The 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament is off and running with some entertaining chess and plenty of surprises. (Although perhaps the identities of the leaders in the Open and Women’s sections aren’t as surprising.) I have been riveted by this tournament and am hoping to provide audio analysis and perspective from different guests on each rest day. In today’s pod, I briefly share my early impressions, than welcome recent guest Denis Markov back to the podcast. Denis had just returned from attending Rounds 1 and 2 in Toronto and described what it was like to attend the event. We went into everything from FIDE’s cheat prevention methods, to what the viewing experience is like within the venue. Whether you are thinking of making a last minute trip to Toronto, or just want to live vicariously through Denis, I think you will enjoy his report of a trip that Denis says he definitely will not regret. We will be back with more coverage of this fantastic tournament on the next rest day, Friday April 12.

00:02 - Introduction and Plan for Perpetual Chess Coverage

02:00- Tournament Standings and Ben’s early Impressions

11:00 -Preview of Round Five Pairings

13:30- Denis Markov joins for a trip report from Toronto (previously heard on Episode 359)

13:57- Buying Tickets and Ticket Options

15:40- VIP Tickets and Balcony Experience

17:32- What it is like watching the players

19:50- Player Interactions and Autographs

23:00- The Fan Zone and Chess Personalities

26:47 -Spotting Chess Personalities

31:41-Meeting Gukesh and Viswanathan Anand

33:57-- Comparing the Candidates Tournament with attending the 2016 World Championship Match

36:57- Denis' Final Thoughts

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Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates First 4 Round Breakdown. Nepo leads (As usual). Plus a Fan's Toronto Trip Report