Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

In this DojoTalks, the sensei explore whether chess and philosophy intersect, discussing three levels of chess philosophy, how personal beliefs shape play, and how computers challenge traditional ideas, while also examining deeper questions about why people are drawn to chess and what the game represents in human life. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips 00:00 – Introduction: Is Philosophy in Chess Possible? 01:08 – Three Levels of Chess Philosophy 02:56 – Chess Values and Philosophical Frameworks 14:25 – Computers, Truth, and Modern Chess Philosophy 22:28 – What is Chess? Exploring Deeper Meanings 33:42 – Chess as Wellness, Culture, and Ego 42:42 – Blitz, Escapism, and Personal Motivations

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips 00:00– Introduction 02:02 – Hans’s World Champion Goal 03:10 – Chances and Predictions 06:06 – Tough Competition 08:32 – Top 10 Players Discussion 14:10 – Paths to Candidates 16:41 – Hans’s Rating Plateau 21:17 – Coaching and Support 33:50 – Qualities of a Champion 46:02 – Future Possibilities

The hosts dive into their past predictions for the top chess players of June 2025, revealing surprising outcomes. They explore the rising talents like Gukesh and Nihal Sarin, comparing them to established players such as Nakamura and Anand. A heated debate erupts around the future of players like Firouzja and Niemann as the rankings are reassessed. The episode also covers a dramatic pawn sacrifice that changed the game in a recent tournament, and how various dynamics could shift the chess landscape by 2026.

The recent Norway Chess tournament takes center stage, showcasing a top player's triumph amidst wavering motivation. Intriguing match-ups, especially between Gukesh and Magnus, highlight the tournament's impact on chess. A shift in time controls from 30 to 10 seconds alters gameplay dynamics dramatically. A viral match sparks emotional responses from competitors, while the psychological aftermath of victory reveals unexpected vulnerabilities. Young talents like Arjun and Gukesh showcase contrasting styles, emphasizing chess's evolution as a battle of intellect and endurance.

The podcast dives into whether chess qualifies as an eSport, sparked by its inclusion in the Esports World Cup. The hosts debate ethical dilemmas surrounding sponsorships from controversial nations, like Saudi Arabia. They explore the changing dynamics between traditional chess and faster formats, alongside the implications for player demographics. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of chess in the context of political influences, raising important questions about the sport's future and its moral responsibilities.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo 0:00 Intro 1:51 How to improve your positional play 6:05 Book recommendations  8:18 Recognizing weaknesses in positional play 12:22 How to work with a coach 15:48 Killer Chess Training Camp 20:15 How Aagaard learned positional play 24:12 Certainty of action vs. certainty of outcome 26:06 Working with Sam -Shankland 29:58 Improving specific aspects of positional play 31:52 Certainty of action vs. certainty of outcome  35:16 How much should adult improvers play classical? 39:35 Micro-pains 45:46 How Renier Castellanos made GM 50:11 What's the best process for reviewing your games? 56:10 Solving simple tactics vs. difficult problems 57:28 What is calculation 1:05:17 Simple tactics vs. difficult problems 1:11:56 The #1 rule of training 1:14:00 The cycle of improvement 1:19:08 Whats next for Killer Chess Training Check out GM Aagaard at https://killerchesstraining.com! Ready to join the Dojo? Use code DOJO to get 40% off your first month, valid until June 15 https://chessdojo.club Thumbnail photo: Eric Rosen Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

The discussion dives into the intriguing intersection of visualization and chess through the lens of aphantasia. Personal experiences reveal how players adapt their thought processes without the ability to visualize. The complexities of blindfold chess offer insights into memory techniques and the cognitive challenges involved. The conversation also touches on the differences between 2D and 3D perceptions and the unique struggles of blitz chess, emphasizing how individual cognitive styles impact gameplay strategies.

Matan Prilletensky, the Executive Director of the National Scholastic Chess Foundation, shares his insights on teaching chess to kids. He discusses the balance between personal instruction and AI tools, emphasizing the importance of fostering passion over pressure. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of technology in chess education, the impact of screen time on focus and critical thinking, and the necessity of tournaments for motivation. Prilletensky's experiences highlight the importance of making chess accessible and enjoyable for young players.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai celebrate 5 years of ChessDojo with episode 150! ChessDojo's first video launched on March 14, 2020. The sensei talk about how the Dojo started, how it's evolved, and what's coming next in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast. Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. 0:00 Intro 0:30 Origin Story 23:39 What's Next For Dojo  Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/7Uq2f5JAWb Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesspodcast

Peter Doggers, a seasoned chess journalist and author of 'The Chess Revolution,' dives into the significant shifts in chess today. He explores the interplay of technology and journalism, shedding light on the evolving landscape of chess media. Doggers discusses the decline of engagement on Twitter and the rise of alternatives like Reddit, while emphasizing the need for journalistic integrity amidst commercial pressures. He also reflects on the challenges traditional chess faces as online rapid formats surge, highlighting the future of the game.