Perpetual Chess Podcast

EP 452: GM Daniel King — The Grand Swiss, Candidates Spots, and What It Takes to Win High-Stakes Swiss Tournaments 

Sep 23, 2025
Guest
GM Daniel King
GM Daniel King, a prominent commentator and creator of chess content, dives into the thrilling outcomes of the FIDE Grand Swiss. He highlights the standout performances of GMs Giri and Blübaum, while discussing the surprising predictability of the Women's Grand Swiss. Daniel also shares insights on candidates qualification, potential favorites for the upcoming World Cup, and the evolving strategies in opening preparation. Finally, he touches on his exciting current projects and the importance of drama in tournament play.
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INSIGHT

Defense And Consistency Trumped Flashiness

  • Defensive solidity and consistency won the Grand Swiss more than brash ambition.
  • Players who could 'put the shutters up' and hold difficult positions advanced further than wild attackers.
ANECDOTE

Blübaum's Methodical Rise

  • Daniel recalled Matthias Blübaum's steady technical style and endgame focus that produced draws and a few key wins.
  • He noted Blübaum's European Individual Championship results and methodical approach as factors in his Grand Swiss success.
ADVICE

Judge Qualification Systems Holistically

  • Value multiple qualification routes, not just the Grand Swiss, when judging fairness of candidates selection.
  • Keep diverse paths like World Cup and rating averages to balance randomness with merit.
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