Perpetual Chess Podcast

IM Malcolm Pein is an institution in British chess who has played nearly every role imaginable in helping to grow the game. He is a former professional player who was the British Junior  Champion in 1977 , but these days is extremely busy as an organizer, journalist, author, store-owner,  and Captain of the England Olympiad team. After an eventful FIDE World Rapid & Blitz, I thought Malcolm would be a great person to chat with about the controversies, and about the general health of chess in 2025, both in Great Britain, and in the world generally. As the Founder and Organizer of the London Chess Classic, Malcolm regularly interacts with corporate sponsors and was able to contextualize the positive trajectory of chess despite recent negative headlines. We also touch on the business of selling chess books, Malcolm’s work at the grassroots level, and his thoughts on the passing of legendary GM Robert Hubner. I found this to be an informative and encouraging conversation, and think that you will as well.  You c