Perpetual Chess Podcast EP 470- GM Yasser Seirawan on Fischer, Najdorf, Silman & How he Became a GM-Level Storyteller
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Feb 3, 2026 Yasser Seirawan, four-time U.S. Champion and celebrated storyteller, reflects on becoming a master raconteur and his love of books. He shares vivid tales of Fischer, Najdorf, and Larsen. He explains how Jeremy Silman shaped his Winning Chess series. He also discusses St. Louis Chess Club renovations, World Chess Hall of Fame exhibits, and the creation of Seirawan Chess.
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How Storytelling Started
- Yasser traces his storytelling roots to childhood books, Greek myths, and later mentors like Miguel Najdorf and Bent Larsen.
- He learned storytelling by listening to chess greats and absorbing their vivid, long-form anecdotes during trips and late-night blitz sessions.
Bent Larsen's Riga Quiet Tactics
- Yasser recounts Bent Larsen's Riga Interzonal stories, including the potato menu and a dramatic adjournment turnaround.
- Bent remained stoic while an opponent prematurely fondled a queen, then Larsen won, revealing his quiet psychological tactics.
Write For The Learner's Level
- Don't write for grandmasters when your audience is average players; meet learners where they are.
- Design lessons that address common roadblocks and remember how hard chess feels to beginners.
