
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

Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 28min
EP 86 | The Best Chess Players Who Never Became World Champion
Who are the best non-World Champion chess players? GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, and IM David Pruess discuss and rate great chess players of yesterday and today who have never been world champions, but have an outstanding legacy.
To view the whole episode on YouTube, check out: https://youtu.be/-1AP4U1eEeM
0:00 Intro
3:40 Chigorin
12:24 Tarrasch
16:12 Schlechter
22:14 Nimzowitsch
25:29 Rubinstein
30:05 Fine
37:12 Keres
43:51 Bronstein
45:12 Larsen
47:49 Korchnoi
52:04 Andersson
55:55 Timman
59:07 Ivanchuk
1:02:59 Aronian
1:07:23 Topalov
1:15:10 Nakamura
1:18:55 Caruana
1:24:00 Nepomniachtchi
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Chess is more than a game, it's a lifestyle. Live it with ChessDojo gear: https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
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/

Jun 8, 2023 • 1h 30min
EP 85 | The Best Chess Puzzle Books Ever
The Dojo (GM Jesse Kraai, IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess) rank the top 10 chess puzzle books of all time, with a help from bibliophile Ben Johnson, the creator and host of the Perpetual Chess Podcast (https://www.perpetualchesspod.com) .
0:00 Intro
0:12 How and Why Books Were Chosen
8:50 Puzzle Book Rankings
All books linked below (these are Amazon links which are no extra cost and help Dojo keep the lights on! win/win)
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The Dojo List!
1. Perfect Your Chess, Grabinsky/Volokitin https://amzn.to/43gqYI6
2. 5334 Problems, L Polgar https://amzn.to/43HyJH4
3. Think like a Super-GM, Adams/Hertado https://amzn.to/3qkFzDP
4. Mastering Chess Strategy Hellsten https://amzn.to/43jk9ph
5. Combinative Motifs, Blokh https://amzn.to/3WPbLLB
6. Winning Exercises for Kids, Coakley https://amzn.to/3OPFwu1
7. Encyclopedia of Chess Endings, Kalinichenko https://amzn.to/45GOHTn
8. Practical Chess Exercises, Cheng https://amzn.to/3MRydiP
9. Domination, Kasparyan https://amzn.to/3CdlT7D
10. Positional Play, Aagaard https://amzn.to/3WK9XUl
Ben's List
1. Winning Exercises for Kids, Coakley https://amzn.to/3OPFwu1
2. Practical Chess Exercises, Cheng https://amzn.to/3MRydiP
3. 5334 Problems, L Polgar https://amzn.to/43HyJH4
4. Think like a Super-GM, Adams/Hertado https://amzn.to/3qkFzDP
5. Chess Tactics from Scratch, Weteschnik https://amzn.to/43mHMNN
6. Perfect Your Chess, Grabinsky/Volokitin https://amzn.to/43gqYI6
7. Forcing Chess Moves, Hertan https://amzn.to/3MGvjNK
8. Mastering Chess Strategy Hellsten https://amzn.to/43jk9ph
9. Chess Steps, Brunia https://amzn.to/43HZkU3
10. 300 Chess Positions, Alburt https://amzn.to/3WMZmrC
Kraai's List
1. Encyclopedia of Chess Endings, Kalinichenko https://amzn.to/45GOHTn
2. 5334 Problems, L Polgar https://amzn.to/43HyJH4
3. Perfect Your Chess, Grabinsky/Volokitin https://amzn.to/43gqYI6
4. The Best Move, Jansa/Hort https://amzn.to/3ITUQSo
5. Think like a Super-GM, Adams/Hertado https://amzn.to/3qkFzDP
6. Endgame Tactics, Van Perlo https://amzn.to/3WQ3XJu
7. Domination, Kasparyan https://amzn.to/3CdlT7D
8. Encyclopedia of Chess Combinations https://amzn.to/42gvh4Y
9. Positional Play, Aagaard https://amzn.to/3WK9XUl
10. Calculation, Aagaard https://amzn.to/3oCCtuB
Kostya's List
1. Combinative Motifs, Blokh https://amzn.to/3WPbLLB
2. Perfect Your Chess, Grabinsky/Volokitin https://amzn.to/43gqYI6
3. Mastering Chess Strategy, Hellsten https://amzn.to/43jk9ph
4. Woodpecker Method, Smith/Tikkanen https://amzn.to/45IzelS
5. Recognizing Your Opponent's Resources, Dvoretsky https://amzn.to/3Ccbjxw
6. Manual of Chess Combinations, Ivaschenko https://amzn.to/3NaEcR2
7. Imagination in Chess, Gaprindashvili https://amzn.to/3C7z0ai
8. Positional Play, Aagaard https://amzn.to/3WK9XUl
9. Domination, Kasparyan https://amzn.to/3CdlT7D
10. 5334 Problems, L Polgar https://amzn.to/43HyJH4
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
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/

May 30, 2023 • 53min
EP 84 | Will AI Replace Chess Coaching?
AI, the invisible grandmaster, is changing the game of chess. Join the ChessDojo sensei - IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai - in talking about the impact of artificial intelligence in chess and life.
0:00 Intro
4:15 Can AI give meaningful chess feedback?
21:45 Could AI be a chess coach?
35:20 Personalized AI chess coaches and the Dojo
39:33 Impact of AI on society
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.club/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
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/

May 15, 2023 • 1h 14min
EP 83 | Inside The First Year of ChessDojo’s Training Program, & What’s Next in 2.0
The Dojo reflect on their first year of running the Dojo Training Program, what's new in 2.0, and their plans for the future.
0:00 Intro
2:13 Launching the Dojo Training Program 2.0
9:13 "10x" Thought Experiment
39:33 Should Dojo offer discounts?
57:40 Future Dojo plans
Join the Dojo Training Program 2.0 here: chessdojo.club/training
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.club/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
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/

May 8, 2023 • 42min
EP 82 | A New World Champion? | Nepomniachtchi - Ding: Final Recap
The Dojo discusses the end of the FIDE World Chess Championship Match between Ding Liren & Ian Nepomniachtchi, as well as some future considerations.
Check out the full episode on YouTube
0:00 - Intro
0:09 - Brief recap
5:53 Who's the World Champion?
20:22 Carlsen's interests
36:59 Will there be a Chinese chess boom?
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.shop
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/

Apr 21, 2023 • 37min
EP 81 | Best World Championship Ever? Ding - Nepo Recap 2
The Dojo discusses the latest news and developments in the Ding Liren - Ian Nepomniachtchi FIDE World Championship Match. Streamed live & recorded towards the end of Game 9, April 21, 2023.
To view the episode on YouTube, check out: https://youtu.be/4XC2Ari_uhQ
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.shop
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/

Apr 13, 2023 • 50min
EP 80 | Ding’s Back! | 2023 World Chess Championship: Games 1-4 Recap
The Dojo (GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, IM Kostya Kavutskiy) break down the first four games of the 2023 FIDE World Championship match between Ding Liren & Ian Nepomniachtchi.
To view the episode on YouTube, check out: https://youtu.be/gacY5vo8qpg
0:00 Intro
0:31 Quick match recap
2:01 Initial thoughts
7:42 Who will collapse first - Ding or Nepo?
13:42 Resting room Yay or Nay?
27:06 Thoughts on 4.h3
36:21 Sensei Opening Recommendations
Thumbnail photo: Courtesy of FIDE / Steve Bohnage
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.shop
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/

Apr 13, 2023 • 1h 12min
EP 79 | Breaking Down the Nepomniachtchi - Ding FIDE World Championship
The Dojo (GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, IM Kostya Kavutskiy) discuss the upcoming FIDE World Championship match between Ian Nepomniatchi and Ding Liren.
0:00 Intro
0:16 Info/background
2:35 "Real" World Championship?
26:12 Most political match in history?
41:12 FIDE Marketing Skills?
50:08 Will Dojo provide coverage?
56:59 Which winner would be better for chess?
1:00:53 Who wins?
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.shop
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/

Apr 8, 2023 • 1h 19min
EP 78 | The Greatest Chess Games Ever
The Dojo ranks the Top 10 greatest chess games of all time.
To view the episode on YouTube, check out: https://youtu.be/myK_xHwWOpo
Part 1 (pre-1920) - https://youtu.be/hWcfL48Xpqw
Part 2 (1920-1972) - https://youtu.be/c0mNZw20yFQ
Part 3 (post-1972) - https://youtu.be/vUmOR_1oUU0
Link to the games: https://lichess.org/study/GkAjt9gu
0:00 Intro
2:36 Number 10
7:00 Number 9
12:00 Number 8
15:39 Number 7
19:48 Number 6
25:00 Number 5
34:40 Number 4
44:00 Number 3
57:00 Number 2
1:03:40 Number 1
1:11:30 Final Rankings
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.shop
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/

Apr 8, 2023 • 2h 11min
EP 77 | The Greatest Chess Games of All Time: Part III (Post-1972)
The Dojo rank the Top 10 best chess games played since 1972.
To view the episode on YouTube, check out: https://youtu.be/vUmOR_1oUU0
0:00 Intro
6:04 Number 10
17:08 Number 9
22:29 Number 8
28:06 Number 7
36:34 Number 6
46:44 Number 5
1:04:17 Number 4
1:20:10 Number 3
1:42:27 Number 2
1:55:56 Number 1
2:09:38 Final Remarks
Interested in improving? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.shop/training
Want to support the channel? Donate here - https://streamlabs.com/chessdojolive
Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.shop
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/