EP 264- Elizabeth Shaughnessy (founder of the Berkeley Chess School)

This week I am joined by the founder of the Berkeley Chess School (BCS), Elizabeth Shaughnessy. The Berkeley Chess School is a California based non-profit that has taught chess to approximately 250,000 kids over the decades and has taught future grandmasters like Sam Shankland, and Hans Niemann. At 84 years of age, Elizabeth is still razor sharp and competing regularly in tournament chess! We talked about how chess and life have evolved since she founded BCS in 1981, with a particular emphasis on the Queen’s Gambit and whether she thinks the show can help grow interest in chess among women. Elizabeth has so much wisdom to share from a lifetime as a chess competitor, teacher, organizer and mom, it was great to get to chat with her. Please read on for more details and timestamps. 

0:00- How does chess help kids? 

Mentioned: Growth from Failure Interview with Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Cyrus/Asbergers 

5:30- How did the Berkeley Chess School begin back in 1981? How has it grown over the years? 

12:30- BCS has taught future GMs Sam Shankland, Hans Niemann and Christopher Yoo among other future chess stars. Did they intentionally try to cultivate champion players? 

19:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest offerings here:

New Chess Courses Online - For All Levels- Chessable.com

20:00- What is Elizabeth’s impression of The Queen’s Gambit? Has Elizabeth subsequently seen an increased interest in chess from women?

Mentioned: Queen of Katwe, The Polgar Sisters, Jen Shahade’s FAQ page

45:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com! If you subscribe, be sure to use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%. Check out their yearly recap here: 

https://www.aimchess.com/recap

46:30- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What is Elizabeth’s favorite opening to teach to kids?

50:00- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What experience has Elizabeth had with using chess as a tool to stave off dementia?” 

Mentioned: Episode 145 with WIM Beatriz Marinello

52:30- Patreon Mailbag Question: “What is the state of the BCS building renovation? How does the club foster a welcoming environment?” 

1:01:00- What advice would Elizabeth give to anyone thinking of starting a chess club or academy? 

Mentioned: Episode 201 with FM Peter Giannatos 

1:07:00- What role did legendary IM George Koltanowski play in founding the BCS? 

1:13:00- Thanks so much to Elizabeth for joining the podcast. 

You can support the Berkeley Chess School here

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