エピソード

  • EP 400- Adult Improver NM Matt Gross- How Studying Model Games and Improving Intuition Helped Him Become an NM at Age 48

    EP 400- Adult Improver NM Matt Gross- How Studying Model Games and Improving Intuition Helped Him Become an NM at Age 48
    2024/09/17
    The Adult Improver series returns to Perpetual Chess to spotlight another accomplished amateur. This week we are joined by 48-year-old data scientist, NM Matt Gross. Matt returned to tournament chess after a 17-year hiatus with a mission to earn the USCF Master title. With a 2140 rating, Matt did not need to earn so many additional points to reach his goal, but he found that the game had evolved and competition was much tougher in 2021 than in had been in 2004. Matt could no longer rely on outcalculating his opponents and playing dodgy openings, He soon realized that he would need to revamp his entire chess game. He decided to focus on building a solid repertoire, and, most of all,to work assiduously to improve his chess intuition. Matt’s mission to make NM took a few years, but he managed to earn the title in 2023, possibly making him one of the oldest players to earn the NM title in the past few years. Our conversation is about how he went about this. In addition to the insights from this conversation, Matt also shares a treasure trove of advice and resources on his blog, Movelibrary. Thanks to Matt for sharing his inspiring story! https://www.movelibrary.com/ 0:00- Thanks to Perpetual Chess Patreon subs for helping to support the podcast! If you would like to join the community, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess 0:00- Thanks to our sponsors: Check out new Chessable courses by me, GM Nils Grandelius, and GM Sam Shankland- if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- NM Matt Gross joins the podcast and discusses how he got back into chess during the pandemic after 17 years away. Mentioned: GM Gata Kamsky’s Twitch stream 0:08- Why did Matt think he would need to revamp his game after a 17-year hiatus? Mentioned: Matt’s “TLDR” post is here: https://www.movelibrary.com/story/1/ 14:00- Why did Matt decide to focus on studying model games and working to improve his intuition? 22:00- Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 23:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Many GMs have suggested that calculation is the great differentiator between masters and club players, so why focus on intuition rather than calculation?” 32:00- What surprised Matt in coming back to tournaments for the first time in 17 years? Mentioned: GM Naroditsky series The Blitz Chess Manifesto https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-blitz-chess-manifesto 45:00- Matt’s favorite content creators and books Mentioned: GM John Nunn, Zurich 1953, Fire on Board, GM Hikaru Nakamura, The ChessDojo 47:00- How does Matt approach online play? 48:00- How much time does Matt spend reviewing his games? 51:00- How did it feel for Matt to achieve his goal and reach the ranking of USCF Master? 55:00- How does Matt prepare openings for common opponents? Mentioned: NM Peter MInear, NM Matt O’Brien 56:00- Matt’s improvement advice for lower-rated players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 7 分
  • EP 399- GM Tiger Hillarp Persson: The 2x Swedish Champion, Author & Go Master Shares a Life's Worth of Wisdom on How to Improve at Complex Games

    EP 399- GM Tiger Hillarp Persson: The 2x Swedish Champion, Author & Go Master Shares a Life's Worth of Wisdom on How to Improve at Complex Games
    2024/09/10
    This week I am honored to be joined by author, trainer, and 2 time Swedish National Champion, GM Tiger Hillarp Persson. Tiger has a unique background for a GM, as at the age of 26, when he was not yet an IM, he decided to pursue chess professionally nonetheless. From there he made rapid progress and has been an active player ever since. But Tiger is equally passionate about another complex game, Go, which he started playing at the age of 40. He has become a master-level player, and has represented his native Sweden in international Go tournaments as well. In our conversation, Tiger discusses the challenges and rewards of improving at both games, and why he thinks substantial improvement is possible at both if one is honest with oneself and works hard. We also discuss Tiger’s fantastic new book, Tiger’s Chaos Theory. The book deconstructs and gives vocabulary to some uncommon and important patterns and situations in chess, and is a pleasure to read. I found this conversation very insightful, and I trust that you will as well. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors: Check out new Chessable courses by me, GM Nils Grandelius, and GM Sam Shankland- if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 0:02- GM Tiger Hillarp Persson joins the pod. We begin by discussing why Tiger decided to devote himself fully to chess at age 26, when he was not even an IM at that point. Mentioned: Karpov-Miles 1980, The Soviet Chess Conveyor by Shereshevsky 18:00- What has pursuing excellence at Go taught Tiger about chess improvement? Mentioned: Check out Tiger’s blog here: https://tiger.bagofcats.net/ Ivanchuk-Van Foreest 2022: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2416368 37:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Tiger play unorthodox openings in Go as well? “ 42:00- Tiger discusses the study method of trying to imitate the play of a player whose style you admire, as he did for Karpov. 48:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Have computers been a blessing or a curse for chess?” 52:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What is Tiger’s advice for lower rated players for assessing sacrifices?” Mentioned: The Art of Sacrifice by Rudolph Spielman 56:00- Tiger’s other favorite chess books Mentioned: Under the Surface by GM Jan Markos 59:00- What is a hecatomb? 1:00:00- Tiger’s favorite tournament memories Mentioned: GM Jonathan Rowson, GM Peter Heine Nielsen, GM Lembit Oll 1:05:00- Tiger is playing on the Swedish team at the Olympiad. How does he prepare? 1:10:00- Tiger discusses his most famous win, an amazing game against GM Peter Hiene Nielsen https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1434778 1:12:00- Thanks to Tiger for joining me! Here are links to check out his book: https://qualitychess.co.uk/products/improvement/23034/tigers_chaos_theory_by_tiger_hillarp_persson/ Free preview from Quality Chess: https://qualitychess.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tigers-Chaos-Theory-060-excerpt-1.pdf Forward Chess: https://forwardchess.com/product/tigers-chaos-theory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 21 分
  • EP 398- FIDE Olympiad preview with GM Jonathan Speelman: Magnus, Medal Chases & Prodigies in Action

    EP 398- FIDE Olympiad preview with GM Jonathan Speelman: Magnus, Medal Chases & Prodigies in Action
    2024/09/03
    The 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad begins September 11, 2024 in Budapest, and will feature many of the world’s top players. It is always a fun tournament for players and fans alike with its unique format and the opportunity for players to represent their countries. Joining me to help preview this year’s edition is 14- time British Chess Olympian, author, and 3 time British champion, GM Jonathan Speelman. Before Jon joins me, I discuss storylines I am excited for, including Magnus’ return to classical chess, a star-studded Indian team, and the Olympiad debut of a young British star. At the 14 minute mark, GM Speelman joins me to share some of his own Olympiad memories, as well as to share his thoughts on this year’s edition. The Olympiad is always one of my favorite tournaments to follow, and you can be sure that Perpetual Chess will be following and covering this year’s edition in detail. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Check out the app of our new sponsors Chess Universe in your app store. https://chess-universe.sng.link/Dqw52/kbhh 0:12:00- 10 storylines I am excited for the in the Olympiad Mentioned: You can see the Olympiad rosters: Thanks to our longtime sponsors, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 14:00- GM Jonathan Speelman joins me and reflects on his Olympiad experiences as a player and trainer. Mentioned: Kasparov-Speelman 1980 https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1069881 36:00- Jon shares his thoughts on this year’s Olympiad. Mentioned: 2700chess.com 55:00- Jon reminsices about the 1988 Olympiad, the young Polgar sisters and “Grandmaster Clash” Check out Grandmaster Clash here: Grandmaster Clash - 28th Chess Olympiad 1988 with Stephen Fry 1:00- Predictions? 1:00- Thanks, as always to GM Speelman for joining me, you can subscribe to this Twitch channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/jonspeelman 1:02- If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 5 分
  • BONUS POD- Hans vs. Magnus Speed Chess Championship Preview with GM Ben Finegold

    BONUS POD- Hans vs. Magnus Speed Chess Championship Preview with GM Ben Finegold
    2024/08/30
    On September 6, almost two years to the day after their fateful game at the Sinquefield Cup, Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann will meet at Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship. They will play in front of an audience in Paris, France. Joining me to discuss the history of this feud, and the details of this match is popular commentator, YouTuber and Twitch streamer GM Ben Finegold. Does Hans have a chance given his impressive play lately? Since Magnus has been refusing to play Niemann, is there a chance that Magnus won’t show up to the match? What openings might we expect? We dive into these questions and many more in our conversation. All the information you need about the match is here: https://www.chess.com/events/info/2024-speed-chess-championship Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com! Check out my new course here, Identifying Critical Moments in Chess, here: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/ 1:30- Hans has been on a massive heater and has cracked the top 20 in Classical for the first time. Can he actually win? 5:00- Does Ben agree with Hikaru that Magnus has a particular edge in bullet? Mentioned: Hikaru on Hans-Magnus in Paris https://youtube.com/shorts/y3MkTIlEILY?si=oLR4rc7a3EZrqrku 7:30- Should we expect Hans’ ascent to continue? 11:00- Ben’s thoughts on Hans’ recent interview with GM Daniel Naroditsky https://youtu.be/ZFBAuihQYgw?si=QGCenzk5sKeZlEGv 25:00- Where is the prize money for Hans’ tour coming from? Mentioned: Hans tweet https://x.com/HansMokeNiemann/status/1827750674873958819 26:00- We discuss IM Daniel Rensch’s response to Hans’ recent interview https://x.com/DanielRensch/status/1821536477924438528 32:00- Predictions Thanks as always to GM Ben Finegold for joining. You know where to find him! If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    39 分
  • EP 397- JulesGambit on What Fueled a Rapid Rating Rise, the Story Behind the Botez Chess Camp, and Why She Thinks Chess is no Longer Uncool

    EP 397- JulesGambit on What Fueled a Rapid Rating Rise, the Story Behind the Botez Chess Camp, and Why She Thinks Chess is no Longer Uncool
    2024/08/27
    JulesGambit is a popular Twitch streamer and YouTuber who rediscovered chess while at university and has seen rapid growth in her rating and her online following. Jules joined me shortly after competing in the BotezChessCamp, a unique tournament where she lived in a house with other female chess stars like the Botezes and Anna Cramling and competed in a tournament. Jules was the lowest-rated entrant, but gained rating and drew 2-time US Women’s Champ Jennifer Yu in a classical game. This incredible result comes on the heels of a 2 year period where she has taken her rating from 1000 USCF to around 1800. In our conversation, we discuss the keys to Jules’ progress, the story behind the BotezChessCamp and what Jules plans to study next as she turns her attention to chess full-time. Jules is quick to credit many well-known chess players for helping fuel her growth as chess player, student and presenter, and it was inspiring to hear someone so motivated to continue her chess growth. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. My new course, Identifying Critical Moments in Chess is one of the many new offerings worth checking out. If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 2:00- Jules joins the show. We being by discussing her recent experience at the BotezChessCamp Mentioned: Alexandra Botez, WGM Dina Belenkaya, Jules video “I went on a date with Andrea Botez” https://youtu.be/jM6ezgnO7c0?si=K05Fs6RZPmiTAWpt Check out Jules’ game with Jennifer Yu here: https://www.chess.com/events/2024-botez-chess-camp-classical/07/Schulman_Julia-Yu_Jennifer 18:00- How did Jules get back into chess during college? What has led to Jules’ rapid rating progress in the past two years? Mentioned: How I went from 900 to 1700 in one year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PFIyAtOiho Coffee Chess YouTube 28:00- What did Jules’ college friends think of her chess streaming? 31:00- Why is Jules switching from emphasizing Twitch streaming to YouTube? 37:00- Why did Jules quit chess as a kid? 44:00- How do people respond to Jules’ interest in chess on dating apps? 46:30- What are Jules’ next chess goals?What is she currently studying? Mentioned: Positional Decision Making in Chess. Endgame Studies 101, Forcing Chess Moves 55:00- What was the highlight of going to a camp at Charlotte Chess Center with GMs R.B. Ramesh, Judit Polgar, and Veselin Topalov? 58:00- How did Jules manage to write her thesis about chess? What was the conclusion of her research regarding geographic distribution of 2600+ players? Mentioned: GM David Brodsky 1:00:00- Thanks to Jules for joining! Here is how to keep up with her! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julesgambit/?hl=en Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/julesgambit YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Julesgambit X https://x.com/julesgambit?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 21 分
  • EP 396- GM Pontus Carlsson- Advice for Remembering Openings, early Magnus memories, the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz in New York and much more.

    EP 396- GM Pontus Carlsson- Advice for Remembering Openings, early Magnus memories, the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz in New York and much more.
    2024/08/20
    GM Pontus Carlsson is a Grandmaster, trainer, entrepreneur, and the founder of the non-profit Business Meets Chess & Kids. Pontus is always forthright and entertaining, and in his third visit to the podcast, we caught up on chess topics including: The unique stress of being World Chess Champion, and Pontus’ thoughts on the upcoming match Pontus’ advice for helping to remember openings Will Pontus be following the Hans-Magnus speed chess championship match? What happened the first time Pontus encountered an 8 year old Magnus Carlsen (no relation) at a Scandinavian championship event? The positives and negatives of the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz occurring in New York this year We also discussed online chess cheating, the upcoming Olympiad, and an online chess charity event which Pontus will be organizing this weekend, called Chess 2 Change. This is a fun event for amateurs to play in, meet successful chess and business personalities, and is potentially life-changing for the young chess talents who participate in the event. GM Maurice Ashley will be broadcasting this year’s edition on August 25. As is often the case, we covered a wide range of chess stories, so you can check the show notes for timestamps of topics of interest. Information for the Chess 2 Change event on August 25 is here: https://businessmeetschessandkids.com/chess-to-change/ Pontus prior interviews: Episode 29 Episode 101 02:00- We chat about rating deflation as Pontus reflects on a recent tournament in Bratislava 7:00- What is Pontus’ current day job? 10:00- Online chess cheating 14:00- The first time Pontus encountered an 8 year old Magnus Carlsen 18:00- The stress of being World Chess Champion 20:30- Pontus’ thoughts on the Ding-Gukesh match 24:00- The Olympiad Mentioned: GM Nils Grandelius, GM Erik Blomqvist, GM Tiger Hillarp Persson, IM Martin Lokander 29:00- Pontus’ advice for remembering openings 34- Chess improvement advice for adults 38:00- Famous “touch-move” controversies involving Hikaru Nakamura and Garry Kasparov 42:00- The challenges of professional chess for those below the top 10 48:00- More on the upcoming Hans-Magnus match Watch GM Hans NIemann’s recent interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFBAuihQYgw 51:00- World Rapid and Blitz will be in New York Mentioned: FIDE Press Release here: https://www.fide.com/news/3070 1:04:00- Pontus discusses his upcoming charity event, Chess 2 Change Mentioned: The Gift of Chess, Chess in Slums 1:30:00- Thanks again to Pontus for rejoining the podcast! You can find all of the information you need about chess to change below: Business Meets Chess & Kids https://businessmeetschessandkids.com/ Chess 2 Change https://businessmeetschessandkids.com/chess-to-change/ The Twitch Channel where the Charity Tournament will be Broadcasted https://www.twitch.tv/chess2change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 43 分
  • EP 395- FM Kamil Plichta- Learning from your Rating Peers, Opening Advice for Amateurs, Bullet Chess Tips, & more

    EP 395- FM Kamil Plichta- Learning from your Rating Peers, Opening Advice for Amateurs, Bullet Chess Tips, & more
    2024/08/13
    FM Kamil Plichta is a renowned opening theoretician, Chessable author, trainer, and blitz/bullet specialist. In our conversation, Kamil highlights several important chess improvement-related topics: The value of learning by emulating those slightly higher rated than you Knowing when to withdraw from a brutal tournament Advice for choosing openings We also chat about Kamil’s pursuit of the IM title, the London System, the English Defence, and much more. It's always fun to talk chess with Kamil, and it had been too long since our previous interview! Timestamps for topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:00- Kamil discusses the value of learning from studying games from the next level up, rather than from Super GM games Mentioned: Lego Chess 11:30- Kamil is one norm away from the IM title. How is the journey? 18:00- Kamil reflects on a recent poor OTB showing. 32:00- Bullet chess advice! 35:00- Opening advice for amateurs 40:00- What is the English Defence? 46:00- How does Kamil use engines? 48:00- Kamil’s recommended line against the London System 51:00- Closing chess advice Thanks to Kamil for joining me, here is how to keep up with him. Kamil’s Chessable Author page: https://www.chessable.com/author/kamilplichta/ Follow him on X here: https://x.com/Kaldas90 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • EP 394- GM Jacob Aagaard- The Story Behind the Big Chess Publishing Merger, plus his Latest Thoughts on Rating Deflation, the World Championship Cycle, Chess Improvement, & more

    EP 394- GM Jacob Aagaard- The Story Behind the Big Chess Publishing Merger, plus his Latest Thoughts on Rating Deflation, the World Championship Cycle, Chess Improvement, & more
    2024/08/06
    As the co-founder of Quality Chess Books and Killer Chess Training.com, GM Jacob Aagaard is always a busy man. This year, the award-winning author and trainer has been even busier. It was recently announced that his company, Quality Chess Books is acquiring two of the biggest chess publishers (New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess) from Chess.com. Jacob joined me to tell me the story behind these acquisitions, as well as the decision of his co-founder, GM John Shaw to retire. Jacob is always insightful and opinionated about professional chess, so we also got the opportunity to hear his takes on Ding-Gukesh, rating deflation, and IM Levy Rozman’s quest for the GM title, among other topics. As always, Jacob was very generous with his time, and you can find timestamps of topics discussed below. Jacob’s prior appearances on Perpetual Chess: Episode 111 Episode 166 (with GM R.B. Ramesh) Episode 296 Bonus pod on the Carlsen-Niemann scandal Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. Be sure to check out new courses by GM Raven Sturt (with Simon Williams) and CM Can Kabadayi. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use this link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:03- What events led to Quality Chess Books acquiring New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess? Mentioned: GM John Shaw, IM Dmitry Schneider, GM Matthew Sadler, Silicon Road YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq06gd_5HTiG8IIu5-enWyA Also Mentioned: Remmelt Otten 28:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Jacob think chess book sales will grow over the next 10 years?” 32:00- Patreon mailbag question: ”Will Everyman continue its “Starting Out” series?” 36:00-Jacob discusses the future of “New in Chess” magazine Mentioned: FM Nate Solon 44:00 Patreon mailbag question: Should beginner to intermediate players focus on challenging puzzles or basic pattern recognition? Mentioned: 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know, 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know Workbook 54:00- Jacob discusses the story of his friend and colleague GM Renier Castellanos attaining GM in his 40’s. Mentioned: Perpetual Chess Episode 379 with GM Renier Castellanos 58:00- Does Jacob think Gotham Chess can make GM? 1:02:00- The raging feud between GM Jan Gustafsson and Jacob Aagaard continues! Mentioned: Prior comments here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4EI6rH7Mt4 1:03:00- What does Jacob think of rating deflation? 1:11:00- Jacob’s thoughts on the World Championship match 1:20:00- Does Jacob think someone from the younger generation could become a dominant World Champion? 1:24:00- GM Sam Shankland update 1:26:00- Books we are excited for: Tiger’s Chaos Theory, The Woodpecker Method 2 1:30:00- Thanks to Jacob, as always! You can find him at Killer Chess Training: https://killerchesstraining.com/ Or follow him on X here: https://x.com/GMJacobAagaard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 41 分