
Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast
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/
Latest episodes

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
EP 121 | Most Influential Chess Books
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GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss and rate the most influential chess books in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!
CHAPTERS
0:00 Ranking the 5 Most Influential Chess Books
3:38 Jesse's No. 5 Pick
8:20 David's No. 5 Pick
13:24 Kostya's No.5 Pick
17:08 Kostya's No. 4 Pick
22:40 David's No. 4 Pick
25:37 Jesse's No. 4 Pick
26:50 Jesse's No. 3 Pick
29:43 David's No. 3 Pick
32:00 Kostya's No. 3 Pick
35:03 Kostya's No. 2 Pick
39:16 David's No. 2 Pick
44:14 Jesse's No. 2 Pick
48:39 Jesse's No. 1 Pick
51:45 David's No. 1 Pick
57:57 Kostya's No. 1 Pick
1:00:01 Reflecting on the List
1:02:10 Honorable Mentions
1:09:14 Final Rankings
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
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/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chessbook

Oct 8, 2024 • 58min
EP 120 | 2024 Olympiad Recap
Join the training program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai recap the 2024 Chess Olympiad in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo Podcast!
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro to the 2024 Budapest Olympiad
0:35 Joys and Challenges of Going In Person
3:23 India, Uzbekistan, and Gukesh D
19:29 Kostya's Experience with a Press Pass
24:46 Ding Liren's Wellbeing
28:25 If Hikaru Nakamura Had Played
34:56 Money in the Olympiad
40:21 Chess Politics at the Olympiad
45:22 Is the Magnus Carlsen Era Over?
51:31 Magnus Carlsen vs Gukesh D
52:58 Which Country Will Dominate Chess?
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
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/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 7min
EP 119 | What Does it Take to Succeed in Senior Chess
Join the training program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and IM David Pruess talk about the world of senior chess, the 2024 U.S. Senior Chess Championship, and what it takes to succeed in senior chess in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
2:32 Part 1 - The Advent of Senior Chess
23:15 Part 2 - Succeeding at Senior Chess
1:03:10 Conclusion
#chess

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
EP 118 | Advice for Young Chess Professionals ft. GM Sam Shankland
Join the training program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
GM Sam Shankland, GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy talk about what it takes to have a career in chess, whether as a tournament player or chess content creator, in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
0:00 Can You Make a Career in Chess?
4:50 Making a Living Without Damaging Your Chess
23:20 How Much Money Do Top Chess Players Make From Tournaments?
29:30 Career as Content Creator vs Competitive Chess Player
33:34 Income at 2600 vs 2650 vs 2700 FIDE
35:00 Negotiating for Tournament Conditions
39:04 Differences with Age
45:46 Work Life Balance in Chess
47:29 What Are Sam's Goals?
50:43 Impact of Going to College
57:30 Coaching for Aspiring Chess Players
#chess

Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 3min
EP 117 | Who Will Be Top 10 in 2025?
Join the training program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy forecast who will be the top 10 FIDE rated chess players in June 2025 in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
Chapters
0:00 Intro
3:29 2024 Juniors
10:06 Current FIDE Top 10 in June 2024
13:40 Number 10
19:46 Number 9
23:13 Number 8
30:07 Number 7
33:12 Number 6
38:46 Number 5
41:16 Number 4
44:06 Number 3
47:41 Number 2
52:01 Number 1
55:04 Shake Ups in the Top 10 and Averaging Scores`
59:42 Combined Rankings
#chess

May 17, 2024 • 1h 13min
EP 116 | Do World Champions Lose Their Minds?
Join the training program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
On today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast, GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and IM David Pruess talk about the impact of the FIDE World Chess Championship circuit on mental health and the sanity of those who endure it.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

May 13, 2024 • 56min
EP 115 | 2026 FIDE Cycle Drama
Join the training program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai talk about all of the drama and projections brewing for the 2026 FIDE candidates, as well as FIDE's new path to get to the 2026 Candidates Tournament in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

Apr 26, 2024 • 59min
EP 114 | 2024 FIDE Candidates Recap
Join the training program - https://dojoscoreboard.com
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Dive into the drama and surprises of the FIDE 2024 Candidates! Join us for live breakdowns and deep dives into each game. Subscribe for more thrilling chess content! GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy recap the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament and its surprise outcome in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.
Whether you're rooting for the underdogs or chess legends, there's something here for you. Watch as we unravel the pivotal blunders and brilliant plays that defined this championship, featuring unexpected victors and nail-biting finishes. Don't miss our analysis on the youngest ever candidate from India and his journey to face Ding Liren.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:03 - Initial thoughts
5:55 - Time Control
9:18 - Gukesh: World's New Number 2?
17:54 - Gukesh's Future in Chess
26:25 - The Future of Classical Chess
28:13 - Analyzing the Candidates System
35:45 - End of Magnus Carlsen's Era
44:54 - Chess Predictions Reviewed
48:04 - Last Chance Qualifiers in Chess
51:30 - FIDE Grand Prix and World Cup Discussion
56:08 - Ding Liren vs Gukesh D
#chess

Apr 15, 2024 • 1h 21min
EP 113 | The Great Eval Bar Debate (feat. GM Hammer)
Join the training program - https://dojoscoreboard.com
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Special guest GM Jon Ludvig Hammer joins the Dojo to discuss the ongoing "eval bar" war that has taken the chess world by storm.
This show was streamed live to Twitch on 4/12/2024, at the exact half-way mark of the 2024 FIDE Candidates,
0:00 Intro
2:58 2024 FIDE Candidates - 1st Half Thoughts
14:28 Eval Bar Debate
1:13:28 Final Thoughts
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess

Apr 8, 2024 • 9min
BONUS Episode: 2024 FIDE Women's Candidates
Join the training program - https://dojoscoreboard.com
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojolive
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Recorded at the end of last week's Dojo Talks, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai talk about women's chess and the upcoming 2024 FIDE Women's Candidates to determine who will face the current Women's World Chess Champion, GM Ju Wenjun.
Dojoer Sam, aka BKKchess, gives her take on the Women's event here: https://youtu.be/O8XKCQn97CI?si=UCg4oj_MsrPjys4 And will be providing coverage throughout the event.
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book 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.)
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:54 - Women's Chess Tournaments
#chess
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