s landmark book. Timestamps and links can be found below.  0:00- Sam delves into his background and what got him into chess.  05:00- What resonated with Sam about Play Winning Chess to the extent that he wanted to discuss it?  Mentioned:  Book Recap #11- Yasser Seirawan’s Winning Chess Strategies with Neal Bruce  08:

On this month’s Adult Improver Edition of Perpetual Chess I am joined by Dr. Nicholas Vasquez. Dr. Vazquez is a dad and emergency physician who finds chess a welcome escape from a very stressful job. Despite the fact that chess is escapism for him, Dr. Vasquez has recently decided to get serious about chess improvement. He started working with a coach (NM Han Schut), playing tournaments, and working on puzzles from Chess Steps and Chessbase. Nicholas has learned a lot of lessons, and seen significant progress, raising his Chess.Com rapid rating from about 1350 to 1650 over the last couple of years. Dr. Vasquez shared lots of great insights in our interview, and I am confident that you will find this interview helpful and entertaining. You can find more information on all of the topics referenced, as well as timestamps below.  0:00- Be sure to subscribe to How To Chess on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-chess/id1572917817 0:02- After some time away, wh

Award Winning Author, Chessable Author, and Noted Opening Theoretician, IM Christof Sielecki joins me to discuss the FIDE Candidates Tournament through 12 rounds. Topics include: Nepo's dominance, the important battle for 2nd place, Alireza's struggles, Nakamura's Quick Draw in Round 12, the Quality of Play, and whether Magnus might be enticed to defend his crown if the World Championship format were tweaked. Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com and Aimchess.com. Here are a few of the articles, and videos we referenced: Hikaru's Round 12 Recap Click here to Download the Episode Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com and Aimchess.com. Here are a few of the articles, and videos we referenced: Chess by the Numbers Updated Probabilities Hikaru's Round 12 Recap MVL's Interview with Chessbase Tarjei Svenson for Chess24 on GM Kramnik's Comments The Games from the Candidates Nepo discussed a letter from FIDE in the postgame interview on Chess.com’s Broadcast GothamChess' Round 3 Recap Check out all of IM Christof S