

Perpetual Chess Podcast
Ben Johnson
Perpetual Chess features weekly conversations with the chess world's best players, trainers and accomplished amateurs about their careers, current projects, best practices and the latest in chess news. Learn more at PerpetualChessPod.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
EP 454 — Hanging Pawns (Stjepan Tomić) Shares Chess Book Recs for Every Level & Discusses His Big New Project
Stjepan Tomić has built a sizable following through his beloved Hanging Pawns YouTube Channel, but good old-fashioned chess books remain his true passion. That passion has led to his ambitious new project, ChessReads.com, a free platform designed to help players of all levels find the right book for their needs through crowdsourced reviews. The project already features its own YouTube channel, Discord server, and a growing website filled with helpful writeups.
To celebrate the site’s launch, Stjepan joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about the enduring value of chess literature. We answered listener questions about whether books are still as vital as ever, how Stjepan chooses what to read next, and we shared recommendations across nearly every rating band. Stjepan also updated us on his own chess improvement goals and upcoming tournaments.
As a fellow chess bibliophile, I’m excited about the ChessReads project and enjoyed catching up with Stjepan. Timestamps for all topics and rating ranges are below, along with Amazon affiliate links to the books mentioned.
If you know a scholastic player who could use high quality online group lessons, be sure to check out Silver Knights Chess Academy..
chessacademy.com/online
Use coupon code- "pod" to save 50% on the first month.
Below are shortened show notes, for more complete show notes with links for all of the book recs, click here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Io2RMjGWDpncNDRcUMOlNmYHKMvdxUP1TGmGJFtdB4/edit?tab=t.0
0:03- Stjepan joins the pod! What is the chessreads.com origin story?
Mentioned:
Chessreads Discord-
https://discord.gg/gbFZGDw4
0:07- Patreon mailbag question: 1) Are chessbooks useful/optimal as chess improvement tools in the modern digital era? 2) Are modern books and older classics equally useful?
19:00- Patreon mailbag question:
Could Stjepan recommend a few books that can be read without a chessboard?
Mentioned: Perpetual Chess Improvement, Thinking Inside the Box
23:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does Stjepan select which chess book to read next?
25:00- Patreon mailbag question: What recommendations does Stjepan have for books about thinking processes?
30:00- Book Recommendations by rating range, starting with under 1000
36:00- Recommendations for the 1000-1200 level
37:00- - Recommendations for the 1200-1400 level
41:00- Recommendations for the 1400-1600 level
45:00- Recommendations for the 1600-1800 level
49:00- Recommendations for the 1800-2000 level
52:00- Recommendations for the above 2000 level
1:01:00-
Chess improvement update from Stjepan
1:06:00- Impromptu discussion- what makes some countries better at chess (and other competitive endeavors) than others?
1:11:00-
Check out Stjepan’s interview with me about my book on the Chessreads channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plMpTaO3Z2Y
Perpetual Chess Improvement is finally available on Audible!
https://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Chess-Improvement-Practical-World-Class/dp/B0FHWWC2ZX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0
1:17:00- Thanks to Stjepan for joining me again, here is how to keep up with him and the ChessReads project.
Hanging Pawns YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@HangingPawns
Chessreads YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ChessReadsCom
Chessreads Discord-
https://discord.gg/gbFZGDw4
Chessreads
chessreads.com
X
x.com/chessreads
Instagram
instagram.com/chessreads
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Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
EP 453- IM-elect Tatev Abrahamyan on the Long Road to her New Title.
Despite an impressive chess résumé as one of the U.S.’s top women players, Tatev Abrahamyan has had moments when she questioned whether it was all worth it. After a prolonged slump, she not only considered giving up on ever earning the International Master title, but she nearly quit competitive chess altogether. Fortunately, Tatev persevered. Earlier this year, she unexpectedly finished second in the Woman’s American Cup, and then in August, she delivered a standout result that earned her the International Master title at age 37 — more than 10 years after achieving her final required norm! Remarkably, Tatev’s performance was so strong that she also secured her first GM norm.
In our conversation, Tatev reflects on:
Why a timely vote of confidence from a mentor propelled her toward a $30,000 prize
Opening advice and the enduring value of endgame studies
What she has learned from this roller-coaster journey — and what she advises others facing slumps
Tatev’s story is both candid and inspiring, and I look forward to following her next chapter at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Championship and beyond.
0:00- Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com:
Check out Tatev’s courses here- and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link:
https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro
0:02- Late last year, after a slump, Tatev was “despondent” with her chess? Did she seriously consider quitting?
0:05- Once she didn’t quit, how did she prepare for the American Cup?
0:08- Tatev’s tournament routine and mindset
Mentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy, GM Josh Friedel, Endgame Labaratory by GM Jacob Aagaard
0:11- Why does Tatev think her results turned around at the American Cup?
Mentioned: GM Yasser Quesada Perez
0:15- Tatev’s next tournaments in Spain and Budapest
0:18- Tatev’s approach to openings
0:20- When did Tatev start to think that earning the IM title was becoming realistic?
0:24- Patreon mailbag question: Was there any change to Tatev’s mindset leading up to this breakthrough?
Mentioned: You can check out Tatev’s games from the tournament here:
https://www.chess.com/events/budapest-one-week-budapest-one-week-gm
FM Mike Klein’s article about Tatev’s title:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/abrahamyan-plays-best-tournament-of-career-earns-im-title-gm-norm
26:00- Meeting up with Judit after the tournament!
34:00- More reflections on Tatev’s tournament
Mentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy’s blog post about analyzing with Ivanchuk
https://hellokostya.substack.com/p/2025-spring-eurotrip
40:00- The US Women’s Championship
41:00- Tatev discusses her Chessable course and her fondness for endgame studies.
Mentioned:
Chess Studies: Solve to Evolve
https://www.chessable.com/chess-studies-solve-to-evolve/course/300770/
49:00 Tatev’s next projects
51:00- Will Tatev pursue the GM title?
Mentioned: Jeanne Sinquefeld prize for a woman earning the GM title
https://www.chess.com/news/view/jeanne-cairns-sinquefield-award-us-female-grandmasters
Also mentioned: GM Felix Blohberger
https://www.chess.com/news/view/being-a-chess-professional-in-europe-sucks-blohberger
55:00- Thanks to Tatev for joining us!
You can reach her via the Lichess coaches page:
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Sep 23, 2025 • 60min
EP 452: GM Daniel King — The Grand Swiss, Candidates Spots, and What It Takes to Win High-Stakes Swiss Tournaments
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.

Sep 16, 2025 • 60min
EP 451: GM Elshan Moradiabadi on Intuition, Coaching, and Why Fun Is Vital for Chess Improvement
North Carolina–based trainer and author Elshan Moradiabadi has won over 25 tournaments and was the 2001 National Champion of his native Iran. Despite his many accomplishments, Elshan is deeply reflective about the proper role chess should play in one’s life. While he has no regrets about the sacrifices he made, his experiences have given him valuable lessons to share, including:
Why you should keep chess enjoyment as your North Star
The importance of intuition, and the nine cues for evaluating a position
The tradeoffs that come with pursuing excellence
How chess parenting has changed since his own youth
We also touch on the professional chess landscape, and make a few predictions about the FIDE Grand Swiss (a tournament which is now over, but hadn’t started when we recorded on September 1). Whether you’re a chess hobbyist, parent, or coach, you’ll find plenty of wisdom and inspiration in this wide-ranging conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! 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=pro
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
0:02- Welcome Elshan to the pod- we begin by discussing a poignant post Elshan wrote about what chess has given him, and what is has taken away:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EExhz3qbC/
Prior interview with Elshan, Episode 58-
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2018/2/6/episode-58-gm-elshan-moradiabadi
0:09- Why Elshan has grown to love the English language as a non-native speaker
Mentioned: Cover Stories with Chess Life Episodes #44 and #48
https://new.uschess.org/news/cover-stories-chess-life-44-gm-elshan-moradiabadi
https://new.uschess.org/news/cover-stories-chess-life-48-gm-elshan-moradiabadi
0:11- Elshan’s typical day of coaching
0:13- The challenge of improving chess intuition
Read more about Elshan’s 9 cues for evaluating a position here:
https://gmelshan.com/how-to-master-chess-the-9-imbalances/
19:00- Elshan’s approach to helping new students
27:00- Elshan’s reflections on his OTB chess game
30:00- Reflections on a poor performance in the 2022 US Championship
Mentioned: So-Moradiabadi 2022
https://www.chess.com/events/2022-us-chess-championship/11/So_Wesley-Moradiabadi_Elshan
33:00- Does Elshan follow top chess tournaments?
Mentioned: Quantbox Chennai Invitational
https://www.chess.com/events/info/2025-quantbox-chennai-grand-masters
37:00- Patreon mailbag question: What did Elshan like about the Chicken Chess Club Podcast (may it rest in peace)
Mentioned: GM Jan Gustafsson
39:00- Elshan’s plans for the rest of 2025
Mentioned: USA vs. India match in Dallas, Texas, October 2025
https://www.texaschesscenter.com/usa-vs-india?srsltid=AfmBOooUe_kOJfuugQMW1JtCezBWX7DPRYRK05I6w2LQ4Bzb6H9Pc9Lq
41:00- Elshan’s favorite players
Mentioned: GM Mikhail Tal, Capablanca, Fischer, Positional Decision Making in Chess by GM Boris Gelfand
45:00- Elshan’s big picture chess advice
Mentioned: Searching for Bobby Fischer
51:00- Last minute FIDE Grand Swiss predictions (this was recorded before it started)
55:00- Thanks so much to Elshan for joining me again! You can reach him via his website:
https://gmelshan.com/contact/
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Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 52min
EP 450 – Hikaru in Louisiana: Stories from His Surprise Appearance in the Louisiana State Championship
As you may have heard, GM Hikaru Nakamura made a surprise appearance at the Louisiana State Championship, as part of fulfilling FIDE’s World Championship qualification criteria. In return, the players he encountered gained memories and stories they’ll never forget. In this multi-guest special episode, I speak with several of Hikaru’s opponents, as well as the tournament’s organizer, to hear their firsthand accounts:
Senior Tournament Director Richard Campbell (13:00) – on why he and his team initially thought Hikaru’s registration was a prank, and how they realized it was real.
20-year-old college student Harry James (32:00) – on how being paired with Hikaru in Round 1 unexpectedly cured his hangover.
Tulane graduate student Nahum Villamil Garces (47:30) – on the lifetime memories he made after facing Hikaru in Round 3.
Five-time Louisiana State Champion FM Nick Matta (1:06:00) – on how he forced himself to play Hikaru with no fear, and how the opportunity to play him re-energized his passion for chess.
Baton Rouge-based NM Charles Campbell (1:34:00) – on the mixed feelings he had before his last-round showdown with Hikaru, as he vied for the state champion title.
It was so much fun hearing the stories of our guests, and I was touched by the galvanizing effect Hikaru’s visit had on the Louisiana chess community
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! 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=pro
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
0:00-Introduction
8:00- If you know a scholastic player looking for high-level interactive online instruction, check out the Silver Knights Chess Academy:
chessacademy.com/online
Use code “pod” to save 50% on the first month
13:00- The first guest is Richard Campbell, the tournament organizer. How did he find out Hikaru was registered, did he think it was real? What did they do about security and cheat detection?
Mentioned: NM Jude Acers
32:00- Harry James joins me, he is a 20 year old Tulane University student who was Hikaru’s first round opponent. It is not often a 1563 USCF player gets to play a super GM!
Mentioned: Watch Hikaru’s recaps of his games vs. Harry and Nahum here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJCsHU4NVh8
47:30- Nahum Villamil Garces, Hikaru’s 3rd round opponent, joins me. Nahum is graduate student at Tulane University who was playing his first tournament in the U.S.
Mentioned: Gelfand-Nakamura 2010
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1567841
1:06:00- 5-time Louisiana State Champion FM Nick Matta joined me to reflect on an instructive loss, and to compare the experience of playing Hikaru to his clashes against IM Levy Rozman and GM Hans Niemann.
Mentioned:
You can see Hikaru’s recaps of his games against FM Nick Matta and NM Charles Campbell here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLWuOczem3I&list=PL4KCWZ5Ti2H48YIUpaiTp6jTlwflBLFjI&index=4
You can see Nick’s game with Hikaru in this chess.com article
https://www.chess.com/news/view/nakamura-wins-louisiana-state-championship-candidates
Also Mentioned:Thinking Inside the Box by GM Jacob Aagaard
You can reach FM Nick Matta via his Lichess coaches page:
https://lichess.org/@/Candychessmaster
1:34:00- NM Charles Campbell joins the podcast to discuss lessons from his 7th round showdown with Hikaru, and the chess scenes in Nigeria (his native country) and Baton Rouge, Louisiana (where he lives).
You can also see his game in the chess.com recap, or on Hikaru’s YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLWuOczem3I&list=PL4KCWZ5Ti2H48YIUpaiTp6jTlwflBLFjI&index=4
You can reach Charles Campbell via Chess.com or Lichess
https://www.chess.com/member/charlescandycampbell
https://lichess.org/@/Candychessmaster
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Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 2min
EP 449- GM Jesse Kraai on Confronting Tournament Fears, Mental and Physical Fitness, and What’s Next for Him and ChessDojo
ChessDojo’s GM Jesse Kraai is always one of my favorite people to talk chess with, yet somehow it had been five years since his last visit to the pod. Jesse returned at a great time, having been both studying and competing actively, and recently achieving his goal of qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Senior Closed Championship. His recent over-the-board activity provided a springboard for us to discuss a wide range of topics, including:
How he has learned to confront his fears in tough, “meat-grinder” weekend tournaments
Why he believes weight training—and even certain health supplements—are important for older players, and may be the next frontier for professionals as well
How the ChessDojo curriculum and philosophy have evolved in recent years
I am also a big fan of Jesse’s book reviews on the ChessDojo YouTube channel, so I couldn’t let him go without sharing a few recommendations. We even closed the conversation by discussing Intermezzo, a recent novel by award-winning Irish writer Sally Rooney. I always admire Jesse’s dedication to improvement, and it’s a pleasure to hear his thoughtful perspectives on chess and beyond. Approximate timestamps of topics discussed are below.
0:02- Does Jesse ever find it hard to stay motivated to keep studying and reading chess books?
0:03- Reflections on Jesse’s recent tournaments
0:05- What are the keys to GM Alex Fishbein’s recent success?
0:09- What does Jesse do to work on his own chess?
Mentioned: Jesse’s review of the book TurboCharge Your Tactics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLBMmqk8an0
Also Mentioned:
Perfect Your Chess
https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Your-Chess-Ukrainian-Authors/dp/1915328063/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KXGHHH199SMQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XJTzNVQ4N6jtqAJlUh5KzvNBpaX4Cs6DkIe2E-15eIhEw6YsZYPA5HdNzRFsEzgzHHBYkJjSSdBddTS1PPcTP6iRXtOUrqULwf5Sc2JQUMHafGmhNIGcuYGQ8MyXxIkQhoxaHmbKuO0u94ls6vl8vhiehM-UnVvrZ17ce4FPjsd3ho3b08KJh-vPw89-SF0ccgo36HEXf7zwi__wKMmX8iO1_7DXOTHH5Pk9OgLrBUA.kPo0CC2fg8nMzpfrIKoCIvkTyNUwFvqAT7-k0iXzEmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=perfect+your+chess&qid=1756510333&sprefix=Perfect+Your+Chess%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-1
12:00- ChessDojo and Jesse’s fitness regimen
Jesse’s IG post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMqT1jOuxcK/
Check out Dr. Nick Vasquez’s blog here:
https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/clearing-the-fog
17:00- Are elite chess players likely taking cognitive supplements or other drugs to help their performances?
20:00- What have been the biggest lessons from co-founding the ChessDojo?
25:00- What has Jesse learned from reading the works of IM Willy Hendriks?
28:00- Patreon mailbag question: What non-chess books influenced Jesse’s philosophy of chess improvement?
Mentioned: Mindset by Carol Dweck
Deep Work by Cal Newport
30:00- Patreon mailbag question: Are books as effective as modern digital tools for chess improvement?
32:00- Does Jesse have set hours for studying chess?
36:00- The strengths and weaknesses of Jesse’s competitors in next year’s US Senior Closed Championship.
Mentioned: GM Larry Christiansen, GM Gregory Kaidanov, FM Doug Eckert
38:00- New developments in the dojo
42:00- Jesse’s rest of 2026 tournaments
44:00- We share our thoughts on the chess-adjacent novel Intermezzo by popular author Sally Rooney
https://www.amazon.com/Intermezzo-Novel-Sally-Rooney/dp/0374602638
54:00- Parting book recs
Mentioned: Polgar Chess
Logical Chess Move by Move
58:00- Thanks to Jesse, for rejoining me! You can find him at the ChessDojo. (use code "ben" at checkout to save 10%
https://www.chessdojo.club/signup
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Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
EP 448- NM Max Farberov on Beating Plateaus, Springing Opening Surprises, and Why Speed Chess Matters
NM Max Farberov is a 27-year-old chess instructor, Chessable author, and online speed-chess specialist with a Chess.com blitz rating north of 2600. He joined me after a busy chess summer that included his first European open and one of his best OTB results to date: winning clear first in the Under-2300 section of the Washington International. As Max explains, this breakthrough came only after months of frustration and feeling that he had reached a plateau, making the success all the sweeter.
In our conversation, Max and I discussed:
Why he stays motivated to pursue tournament chess at an age when many slow down
How he built an opening repertoire around the offbeat 1…d6
What he gains from following lesser-known professional tournaments
Why speed chess is underrated as a tool for improvement
Max’s passion for chess is infectious, and our conversation is full of helpful chess improvement advice. Timestamps are below.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! 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=pro
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com, via the link below:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:02- What led to Max’s recent tournament outcome, where he attained the best result of his life?
10:00- What keeps Max going when many players in their 20s stop playing tournaments?
12:00- The College Chess League
13:00- Congrats to IM-elect Tatev Abrahamyan
14:00- Was Max tempted to quit after earning the NM title?
20:00- What was it like for Max to play in his first international tournament?
Mentioned: More on the Vila de Sitges here:
https://open.penyaescacscp.com/
22:00- The dangers of overpreparing for an opponent
24:00- Max’s approach to openings
26:00- GMs and top engines don’t like openings like the Philidor and the Pirc due to the concession of space. Has this been an issue for Max in his games?
28:00- Does Max consider himself a speed chess specialist? How can one get better at speed chess?
33:00- How to combat the London
35:00- Back to speed chess advice- Max’s advice for clock management
38:00 Opening prep war stories
40:00- The benefits of following and playing through the games from professional (non-elite) circuit tournaments.
43:00- Max’s friendship with GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez
Mentioned: EP 409 with GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/11/19/ep-409-gm-fidel-corrales-jimenez-a-tireless-tournament-circuit-grinder-on-overcoming-setbacks-managing-energy-the-risks-of-otb-cheating-amp-his-love-for-the-scotch-openingnbsp
46:00- How Max became a chess teacher and advice for getting into chess teaching
49:00- Max’s next chess goals
50:00- Is Max a regimented chess-studier?
52:00- Max’s chess improvement hot takes and book recs
Mentioned:
Practical Chess Exercises
Evaluate like a Grandmaster
Attack with Mikhail Tal
56:00- Thanks to Max for joining me!
Here is how to reach him:
X:
https://x.com/chessgainz?lang=en
Chess.com:
https://www.chess.com/member/chess_gainz
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

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
EP 447: Going Pro at 57- GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational
Going Pro at 57: `GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational
At 57 years old, Tennessee-based Grandmaster and Author, Alex Fishbein, has built an impressive chess résumé, with 12 state-championship titles across four states and multiple appearances in U.S. Championship events. But until recently, his chess had always been balanced with a demanding finance career. Last year, for the first time since age 24, Alex stepped away from Wall Street to devote himself fully to chess—an experiment that paid off quickly.
Through a rigorous and unconventional study routine—including his unique “post-postmortem” method—Alex pulled off a surprise victory at the 2025 U.S. Senior Invitational, despite entering as the second-lowest rated player. In our conversation, he reflects on:
The training methods that fueled his breakthrough
His advice for caring less about ratings
The outsized role of age and stamina in senior chess
Lessons learned from legends like Korchnoi and Keres
Alex’s story shows the power of playing actively against all comers, staying curious, and embracing new challenges, and he provides inspiration for chess players of all levels. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! 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=pro
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
02:30- GM Fishbein joins the podcast! We begin by discussing his recent tournaments
Mentioned:
Episode 291 with GM Alex Fishbein:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2022/8/9/ep-291-gm-alex-fishbein-on-maintaining-a-passion-for-chess-into-ones-50s-plus-great-korchnoi-and-tal-stories
My System Fast Track Book Recap #37 with GM Alex Fishbein
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbsp
Also mentioned: Dan Joelson, IM Stuart Rachels
08:00- What changes did Alex recently make to his training regimen?
Mentioned:
Interview with Nazi Paikidze and GM Yasser Seirawan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQ
15:00- Patreon mailbag question:
How are Alex’s preparation methods different as a professional vs.as an amateur?
Mentioned: Solitaire Chess
More on Solitaire Chess from FM Nate Solon here:
https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/solitaire-chess
25:00- How and why did Alex begin to study the games and annotations of GM Paul Keres?
35:00- What was Alex’s approach to openings in the US Senior Closed? Did he try to surprise his opponents?
Mentioned:
You can play through the games and openings mentioned from the tournament here:
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-us-national=championships-seniors/01/Fishbein_Alexander-Novikov_Igor
38:00- What separates the strength of GM Vladimir Akopian from the rest of the field?
39:00- Why does GM Alex Fishbein think that the three youngest players were the ones to make the playoffs?
Mentioned: Chess is My Life by GM Viktor Korchnoi
40:00- Why ratings are a mirage for the Senior Closed
45:00- Alex’s advice for caring less about one’s rating
Mentioned: Claud Bloodgood:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bloodgood
53:00- Recent chess books Alex has read
Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Phillip Hurtado
55:00- Alex’s training tips for lower-rated players
1:00- Thanks to Alex for joining me again! You can reach him via email at:
Afish at panix.com
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

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
EP 446- IM Greg Shahade on The State of Professional Chess, Why He Loves the Daily and Classical Formats & Adult Improving at Trivia
IM Greg Shahade was the very first guest of Perpetual Chess and has remained a frequent and insightful contributor ever since. A former youth national champion, Greg has subsequently been involved in the chess world in an array of capacities —founder of the US Chess School (which provides free training to top American juniors), creator of the now-defunct Pro Chess League, and a near-2800-rated blitz player on Chess.com who has maintained his level well into his 40s. A former poker pro, Greg has more recently become a trivia whiz to boot. But which is harder to improve at—trivia or chess? In this wide-ranging conversation, we catch up on Greg’s many interests, get his take on events like the E-Sports World Cup and Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, and hear his thoughts on the continued ascension of the next chess generation. It’s always a treat to hear Greg’s takes on the ever-evolving chess landscape. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:
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0:00- Will Greg learn GM Jan Gustafsson’s Chessable course?
0:05- Patreon mailbag question: Greg followed the E-sports World Cup (EWC) closely- what were his impressions of it?
0:09- Why Greg loves classical chess!
0:12- Back to the EWC
0:16- What did Greg think of the recent Freestyle tournament in Las Vegas?
21:00- The US Chess School- are kids good at chess?
30:00- The benefits of the daily chess format
36:00- Why did Greg decide to become good at trivia? Is it harder to improve at then chess?
https://gregshahade.wordpress.com/2023/01/31/1-5-years-of-trivia-total-n00b-to-learnedleague-group-a/
44:00- Patreon mailbag question: Greg seems like a happy and positive person- has that come easy to him or has he had to work at it?
47:00- Patreon mailbag question: Greg sings a song!(briefly)
48:00- As another friend of FM Donny Ariel’s, does Greg think he can make GM? Could Greg make GM?
53:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Carlsen’s retirement from the World Championship title hurt his legacy as compared to Kasparov?
Mentioned: Kasparov-Polgar touch-move controversy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT9UhaUIBCY
1:01- Greg discusses his enthusiasm for the Chess.com daily chess league
https://www.chess.com/article/view/join-chess-league
Thanks to Greg for joining me again! You can reach/keep up with him via Chess.com or via X:
https://www.chess.com/member/gregshahade
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Aug 5, 2025 • 59min
EP 445- “It Worked So Well That I Stopped Doing It”: Adult Improver Nicholas Sloan on Dealing with Burnout After a Rapid Rating Rise
Nicholas Sloan is a Wisconsin-based Network Engineer, a dad of 4, and an extremely motivated chess improver. Usually. But after an incredible run of gaining 500+ rating points in two years, fueled by consistent hard work and a unique study approach, Nick hit a wall. He gave back 150 rating points, and lost his motivation to work hard on chess. That can happen when you are a family man who is working full-time, studying for multiple hours a day, and creating chess content on top of that. Nick took time away to read some quality chess books, and to recalibrate his chess improvement plans. In our conversation Nick tells me:
Why, after reflection, he has decided that the lofty goal of earning the National Master title is still worth pursuing.
How a few chess books opened his eyes to the work he still had to do
What he intends to do next
As a longtime reader of Nick’s blog, I was excited to finally chat with him, and I look forward to following his continued success.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! 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=pro
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
02:00- Nicholas joins the show- check out his rating graph here:
https://www.uschess.org/datapage/ratings_graph.php?memid=12772484
05:00- What does Nick think contributed to his recent slump?
14:00- What effect did reading GM Jonathan Rowson’s books have on Nick?
Mentioned: Book Recap #14: Seven Deadly Chess Sins
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins
Book Recap #32: Chess for Zebras
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins
20:00- More book recs!
Mentioned: Road to Chess Improvement
Chess Improvement: It’s All in the Mindset
22:00- How did Nick adjust to being an emotional player?
24:00- How has Nick changed his approach?
Mentioned: Pump Up Your Rating
27:00- What thought process is Nick using over the board?
Mentioned: GM Alexander Goldin
28:00- What did Nick learn from the book Rapid Chess Improvement ?
Mentioned: CT-Art , Chessking App
32:00- How Nick avoids burnout
Mentioned: Episode 173 with NM Philemon Thomas, GM Johan Hellsten’s Mastering Chess Strategy
35:00- Why does Nick focus on local club tournaments rather than big weekend ones? Mentioned: Episode 346 with NM Todd Bryant
40:00- Does Nick play a narrow or wide repertoire?
44:00- How many tournament games does Nick aim to play per year?
46:00- Nick’s approach to game analysis
50:00- Thanks to Nick for joining! Here is his linktree that provides many ways to keep up with him:
https://linktr.ee/HighgroundChess
If you would like to join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices