Perpetual Chess Podcast

Karen Boyd is a 56 year old mother, wife and chess lover with a background in computer programming. She often appears in the videos and streams of her husband, GM Ben Finegold, but she also does a ton of the work behind the scenes, producing Ben’s content. Despite Karen’s busy life, she has been making lots of time for chess study and joined me after a busy summer with plenty of chess tournaments in the United States. Karen assiduously documents her chess study, and has been averaging about 3 hours per day of study when not on the road. She showed some good results in the World Open, and is on the verge of eclipsing her personal high rating of 1421. In our interview, she discussed her background, her study regimen, her goals, her relationship with Ben, and why she thinks she currently finds tournaments more enjoyable than her husband does. I really admire the dedication that Karen is showing to chess and look forward to seeing her continued chess progress. More details, timestamps and relevant links can be found below.  0:00- If you or someone you know is interested in appearing as an adult improver, you can submit their info via the online form here:Interested in Appearing on the Pod as an Adult Improver? — The Perpetual Chess Podcast1:00- Karen has been studying chess for 3 hours per day and traveling far and wide to play in many tournaments. Why? Mentioned: Check out Karen’s study log here:https://atlchessclub.com/ChessLog/ChessStudyLog.pdf5:00- How does Karen feel about her recent progress, after a busy summer. 10:00- Why does Karen prefer classical chess? Mentioned: Justin Morrison of Kids Chess Zone 16:00- Karen’s husband, GM Ben Finegold, has said he is retiring from OTB chess. Does Karen think he will change his mind someday? 19:00- What are Karen’s current chess goals? Mentioned: How to Beat Your Dad at Chess, Chessable’s Checkmate Patterns Manual 22:00-  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=benjohnson12Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Their new courses include a new one by GM Levon Aronian, and GM Magnus Carlsen and GM David Howell recently released a free lesson, Grind like a GM! Check out what's new here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/24:30- Karen discusses her chess beginnings. 31:00- Patreon mailbag question: How did Karen and GM Ben Finegold meet? Mentioned: GM Var Akobian 35:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Karen think she is treated differently a) because she is a woman? b) because she is married to a GM?39:00- Welcome to the Chess dot bomb! Karen discusses her favorite Chess.com premium features, which include the tactics trainer. If you decide to upgrade to a premium membership at Chess.com, you can help support the pod by signing up using this link (https://go.chess.com/Perpetual). 42:00- What was Karen’s inspiration for her study log?43:00- How do Karen's two coaches, FM Aviv Friedman and NM Spencer Finegold, work with her to improve her chess?45:00- What is Karen’s approach to openings? 48:00-How would Karen characterize (or describe) her strengths and weaknesses as a ches player?51:00- Why does Karen “play up” in higher sections?53:03- Are there days where Karen doesn’t feel like doing chess?56:00- Karen’s closing advice 58:00- Thanks so much to Karen for joining the show. Here are some of the ways you can follow her chess progress:Twitter-https://twitter.com/Karen_Chess1Twitch- https://www.twitch.tv/karen_chessGM Ben Finegold’s Twitch-https://www.twitch.tv/gmbenjaminfinegold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here is the most recent episode of the How to Chess Podcast. If you enjoy it, please be sure you are subscribed to How to Chess on its own feed. The How to Chess archive features insightful interviews with GM Peter Svidler, GM Vladimir Kramnik, FM Peter Giannatos, with lots more to come.You can Subscribe to How to Chess on these Platforms:How To Chess on Apple PodcastsSpotify Be sure to check out GM Sahaj Grover's course, Timeless Techniques: Strategic Endgames, here:https://www.chessable.com/timeless-technique-strategic-endgames/course/42898/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Alex Fishbein, a top player in the US, shares his storied OTB career, with memorable stories about Mikhail Tal and Viktor Korchnoi. He also gives tips for staying sharp into one's 50s and discusses how chess learning has changed. Fun conversation!

I have been enjoying the ongoing Chess Olympiad so much that I wanted to hear first hand from some people on the scene about what its like to be there. I am joined by 2 separate guests to give their impressions from Chennai. GM Axel Bachmann is the first board for Paraguay, a former top 100 player in the world, and a 6 time chess Olimpian. Axel discusses the early notable results, the conditions of the venue, and noteworthy results early in the tournament. Following Axel, I am joined by Michael Duke aka Mr. Dodgy of Chessable. Dodgy discusses the chess fever in India, his role as a coach for the Jersey women's team, and shares a few observations from the fabled Bermuda party.0:00- IntroMentioned: Chessbase India YouTube ChannelChess.com YouTube Channel Gotham Chess Channel NM Bryan Tillis’ Chessable Olympiad CourseAimchess.com (use code Perpetual30 to save 30% if you subscribe) 6:00- GM Axel Bachmann joins me from Chennai after round 5. Axel discusses what has struck him about India, how this compares to other Olimpiads, and his and Paraguay’s early results. 31:00- The famous Mr. Dodgy aka Michael Duke of Chessable joins to give the fan’s/coaches perspective of the Olimpiad. Video- Chessbase India: The complete venue tour of the Chess Olympiad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I talk with a top Dutch trainer, chess player, opening theoretician and prolific author, IM Jeroen Bosch. Jeroen is well known for his 14-volume New in Chess series, Secrets of Opening Surprises, and he has recently released a highly instructive new book called How to Out Prepare Your Opponent. The book discusses all aspects of how one should approach the opening, with topics ranging from how to select a repertoire, which openings to play, to GM Magnus Carlsen's unique approach to the opening. Jeroen joined me shortly before heading to the Olympiad as the trainer for the Dutch Women’s Team, so we also talked about how he planned to approach helping the team prepare for such a prestigious event. Lastly, we also discuss Jeroen’s career highlights. As a player, Jeroen has competed in several Dutch National Championships and has beaten 2 players who have been in the top 10 in the World! Please read on for lots more details and timestamps of topics. 0:00- IM Bosch shares his thoughts about Magnus Carlsen’s decision not to defend his World Championship title, which segues into what we can learn from Magnus Carlsen’s approach to openings. 11:00- Any early opening predictions for a Ding vs. Nepomniatchtchi match?13:00- 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=benjohnson1216:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Jeroen recommend that club players utilize a narrow or a broad opening repertoire?” 28:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How would Jeroen advise a club player to select a repertoire?” 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Is there an ideal repertoire for an older club player?”Mentioned: GM Peter Svidler on the How to Chess Podcast (Episode 14)44:00-Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Be sure to check out what is new including NM Bryan Tillis’ Olimpiad course for Pro Members, as well as their other great new courses. 46:00- Jeroen discusses the opening approach of WIM Lisa Schuut, who utilized a very professional approach to openings. Mentioned: GM Vladimir Chuchelov 48:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Can Jeroen suggest how to train openings beyond just applying opening principles? Could he recommend a few Black openings for club players?” 56:00- Jeroen’s closing advice on openingsv advice: Actively ask yourself questions when studying openings! 1:00:00- What are Jeroen’s favorite OTB memories?Timman-Bosch 2001, Ljubojevic-Bosch 2006 1:06:00- Jeroen is coaching the Dutch women’s team in the Olympiad.Olimpiad. What are their goals? Thanks to Jeroen for joining the show! You can check out a free sample of How To Out-prepare Your Opponent here:https://www.newinchess.com/how-to-out-prepare-your-opponent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chess Books Recaptured is back for another review and discussion of a chess book. This month, I am joined by Steve Wollkind, to discuss the excellent book and Chessable course Chess Tactics from Scratch. The title might make you think it is for beginners, but it is actually an intermediate-level book which aims to break down the core elements of various tactics. The book was written by an accomplished adult chess learner, and Steve believes that this is evident in the clear explanations of basic tactics. The book is differentiated by an incredible selection of illustrative positions, making it a great choice for chess students and teachers alike. To learn more about the book please tune in. You can find timestamps of topics discussed and links below. To apply to be a guest-co host on Chess Books Recaptured please submit an email via this link:Interested in Guest co-hosting Chess Books ReCaptured? — The Perpetual Chess Podcast0:00- Steve discusses his background and why he suggested the book/Chessable course, Chess Tactics from Scratch. 10:00- Chess Tactics from Scratch is available on Chessable, in book form, and on Forward Chess 13:30- 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=benjohnson1214:30- We discuss the history behind the 2 editions of the book,which was originally called Understanding Chess Tactics. 22:00- We share a few quotes in which the author breaks down tactical concepts like the pin and  “The Reloader”29:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Be sure to check out what is new, including NM Bryan Tillis’ Olimpiad course for Pro Members, as well as their other great new courses. 31:00- We share a few favorites quotes and explanations from the book. Mentioned: The Inner Game of Chess by GM Andy Soltis 42:00- Do we have any quibbles with this book? Mentioned: Thinking Inside the Box, GM Boris Gelfand’s Books, Chessable’s The Checkmate Patterns Manual53:00- Thanks so much to Steve for suggesting a great book and helping out. I will be making a donation to The Gift of Chess on his behalf. Follow Steve on Twitter here:https://twitter.com/stevewollkindAnd on his chess accounts here:Steve’s Chess.comSteve’s Lichess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Perpetual Chess, Tony Ballard, who is serving a 294-month prison sentence for attempted murder, tells the remarkable story of how chess has changed his life. Tony joined me via phone from a minimum security rehabilitation facility in Wichita, Kansas, where he currently lives. As you will hear Tony discuss, he had a difficult upbringing, and made some very regrettable choices in his early years, but while in prison, a love for chess took hold, and Tony credits the game as a transformative tool in his life. Tony is now working with a non-profit called The Gift of Chess. Their goal is to promote chess as a learning tool both within the prison system, and outside of it. Tony is taking online university classes and hopes to work in youth outreach when he is fully released from prison in 2025. This is a truly inspiring story of the many ways that chess can impact one’s life! Please read on for timestamps and links referenced. 0:00- We discuss Tony’s background, especially as it relates to chess. 3:00- Tony discusses his difficult early childhood, and the events that led to his receiving a 294 month prison sentence.Mentioned: Tony’s Zoom lecture for the non-profit organization, The Gift of Chess, Linktree for more info about The Gift of Chess non-profit, Russell Makofsky of the Impact Coaching Network 14:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can find IM Andras Toth’s new course, IM Irina Bulmaga’s, as well as so many others, here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/16:00- Tony describes his passion for chess, which blossomed once Tony was in prison. 23:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Is Tony able to play chess online within his minimum security facility?” 27:00- How is chess perceived in prison? What would it take to grow chess in prisons? 35:00- What are Tony’s favorite openings? What’s his chess style? 38:00- What chess books did Tony read?Mentioned: Chess by Laszlo Polgar 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=benjohnson1241:00- Tony discusses why he has been working on his endgames. https://linktr.ee/thegiftofchess44:00- What are Tony’s chess plans, and what plans does he have for his life after his full release from prison? His release could happen by 2025?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a FIDE election coming up on August 7, I am extending the invitation for FIDE Presidential Candidates to share their stories and their reasons to run for FIDE President. Brief timestamps and more information below.1:00- Why is Andrii running for FIDE President? 9:30- What would Andrii look to accomplish as FIDE President? 15:00- What does Andrii think of Magnus Carlsen’s suggestions of format changes? 21:30- Would Andrii keep his day job if elected? 25:00- Has Andrii heard stories of impropriety in prior FIDE elections?28:00- Andrii discusses his love for the Yugoslav line of the King’s Indian and his favorite chess memories. List of voting countries and delegates here-https://congress.fide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/List-of-FIDE-Member-Federations-having-voting-powers_7-June-2022.pdfMore info about Andrii’s candidacy on the Baryshpolets-Nielsen campaign website here:https://fightforchess.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Magnus Carlsen has officially announced that he will not defend his World Championship title, and we are joined by tireless Chess24 reporter, Tarjei Svensen to get the inside scoop on this decision and to begin to assess the implications. Thanks to Tarjei for joining on short notice! 0:00- Why didn’t the news surprise Tarjei? Mentioned: Tarjei’s July 18 Chess24 article , The Magnus Effect Podcast 9:00- How was the news received in Norway?14:00- What was the reaction of other top players? Including GM Ding Liren, who Tarjei spoke with today?18:00- Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com and Aimchess.com, if you sign up for Aimchess.com, use the code “Perpetual30” or this link to save 30%. 19:00- Is China a likely host for a Nepo-Ding match? 21:00- What really happened in Magnus meeting with FIDE in Madrid? 24:00- Would it have made a difference to Magnus if Hikaru had come in 2nd in the Candidates? 27:00- How likely would Magnus be to return if the format changed? 30:00- What else do we have to look forward to as chess fans?33:00- Thanks so much to Tarjei for joining us! Be sure to follow him on Twitter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s Perpetual Chess is the 2nd in a series, a special edition, oral history of the 2012 World Championship, brought to you courtesy of GM Peter Heine Nielsen. Peter, of course, is an accomplished Grandmaster and a renowned opening theoretician who has worked as a trainer for 8 World Championship match winners, first with GM Viswanathan Anand, and in recent years with GM Magnus Carlsen. For this podcast, Peter takes us behind team Anand’s mindset and preparation, as they helped Vishy prepare to defend his title against GM Boris Gelfand in May of 2012. This continues a series, as Peter discussed Anand’s 2010 match with GM Veselin Topalov in Episode 177. For a chess history enthusiast like myself it is such a treat to get a blow by blow account of a World Championship match from someone who had a prominent role in the match and a ringside seat. Please read on for timestamps, links to topics referenced can be found on the podcast webpage. You can review any of the games from the match discussed here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chesscollection?cid=102531003:30- Since we are discussing events of 10 years ago, I thought we should ask: Does Peter think that he has a good memory? 11:00- We begin by discussing the 2012 pre match training camp, in Bad Soden, Germany in January of 2012. Peter convened with Anand and fellow team members, GMs Radoslaw Wotjasek, Surya Ganguly, and GM Rustam Kasimzdhanov. 21:00- How did the team feel about Gelfand as an opponent for Vishy? 32:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can find IM Andras Toth’s new course, IM Irina Bulmaga’s, as well as so many others, here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/33:30- Does Peter get more nervous as a competitor or a trainer?36:30- Peter describes the background and mindset once the team arrived in Moscow for the match, in May of 2012. 41:00- What was the team’s method for testing Vishy’s memory on opening lines? What about for Magnus in more recent years? 46:30- The match begins, and Gelfand springs a surprise by playing the Grunfeld defense! (The game ends in a draw) How did the team feel? 50:00- The match takes shape, with 5 more draws before a victory. What was the mood after 6 games?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%.Or use this link for the same discount:https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson1257:00- Gelfand strikes first! What was the mood after Game 7? 1:02:00- Patreon mailbag question: Did the team change match approaches after Game 7? 1:06:00- Anand strikes back! How did the team mood alter when Vishy won Game 8?1:10:00- Anand tried the Nimzo-Indian for the first time in Game 9. How did it go? 1:15:00- Has Peter discussed the World Championship match with Gelfand in recent years?1:20:00- Peter discusses Game 10 1:22:00- Despite two more draws, Peter shares why he felt the mood started to shift during games 11 and 12. 1:28:00- How did the team feel heading into the rapid playoffs? 1:34:00- Do opening surprises have added value in a faster time control? 1:35:00- What went right for Vishy to prevail in the Rapid playoffs?1:39:00- After winnig the match did they feel euphoria more or relief? 1:41:00- Since Gelfand was sort of on home turf, were they worried about any Russian subterfuge? 1:44:00- Are non-team members who provide opening advice generally compensated for their assistance? 1:46:00- Did it bother the team that Kasparov was rumored to have offered to help Gelfand.? 1:48:00- How does Peter look back on the match 10 years later?Thanks to Peter for joining the podcast. Links you need below:The Chicken Chess Club on Apple Podcastshttps://twitter.com/PHChess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices