Perpetual Chess Podcast

The chess world has been rocked this week by the sudden withdrawal of GM Magnus Carlsen in the early rounds of the Sinquefield Cup. Although only explained by a cryptic tweet, this unprecedented action has been widely interpreted as an allegation of foul play by GM Hans Niemann, who had defeated Magnus in the prior round.. This has been a complex story with tentacles reaching all over the chess world and making headlines beyond it. In this podcast I briefly attempt to catch listeners up on the key events, and then welcome IM Greg Shahade to try to provide a bit of clarity about what we know right now. Greg is the founder of the Pro Chess League and the US Chess School and in the latter role has observed Hans' chess talent as he has risen up the ranks. Greg shares his perspective of Hans' personality, and of the overall story. Links to the important topics referenced can be found below0:00- I go through the timeline of events and share a few thoughts. 18:00- IM Greg Shahade joins to discuss the newsA few quick notes and linksPerpetual Chess Link Fest Sign Up-https://benjohnson.substack.com/Chess Reddit Megathreadhttps://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/x7igg5/megathread_hans_niemann_allegations/Hans Niemann Round 5 interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=CJZuT-_kij0GM Jacob Aagaard Blog post about his experience working with GM Hans Niemann https://forum.killerchesstraining.com/t/paranoia-and-insanity-by-jacob-aagaard/856Chess.com statement https://twitter.com/chesscom/status/1568010971616100352?s=20&t=lM603tHenLUdoXSKjm4aBQMy March 2022 Interview with GM Hans Niemannhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6SNm7UTFwTtzEnabV1p2in?si=6d79b33cdeaf4a5dThanks to our sponsors Chessable.com and Aimchess! Chessable- https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/Aimchess- https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week our guest is a renowned trainer, and one of the most accomplished players on the American Chess circuit, GM Gregory Kaidanov. GM Kaidanov was ranked as high as top 20 in the world, and has accumulated a wealth of chess wisdom and memorable stories from his decades in the game. In our interview, Gregory takes us through his famously difficult journey from the former Soviet Union to Kentucky, and shares great chess advice based on his observations while coaching many scholastic champions and future GMs as well as adult chess enthusiasts. Speaking of adult chess enthusiasts, Gregory himself remains active as a chess player and recently qualified for one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, the FIDE World Cup. Gregory discusses how he stays motivated and how he has adjusted his tournament planning over the years. This is a long, but fun conversation. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Show notes and timestamps of topics discussed can be found below. 0:00- GM Gregory Kaidanov qualified for the FIDE World Cup at 62 years of age! What motivated him to play the qualifier in El Salvador?Mentioned: Episode 149 with GM Robert Hungaski, Episode 280 With GM Ben Finegold, Mike Klein’s 2009 profile of GM Gregory Kaidanov:http://uscf1-nyc1.aodhosting.com/CL-AND-CR-ALL/CL-ALL/2009/2009_All.pdf9:00- As a full time trainer and occasional player, how does GM Kaidanov choose which tournaments to compete in? Mentioned: Sitges Spain 202211:00- How does GM Kaidanov work on his own game? Mentioned: IM Greg Shahade, IM John Donaldson 16:00- GM Kaidanov discusses the underrated utility of “solitaire chess” as a training method, and he shares advice on how to approach it. Mentioned: GM Bent Larsen, Episode 291 with GM Alex Fishbein23:00- Who is GM Kaidanov’s favorite player to study via solitaire chess? 25:00- What was it like to play his chess hero, Anatoly Karpov? Mentioned: GM Dmitry Gurevich, GM Alexander Shabalov 28:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can check out all of their latest offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/30:00- Gregory tells the incredible story of his difficult emigration to the USA. Mentioned: Ken Troutman, GM Alex Fishbein 40:00- How does Gregory describe his journey to GM?49:00- 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=benjohnson1250:00- Gregory discusses working with some of his students, including GM Maurice Ashley, GM Ray Robson, and IM Josh Waitzkin 1:01:00- What was it like to work with GM Vasyl Ivanchuk?1:08:00- Does GM Kaidanov follow top tournaments? What has he learned from the games of GM Gukesh and Abdussatorov?1:14:00- Who is Gregory’s favorite modern player to study?1:15:00- What was it like to play a young Anand? What was it like to play against 3 of the Zurich 1953 participants from Zurich 1953 in the same tournament?Mentioned: Kaidanov-Anand 1987, Taimanov-Kaidanov 1988, Grischuk-Kaidanov 20181:30:00- What does Gregory think of the current crop of Under 21 players rated over 2700?1:32:00- Gregory’s take on the Magnus announcement1:34:00- Gregory tells an educational story involving GM Valery Chekhov and the legendary former World Champion Mikhail Tal.1:41:00- What can chess teach us that can help us in life?1:45:00- Thanks so much to Gregory for a fantastic conversation!! You can reach him via his website here:https://kaidanov.org/index1.htmlIf you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:Donate — The Perpetual Chess Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Season 2 of The How to Chess Podcast concluding, we are sharing one more "bonus pod" on this feed. This How to Chess episode features the renowned trainer and author, GM Johan Hellsten. In the interview, Johan shares tips for reviewing your chess games, and shares a few mistakes he commonly encounters from his students. To make sure you don't miss an episode of How to Chess, be sure to subscribe to it separately:You can Subscribe to How to Chess on all of the major podcast Platforms:How To Chess on Apple PodcastsSpotify And here is the Perpetual Chess interview with GM Hellsten which I referenced:Perpetual Chess Podcast: EP 273- GM Johan Hellsten on Chess Improvement, the Inspirations for his "Mastering Chess" Book Series, and his favorite OTB Memories on Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are joined by the third highest rated chess player of all time, GM Fabiano Caruana. Fabiano joined me from the St. Louis Chess Club just days before he was set to begin a string of elite competitions there. This presented the opportunity for Fabiano to reflect on what has been an action packed and noteworthy 2022. Topics include:the 2022 Candidates, the World Championship Cycle, and Magnus’ decision to step down, what it feels like to be in a slump, the continued evolution of chess engines, the rise of teen talents and the evolution of chess, and lots more. It was quite an honor to speak with Fabiano, timestamps for topics discussed can be found below.  0:00- To subscribe to receive the Perpetual Chess Linkfest for free in your inbox, you can submit your email address at the bottom of the most recent post here:https://benjohnson.substack.com/p/perpetual-chess-link-fest-2-augustSinquefield Cup info: https://grandchesstour.org/2022-grand-chess-tour-watch/liveWorld Chess Hall of Fame infohttps://worldchesshof.org/exhibitions4:30- Fabiano joins! When did Fabiano find out that Magnus won’t be defending his title? Does that change his perspective about the 2022 Candidates? 11:30- Fabiano discusses his and Team USA’s performance at the Chess Olympiad15:00- Fabiano has mentioned he didn’t review his World Championship games much. Does he usually review his games? Mentioned: Peter Doggers interview with GM Fabiano Caruana:https://www.chess.com/news/view/fabiano-caruana-interview-carlsen-nepomniachtchi20:00- Was it hard to discuss chess openings with his USA teammates since they are often rivals? 22:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can check out all of their latest offerings here: 24:00- Patreon mailbag question: Did the results of young stars at the Olympiad presage a new chess world order? Mentioned: GM Arjun Erigaisi 26:00- Fabiano discusses the evolution of engines and the impact on young players. 34:00- 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=benjohnson1236:00- Does Fabiano have the same drive and energy as he did as a teenager?38:00- What advice would Fabiano to a player like GM Hans Niemann? Has he seen GM Hans Niemann’s interviews?41:00- What is Fabiano’s chess media consumption like? 43:00- Patreon mailbag question: Did Fabiano enjoy announcing with GM Robert Hess and IM Danny Rensch?Mentioned: Episode 282 FIDE Candidates Preview with GM Robert Hess 46:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Fabiano think Nepomniatchtchi or Ding is more likely to win their match? 51:00- Would Fabiano be open to making the World Championship a mix of Classical and Rapid? 56:00- Does Fabiano think Magnus should have been more explicit about his World Championship plans prior to the Candidates? 1:00:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Fabiano think he would have had the same chess success if he was raised somewhere other than New York City? Thanks so much to Fabiano for joining me! Here is the link to watch him in the Sinquefield Cup starting on September 1. https://grandchesstour.org/2022-grand-chess-tour-watch/liveIf you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:Ben Johnson is creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s double episode features one more look back at the historic 2022 Chess Olympiad. We are joined by two different guests who  just returned to their homes from Chennai. Our first guest is Lula Roberts, a 24 year-old popular Twitch streamer who got the chance to represent her country (Jersey) at the Women’s Olympiad. Lula retells her chess results and her many memorable moments at what she hopes will be her first Olympiad of many.  Speaking of many Olympiads, our second guest is return guest and award winning author and historian, IM John Donaldson. John served as captain of the United States’ team for the 14th time, so he was able to draw on his vast knowledge of prior Olympiads to contextualize this one. In addition to discussing the Olympiad, John is a leading scholar of Bobby Fischer, so we discuss John’s latest Fischer research and his upcoming projects later in the interview. It was a lot of fun to get two vastly different perspectives on the Olympiad, and I am already looking forward to the next one in 2024! 0:00- Intro, brief discussion of the results of the Olympiad4:00- Thanks to our presenting sponsors, Chessable.com, be sure to check out Grind like a Grandmaster, and Levon Aronian’s new course, along with the rest of their huge catalog of chess courses. https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/4:45- Lula Roberts joins the show! 5:00- How did the opportunity for Jersey and Lula to compete in the Olympiad present itself? Mentioned: Jen Shahade’s book Chess Queens 8:00- Lula discusses the tournament itself, as well as how she spent time in between rounds 24:00- Did she like the team dynamic as opposed to individual tournaments?26:00- What has Lula’s approach to chess improvement been? 30:00- How did the Reykjavik Open compare to the Olympiad for Lula?  37:00- Thanks to Lula Robert for joining the show! Here is how you can keep up with her:Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lularobsLinktree:https://linktr.ee/lularobs38:00- 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=benjohnson1240:00- IM John Donaldson joins the show just after returning home to the U.S. John gives an overview of the tournament from his perspective. Mentioned: Chessbase Interview with GM Ivan Sokolov, coach of the Uzbek team, Giri vs. Vidit Death Match 1:06:00- What is a typical day like for the captain of the team at the Olympiad? 1:21:00- How will John look back on this tournament? 1:31:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does John have any plans to publish additional Fischer physical books? 1:33:00- Is it true that Fischer liked to yell “Bobby Kill!” during his blitz games as a teen? 1:34:00- More info on the Spassky-Fischer exhibition in St. Louis is here:https://explorestlouis.com/event/1972-fischer-spassky-the-match-its-origin-and-influence/2022-09-27/1:3700- Has John heard anything about the health of GM Boris Spassky recently? Mentioned: Episode 64 with GM Melih Khachiyan 1:47:00- Thanks, as always to IM John Donaldson for joining the show! If you haven’t already be sure to read Bobby Fischer and his World. Bobby Fischer and His World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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