
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

May 13, 2024 • 56min
EP 115 | 2026 FIDE Cycle Drama
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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
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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)
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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
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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

Apr 1, 2024 • 56min
EP 112 | Ranking the 2024 FIDE Candidates
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Who will be the next World Chess Champion? How do the 2024 FIDE Candidates stack up? GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and IM David Pruess weigh in and rank the 2024 FIDE Candidates.
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
0:55 - Initial Thoughts on 2024 Candidates
7:32 - Ranking the 2024 Candidates
11:39 - Nijat Abasov
12:54 - Vidit Gujrathi
17:33 - Gukesh D.
22:12 - Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
25:17 - Ian Nepomniachtchi
32:15 - Alireza Firouzja
38:44 - Hikaru Nakamura
45:15 - Fabiano Caruana
52:52 - ChessDojo Membership Promo
53:44 - Bonus questions
#chess

Mar 18, 2024 • 56min
EP 111 | Openings
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The Dojo (IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai) discuss openings and blitz chess in this podcast episode of Dojo Talks. This episode dives into the critical aspects of chess study, particularly the emphasis on openings and the allure yet potential pitfalls of blitz chess. We also explore the balance between studying chess for enjoyment versus serious improvement. Whether a beginner under 1500 or an advancing player, this discussion sheds light on how to approach chess study effectively.
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
Don't forget to subscribe for more chess analysis, rapid games, and expert insights into the world of chess. Whether it's mastering chess openings or getting the upper hand in blitz chess, ChessDojo is your go-to for enhancing your chess strategy and skills.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro to Dojo Talks
0:50 - Importance of Studying Openings
3:45 - Opening Study: Fun vs Compulsion
8:12 - Negative Impacts of Opening Study
14:01 - Active vs Passive Learning Strategies
18:35 - Chess Engines and Opening Preparation
22:48 - Optimal Time for Opening Study
23:39 - Global Trends in Opening Study
28:10 - Ideal Level to Begin Opening Study
30:50 - Effective Opening Study Techniques
32:50 - Blitz for Opening Practice
38:20 - Risks of Blitz for Opening Study
41:41 - Ben Johnson’s Insights on Blitz
43:10 - Evaluating Blitz's Effectiveness in Learning
49:00 - Generational Changes in Chess Study
51:12 - Blitz Playing Styles
51:54 - Closing Remarks on Openings
#Sparring #OnlineTraining #RepertoireTechniques #PositionPractice #Chessable
#Chessable #Improvement #Openings #PositionPractice #Tactics

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 17min
EP 110 | The FIDE Rating Boost ft. ChessNumbers
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GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and ChessNumbers (Tai Pruce-Zimmerman) talk about the FIDE rating conversion/update and deflation, and the statistics and math involved.
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 Chess Rating Deflation and FIDE's Rating Boost
7:28 Minimum Ratings and National/Local Ratings
15:54 How Many Points Were Just Added?
24:51 How Will This Affect High Rated Players?
34:44 Is It Easier or Harder to Gain Rating?
48:54 ChessDojo Training Program Changes
#chess

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 40min
EP 109 | Ranking the Best Money Spent on Chess
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Not sure how to spend money on chess? GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and IM David Pruess rank the best and worst ways you can spend your money on chess, and share what they believe are the top investments in 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/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 How The Episode Will Go
3:07 Books
9:13 Camps
16:00 Tournaments
26:49 Coaching
34:23 Courses
41:10 Online Programs
46:57 Clubs
53:08 Chess.com
1:02:19 Group Classes
1:05:11 Free Content
1:13:08 ChessBase
1:22:38 Online Sites
1:25:28 Nice Chess Sets
1:30:12 Magazines
1:37:26 Ranking Recap
#chess

Feb 21, 2024 • 57min
EP 108 | Spaced Repetition
The ChessDojo sensei, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai, talk about using spaced repetition in chess training (the next topic from NM Ben Johnson's book, "Perpetual Chess Improvement"). Get your copy of Ben's book here: https://amzn.to/3I3PjrM.
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 Spaced Repetition, or The Spacing Effect
5:05 How to Use Spaced Repetition
28:24 Repetition in the Dojo Training Program
48:31 Intensity of Study
51:56 Final Points and What's to Come
#chess

Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 2min
EP 107 | The Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge
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IM David Pruess, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and GM Jesse Kraai talk about Magnus Carlsen's tournament, the Freestyle Chess GOAT Challenge, the future of Chess 960/Fischer Random/Freestyle Chess, World Champion Ding Liren's performance, and much more in today's episode of the ChessDojo podcast, Dojo Talks!
Want to support the channel?
Find all of our chess book recommendations (& more!) o n 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 What is the Freestyle Chess GOAT Challenge?
2:29 Thoughts on the Name
6:34 Why The Colored Jackets?
8:17 Format of the Event
9:33 Will Freestyle Chess Take Over?
21:24 Knockout Matches
24:22 Who Gets to Compete
26:28 What Should Chess 960/Fischer Random/Freestyle Chess Be Called?
29:58 How Are the Players Performing?
30:59 Ding Liren’s Performance
38:57 Magnus Carlsen’s Performance
40:28 Can You Be Much Better or Worse at Variants?
47:54 Will Fischer Random Take Off?
#chess