EP 315- Dr. Jon Edwards- The Correspondence Chess World Champion on what Top Engines think of Different Openings and his Road to the World Title

This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess an author, an American Chess Magazine columnist, and the recently-crowned World Champion of correspondence chess, Dr. Jon Edwards. Correspondence chess historically was played by mail, without assistance. These days it is played by email, with engine assistance allowed. The current format makes for incredibly accurate games that often end in draws. So what enabled Jon to win the Championship? Did luck play a role?

Jon is an expert on how modern engines work, and what they say about various openings. We discuss the current opening battlegrounds of top engines, and discuss how correspondence chess has evolved as engines continue to get stronger. Should the rules of correspondence chess be tweaked because so many games end in draws? Among many other topics, we also discuss Jon’s massive chess book and chess stamp collections, and why Petrosian is his favorite player. Please read on for timestamps and links related to topics discussed.

0:00- How has Jon’s life changed since winning the title of World Correspondence Chess Champion?

Mentioned: FM Alex Dunne passed away, Jon Edwards wins 32nd World Correspondence Championship

08:00- It is pretty rare to win in modern correspondence chess. What happened in the two games that Jon won in the championship tournament?

14:00- What type of computer does Jon use to power his chess engines?

17:00- We take a quick detour to discuss Jon’s early investment in Apple Stock in 1984.

24:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on 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%.

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25:00- Jon tells me how engines are evaluating a handful of openings, including the Najdorf and the Semi-slav.

Mentioned: Chinese database referenced here:

https://www.chessdb.cn/queryc_en/

34:00- Why does Jon prefer correspondence chess to OTB chess?

38:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Would Jon consider doing a course on advanced uses on Chessbase?”

44:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/

45:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What type of engine does Jon use?”

Mentioned: Stockfish 15.1

52:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Jon think of the idea of changing the format of the correspondence championship due to the preponderance of draws?”

54:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Are there stylistic changes made in how correspondence games are played based on the strength of the engines?”

Mentioned: Dubov-Karjakin 2020, Joppen vs. Petrosian 1954, Edwards-Lobonov

59:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What are the biggest contributions of correspondence chess to OTB chess?”

1:01:00- Does one see the French defense or the Caro Kann at top level Correspondence Chess?

1:04:00- Jon discusses his large chess book collection and his chess stamp collection.