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Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

Latest episodes

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22 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 18min

EP 141 | The Psychology of Goals w/ Dr. Joel Sneed

Dr. Joel Sneed, a psychologist and dedicated adult chess improver, shares his journey of learning chess later in life and achieving a 2000+ rating. He discusses the psychological challenges of perfectionism and anxiety that often plague players. Sneed emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and focusing on personal improvement rather than just outcomes. He advocates for techniques like ACT and CBT to manage negative emotions, helping players rediscover the joy of chess amidst their competitive struggles.
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Jan 31, 2025 • 46min

EP 140 | Should There Be A SuperGM Title

The sensei debate whether FIDE should introduce an official Super-GM title, discussing its potential requirements, the impact of rating inflation, and how chess titles should evolve to reflect modern competitive standards. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining 
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Jan 23, 2025 • 2h

EP 139 | Who Decides The World Championship? ft. GM Jacob Aagaard

The sensei are joined by GM Jacok Aagaard to discuss who decides the world championship. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining  Chapters [00:00] - Introduction [01:06] - Historical Tradition [02:19] - 1990s Split Era [04:54] - Kasparov vs. FIDE [07:49] - Counting World Champions [15:37] - Importance of Qualification [28:46] - Reunification Match (2006) [36:28] - Critique of Recent Cycles [45:22] - Who is a World Champion? [56:01] - Modern Challenges in Defining Champions [1:08:22] - Expiration of Lineage [1:37:07] - Ding Liren and Nepomniachtchi Match Issues [1:55:26] - Freestyle Chess World Championship [2:00:05] - Conclusion  
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Jan 22, 2025 • 48min

EP 138 | Top 5 Chess Authors

GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy rank the top five greatest chess authors of all time in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast! Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining  CHAPTERS 0:00 Ranking The 5 Greatest Chess Authors of All Time 3:45 Categories of Chess Authors 6:08 Jesse's No. 5 Pick 7:05 David's No. 5 Pick 11:24 Kostya's No. 5 Pick 12:47 Kostya's No. 4 Pick 13:50 David's No. 4 Pick 15:39 Jesse's No. 4 Pick 17:17 Jesse's No. 3 Pick 18:07 David's No. 3 Pick 20:55 Kostya's No. 3 Pick 23:43 Greatest Course Makers Episode? 25:55 Kostya's No. 2 Pick 28:04 David's No. 2 Pick 29:34 Jesse's No. 2 Pick 31:19 Jesse's No. 1 Pick 34:03 David's No. 1 Pick 38:04 Kostya's No. 1 Pick  41:01 ChessDojo's Greatest 5 Chess Authors of All Time 43:15 Magnus Carlsen's Output 47:21 Follow ChessDojo
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Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 12min

EP 137 | Should Beginners Study Openings w/ GM Hammer

GM Jon Ludvig Hammer joins the sensei on this Dojo Talks to discuss whether beginners should study openings, and if so, how much? Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining  00:01 – Introduction and welcome to GM Hammer; discussion about his new Chessable course. 01:33 – Overview of the debate: Should beginners study openings? 02:21 – Hammer’s argument for teaching openings to beginners for motivation and familiarity. 03:35 – Defining "beginner" and the target audience for Hammer's course (800–1300 Chess.com rapid rating). 05:00 – Differences in chess ratings across platforms (Chess.com vs. Lichess) and their relevance to the debate. 07:28 – Hammer explains the importance of enjoying chess and using openings as a "cheat code" for improvement. 09:05 – When Hammer believes opening study is most beneficial (during stagnation or motivation slumps). 14:15 – Jesse’s perspective: Most mistakes at lower levels occur in the middle or endgame, not in the opening. 15:55 – Importance of board vision and avoiding hanging pieces for beginners. 18:31 – Risks of opening study: Memorization without understanding and neglecting principles. 21:42 – Hammer’s course design: Emphasis on plans, common moves, and practical advice tailored for lower-rated players. 28:17 – Clarifying misconceptions about opening study in the Chess Dojo training system. 34:49 – Motivation and its role in chess improvement at all levels. 45:16 – Hammer on the purpose of his course: Surviving the opening to focus on other aspects of chess. 50:44 – Discussion on Chessable’s business decisions, including paywalling "Short and Sweet" courses. 1:02:37 – Closing thoughts: Balancing opening study with broader chess skills and finding what motivates individual players.  
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Jan 4, 2025 • 53min

EP 136 | 2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer

The sensei are joined by GM Jon Ludvig Hammer to discuss the 2024 World Rapid Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen's controversial decision to split the championship title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, drawing significant criticism for bending competition rules and setting a troubling precedent. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining    00:00 Introduction of GM Jon Ludvig Hammer and his Chessable course. 00:37 Overview of the Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen. 01:16 Discussion on Abdusattorov’s rise and breakout performances. 02:32 Controversy over Magnus and Nepomniachtchi sharing the title. 03:15 Social media and fan perspectives on the shared title. 04:08 Hammer’s stance on sportsmanship and breaking rules. 08:21 Comparison to past events and "Grandmaster draws." 12:20 Speculation on Magnus’s motivations for sharing the title. 29:03 Hammer’s view on Magnus’s current career and form. 34:15 FIDE’s role in allowing the title to be shared. 41:04 Freestyle Chess and its rivalry with FIDE. 48:22 Final thoughts on Magnus and the Blitz Championship.
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Dec 30, 2024 • 57min

EP 135 | Denimgate

Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the controversy around "DenimGate," involving Magnus Carlsen's disqualification from the World Rapid Tournament due to dress code violations, with broader implications for tensions between Carlsen, FIDE, and Freestyle chess organizers. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining  00:05 - Introduction to "DenimGate," the controversy involving Magnus Carlsen, jeans, and dress code violations during the World Blitz Championship. 00:46 - Context about prior conflicts and drama between Magnus, FIDE, and freestyle chess. 01:48 - Explanation of the tension between freestyle chess organizers and FIDE over the rights to world championships in alternate formats like Fischer Random. 03:04 - Analysis of Magnus Carlsen’s career stage and his challenges finding motivation as his dominance wanes. 05:01 - Magnus’s focus on rapid and blitz chess over classical formats and his struggle with recent tournament results. 07:14 - Freestyle chess’s plans to run a championship tour with significant funding and high-profile players. 09:10 - Discussion of the jeans controversy and whether it was an isolated incident or part of broader disputes. 11:50 - Broader historical parallels between past chess legends and their conflicts with FIDE. 14:52 - The complexities of dress code enforcement and Magnus’s refusal to change, leading to forfeiture. 20:09 - Insights into Magnus’s frustration with FIDE and his vision for the future of chess. 26:24 - Speculation about the impact of Fischer Random Chess and Magnus’s endorsement of it as a potential future for elite chess. 31:08 - Challenges of introducing Fischer Random Chess to mainstream audiences and players’ resistance. 40:46 - Psychological attachment of players to traditional chess formats and its impact on the acceptance of variants. 45:57 - Connection to Magnus’s involvement in an esports event backed by Saudi funding, and the potential geopolitical implications. 50:54 - Discussion about the appropriateness and enforcement of dress codes in professional chess. 56:46 - Conclusion and look ahead to the World Blitz Championship and Magnus’s chances of making a comeback.  
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Dec 30, 2024 • 59min

EP 134 | FIDE vs. Freestyle Drama

GM Kraai, IM Pruess, and IM Kavutskiy discuss the conflict between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Association over the legitimacy and rights to organize Chess 960 (Fischer Random) events, with players like Magnus Carlsen spearheading Freestyle's efforts to revitalize the format. The sensei discuss fan interest, FIDE's waning control, and the broader implications for chess traditions and alternative formats. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining  00:00 - Introduction 00:40 - Overview of the Drama 01:13 - Hosts' Opinions on Chess 960 02:58 - Freestyle Chess Organization's Efforts 07:27 - Fan Interest and Chess 960’s Appeal 08:28 - Freestyle’s Announcement and FIDE’s Response 12:27 - Magnus and Hikaru's Potential Withdrawal 17:07 - Presentation and Fan Engagement 20:14 - FIDE vs. Freestyle Chess: Rights Dispute 25:51 - Importance of Event Longevity 39:36 - Freestyle Chess: Future Challenges 57:08 - The Ideal Resolution  
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Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 13min

EP 133 | 2024 World Chess Championship Recap

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai recap the 2024 World Chess Championship match between defending champion GM Ding Liren and challenger GM Gukesh D in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast! Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining  CHAPTERS 0:00 New Book Announcement :02 ChessDojo Streaming the Match 3:55 Predictions vs Reality 14:02 How Would This World Championship Rank?
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Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 5min

EP 132 | Who Will Win the 2024 World Chess Championship?

Who will win the 2024 World Chess Championship between GM Ding Liren and GM Gukesh D? GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss who will be the next World Chess Champion, the format for the match, and whether the match will be close or a blowout in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.   Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo  Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club  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/sUUh8HD  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 #chesstraining   

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