Perpetual Chess Podcast

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

As the dust settles on the FIDE Candidates tournament and its attendant news, three- time British Champion and popular Chess24 commentator GM David Howell joins me to assess the news. As you might expect, we discuss the World Championship plans of David’s friend GM Magnus Carlsen, and we discuss both of the potential World Championship matchups, based on Magnus’ decision about whether to retain his title. David also assesses the performances of other notable players including GM Hikaru Nakamura and GM Ding Liren, and GM Alireza Firouzja. In the second half of the interview we focus on David’s own career. David will be heading to India soon to represent Great Britain in the Olympiad, and he discusses his recent and upcoming tournaments. Lastly, David discusses his plans for commentating in the coming months and how he balances it with his playing career. I always appreciate David’s insights and modesty, and there is lots to learn from this conversation. Please read on for timestamps, for referenced links go to the podcast webpage here:Listen to Episodes! — The Perpetual Chess Podcast Prior appearance: Episode 176 with GM David Howell 02:00- What are David’s thoughts about Magnus Carlsen and the World Championship cycle and any potential format changes ? 12:30- Patreon mailbag question: Is Magnus’ memory for chess positions on a par or better than other top players?17:00- 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- David shares his thoughts on Nepo’s dominant performance in the FIDE Candidates, as well as his other observations. 25:00- What did David think of the quality of the games in the Candidates? Could Nepo give Carlsen a better match in a rematch? 31:00- What chess improvement lessons can we learn from the Candidates? 35:00- We briefly discuss Firouzja’s disappointing showing in the Candidates. 38:00-  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/40:00- How is David’s OTB game as he prepares to represent Great Britain in the upcoming Chess Olimpiad? 45:00- David discusses his upcoming course with Magnus Carlsen, “Grind like a Grandmaster” Mentioned: Chessable Tweet regarding the Course46:00- British Olimpiad Team 49:00- David discusses playing the 2021 FIDE Grand Swiss, where he was close to qualifying for the 2022 Candidates, but lost a crucial game to GM Alireza Firouzja.55:00- How is David enjoying work as a Chess24 commentator with WGM Jovanka Houska and Kaja Snare? 1:06:00- What does David think about the current trajectory of chess?  1:08:00- How is David enjoying doing the podcast The Late Knight Show? 1:13:00- David reviews his performance in the most recent World Rapid and Blitz tournament1:16:00- How would David assess a Ding-Nepomniatchtchi match?1:20:00- Thanks so much to David for sharing his insights! Here is how you can keep up with him:Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidHowellGMInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidhowellchess/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chess Books Recaptured podcast discusses GM Yasser Seirawan's book Play Winning Chess with guest Sam Robinson. They explore the book's impact on demystifying chess for beginners. They discuss the formats available, Yasser's bio, and the book's usefulness for different rating ranges. They praise the book for its explanations, examples, and memorable moments like the smothered checkmate. They also mention helpful chess videos and emphasize enjoying the game and studying what you're passionate about.

On this month’s Adult Improver Edition of Perpetual Chess I am joined by Dr. Nicholas Vasquez. Dr. Vazquez is a dad and emergency physician who finds chess a welcome escape from a very stressful job. Despite the fact that chess is escapism for him, Dr. Vasquez has recently decided to get serious about chess improvement. He started working with a coach (NM Han Schut), playing tournaments, and working on puzzles from Chess Steps and Chessbase. Nicholas has learned a lot of lessons, and seen significant progress, raising his Chess.Com rapid rating from about 1350 to 1650 over the last couple of years. Dr. Vasquez shared lots of great insights in our interview, and I am confident that you will find this interview helpful and entertaining. You can find more information on all of the topics referenced, as well as timestamps below. 0:00- Be sure to subscribe to How To Chess on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-chess/id15729178170:02- After some time away, what event re-interested Nick in chess? Mentioned: The Chess Steps Method, Episode 142 with Han Schut, Episode 274 with Adult Improver Paul Hedrick, Episode 167 with IM Jop Delemarre, Step 2 Thinking Ahead09:00- With a hectic life, does Nick ever struggle with finding motivation for chess study? 15:00-  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- When Nick plays training games, does he use a chess set or a screen? 20:00- Nick shares the training regimen that his coach, Han Schut has devised for him. 25:00- Nick shares what he is learning from competing in the LiChess4545 league. Mentioned: GM Jesse Kraai’s video “An Easy System Against the French” 28:00- What does Han’s trainer consider to be the key pillars of his success? What does it mean to “orient” oneself to a chess position? 32:00- What is Nick’s approach to openings? 34:00- What do Han and Nick prefer Chessbase tactics? 38:00- Which book helped Nick the most?Mentioned: The Improving Chess Thinker by NM Dan Heisman, Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Philip Hurtado 41:00- 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- A few features to be aware of on Chesskid.com: Summer Clubhouse :https://www.chesskid.com/learn/articles/summer-chess-clubhouse You can check out FunMaster Mike’s videos either on Chesskid itself or on YouTube for kids.   If you decide to sign your kid or your student(s) up for Chesskid, be sure to use this link to save 30% on a Chesskid Membership https://www.chesskid.com/membership/promo/perpetual46:00- Was Nick surprised by the intensity of OTB chess? 54:00- Nick discusses the importance of feeling part of a community. Mentioned: ChessDoJo discord57:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Is there stuff Nick needs to work on outside of doing the Steps Method?” 1:05:00- Thanks so much to Dr. Vazquez for joining the show. You can play/reach him on Lichess here:https://lichess.org/@/nvasquezOr Chess.com here: https://www.chess.com/member/nfv1972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Award Winning Author, Chessable Author, and Noted Opening Theoretician, IM Christof Sielecki joins me to discuss the FIDE Candidates Tournament through 12 rounds. Topics include: Nepo's dominance, the important battle for 2nd place, Alireza's struggles, Nakamura's Quick Draw in Round 12, the Quality of Play, and whether Magnus might be enticed to defend his crown if the World Championship format were tweaked.Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com and Aimchess.com.Here are a few of the articles, and videos we referenced:Hikaru's Round 12 RecapClick here to Download the EpisodeThanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com and Aimchess.com.Here are a few of the articles, and videos we referenced:Chess by the Numbers Updated Probabilities Hikaru's Round 12 RecapMVL's Interview with ChessbaseTarjei Svenson for Chess24 on GM Kramnik's CommentsThe Games from the CandidatesNepo discussed a letter from FIDE in the postgame interview on Chess.com’s Broadcast GothamChess' Round 3 RecapCheck out all of IM Christof Sielecki's Chessable Courses here:https://www.chessable.com/author/Chessexplained/ If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchessMVL's Interview with ChessbaseTarjei Svenson for Chess24 on GM Kramnik's CommentsThe Games from the Candidates GothamChess' Round 3 Recap Check out all of IM Christof Sielecki's Chessable Courses here:https://www.chessable.com/author/Chessexplained/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

IM Irina Bulmaga is a Chessable Author, a writer, a  5 time chess Olimpian, and the highest rated woman player in Romania, where she now lives. Before emigrating from Moldova, Irina was the 2 time National Woman’s champion in her native country. But as Irina will tell you, she probably spends more time traveling for competitive chess than she spends in any one country.  In fact, she thinks she might be the most active chess professional on the European circuit. Irina joined me on a brief break between tournaments to recap some 2022 tournament successes. We also discussed her upcoming plans for the Olympiad and her lifelong goal of chasing the  Grandmaster title. This was a fun conversation filled with personal reflection, tournament recommendations and chess study tips and plans. Please read on for more details, links, and timestamps. 01:00- Irina reflects on her recent tournament performances. Mentioned: Irina’s Chessbase Tournament Report 07:00- Why does Irina think she prefers playing in open tournaments rather than women’s tournaments? Mentioned: Irina’s Blog12:00- How has getting a coach for the first time ever helped Irina’s game? What books has she read? Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM, Seven Deadly Chess Sins, Improve Your Chess Calculation  GM Lubomir Ftacnik 19:00- As a 5 time Olimpiad member, How is the tournament different from others? 27:00- 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=benjohnson1229:00- Does Irina enjoy the life of an itinerant chess professional? 33:00-In Irina’s opinion, how could professional chess be improved? 35:00- What big open tournaments would Irina recommend for chess amateurs?Mentioned: Isle of Man (Chess.com International), Gibraltar International Chess Festival, Sunway Sitges Chess Festival 38:00- What is Irina’s favorite tournament of any type? European Men’s Championship 41:00- Does Irina think sexism is worse in chess than in other walks of life? 45:00- 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/53:00- What tournaments does Irina have planned in addition to the Olimpiad? How was the experience of playing competitive chess in Cuba? Mentioned: European Women’s Championship 58:00- How many languages does Irina speak? 1:00- Does Irina still hope to chase the GM title? 1:03:00- Thanks so much to Irina for joining me! Here is how to keep up with her:Chessable course:https://www.chessable.com/the-smyslov-ruy-lopez-3g6/course/114883/Twitter:https://twitter.com/irinabulmaga?lang=enInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/iribulmaga/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices