EP 370- GM Paul van der Sterren- Breakthroughs, Declines, Mindfulness and the Odyssey of a 20+ Year Professional Career

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Feb 20, 2024

GM Paul van der Sterren shares insights on his breakthrough in chess at age 37, mindfulness in chess, clashes with Polgar sisters, Korchnoi, and Tal. Transition from chess to meditation teaching. Challenges of adult chess improvement and enjoyment, exploring the impact of technology on chess focus, and the need for psychological resources in sports psychology literature for chess players. Delve into the parallels between cycling and chess, memorable games, and the impact of online chess on the game's popularity.

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INSIGHT

Chess Performance Has Natural Cycles

Chess performance naturally fluctuates in ups and downs over a career.
Paul's peak in 1993 was part of this natural cycle rather than a predictable breakthrough.

ADVICE

Persistence Beats Disappointment

Don't give up when facing setbacks in chess or life.
Persistence through disappointments distinguishes successful chess players.

ANECDOTE

Diaries Aided Chess Autobiography

Paul kept diaries and collected newspaper clippings about his chess career.
These records helped him recall details vividly while writing his chess autobiography.

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This week’s guest is two- time Dutch Champion, eleven-time Olympian, author and former candidate for the World Championship Title, GM Paul Van der Sterren. Paul had an unusual career trajectory, in that after 15+years as a chess professional, his “breakout” year occurred at the age of 37. What happened that year (1993)? That is one of the many questions tackled in his fantastic, newly-translated game collection/memoir In Black and White: The Chess Autobiography of a World Championship Candidate. In New in Chess Magazine, GM Matthew Sadler calls this book “simply the finest chess book I’ve ever read.” After retiring from professional chess, Paul became a meditation teacher. His new book, Mindful Chess, traces the development of his mindfulness practice and offers reflections and tips for chess players interested in the topic. In addition to reflecting on the lessons from these books, Paul shares wonderful stories about his clashes with the Polgar sisters, Korchnoi, Tal and many others. I cannot recommend Paul’s books highly enough, and I think that this interview will give you a good sense of the lessons they contain. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.

0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out new courses like FM Dalton Perrine’s The French Simplified. If you use the link below to sign up for Perpetual Chess, it helps to support the pod!

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:01- Free previews of Paul’s books are available from New in Chess here:

In Black and White

Mindful Chess

0:03- GM Van der Sterren achieved a legendary chess breakthrough in 1993 at age 37 . What changed?

10:30- In his one career Candidates’ match, Paul lost to a young GM Gata Kamsky. How does he reflect on that match now?

16:00- For Chess in Black and White, how did Paul remember so many details from throughout his chess career?

24:00- Aging comes across as a major theme of the book, Chess in Black and White. Was this by design?

Mentioned: GM Matthew Sadler, Sasha Chapin’s All the Moves That Matter, GM Ben Finegold

32:00- Patreon mailbag question:

“What is Paul’s opinion as to why adults struggle to improve at chess?”

Mentioned: The Facebook Chess Book Collector’s Group

41:00- We discuss Mindful Chess. When did Paul become interested in meditation and Western philosophy?

Mentioned; The Bhagavad Gita, Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Vidit

50:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does GM Van der Sterren have any recommendations for connecting psychology and chess?”

Mentioned; Mental Toughness in Chess, The Rider by Tim Krabbe, The Essential Sosonko

55:00- Story time! What was it like to play the young Polgar sisters, Jan Timman, Korchnoi and Jan Timman?

1:22:00- One more Korchnoi story!

1:24:00- Paul discusses his work at the historic Max Euwe Chess Center.

Mentioned: You can help support the Max Euwe via this link:

https://steunactie.nl/actie/het-max-euwe-centrum-gaat-verhuizen-the-max-euwe-centre-is-moving/-29071

1:30:00- Will there be an update to Paul’s excellent opening encyclopedia, Fundamental Chess Openings?

Thanks so much to GM Van der Sterren for joining me!

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