

Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast
IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai
The official podcast of ChessDojo (IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, & GM Jesse Kraai). Most episodes are streamed live to twitch.tv/chessdojo.
Interested in improving your chess? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.club
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
Interested in improving your chess? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.club
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
EP 163 | Blitz Specialists
This Dojo Talks explores what makes some players stronger at blitz than others, contrasting calculation-based vs. intuitive styles, online vs. over-the-board skills, and the role of premoves, time management, and tricky opening repertoires. The sensei also discuss the rise of a “blitz generation,” handling tilt, and David’s quest to reach a 2600 blitz rating.
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
00:01 – David’s blitz struggles
02:46 – Blitz as a different game
07:05 – Calculator vs. intuitive players
15:16 – The premove problem
20:05 – Online vs. OTB blitz
25:18 – Blitz repertoires and system openings
32:07 – Queen’s Gambit generation
58:15 – Tilt and the 2600 quest

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 28min
EP 162 | Underdog Story: How GM Fishbein Became the U.S. Senior Chess Champion
GM Alexander Fishbein shares how he won the 2025 U.S. Senior Championship by relying on stamina, heavy tournament practice, and deep training methods such as solitary chess and analyzing old annotated games. This Talks also highlights generational contrasts in chess culture, from preparation styles to the evolving rules on draw offers.
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
0:15 – Introduction
2:34 – Becoming a Real Contender
6:00 – Finding an Edge Against More Talented Rivals
8:13 – Taking Time Off Work to Chase Chess Goals
10:52 – Training Stamina & Playing 100 Games a Year
18:20 – Why Rating Doesn’t Matter
21:11 – Core Training: Annotating Games & Using Engines
36:33 – Solitaire Chess & Personalized Training
51:06 – The “Post-Postmortem” Method (Old Book Analysis)
59:39 – Final Insights

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 23min
EP 161 | Ranking the Top 10 Chess Countries
In this episode of Dojo Talks, Jesse, David, and Kostya each reveal and debate their top 10 chess countries of all time—based on world champions, cultural contributions, and historic achievements—before combining their lists into a final ranking.
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
04:57 – Jesse’s #10 pick
09:44 – David’s #10 pick
13:01 – Kostya’s #10 pick
14:04 – Kostya’s #9 pick
15:24 – David’s #9 pick
18:51 – Jesse’s #9 pick
20:33 – Jesse’s #8 pick
21:37 – David’s #8 pick
25:16 – Kostya’s #8 pick
27:12 – Kostya’s #7 pick
28:31 – David’s #7 pick
30:13 – Jesse’s #7 pick
32:19 – Jesse’s #6 pick
33:54 – David’s #6 pick
36:28 – Kostya’s #6 pick
37:39 – Kostya’s #5 pick
38:34 – David’s #5 pick
42:12 – Jesse’s #5 pick
44:51 – Jesse’s #4 pick
46:24 – David’s #4 pick
49:04 – Kostya’s #4 pick
50:26 – Kostya’s #3 pick
52:43 – David’s #3 pick
59:29 – Jesse’s #3 pick
1:02:48 – Jesse’s #2 pick
1:05:50 – David’s #2 pick
1:09:45 – Kostya’s #2 pick
1:10:37 – Kostya’s #1 pick
1:11:41 – David’s #1 pick
1:12:42 – Jesse’s #1 pick

Aug 5, 2025 • 57min
EP 160 | Jesse's Heresy
Jesse questions the usual way of learning chess, suggesting that copying moves can be as useful as deep strategy. The sensei discuss if playing blitz and checking with a computer can help players improve quickly.
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 – Jesse’s heresy revealed
01:26 – Hendriks: chess is learned by copying
04:17 – Copying in openings is valid
06:06 – Blitz + engine as a training method
08:56 – How kids get strong fast today
13:38 – Comparing blitz to Dojo sparring
21:29 – Words vs instinct in learning chess
27:14 – Chess960 and the limits of imitation
38:08 – Engines changed how we see tactics
46:50 – Ideas help memory and understanding

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 11min
EP 159 | How To Turbo Charge Your Tactics w/ GM Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko
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
Check out GM Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko at https://www.oleksiyenko.com
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

Jul 8, 2025 • 49min
EP 158 | Do Chess and Philosophy Mix?
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

Jun 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
EP 157 | Will Hans Niemann Become World Champion?
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

Jun 20, 2025 • 53min
EP 156 | Who Will Be Top -10 in June 2026?
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.

Jun 12, 2025 • 43min
EP 155 | What Made Norway Chess So Good?
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.

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 5min
EP 154 | Is Chess an eSport?
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.