Perpetual Chess Podcast

FM Kamil Plichta is a renowned opening theoretician, Chessable author, trainer, and blitz/bullet specialist. In our conversation, Kamil highlights several important chess improvement-related topics:  The value of learning by emulating those slightly higher rated than you  Knowing when to withdraw from a brutal tournament  Advice for choosing openings  We also chat about Kamil’s pursuit of the IM title, the London System, the English Defence, and much more. It's always fun to talk chess with Kamil, and it had been too long since our previous interview! Timestamps for topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use this link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:00- Kamil discusses the value of learning from studying games from the next level up, rather than from Super GM gamesMentioned: Lego Chess 11:30- Kamil is one norm away from the IM title. How is the journey? 18:00- Kamil reflects on a recent poor OTB showing. 32:00- Bullet chess advice! 35:00- Opening advice for amateurs 40:00- What is the English Defence?46:00- How does Kamil use engines?48:00- Kamil’s recommended line against the London System51:00- Closing chess advice Thanks to Kamil for joining me, here is how to keep up with him.Kamil’s Chessable Author page:https://www.chessable.com/author/kamilplichta/Follow him on X here:https://x.com/Kaldas90 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the co-founder of Quality Chess Books and Killer Chess Training.com, GM Jacob Aagaard is always a busy man. This year, the award-winning author and trainer has been even busier. It was recently announced that his company, Quality Chess Books is acquiring two of the biggest chess publishers (New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess) from Chess.com. Jacob joined me to tell me the story behind these acquisitions, as well as the decision of his co-founder, GM John Shaw to retire. Jacob is always insightful and opinionated about professional chess, so we also got the opportunity to hear his takes on Ding-Gukesh, rating deflation, and IM Levy Rozman’s quest for the GM title, among other topics. As always, Jacob was very generous with his time, and you can find timestamps of topics discussed below. Jacob’s prior appearances on Perpetual Chess: Episode 111Episode 166 (with GM R.B. Ramesh)Episode 296Bonus pod on the Carlsen-Niemann scandalThanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. Be sure to check out new courses by GM Raven Sturt (with Simon Williams) and CM Can Kabadayi. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use this link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:03- What events led to Quality Chess Books acquiring New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess? Mentioned: GM John Shaw, IM Dmitry Schneider, GM Matthew Sadler, Silicon Road YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq06gd_5HTiG8IIu5-enWyAAlso Mentioned: Remmelt Otten28:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Jacob think chess book sales will grow over the next 10 years?” 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: ”Will Everyman continue its “Starting Out” series?” 36:00-Jacob discusses the future of “New in Chess” magazineMentioned: FM Nate Solon44:00  Patreon mailbag question: Should beginner to intermediate players focus on challenging puzzles or basic pattern recognition? Mentioned: 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know, 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know  Workbook54:00- Jacob discusses the story of his friend and colleague GM Renier Castellanos attaining GM in his 40’s.Mentioned: Perpetual Chess Episode 379 with GM Renier Castellanos 58:00- Does Jacob think Gotham Chess can make GM? 1:02:00- The raging feud between GM Jan Gustafsson and Jacob Aagaard continues!Mentioned: Prior comments here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4EI6rH7Mt41:03:00- What does Jacob think of rating deflation?1:11:00- Jacob’s thoughts on the World Championship match1:20:00- Does Jacob think someone from the younger generation could become a dominant World Champion?1:24:00- GM Sam Shankland update1:26:00- Books we are excited for:Tiger’s Chaos Theory, The Woodpecker Method 2 1:30:00- Thanks to Jacob, as always! You can find him at Killer Chess Training:https://killerchesstraining.com/Or follow him on X here:https://x.com/GMJacobAagaard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s Perpetual Chess, the popular and sometimes entertaining GM Jan Gustafsson returns! Jan, of course, is a popular commentator, Twitch streamer, Chessable author, and renowned opening theoretician. His last visit to the podcast was a mere four months ago, but a lot has changed since then. GM D Gukesh has qualified for the World Championship match, and it has been revealed that Jan worked on GM Ian Nepomniatchtchi’s team. In this interview, Jan reflects on these occurrences and describes what it was like to be in Toronto as a second for the FIDE Candidates. He also looks ahead to the Gukesh-Ding World Championship match, which will take place in November in Singapore. Jan also answers plenty of listener questions on a wide range of topics, including the upcoming Olympiads, the closing of Chess24, the status of the Chicken Chess Club Podcast, and, of course, the openings covered in his new Chessable course, GM Jan Gustafsson Aggressive 1. E4 part 2 (co-authored with CM Vjekoslav Nemec). We covered a ton of topics in this one, but as always, timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. They have tons of new offerings in addition to Jan’s new course If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the following link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- Banter- Bronny James! Should Jan become co-host of Perpetual Chess?0:05- Actual chess! Jan reflects on working on Ian Nepomniachtchi prep team, and shares his thoughts on the FIDE Candidates. 0:14- Jan’s World Championship Match thoughts 20:00- How does Jan feel about #chesspunks?22:00- Donner’s The King and other books25:00- Where did referring to the pawn formation “the bathtub” come from?Mentioned: More info on the bathtub here:https://lichess.org/forum/general-chess-discussion/which-of-these-4-are-the-bathtub-formation25:00- Will Jan do more banter blitz?27:00- What are best athlete chess players?29:00- Which below 2700 players have the most impressive opening knowledge?Mentioned: GM Alexey Sarana 32:00- Patreon mailbag questions: WHEN WILL THE CHICKEN CHESS CLUB COME BACK?34:00- Jan discusses a recent chess/poker event he participated in. 37:00- Has Jan ever played 1. E4?39:00- How did Jan choose to cover the Advanced French, the Fantasy variation, and the Open Sicilian in his new Chessable course? 44:00- Jan’s top 5 variations of the Sicilian defense49:00- Are GMs using Jan’s suggested moves from his Chessable courses?52:00- What are the goals for the German Olympiad team?54:00- What did Jan think of Germany’s performance in the Euro cup?57:00- Why doesn’t Germany have any elite chess players?59:00- Update on Jan’s 1000 game match with his friend  Ettienne1:01:00- What is the origin story of Chess24?1:03:00- Jan’s upcoming travels and chess plans 1:05:00-Jan’s tv recsMentioned: Presumed Innocent, The Bear, IM Greg Shahade1:09:00- Jan’s basketball podcast recommendationsMentioned: The Rights to Ricky Sanchez, Down to Dunk Thanks as always to Jan for joining me! You can follow him on X here:https://x.com/gmjangustafsson?lang=enOr on Twitch here:https://www.twitch.tv/janistantvIf you would like to 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 is Aiden Rayner, a Melbourne, Australia-based chess trainer, blogger, podcaster,  and the founder of the training site, Don’t Move Until You See It. Aiden became interested in chess improvement as an adult and quickly zeroed in on a need to improve his ability to picture a chess board in his head. In the subsequent years, he has developed some tools to help improve this skill, and has read extensively on how the different brains adapt to this task. Aiden also has studied how working memory functions, and shares what adults need to know about how it affects chess calculation. Lastly, Aiden shares a few “non-chess” book recommendations for those who would like to learn more about the challenges of rewiring our brains for chess. If you are interested in improving your chess game, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed can be found below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. They are now offering a #chesspunks approved classic, The Power of Pawns, presented by IM Andras Toth. If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use this link:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro” 02:00- Why doesn’t Aiden like the term “visualization” when it comes to playing through moves in our headsMentioned: GM George Koltanowski 07:00- What got Aiden into visualization? 11:00- What features does Aiden’s site offer? Mentioned: Aiden’s blindfold trainer:https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/blindfold-trainer/16:30- Patreon mailbag question: What advice does Aiden have for people adjusting from playing 2D (on screens) to playing 3D (OTB)? 26:00- Patreon mailbag question: Can Aiden share advice for how to improve at remembering a game through “narration” rather than visualization? 32:00- Aiden’s recommended (non-chess) books:Mentioned: Thinking Fast and SlowChatter, The Voice in Our Head and Why it Matters, and How to Harness ItVisual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions34:30- What is working memory and why does it matter for chess players? Mentioned: Chess Visualization with Don’t Move  55:00- What are “the three Fs?” 1:05:00- Thanks to Aiden, for joining me! Here is it how to keep up with him:Don’t Move Until You See It Website:https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/Follow Aiden on X here: https://x.com/AidenAtDontMove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s guest is author, commentator, and Slavic Linguistics professor at the University of Oslo, IM Atle Gronn. Atle’s most recent book, Games and Goals: The Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein has recently been released in the English language and is one I have been greatly looking forward to reading. It did not disappoint, as it provides a revealing biography of one of the most compelling figures in modern chess history. GM Simen Agdestein, in addition to being a Norwegian chess legend, and the childhood trainer of Magnus Carlsen, Simen was a supremely talented athlete who played for the Norwegian national soccer team. As a strong player from the same generation as Simen, Atle bore witness to Simen’s rise, fall, and resurgence, and also witnessed and contextualizes GM Magnus Carlsen’s relentless ascent to the top of the chess world.  There are many lessons we all can learn from the stories that Atle shares and I greatly enjoyed chatting with him about his book. Games and Goals is available from Amazon and other booksellers, Games and Goals: The Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein books And you can view a Free excerpt here:https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/9186.pdf0:01- Thanks to our sponsor Chessable.com- If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the link below to help support Perpetual Chess:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro0:02- What made Simen Agdestein a “mythic figure” in the 1980’s? How did he go from beginner to national Norway champion in 4 years? Mentioned: Tarjei Svensen’s Article on the most recent Norwegian Championship:https://www.chess.com/news/view/15-year-old-copies-magnus-carlsen-norwegian-champion0:07- How did Simen become an elite athlete without training extensively? What was his style like as a footballer?15:00- How did Atle’s collaboration with Simen come about? 22:00- How would Atle describe Simen’s chess style? What traits of Simen can be seen in Magnus Carlsen (his student)? 29:00- Atle describes his 2005 game against Magnus Carlsen, which became a famous win for Magnus.https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=134805032- Why was Atle initial skeptical of Magnus’ talents? 37:00- How did injuries change Simen’s careers?46:00- What did Simen do for income during his years when both careers suddenly ended?52:00- We discuss chess books and the topics of Otle’s prior books, which were written in Norwegian.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s guest is Russ Makofsky. Russ is the founder of both The Gift of Chess, and of Impact Coaching Network. The Gift of Chess is a global non-profit dedicated to changing lives by distributing free chess sets in overlooked communities. Impact Coaching Network is a New York City-based educational chess organization that facilitates school programs and runs tournaments. In our interview, Russ recounts his journey from a sport-obsessed kid to a chess educator and shares the stories of many people whose lives have been changed by chess, including FM Tani Adewumi, and Tunde Onakoya of Chess in Slums. Russ is a firm believer in the power that good stories can have in spreading a passion for chess, and of the impact that chess can have on lives once that passion is ignited. Tune in to hear many of these inspiring stories! Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com- in addition to Solveig’s course, be sure to check out GM Sam Shankland’s latest, and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the link below.https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro2:00- What were the beginnings of Russ’ chess organization, Impact Coaching Network? 7:00- As an educator does Russ encounter any resistance from parents to emphasiszing the competitive element of chess?Mentioned: Brooklyn Castle 15:30- Famed youth champion, FM Tani Adewumi discovered chess via one of the Impact Coaching Network’s Schools while his family was living in a homeless shelter- Russ tells this story from his perspective. Mentioned: Chesskid.com 28:00- What are the origins of the non-profit, The Gift of Chess?Mentioned: Episode 219 with Tunde Onakoya57:00- What does The Gift of Chess do for prison outreach?Mentioned: Episode 289 with Tony Ballard 1:03:00- How is the fundraising going? 1:08:00- Russ’ advice for chess educators and those thinking of starting chess programsThanks to Russ for sharing so many inspiring stories! Here is the linktree for the GiftofChess:https://linktr.ee/thegiftofchessYou can email them at info at giftofchess.org  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Adult Improver Series of Perpetual Chess returns, as I am joined by Solveig Friberg, who streams on Twitch as “The Rookie Redhead.” Solveig is a relatively new chess player who discovered the game via a Norwegian national TV broadcast of one of Magnus Carlsen’s World Championship matches. A few years later, she has attained a rating of 1570 FIDE, built a large online audience, published her first Chessable course (Breaking 1000)  as a Twitch streamer, and has even had the opportunity to interview players like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. We begin our conversation by discussing the unique popularity of chess in Norway- it is very popular as a spectator sport, but that has not translated into a thriving competitive chess scene. Why might that be? We also discuss Solveig’s own chess journey.  Solveig shares a lot of study recommendations and core beliefs based on her experience as a chess player and her professional background as an educator. Solveig is a particularly firm believer in the importance of finding a community, and did not see her chess take off until she found online “chess people.” Solveig is an inspiration for anyone who is coming to chess as a working adult with a busy life. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com- in addition to Solveig’s course, be sure to check out GM Sam Shankland’s latest, and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the link below.https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro2:00- Solveig got into chess by watching coverage of the Magnus-Nepo match on national TV in Norway. What is the coverage like in Norway? What is the OTB scene like there? Mentioned: Solveig on Chess Journeys, Episode 91:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rwxKkso2M2IPITLOEt4hc?si=86bec8cf1aa34f5dSolveig on Sjakksnakk https://open.spotify.com/episode/1c0FBix4q4OSvPdz6nbGSf?si=63cf7ec45f5f441d9:00- How did Solveig find a chess community? To find the “chess people” on X, make an account, send a message and conclude it with the #chesspunkshttps://x.com/hashtag/chesspunks?src=hashtag_clickTo apply or suggest someone to be a guest on the Adult Improver Series, use this google form:https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adult17:00- How did Solveig’s professional background impact her approach to chess improvement? 22:30- What was Solveig’s approach to studying chess? 27:00- We discuss chess pub nights and the Good Knight Chess Pub in Oslo, Norway29:00- What would Solveig have done differently to improve at chess if she could start over?32:00- Patreon mailbag question- what are some common mistakes that beginners make, and how can they avoid them?36:00- Solveig’s resource recommendationsMentioned:Hanging Pawns YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@HangingPawnsBuild Up Your Chess Serieshttps://www.chessable.com/the-fundamentals-1-build-up-your-chess/course/19145/Chess Tactics from Scratch https://www.chessable.com/chess-tactics-from-scratch-understanding-chess-tactics/course/27821/Also available as a book- https://www.amazon.com/Chess-Tactics-Scratch-Understanding/dp/190798202737:00- What was it like for Solveig to interview Hikaru Nakamura about gender issues in chess? Mentioned:Watch the interview here:https://x.com/RookieRedhead/status/180122826217088221246:30- What is theme of Solveig’s Chessable course, Breaking 1000?52:00- What are Solveig’s streaming goals? Does she ever stream in Norwegian?1:00:00- Thanks to Solveig for joining me, here is how to keep up with her:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rookie_redhead/?hl=enX:https://x.com/RookieRedheadAnd her Chessable Course:https://www.chessable.com/breaking-1000/course/237622/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GM Awonder Liang, former youth champion, discusses transitioning from chess to university life, balancing studies with tournaments, and the impact of his career choices. He reflects on his chess success, challenges, and future plans, sharing insights on gameplay strategies, memory skills, and admiration for fellow players like Magnus Carlsen.

GM Alex Fishbein discusses the updated version of 'My System' for a modern audience. Topics include comparisons with 'Chess Praxis,' challenges in translating the book, and handling variations. The podcast highlights the impact of classic chess literature on players' journeys and the importance of revisiting historical texts for continuous learning.

This week’s pod is a special edition featuring 10 different short interviews from the 2024 National Open in Las Vegas. We feature stories and perspectives from GM Ben Finegold, adult improver return guests, other chess podcasters, and even two different Grandmasters named Daniel Fernandez! Big tournaments like the National Open are great opportunities to bond over a shared love of chess, and I hope this episode helps encapsulate the many ways that chess can touch our lives,  teach us lessons, and bring us together. Timestamps and a brief description of each interview and guest can be found below.  GM Ben Finegold- 6:45  (recorded Wednesday, June 5) -Ben discusses his personal history at the National Open, the Nimzo-Indian defense, and dispenses some chess advice  Glenn Panner- 17:30-   (recorded Friday, June 7) The tournament co-organizer discusses the tournament history , the recent cheating story from the Chicago Open, and the cheat detection methods being used at the National Open.   GM Daniel Fernandez (US) 31:00-  (recorded Friday, June 7) The first of our GM Danil Fernandez guests, a Houston based player and trainer discusses how the stresses of playing compare to the stresses of coaching, and the advice he gives to his students who are competing in the tournament.  Kamryn Hellman 40:15  -  (recorded Saturday June 8) The popular streamer and YouTuber reflects on her first big tournament and the recent chess lessons that she has learned. You can hear more from Kamryn in Episode 314.  And check our her YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@kamrynheidi Kevin Scull-  -49:50  (recorded Saturday June 8) - The host of the Chess Journeys podcast reflects on the highs and lows of an ongoing tournament and discusses why he is trying to read fewer chess books!  Be sure to sub to the Chess Journeys podcast! Lennart Ootes- 59:30- (recorded Saturday June 8) - The renowned chess photographer and multimedia maestro compares photographing amateurs to photographing his usual subjects, the top pros of chess. Check out Lennart’s beautiful photos here: Lennart Ootes And his National Open photos here: https://www.chessphotoshop.com/National-Open-2024-Las-Vegas Kyle Boddy-  1:10:00 (recorded Saturday June 8) -I am rejoined by the founder of Driveline Baseball to discuss why he makes time for the National Open in the middle of the baseball season,and to share the lessons he has learned from IM Calvin Blocker, IM Marc Esserman and others. You can hear more of Kyle’s chess story in Episode 303.  GM Daniel Fernandez (UK)- 1:21:00 -(recorded Sunday, June 9) The U.K. based player, author and trainer discusses what he is doing in an effort to push through mental barriers and the importance of physical training at the GM level.  GM Kayden Troff- 1:31:15 (recorded Tuesday June 11)- Kayden’s primary role at the National Open was to provide free post-mortem analysis of amateur games. What type of mistakes did he see recur after reviewing dozens of games over a long weekend?  Check out Kayden’s epic game here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1753125 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETcq8kmlMic You can find the Chesssharkz Twitch stream with Tony Padron here: https://www.twitch.tv/chesssharkz ElaynahTV - 1:46:30-  (recorded Friday,  June 14) The popular chess streamer and newly minted podcaster discusses how the women’s tournament compared to the Open event, and the challenges of streaming a tournament.  Check out Elaynah’s Twitch stream here: https://www.twitch.tv/elaynah And her new podcast with Dylan Quercia here: https://chesslounge.podbean.com/  Photo in thumbnail of ElaynahTV by Lennart Ootes- https://www.chessphotoshop.com/National-Open-2024-Las-VegasAnd thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com. If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use this link to help support the pod:https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices