Ep470 - Levy Rozman | GothamChess: The Internet's Chess Teacher
Aug 6, 2024
auto_awesome
Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, is the mastermind behind the most popular chess channel on YouTube and a New York Times bestselling author. He shares insights from his book, "How to Win at Chess," emphasizing accessible teaching for all. Levy dives into the thriving chess community, discussing unique concepts like chess boxing and adapting lessons for diverse audiences. He reflects on turning digital content into a successful book and envisions a vibrant future for chess that combines traditional elements with modern engagement.
Levy Rozman highlights the evolving appeal of chess, comparing each game to a unique puzzle that keeps players engaged.
He emphasizes the importance of innovative teaching methods tailored for different age groups, ensuring chess is accessible to all.
Rozman discusses the impact of recent trends, including online engagement and media exposure, in revitalizing and modernizing chess's popularity.
Deep dives
Levy Rosman's Passion for Chess
Levy Rosman shares a deep fascination with chess that evolved from childhood puzzles to a lifelong commitment. He emphasizes how each chess game presents a unique challenge, akin to solving a new puzzle, keeping the experience fresh and intriguing. As an adult, his continued success in playing—like achieving a 65% win rate—fuels his motivation and reinforces the game's timeless appeal. Rosman believes that chess can be enjoyed by people of all ages, challenging the stereotypes that label it solely as a game for geniuses.
Innovative Chess Experiences
Rosman discusses his involvement in exciting projects like chess boxing, where competitors alternate between chess matches and boxing rounds, blending physical and mental challenges. This unique format raised the stakes and attracted massive audiences, demonstrating chess's potential to thrill beyond traditional boundaries. He fondly recalls his nervousness before live events with thousands of spectators, which pushed him to find ways to engage viewers by breaking down complex plays. This innovative approach to chess content seeks to broaden the audience's understanding and appreciation of the game.
The Journey of Writing a Chess Book
Transitioning from YouTuber to author, Rosman wrote a comprehensive guide titled 'How to Win at Chess,' which aims to make chess accessible for everyone. He faced challenges during the writing process, especially with the pressure of producing a high-quality book that would stand out among others in the genre. Partnering with a reputable publisher helped alleviate some difficulties, allowing him to focus on delivering effective teaching methodologies. The book's success, marked by nearly 100,000 copies sold and New York Times bestseller status, reflects his commitment to making chess approachable and enjoyable.
Adapting Chess Education for Diverse Audiences
Rosman shares insights on teaching chess to different age groups, highlighting the importance of understanding his audience when creating content. He notes how kids learn differently from adults; children respond better to bite-sized lessons and engaging activities. In contrast, adult learners often have trouble adjusting to failure, grappling with ego and expectations, which can hinder progress in chess. This adaptation in teaching styles has been crucial for Rosman, as he strives to meet the varying needs of beginners and seasoned players alike.
The Growing Popularity of Chess in Modern Culture
The podcast discusses the recent surge in chess's popularity, particularly spurred by events like the pandemic and the success of content creators. Rosman outlines how the chess community's growth can be attributed to a combination of online engagement and mainstream media exposure, such as 'The Queen's Gambit.' He emphasizes the need for the traditional chess scene to adapt and modernize to maintain interest and relevance in a fast-paced entertainment landscape. Additionally, he envisions future developments in chess, including better tournaments that can captivate audiences, make chess more accessible, and ultimately foster a thriving community.
Levy Rozman aka GothamChess, the creator behind the most subscribed-to chess channel on YouTube, discusses his New York Times bestseller “How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond.” Filled with practical and easy-to-follow tips for improving your game, the book includes over 500 instructional gameplay illustrations to help you better visualize the board.
Levy Rozman, more popularly known as GothamChess, is an online chess streamer who earned the title of International Master in 2018. A former scholastic chess coach, he is passionate about chess accessibility, and has donated tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for chess programs in education. He currently boasts the biggest chess channel on YouTube, where he focuses on creating fun and educational content. His channel has nearly 5M subscribers and 85M total monthly views. This phenomenal growth aided in Levy's transition from making straightforward tactics videos in his apartment to running live commentary at chess and chess-boxing events.