Perpetual Chess Podcast

The Perpetual Chess Book Review Series Chess Books Recaptured  returns to discuss the award winning book, San Luis 2005 by GM Alik Gershon and Igor Nor. San Luis 2005 chronicles a crucial tournament in modern chess history, a double round robin whose winner determined the FIDE World Champion. The tournament featured nearly all of the top players of the time including GM Viswanathan Anand, Judit Polgar, Peter Svidler, and the winner, GM Veselin Topalov. As we discuss, GM Vladimir Kramnik was conspicuously absent, as he was already champion of a competing World Championship Faction that was originally founded by GM Garry Kasparov. Kramnik ultimately played the winner of this tournament in a 2006 Championship reunification match.   My guest co-host is Dr. Christopher Chabris, a renowned author, cognitive scientist and USCF Master. As Christopher and I discuss, it is a beautiful book with lucid prose and great photos and game analysis. The tournament it covers did not have a suspenseful ending, but it did contain some drama in the form of cheating accusations that were lodged against the tournament winner. As we discuss, these unproven accusations have a lot of parallels to the Carlsen-Niemann scandal. We also discuss why tournament books “don’t sell” and compare this book to other classic tournament books like Zurich 1953. Lastly, I catch up a bit with Dr. Chabris on his OTB tournament plans, and his forthcoming book  Nobody’s Fool: Why we Get Taken in and What we Can do about it. As always, timestamps and links for topics discussed can be found below. Prior appearances by Dr. Christopher Chabris:Episode 95 with Christopher Chabris Episode 187 with Christopher Chabris Book Recap #4: Think Like a Grandmaster by Kotov Book Recap #15: Secrets of Practical Chess and Attack the Strongpoint Book Recap #25 (Mammoth Games) 02:00- Why did we choose San Luis 2005?Mentioned: Book Recap #17- Zurich 1953 with FM Nate Solon and special guest GM Andy Soltis 04:00- Historical context: What was happening with the World Championship cycle in 2005? Mentioned: Linares! Linares! By Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam14:00- Chessable Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/16:00- We discuss the origins of the books and the background of the authors Mentioned: 2008 Chessbase article about the book, Lichess Study with the Games from the Tournament  23:00- Why do they say books recapping tournaments “do not sell”? Mentioned: Zurich 1953, New York 1924, World Championship 194829:00- We share a few quotes from the Intro and preface by GMs Nigel Short and Mihail Marin. 36:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1238:00- What notable games took place? Anand-Adams 2005, Polgar-Kasimdzhanov, Kasimdzhanov-Polgar, Leko-Topalov, Wijk an Zee 1975 by Lubomir Kavalek48:00- Why was Toplov accused of cheating in this tournament? Was there merit to this claim?57:00- Dr. Chabris shares his thoughts on the Carlsen-Niemann scandal Mentioned: Discussion of the Niemann/Carlsen saga with GMs Jonathan Rowson and David Smerdon 1:04:00- Patreon mailbag question: Has Chris’ expertise in cognitive science helped his chess game?1:10:00- What chess books are we looking forward to? Mentioned: Book Recap #30 with Carsten Hansen, Dojo Talks- The Best Chess Books, Quality Chess coming in 2023  Thanks to Dr. Chabris for helping out with this book discussion! You can follow him on Twitter here:https://twitter.com/cfchabrisOrder his forthcoming book here:  Nobody’s Fool: Why we Get Taken in and What we Can do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are joined by a young star of the chess world, Dutch GM and Chessable Author GM Jorden van Foreest. Just 23 years of age, Jorden already has a wide range of chess experience. As a player, Jorden has a peak rating of 2715 and was the Dutch National Champion in 2016 and the Tata Steel Champion in 2021. He also has already had the opportunity to work extensively with his Dutch compatriot, GM Anish Giri, as well as on the preparation team of GM Magnus Carlsen. Jorden reflects on all of these experiences, as well as shedding some light on top-level opening prep. He also offers his opinion on why he is known for his creativity as a player. Fun interview! You can find timestamps of topics discussed below. 0:00- Be sure to Sub to How to Chess on your favorite podcast app as Season 3 approaches: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-chess/id1572917817And you can sub to the free weekly chess round up, The Perpetual Chess linkfest here: https://benjohnson.substack.com02:00- We discuss Jorden’s in-tournament prep and how he finds his famously creative opening ideas, particularly the exchange sacrifice he uncorked against Anish Giri in 2023 Tata Steel.Mentioned:van Foreest-Giri 2023 ,  Jorden’s C Squared interview, Jorden’s Gotham City Podcast Interview 15:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How does Jorden find the balance between venturing his creative lines and playing solid, tested lines?” 17:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/19:00- Is Jorden a naturally creative player or is it a skill he developed? 21:00- What did Jorden do to learn to limit blunders? Mentioned: Jorden’s mom’s RealChess App is here!https://vanforeest.com/realchess/index.htmlSurvive and Thrive on Chessable by FM Dalton Perrine https://www.chessable.com/survive-thrive-how-to-blunder-less-and-defend-better/course/80629/24:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Jorden think contributes to his family’s unusual success at chess?” 26:30- What did Jorden observe about Magnus Carlsen’s chess talent while doing training camps with him? 29:30- Is Jorden using PC based or cloud-based engines? What type of cloud engine does he use? More info on the possibility of leaked prep in the Carlsen-Nepo match here:https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/r4cw22/was_the_prep_for_game_3_leaked/35:30- Jorden takes us behind the scenes of his recent appearance with Anish Giri on Khalid and Sophie, a Dutch general interest talk show appearance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IMPMAruaV038:00- Does Jorden agree with Magnus Carlsen that classical chess could be phased out?40:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1242:00- What tournaments are coming up for Jorden?44:30- How does Jorden work on his game now? Mentioned: Rock Solid Chess by GM Sergei Tiviakov 46:00- How did Jorden decide to do a course on The Tarrasch Defense?Free Short and Sweet version-https://www.chessable.com/short-sweet-tarrasch-defense/course/139270/ Full version- https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-tarrasch-defense/course/128906/50:30- Who does Jorden favor in the Ding-Nepo match? Would he consider working on one of their teams? 56:00- Thanks to Jorden for joining me! You can follow him on Twitter here:https://twitter.com/jordenvforeest?lang=enhttps://www.chessable.com/short-sweet-tarrasch-defense/course/139270/ Full version- https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-tarrasch-defense/course/128906/If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Mihail Marin has spent his life surrounded by chess in varying professional capacities and has the wealth of wisdom and stories you might expect from such experiences. He is a polyglot, a prolific and award winning author, a top trainer, and a 3 time Romanian national Chess champion. GM Marin is also the friend and frequent collaborator of GM Judit Polgar, and eventually helped Judit write her landmark books after befriending her family in the early 1990s. In our interview, we discuss all of these experiences, as well as Marin’s memorable games against Viktor Korchnoi and Boris Spassky and his new books about GM Bent Larsen and GM Vladimir Simagin. GM Marin had so many fun stories to share and such a rich perspective on so many chess champions. Timestamps and topics discussed can be found below. 0:00- We begin by discussing Mihail’s record of Chess Olimpiad participation and trying to count how many languages he speaks. :)  Mentioned: Olimpbase.org, Magic Mountain 13:00- Mihail discusses how he works with engines. 20:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/21:00- What did Mihail think of Tata Steel 2023? Mentioned: Giri-Carlsen 2023, Carlsen-Abdusattorov 2023 27:00- What does Mihail think of the fact that Carlsen says he will take a break from Classical Chess? Mentioned: Caruana-Korchnoi 2011 32:00- Mihail discusses his games with Korchnoi, Spassky and Karpov.  Mentioned: LiChess Study with Marin’s games with Korchnoi52:00- Mihail spent some time with Tal shortly before he died. What was that like?Mentioned: Tal-Gomez 1992 56:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.59:00- Mihail has been the second, friend and co-author with GM Judit Polgar many times over the years, how did his friendship with the Polgar sisters begin? Mentioned: San Luis 2005 World Championship 1:17:00- We discuss MIhail’s latest book, Learn from Bent Larsen, did Mihail ever meet the legendary Danish GM? (Also available on Forward Chess), including a Patreon mailbag question1:27:00- Learn from the Legends is a renowned book. Which players does Mihail’s forthcoming sequel cover? Mentioned: Lajos Portisch, Lev Polugaevsky, Paul Keres 1:40:00- Does Mihail write with a specific audience in mind? 1:43:00- We discuss Mihail’s book Learning Chess With SimaginMentioned: Chessbase interview by by Conrad Schormann 1:54:00- Patreon mailbag question: Will Mihail’s series on the English Opening ever be on Chessable?1:58:00- Mihail discusses some players that played with a “computer like” style, even before chess computers, such as Bobby Fischer. He also discusses the legendary opening preparation of GM Efim Geller. 2:10:00- Thanks to GM Marin for sharing his vast chess knowledge! Here are some ways to keep up with him:Facebook Learning Chess With SimaginLearn from Bent Larsen (Also available on Forward Chess)If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess an author, an American Chess Magazine columnist, and the recently-crowned World Champion of correspondence chess, Dr. Jon Edwards. Correspondence chess historically was played by mail, without assistance. These days it is played by email, with engine assistance allowed. The current format makes for incredibly accurate games that often end in draws. So what enabled Jon to win the Championship? Did luck play a role? Jon is an expert on how modern engines work, and what they say about various openings. We discuss the current opening battlegrounds of top engines, and discuss how correspondence chess has evolved as engines continue to get stronger. Should the rules of correspondence chess be tweaked because so many games end in draws? Among many other topics, we also discuss Jon’s massive chess book and chess stamp collections, and why Petrosian is his favorite player. Please read on for timestamps and links related to topics discussed. 0:00- How has Jon’s life changed since winning the title of World Correspondence Chess Champion? Mentioned: FM Alex Dunne passed away, Jon Edwards wins 32nd World Correspondence Championship 08:00- It is pretty rare to win in modern correspondence chess. What happened in the two games that Jon won in the championship tournament? 14:00- What type of computer does Jon use to power his chess engines? 17:00- We take a quick detour to discuss Jon’s early investment in Apple Stock in 1984. 24:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1225:00- Jon tells me how engines are evaluating a handful of openings, including the Najdorf and the Semi-slav. Mentioned: Chinese database referenced here:https://www.chessdb.cn/queryc_en/34:00- Why does Jon prefer correspondence chess to OTB chess? 38:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Would Jon consider doing a course on advanced uses on Chessbase?” 44:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/45:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What type of engine does Jon use?”Mentioned: Stockfish 15.152:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What does Jon think of the idea of changing the format of the correspondence championship due to the preponderance of draws?”54:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Are there stylistic changes made in how correspondence games are played based on the strength of the engines?” Mentioned: Dubov-Karjakin 2020, Joppen vs. Petrosian 1954, Edwards-Lobonov 59:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What are the biggest contributions of correspondence chess to OTB chess?” 1:01:00- Does one see the French defense or the Caro Kann at top level Correspondence Chess?1:04:00- Jon discusses his large chess book collection and his chess stamp collection. Mentioned: Great Moments in Modern Chess1:11:00- Jon discusses why Petrosian is his favorite player Mentioned: Joppen vs. Petrosian 1954, Joseph Platz 1:16:00- Jon mentions his current favorite stock investment. :)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back with another Tata Steel focused bonus pod. As we recorded the venerable tournament has 3 rounds left and has been filled with beautiful games and fascinating storylines. We are re-joined by renowned author/ Chessable author, FM Michiel Abeln to assess what we have seen so far. Timestamps of topics and players discussed are below. 0:00- What has struck Michiel about the first 10 rounds of the Masters tournament? 06:00- We briefly discuss the Challengers section. 09:00- We discuss the performance of the players one by one, beginning with GM Vincent Keymer14:30- GM Arjun Erigaisi 16:00- GM Jorden van Foreest18:45- GM Parham Maghsoodloo 23:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.25:00- GM Gukesh Mentioned: Vanessa West’s Recap of Round 10 for Chess.com32:00- GM Ding Liren 35:00- GM Praggnanandhaa38:00- Rapport, Caruana and Aronian Mentioned: Erigaisi-Rapport 2023, Caruana-Carlsen 202346:00- GM Wesley So 47:00- GM Magnus Carlsen 51:00- GM Anish Giri 53:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/55:00- Anish Giri continued…59:00- Finally… GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov1:05:00- Michiel’s closing thoughtsThanks again to Michiel for joining us from the Netherlands. Here is how to keep up with his work:Twitter- https://twitter.com/MichielAbelnHis Book- The Anand FilesHis Chessable Courses-Trompowsky Simplified- https://www.chessable.com/the-trompowsky-simplified/course/134623/The Leningrad Dutch- https://www.chessable.com/leningrad-dutch-an-uncompromising-attacking-opening/course/72081/If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Adult Improver Series of Perpetual Chess returns today. It is a series devoted to sharing the stories of dedicated chess amateurs. This week’s guest is Kamryn Hellman. Kamryn is a 23 year-old who got swept up by chess in 2021 after seeing Queen’s Gambit. At that time she learned the game from scratch, and in the subsequent time she has become immersed in the culture and brought her Chess.com rapid rating to a peak of over 1900. Kamryn has also gotten involved in her local chess community and has enjoyed her forays into tournament chess, despite the challenges that it created. I was really impressed with Kamryn’s quick rise in the chess ranks, and also her analytical approach to improving her game. She shared lots of useful advice in our interview, and it was fun to hear her story. Please read on for timestamps of topics discussed. Resources mentioned in intro: Spotify Adult Improver Playlist Adult Improver Webpage Submit Your Info to Potentially be a Guest on the Pod Support Perpetual Chess Via PatreonAlso be sure to subscribe to the Perpetual Chess Linkfest, for a free weekly email of the week’s biggest chess stories and chess improvement related blog posts. 0:04- After Kamryn discovered chess via Queen’s Gambit, how did she dive deeper into the game? Mentioned: Gotham Chess 0:09- How did Kamryn begin to find a community IRL? Was she welcomed at her local chess club? Mentioned: Todd Wolf14:00 - Kamryn is doing some teaching of beginners. Does she think it helps her chess? 16:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1218:00- What was the tournament experience like? How has Kamryn learned to deal with nerves? 27:00- What is Kamryn’s approach to analyzing her games? 33:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does Kamryn work on her thought processes?36:00- Does Kamryn have any other hobbies that have helped with her approach to chess?38:00-  Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/40:00- How does Kamryn approach working on endgames?Mentioned: GM Naroditsky’s Principles of Chess Endgames 44:00- What motivates Kamryn to work so hard on her game?Mentioned: Jen Shahade’s Chess Queens 46:00- How does Kamryn study openings? 53:00- Compared to most adults, Kamryn’s unusual rise in the  ratings have been meteoric.  How does Kamryn contextualize the unusual gains she has made? 58:00- What other content creators does Kamryn enjoy? Mentioned: Hanging Pawns, Eric Rosen teaches Andrea Botez the London 59:00- Has Kamryn read any chess books that have really helped her? Mentioned: 100 Endgames You Must Know, Everyone’s First Chess Workbook, Best Lessons of a Chess Coach 1:02:00- What do Kamryn’s friends think of her chess obsession?1:04:00- What is Kamryn’s advice for new chess enthusiasts?1:06:00- Thanks so much to Kamryn for joining me! You can follow her on Twitter here:https://twitter.com/kamrynheidiIf you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve got some bonus content for you guys, as renowned author/ Chessable author FM Michiel Abeln joined me on the first rest day to discuss the ongoing Tata Steel Chess tournament. Tata Steel is an annual tournament in the Netherlands which routinely attracts many of the world’s top players as well as rising stars. It is run concurrently with tournaments open to all, and is celebrating its 85th anniversay this year! We recorded the podcast the day after Anish Giri beat Magnus Carlsen in impressive fashion, but we focus more on the “big picture” of the tournament rather than the current standings. Michiel and I discuss questions such as: What makes Tata Steel such a special tournament? What is it like to be there right now? What should amateurs who are considering attending or playing in the tournament in the future know? Which players and games have impressed Michiel so far? Michael lives near the tournament venue and has been visiting it for over a decade, so he was very helpful in putting this year's event into context. He has also been writing about the tournament for The Week in Chess. Tata Steel has such a storied legacy in the chess world and it was great to get some perspective from a knowledgeable local about the past and present of this classic tournament!Our Prior Interview: Episode 156 with Michiel Abeln 04:00- What would surprise a recreational chess player who decided to show up and play in the Open Tournament at Wijk an Zee? Mentioned: Kings, Queens and Rookies (new book from New in Chess)07:30- How much can fans interact with the top players there? Who has Michiel seen there?16:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1217:00- Patreon mailbag Question: Are the youngsters taking over in the open tournaments in Wijk an Zee? Mentioned: Episode 186 with GM Erwin L’Ami, Elina Roebers-Erwin L’Ami 202325:00- Michiel discusses the formats of the amateur tournaments 32:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/34:00- What are some of the standout games worth reviewing from the tournament? Pragganandha-Ding Liren 2023, Gukesh-Ding Liren 2023, Giri-Gukesh 2023, Giri-Carlsen 2023, Rapport-Caruana 202346:00- Michiel’s shares his closing thoughts on Tata Steel. Here are the links to keep up with him… Twitter- https://twitter.com/MichielAbelnHis Book- The Anand FilesHis Chessable Courses-Trompowsky Simplified- https://www.chessable.com/the-trompowsky-simplified/course/134623/The Leningrad Dutch- https://www.chessable.com/leningrad-dutch-an-uncompromising-attacking-opening/course/72081/If 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

This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess is the hardest-working man in chess. He is Twitch Streamer, Chess.com commentator, and ambitious improver, FM James Canty. I have been a fan of James for a long time, so I was glad to finally get to ask him some questions about what motivates him to work so hard on his game. Naturally we also discussed what James specifically is studying, his pursuit of the IM and GM titles, and some of his favorite chess improvement resources. I find it energizing and motivating to talk chess with James, and I think you all will as well. As always, timestamps for topics discussed can be found in the show description. 02:00- What motivates James to keep working on his OTB game? What is his goal?Mentioned: Simon Sinek’s Start With Why, GM Maurice Ashley05:00- What is James’s current study regimen? How does he balance working on his game with streaming tons of chess?Mentioned: Test Your Tactical Skill, GM Kenny Solomon, GM Amon Simotowe 16:00- What are James’s favorite Chessable courses and books? Mentioned: GM Jacob Aagaard’s Grandmaster Preparation, Thinking Inside the Box, Encyclopedia of Combinations, Woodpecker Method, Tactics Time, Benedictine’s Visualization Series 28:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/29:00- James discusses his love for the Scotch Gambit and his pending Chessable courses 35:00- What is his upcoming tournament schedule? What did James have to learn about how FIDE ratings and norms work? Mentioned: 2023 Charlotte Open 44:00- Does James ever get burnt out from chess? 47:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1248:00- Patreon mailbag question: What inspires James’s dedication to fitness and weight lifting? 59:00- True or false: James is a rapper as well? 1:00:00- What did James learn from legendary trainer, GM Roman Dzindziashvilli? 1:02:00- What was James’s fondest memory from attending the Global Chess Championship in Toronto? Mentioned: GM Wesley So, GM Anish Giri, GM Fabiano Caruana, IM Danny Rensch, GM Daniel Naroditsky, GM Robert Hess, GM Wesley So’s Chessable Courses, Chessgames.com1:06:00- What advice does James give to younger players? Thanks so much to James for sharing his passion for chess with us! Here are all of the links to keep up with him:YouTube:Twitch:Twitter: MerchInstagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Perpetual Chess, we are rejoined by 2019 Swiss National Champion, blogger and trainer, GM Noel Studer. Noel is always extremely insightful on matters related to chess improvement, and has recently released a video course sharing his own recommended approach. The course, Next Level Training: Conquer the Chess Information Chaos, tackles many of the questions commonly contemplated on the pod, such as which aspects of the game to prioritize, how to analyze games and how to approach opening study. Noel even has a section on how one should learn any discipline, and relates his experiences as a tennis and poker improver. Lastly, Noel shares some thoughts and his own experiences on cheating in tournament chess and discusses his continuing recovery from a brain injury. You can find timestamps for topics discussed below. Prior Interview with Noel- Episode 248 with GM Noel Studer 02:00- Patreon mailbag question: I am working hard on my chess, but I am not improving. Should I give up on the possibility of improvement? 13:00- We discuss Noel’s chess course. What audience did Noel have in mind? How did he go about making the course?  19:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/20:00- We discuss a few of the chess improvement recommendations from Noel’s course that resonated with me, and the reasons that they struck a chord with me. 28:00- What was the primary contributor to Noel’s chess growth when he was an up and coming player? Mentioned: GM Artur Yusopov, Lee Child “Jack Reacher” Novels, The Tim Ferris Podcast 33:00- Why does Noel think it's important to write down one’s thoughts when reviewing OTB games? 37:00- What did Noel learn from doing calculation-training with GM R.B. Ramesh and GM Sam Shankland? 44:00- How would Noel respond to someone who says that his course, at $297, is too expensive?48:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1249:00- Has Noel read any good books lately? Mentioned: Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism50:00- What has Noel learned about chess learning through trying to improve at tennis and poker?  1:04:00- We discuss top level chess, especially the Magnus/Niemann saga and the issue of cheating in chess. Mentioned: Episode 310 with John Hartmann, Belgian IM Stephen Docx expelled from tournament, Episode 301 with Dr. Kenneth Regan 1:22:00- What is next for Noel? How is his health? Thanks to Noel for joining me, you can keep up with him by subscribing to his blog!Blog- https://nextlevelchess.blog/Course- Next Level Training: Conquer the Chess Information Chaos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are joined this week by a legend of British chess, GM Jonathan Speelman! Jonathan is a three- time British champion, a two-time World Championship Candidate  an author, Chessbase.com columnist, and a trainer. He has been ranked as high as #4 in the world in 1989 and has worked as a second for GMs Viktor Korchnoi, Vishy Anand and Nigel Short. As you might imagine, such a wealth of chess experience gives Jonathan an endless array of stories and a great perspective on what differentiates top players. Jonathan considers questions such as these: Why does he consider Ivanchuk the most talented player he has ever encountered? Could Anand potentially have beaten Kasparov in 1993? Could Jonathan have been World Champion? Does he regret pursuing chess after studying mathematics at Oxford? It was quite an honor to hear GM Speelman’s modest reflections on a brilliant career. You can find timestamps for topics discussed below. 0:00- John shares his thoughts on Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship, which recently culminated with Hikaru Nakamura defeating Magnus Carlsen in the final. Mentioned: GM Alireza Firouzja, GM Andrew Tang 08:00- GM Speelman has said that GM Vasyl Ivanchuk is “the most talented player he has ever encountered.” What differentiates Chucky? Mentioned: Ivanchuk-Van Forest 2022 (featuring 26. Nd7!), More on the game from GM Speelman here, Info on “A Grimshaw” here, Novotny here, Karpov-Spassky 1974, Karpov-Korchnoi 1974, Karpov-Unzicker 197418:00- GM Speelman reflects on the experience of working on Korchnoi’s, Short’s and Anand’s teams. 31:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1232:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Shopify! To try out their payment service for $1 a month, please visit the link: shopify.com/chess.33:00- Patreon mailbag question: How did Jon discover a novelty via a Norwegian Newspaper to surprise GM Nigel Short in the Candidates?Mentioned: GM Jonathan Tisdall, GM John Nunn40:00- What are Jonathan’s recollections of his Candidates match vs. GM Jan Timman? 46:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/47:00- Many chess greats, like Fischer, Kasparov, and Jonathan himself have grown up without a dad, does Jon think there is a reason for this?48:00- What was Jon’s approach to chess when he was climbing the ranks in his 20s? 1:00:00- Did Jon watch any of the Trent-Hambleton chessboxing match?1:02:00- Jon shares stories about Larsen, Tal and Ljubomir Ljobojevic. Mentioned: Speelman-Larsen 1978, Ljubojevic-Speelman 1980 1:11:00- Jon has always had poor vision. Has it impacted his chess? 1:13:00- What are Jon’s Twitch streaming plans?1:15:00- What are Jon’s plans for his Chessbase Column?1:20:00- Thanks so much to Jonathan for joining us! Here is how to keep up with him:LiChess Coaches Page:https://lichess.org/coach/Jon_SpeelmanChessbase Column:https://en.chessbase.com/author/jon-speelmanTwitch:https://www.twitch.tv/jonspeelmanJon’s Game Collection is still available on Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Speelmans-Best-Games-Batsford-Chess-ebook/dp/B00PIWLT6O Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices