
EP 470- GM Yasser Seirawan on Fischer, Najdorf, Silman & How he Became a GM-Level Storyteller
Perpetual Chess Podcast
Intro
Ben introduces the episode, sponsors, and welcomes Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan to Perpetual Chess.
In the 9 years of Perpetual Chess’ existence, GM Yasser Seirawan is the most requested guest by listeners. It took some time to make it happen, but today the renowned commentator, author, and 4-time US Champion delivers. We chat about:
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Yasser is renowned as a storyteller- what does he think the origins are of this skill?
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Stories about Bobby Fischer, Bent Larsen, GM Miguel Najdorf, and many others.
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The role that IM Jeremy Silman played in helping Yasser craft his popular Winning Chess Series.
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Current exhibits at the World Chess Hall of Fame (including “Seirawan Chess”) and exciting renovations at the St. Louis Chess Club
This episode features plenty of laughter and a number of entertaining stories that I hadn’t heard Yasser tell before.
0:00- Here is the link to join the Perpetual Chess Discord:
0:00- Thanks to our sponsors, Chessiverse.com. Be sure to check out the Bots and courses, and use the code “Perpetual30” to receive a 30% discount on courses and premium offerings.
0:00- And you can check out Yasser’s Chessable courses here:
https://www.chessable.com/author/Yasser_Seirawan/
0:02- Yasser joins me! He begins by discussing his storytelling roots, and some of the best raconteur GMs- Bent Larsen and Miguel Najdorf.
29:00- Yasser on his love for books and how he managed to write his Play Winning Chess series in such an accessible style.
47:00- Where do the point values for the pieces come from?
Mentioned: NFL player John Urschel, GM Fabiano Caruana
48- ADD BOARD GRAPHICS LATER IF YOU UP FOR IT
56:00- Yasser’s friendship with IM Jeremy Silman, and his favorite authors
Mentioned: Mikhail Tal, Larry Christiansen, John Nunn, Fred Reinfeld
1:12:00- Yasser describes the renovations at the St. Louis Chess Club and the displays at the World Chess Hall of Fame, including one on chess variants.
https://worldchesshof.org/exhibits-programs/current-exhibitions/
Play “S Chess” or Seirawan Chess here:
https://www.chess.com/variants/seirawan-chess
1:23:00- Playing blitz hustlers in NYC
Mentioned: Vincent Livermore, FM Asa Hoffman
1:35:00- The St. Louis Chess Club’s community outreach and work with first responders
Watch Anita Aronian singing here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUEsLaf3R9w
World Chess Hall of Fame Music Performances:
https://www.youtube.com/worldchesshof
1:41:00- One last Botvinnik story!
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