Perpetual Chess Podcast

GM Mihail Marin is a prolific and popular author, trainer, and 3-time Romanian national champion. He has made numerous contributions to the chess canon but is probably best known for the book Learn from the Legends, published in 2005, which received high praise from GM Daniel Naroditsky, IM Jeremy Silman, and many others. In 2025, its much-anticipated sequel, Learn from the Legends 2: Chess Heroes at Their Best has finally been released. GM Marin joined me to discuss: The different format chosen for this sequel compared to the original Things to know about each of the players featured in Mihail's new book: GMs Stein, Keres, Bronstein, Portisch, and Polugaevsky His own rise up the chess ranks Why chess was a uniquely appealing profession in Communist Romania  GM Marin has accumulated a litany of stories from a life among the world's top players, and it is always a pleasure to speak with him! Timestamps of topics discussed are below."Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/  If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=proPrior Interview- Episode 316https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2023/2/7/ep-316-gm-mihail-marin-the-renowned-author-and-trainer-on-learning-from-larsen-tal-polgar-and-other-legends0:00- What was Mihail Marin’s approach to chess improvement as an up and coming player?Mentioned: Karpov-Unzicker 1975https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1067846Also mentioned: GM Florin Gheorghiu, GM Mihai Suba . Psakhis-Marin 200017:00- Mihail shares a little bit about each player covered in Learn from the Legends 2, including Stein, Polugaevsky, Bronstein, Keres and Portisch Mentioned: Korchnoi-Portisch Candidates Match 1983https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chess.pl?tid=93347Also mentioned: Bronstein’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Keres-Benko 1962 (adjourned on move 41)https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1072970GM Jan Timman’s Curacao 1962: The Battle That Shook the Chess Worldhttps://www.amazon.com/Curacao-1962-Battle-Minds-Shook/dp/905691139234:00- In the modern chess age is it still possible to have a distinct chess style?Mentioned:Spassky Fischer, game 8, move 15:https://lichess.org/study/FeAwvrlI/nNPKlIqpSpassky-Polgar 1993-https://www.365chess.com/game.php?gid=176274445:00- Is Mihail following the Freestyle Chess Tour?53:00- Is Mihail following the Women’s World Championship?54:00- How is Mihail preparing for his imminent tournament? Mentioned: Dorfman’s The Method in ChessPetr Izmailov: From Chess Champion of Russia to Enemy of the Peoplehttps://chess.co.uk/products/petr-izmailov-from-chess-champion-of-russia-to-enemy-of-the-people-nikolai-izmailov58:00- GM Marin discusses his next projects: a Chessable course, and a forthcoming book about his chess hero,  GM VIktor KorchnoiMentioned: 1:08:00- Mihail’s recommended European chess tournamentsAlicante chess tournament 2025:https://chessnews.info/ix-international-chess-open-easter-2025/Seville:https://www.modern-chess.com/tournaments?id=14501:10:00- Thanks to Mihail for joining me again! Here is how to keep up with him:Learn From the Legends 2:https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Legends-2-Mihail-Marin/dp/1784832162Forward Chess:https://forwardchess.com/product/learn-from-the-legends2-chess-heroes-at-their-bestWatch here for his forthcoming Chessable course:https://www.chessable.com/author/MihailMarin/If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Susan Polgar is a World Chess Hall of Famer and former Women’s World Champion. She is also the holder of numerous records, including being the first female  “triple crown winner” and the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title by norms and rating. She is also an author, and Chessable author. Her latest book,  Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny and the Making of Grandmaster is a candid and fascinating memoir which looks back at her unusual upbringing, her extraordinary playing career, her life as a wife and mom, and her accomplishments as a groundbreaking university coach. As you might expect, this is a fascinating conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/  If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:00- Information about the Chess in the Schools chess/poker fundraiser, hosted by GM Robert Hess on May 1, is here:https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-2nd-annual-charity-poker-tournament0:02- What are some of the primary lessons of Susan’s new memoir, Rebel Queen? 15:00- GM Polgar tells the story of her famous win over GM Ljuboimir Ljubojevic in 1987. See the game here:https://susanpolgar.com/portfolio-item/susan-polgar-vs-ljubomir-ljubojevic-1987/18:00- What informed the Polgar philosophy of playing the strongest competition, regardless of gender?21:00- Patreon mailbag question- Did Susan ever consider raising her own children in the way that her parents raised her and her sisters? 26:00- Susan’s memories of young Levy Rozman and Fabiano Caruana playing at her chess center. Mentioned: photo of Susan with young Levy:https://www.facebook.com/susanpolgarchess/photos/this-was-from-a-million-years-ago-who-is-this-young-chess-superstar-who-used-to-/1202844537877913/?_rdr30:00- Patreon mailbag question:What still needs to be done to continue to grow women’s chess?Mentioned:Chess Tactics for Champions by Susan Polgar 33:00- Patreon mailbag question: “To what extent does Susan think socialization plays a role in the smaller percentage of women playing chess?” 36:00- Patreon mailbag question:  “Have the barriers that women in chess face changed over the years?”39:00- Patreon mailbag question: “ What is Susan’s advice for raising the level of play among the girls at a chess club?”Mentioned: GM Susan Polgar’s interview with the Botez sisters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EctpBjnCU-840:00-  Patreon mailbag question: “Does Susan have a favorite Mikhail Tal story?”Photos of Susan’s first encounter with GM Mikhail Tal here:https://x.com/SusanPolgar/status/185536356207362078048:00- Was Susan Polgar in touch with GM Bobby Fischer in his final years? 51:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What made Susan decide to begin coaching university chess at Texas Tech?”54:00- What else is Susan working on now that she is retired from coaching university chess? 58:00- Which factor was the biggest contributor to the success of Susan and her sisters?Thanks to GM Polgar for a fascinating interview! Here is how to keep up with her:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/susanpolgarchess/?hl=enX:https://x.com/susanpolgar?lang=enOrder her book here:https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Queen-Misogyny-Making-Grandmaster/dp/153875729XFor newer players, you can check out her “Learn Chess the Right Way” Series on Chessable here:https://www.chessable.com/learn-chess-the-right-way-book-1-must-know-checkmates/course/12192/If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess?redirect=true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Adult Improver series returns to Perpetual Chess to welcome Omar Mills (aka ChessvonDoom) to the podcast. Omar fell in love with chess during the pandemic and has learned some unexpected lessons through the thousands of games he has played in subsequent years. He learned that chess improvement and maintaining a disciplined study routine  is much harder than he ever could have guessed, but that you can learn a lot about yourself through the game nonetheless. In a new Chessable course, Chess Destiny: Lessons from an Adult Improver and his Coach, Omar collaborates with popular YouTuber NM Robert Ramirez to share some of these unexpected chess and life lessons. These lessons include: What does Omar call “the rule of three?”  What has playing the bass taught Omar about chess improvement? What one piece of advice would he give his “new to chess” self of 5 years ago?  Plus lots  more, its always insightful and entertaining to hear from Omar! Adult Improver Series webpage:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=2a3f9cee77b948f1Adult Improver Series Spotify playlist:https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adultimprover0:00- Information about the Chess in the Schools chess/poker fundraiser, hosted by GM Robert Hess on May 1, is here:https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-2nd-annual-charity-poker-tournamentThanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- What is the story behind Omar, an average club player,  making a Chessable course? Mentioned: NM Robert Ramirez, Bruna Tuzi, NM Ian Harris, IM Miodrag Peruvunic (Milo the Butcher) You can hear Omar on How to Chess, Season 2, Episode 4-https://open.spotify.com/episode/4x3gO38SDRut2lJZdCLPeh?si=53a28262690c42970:15- What is “the rule of three”? 0:21- What has playing the bass taught Omar about playing chess/Mentioned: Victor Wooten 43:00- What is Omar’s daily chess routine? Mentioned: Kamryn Hellman, Nick Visel 48:00- NM Robert Ramirez’s recommended study plan YouTube series with Omar, Roberto and NM Robert Ramirez:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soFjWrTVYKU52:00- What would Omar tell his new to chess self, from a few years ago? 53:00- Does Omar have any tournaments on this horizon?55:00- Thanks to Omar of joining me! Here is how to keep up with him:Twitter/X:https://x.com/ChessVonDoom?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorChess.com:https://www.chess.com/member/chessvondoomHis Chessable Course:https://www.chessable.com/chess-destiny-lessons-from-an-adult-improver-and-his-coach/course/266890/If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IM Danny Rensch is a former child prodigy turned Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, the largest chess website in the world. Danny rejoined me 8 years after his first visit to the podcast (Episode 18) to discuss all that is new with Chess.com. Inevitably, this means a detailed discussion of online cheat detection, and whether Chess.com thinks that their increased deterrence methods are working. But there is a lot more to discuss including: What goes into decisions of choosing commentators for an event? Lessons learned from some P.R. missteps related to the closing of Chess24, and changes to the Chessable product offerings.  Upcoming TV shows and documentaries related to chess. Why are so many of these shows related to cheating? Danny’s forthcoming memoir about growing up in a cult It is always fun to get a glimpse behind the curtain at the world’s biggest chess company, and you are sure to learn something about “chess business” in this conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:00- We discuss cheat detection. Is publicly disclosing cheaters deterring other from potential cheaters? What about their new proprietary browser, Proctor? The two interviews/videos we reference are here:Greg Mustreader:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4fGt3MbF0IState of Chess.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lQ47SuBLU8&t=8428s15:00- Is OTB cheating as common as online cheating? 21:00- What was the story behind future GM Alireza Firouzja’s account being erroneously closed due to fair play some years ago?Mentioned: GM Lenier Dominguez 28:00- We briefly discuss Danny’s forthcoming memoir, Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Lifehttps://www.amazon.com/Dark-Squares-Chess-Saved-Life/dp/154170328631:00- How can the chess world move away from predominantly cheating-based mainstream coverage?Mentioned: Netflix documentary:https://www.chess.com/news/view/netflix-unveils-carlsen-niemann-documentary-for-2025Forthcoming Movie:https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64565309/BBC’s Chess Masters: The Endgame:https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028x4d37:00- Are there too many professional chess tournaments with too little differentiation between events? Mentioned:Coachchamps Improver Challenge:https://www.chess.com/news/view/announcing-coachchamps-2025Also mentioned: Caitlin Clark, Judit Polgar48:00- How does Chess.com decide which commentators to feature in which events?Mentioned: GM Daniel Naroditsky, GM Robert Hess51:00- What lessons were learned from backlash against the Chess24 closure and recent changes to access to Short and Sweet courses on Chessable?Mentioned: Info on Chessable’s 2025 changes to Chessable Short and Sweet Access:https://www.chessable.com/blog/new-year-big-changes-to-chessable-pro/1:00:00- What 2025 events is Danny excited for?Mentioned:Pogchampshttps://www.chess.com/news/view/announcing-pogchamps-6-fieldSpeed Chess Championships, ESports World Cup 1:03:00- Is Chess.com still thinking of becoming publicly traded at some point? Would Danny retire in the near future? If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Noël Studer is a two time Swiss National Champion turned blogger, course creator and chess trainer. Noël is also a regular guest on the podcast, and as an avid reader of his blog, I always have plenty of questions for him. This particular interview tackles questions like the following: What has training for a marathon taught Noël about chess? Do Grandmasters like Noël make it sound easier than it is to “fix blunders?”  What are the traits of Noël’s most successful students?  We also discuss an update to one of Noël’s courses, his next projects, and why we both are a bit disillusioned with professional chess. There is always a lot to learn from GM Studer! Check out Noël’s updated course on studying chess the right way here (https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0) Use the code perpetual20 to receive a 20% discount. By using that link, you'll also support Perpetual Chess.https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0Noël’s prior appearances were on the podcast were Episodes 248, 312 and 374 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Dtd4jQXwwJkfwOegqrGad?si=11a29a76268249b8https://open.spotify.com/episode/0asMZuJZhbp6EnNUyUvzo4?si=9cc4a0c08d7b48e8https://open.spotify.com/episode/39O0qNPy5mCDxSf96byIES?si=7a1e8a1e12bc4102Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro01:00- Chess Lessons from training for a marathon(From article From Thinking to Doing)Dr. Nick Vasquez’s post, Too Many Choices:https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/what-do-we-mean-improvement13:00- Why does Noël call blundering “the leaking roof issue”?The leaking roof issueSteps method playlist from Chess Steps trainer NM Han Schut:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHJ-t45Y-c5SN7u7YSd-gj0vpyCgXv7lM21:00- Do people overemphasize the importance of accuracy scores?https://nextlevelchess.com/accuracy-score/25:00- In his professional days, what was Noël’s approach to checking engines immediately after games? 28:00- Why do CEO’s have a hard time improving at chess? https://nextlevelchess.com/study-chess-in-a-smarter-way/35:00- Which posts of Noël’ got the most feedback? 37:00- What is “the chess improvement equation?” https://nextlevelchess.com/improvement-score/40:00- What other recent interests and daily practices has Noël implemented? 42:00-  Noël’ discusses his relaunched course, The Simplified Chess Improvement Systemhttps://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be049::00- Noël’s next projects52:00- Does Noël still follow professional chess closely? Thanks to Noël for coming on!You can email him at Noël at nextlevelchess.blogCheck out his courses. Remember to use perpetual20 for 20% off on either course.All in one beginner course (up to 1200 chesscom): https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=bc4be0 His re-launched improvement system (previously Next Level Training): https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0Subscribe to his newsletter here:https://nextlevelchess.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Perpetual Chess Book Review series, Chess Books Recaptured is back, to discuss a new tactics primer that has been getting a lot of buzz, 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know by FM Frank Erwich. My guest co-host is Kevin Scull, the host of the Chess Journeys podcast, and a dedicated student of the game. Kevin wanted to discuss this book because he felt it filled a glaring void in the marketplace and that it helped his game a lot. Nonetheless, Kevin also had a few quibbles with the book, so he joined me to discuss the pros and cons of this book, which overall is quite a worthwhile addition to the libraries of intermediate players and chess trainers alike. Because this book is so visual by nature, we kept this conversation short, and also made a companion video showing a few positions. The link to that, as well as timestamps and topics mentioned are below. Part 2 of this review, which looks at positions from the book, can be seen on The Perpetual Chess YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/vaQuEx2CBgQCheck out the archive of book review podcasts here:https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/recapturedAnd the Spotify Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/33uvcg7rb09ETWIgeAUCIR?si=0c11cd72fba548faThanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- Why did we choose this book? Mentioned: GM Jacob Aagaard, Elizabeth Spiegel, Brooklyn Castle 0:06- Our quibbles with the book. 0:10- The structure of the bookMentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy’s review:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC-Up1teylU0:17:00- Kevin’s Chessable coursehttps://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/Thanks to Kevin for helping out! Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kNbZLQE6JvbAyfOlv7ZNY?si=2c3d57c5c70349aaIf you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oleksandr Prokhorov is a Lviv, Ukraine-based chess organizer, trainer, FIDE arbiter and Twitch streamer. Ukraine has a rich chess history and has a vibrant grass roots scene in addition to famous natives such as Vasyl Ivanchuk, the Muzychuk sisters, and GM Ruslan Ponomariov. In recent years, I have marvelled at the persistent passion for chess in Ukraine  as I follow Facebook groups like the Love Chess Ukraine Facebook Group. Oleksandr and I discussed:  Is interest in Ukrainian chess as strong as ever despite the war? Is there still state funding for chess-related activities?  What challenges are presented by the fact that many of its top Ukrainian players are moving abroad in order to be able to compete internationally?  We also discussed a few notable Ukrainians who have been on the front lines, Oleksandr's favorite books and content creators, and what Oleksandr and his colleagues are doing to help the next generation of Ukrainian players. Hearing about the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and their continued passion for chess inspires admiration and respect. Thanks to Oleksandr for sharing a few of their stories! Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- What is the amateur chess scene like in Ukraine?Mentioned: Love Chess Ukraine Facebook Group0:09- Is there still state support for chess during the war?0:13- Does Oleksandr work full time in chess? How did he learn chess?0:19- How has Ukrainian chess handled the exodus of many of its top players? 0:26- Why does Oleksandr think Ukraine has produced so many top female players?0:33- Okelsandr discusses the many chess players who are currently in combat, including GM Igor Kovalenko. Mentioned: GM Igor Kovalenko, GM Martin Kravtsivhttps://www.chess.com/news/view/ukrainian-grandmaster-given-courage-award-by-zelenskyy0:39- - Okelsandr discusses Artem Sachuk, a former vice-president of chess in Ukraine who was killed in combat in 2023. https://www.chess.com/news/view/artem-sachuk-vp-ukrainian-chess-federation-killed-action44:00- Oleksandr’s favorite chess bookMentioned: My System46:00- Oleksandr’s favorite YouTubersMentioned: IM Eric Rosen, Dina Belenkaya, Anna Cramling 50:00- Thanks to Oleksandr for joining me. Here is how to reach him:Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/OleksanderProkhorovCoaching-https://lichess.org/coach/Prohorov_Olexandr123Email- Prohorov at chessclub.lviv.uaLove Chess Ukraine Facebook Group-https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031039970525130 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IM Willy Hendriks is an award-winning chess author, historian and chess trainer. He has just released his fourth book, The Philosopher and the Housewife:Tarrasch, Nimzowitsch and the Evolution of Chess. This book is the completion of a trilogy which casts a new light on chess history and looks at the evolution of chess ideas. Willy’s newest book focuses on the early 20th century, with a particular emphasis on Aron Nimzowitsch and Siegbert Tarrasch. We tackle questions such as: Was Aron Nimzowitsch the most pretentious chess player of them all?  What does Willy think of My System?  Have the stylistic differences between Tarrasch and Nimzowitsch been exaggerated? What can we learn about engines and modern chess through reading about these players?  Our conversation is filled with fun stories and reflections about these players, along with the contributions of the third “main character,” Semion Alapin.   We also discuss Willy’s own competitive career and his potential next projects. It is always a pleasure to read Willy's work and to speak with him.   Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Perpetual Chess Improvement Audiobook information- The links for where to order the Perpetual Chess Improvement audiobook are on this page. It is now available on all platform except for Audible/Amazon (hopefully coming soon):https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/bookThanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- Where did the title The Philosopher and the Housewife come from?0:06- Willy tells a few stories to illustrate why he considers Aron Nimzowitsch to be “the most self-aggrandizing chess player of all-time.”10:00- What were the chess stylistic differences of Nimzowitsch and Tarrasch?Mentioned:Modern Ideas in Chess by Richard Reti 18:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Willy think of the book My System?” Mentioned: Book Recap #18- My System with IM Christof Sielecki Book Recap #37- My System (fast track edition) with GM Alex Fishbein Aron Nimzowitch: A Reappraisal by GM Raymond Keenehttps://www.amazon.com/Aron-Nimzowitsch-Reappraisal-Raymond-Keene/dp/071348438123:00- Where does the third character in the book, Semyon Alapin fit in?31:00- How are engines connected to the themes of Willy’s writing?34:00- What is the “Trainer’s fallacy?” 42:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What ideas does Willy have for upcoming books?” Mentioned: Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors, Mihail Marin’s Learn from the Legends 1 and 245:00- Does Willy follow modern chess and chess drama? Does he like freestyle chess?48:00- What has Willy been reading?Mentioned: Daniel DennettTarrasch’s 300 Chess Games, the Works of Edward Lasker and Milan Vidmar, The Essential Sosonko, In Black and White 52:00- Has Willy been competing OTB lately? 54:00- Thanks as always to Willy for visiting the pod and for advancing our knowledge of chess history! You can get his books here:https://www.newinchess.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Willy+HendriksYou can also get a physical copy in the US from Chess4Less:https://chess4less.com/products/the-philosopher-and-the-housewife-willy-hendriks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Wojciech Moranda is a high-level trainer, author and 2600+ rated player  who has worked with the Polish youth national team and IM Levy Rozman among many other students. I often recommend his books for ambitious advanced players, so I was excited to welcome him back to discuss his new Chessable Course, The Moranda Method: How to Calculate Like a Beast. In the course, and in our discussion, Wojciech lays out his core beliefs and fundamental framework for how to calculate in chess. His course is best-suited for 1800+ players, but Wojciech’s insights can help players at any level. In our conversation, we discuss common misconceptions about calculation, when one should stop calculating a variation, and then Wojciech lays out what he calls “the 5 elements of calculation.” Wojciech is extremely knowledgeable about chess, and its always a pleasure to speak with him. Check out our bonus video going through a calculation exercise on the Perpetual Chess YouTube page:https://youtu.be/0gSdFDkeeWQThanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:00- What is the definition of calculation? 0:03- What are some common misconceptions about calculation?0:12- When should we stop calculating a sequence?What visualization advice can Wojciech give? Mentioned: Step 2 Thinking Ahead23:00- We discuss Wojciech’s “5 Elements of Calculation,” starting with what he calls “vision and perceptivity.” 49:00- Patreon mailbag question: Was Wojciech influenced by the work of legendary trainer Josef Dorfman?56:00- What is a typical day like for Wojciech? Is he still playing actively? 1:00:00- Thanks to Wojciech for joining me again, here are the links to keep up with his work or reach him:Wojciech’s Books:https://www.amazon.com/Books-Wojciech-Moranda/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AWojciech%2BMorandaHis Course:https://www.chessable.com/calculate-like-a-beast-the-moranda-method/course/279827/His coaches page:https://lichess.org/coach/gmmorandaIf you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchessEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FM Nate Solon is a data scientist, Chessable author, New in Chess Magazine columnist and the creator of the popular and insightful newsletter, Zwischenzug. Nate joined me shortly after we played in a tournament together to share his latest chess-improvement related thoughts and to reflect on recent lessons he has absorbed. We focused on a few themes in particular:  Why Nate thinks the challenge of learning new openings is often overstated, and the way in which he thinks chess openings “resemble poems.” How to avoid the trap of overemphasizing solving tactics in one’s training plan  Nate and I both discuss our experiences in the recent World Amateur Team tournament, and the ways in which the weekend tournament experience might be improved.  There is always a lot to learn from Nate, and I am confident your chess can benefit from this conversation. Timestamps of discussion are below. Sub to Nate’s newsletter here:https://zwischenzug.substack.com/Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- Nate’s comprehensive advice for learning openings, which focuses on learning by playing and utilizing spaced repetition 17:00- Nate’s advice for using model games22:00- Do people overemphasize tactical puzzles? How can we avoid this trap? Mentioned: New in Chess Magazine, My Chessable Course 26:00- What is “gritty calculation”? The position Nate references can be seen here:https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/calculation-is-never-just-calculationGM Josh Friedel’s calculation advice:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvh7HsYMn-Q36:00- Is the rating system finally reaching a stable state?37:00- Nate and I discuss the World Amateur Team, a tournament in which we both recently played . 45:00- Nate’s next tournaments and projects55:00- Thanks to Nate for joining! Here are the links to keep up with him:Newsletter:https://zwischenzug.substack.com/Chessable courses:https://www.chessable.com/author/CheckRaiseMate/His Book:https://www.amazon.com/Evaluate-Like-Grandmaster-Eugene-Perelshteyn/dp/B0BHNF5CWBPhoto in thumbnail via the Charlotte Chess Center:https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/photos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices