Best Chess Tournament Podcasts (2025)

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Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Kyrah Gray get CHEEKY at a chess tournament 41:04

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8d ago41:04

41:04

This week on Write Me Dirty, things in the NAUGHTY library are heating up! Sliding into the hot this week seats are Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Kyrah Gray. Katherine sets them a filthy challenge…write a scandalous tale set at a chess tournament, complete with a rulebook, a referee, and an oddly phallic trophy. Will Kiell ever get to Yabba Dabba Doo? Why …

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Lucia Keskin and Sarah Kendall are PINING for pirates 40:28

2d ago40:28

40:28

This week on Write Me Dirty Katherine is setting sail straight into dangerously filthy waters. 🏴‍☠️ Dropping anchor in the library are Lucia Keskin and Sarah Kendall, and things are about to get naughty. Katherine sets them a racy challenge: write a scandalous tale featuring a pirate, buried treasure, and a parrot. Can Lucia steer the ship? Will Sa…

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EP 457- IM Carissa Yip: Her Memories of Danya, Pursuing Chess Professionally and Reflecting on her 4th US Women’s Championship 1:08:03

5d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Fresh off her third consecutive (and fourth overall) U.S. Women’s Championship title, I was honored to catch up with 22-year-old IM Carissa Yip. Carissa has taken a gap year from Stanford University and is immersed in a demanding schedule of training and competition. She’s had some excellent results this year and is now ranked #21 among women in th…

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Ep. 170: The Colle System (The Working Adult's Opening) 40:51

7d ago40:51

40:51

Between work, family, and everything else, who has time to learn 20 moves of opening theory? The Colle System offers a solid, low-maintenance way to get a good game every time. Learn the basic plans, the Colle–Zukertort twist, and why this simple setup still scores at the club level. Referenced: Colle System: Complete Guide for both Colors, with Pl…

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EP 456- GM Andy Soltis on Plateaus, Dual Careers, and his Many Brushes with Chess Legends 1:09:50

12d ago1:09:50

1:09:50

GM Andy Soltis is a U.S. Chess Hall of Famer, prolific author, and longtime Chess Life columnist who has left a lasting mark on American chess while balancing a decades-long career as an editor at the New York Post. His recent memoir, Deadline Grandmaster, retraces those parallel paths and shares remarkable stories such as playing a 16-year-old Vis…

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Ep. 169: The Nimzo-Indian Defense, Junior Opponents, & More (Game Analysis #15) 41:39

14d ago41:39

41:39

In this episode, we tackle two very different challenges for club players: the Nimzo-Indian Defense and facing those fearless, fast-moving, and sometimes poorly behaved junior opponents at tournaments. Game Referenced: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd2 Bxc3 5. Bxc3 Ne4 6. Bb4 d6 7. Qc2 f5 8. e3 b6 9. f3 Nf6 10. Bd3 Nc6 11. Bc3 O-O 12. Nh3 Bb7 13…

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Jen Brister and Jessica Fostekew get saucy in SPACE 36:19

15d ago36:19

36:19

This week on Write Me Dirty we’re blasting off on an epic, sexy space mission! Coming in hot to the naughty library are none other than Jessica Fostekew and Jen Brister. It’s about to get INTERGALATIC. Katherine sets them a naughty challenge: write a filthy tale featuring a UFO, a Queen of Aliens, an abducted cow, and a pair of sunglasses.👽 Who wil…

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[Replay] GM Daniel Naroditsky's 2020 Perpetual Chess Interview 1:22:37

18d ago1:22:37

1:22:37

As the chess world digests the devastating news of the passing of Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, I found myself thinking back to our first interview in August of 2020 (Episode 191). At the time, as chess boomed during the pandemic, Danya was ascending from promising young American player to chess commentating superstar. In the interview Danya’s elo…

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Ep. 168: How "Find a Better Move" Ruined My Chess 44:26

21d ago44:26

44:26

You've heard the quote: "When you see a good move, look for a better one." Sounds smart - until it makes you overthink every position. In this episode, we talk about why perfectionism hurts amateur chess improvement and how to play more practical, confident moves. Referenced: When You See a Good Move, Look for a Better One (chesscom blog) 📧 If you …

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Kemah Bob and Alison Spittle DEFROST their arctic circle 38:55

22d ago38:55

38:55

This week, Katherine Ryan’s naughty library is serving up some FROSTY filth with Alison Spittle and Kemah Bob. It might be cold outside, but inside the library, it’s getting steamy. Katherine sets them a naughty challenge: write a dirty tale set in the Arctic Circle, complete with an igloo, one very curious polar bear, and some slippery melting ice…

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EP 455- Marcos Patricio Macedo: A Forensic Detective’s Reflections on Chess, Balance, and Burnout 1:02:17

26d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

The Adult Improver Series returns with a fascinating story that highlights the broad appeal of chess. Marcos Patricio Macedo is a Brasília-based forensic detective, dad, and chess enthusiast who rediscovered the game in 2018 and hasn’t stopped since. Chess has become a welcome escape from the pressures of his homicide-investigation work, and he’s h…

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Ep. 167: The Casuals Strike Back: How to Beat Chess Diehards 34:21

28d ago34:21

34:21

They study eight hours a day - you study between work meetings and bedtime. They've memorized the entire Najdorf - you've memorized your kids' soccer schedule. In this episode, we talk about how to take on the true chess diehards with solid fundamentals, smart preparation, and the right mindset. Referenced: Did chesscom recently make puzzles easier…

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Fred Asquith and Ali Woods are CURIOUS cowboys 39:17

29d ago39:17

39:17

This week, things are getting a little spicy in Katherine Ryan’s naughty library. She’s joined by the outrageously funny Fred Asquith and Ali Woods, and she’s not afraid to crack the whip. Their challenge? To pen a story set in the wild, wild west, featuring a cowboy, a cowboy hat, and a lasso. Expect heat, saddle burn, and just the right amount of…

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EP 454 — Hanging Pawns (Stjepan Tomić) Shares Chess Book Recs for Every Level & Discusses His Big New Project 1:17:41

1M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

By Ben Johnson

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Ep. 166: The Busy Adult's Guide to Chess Success 44:48

1M ago44:48

44:48

Early release! This week we share some thoughts on chess improvement while "adulting." Referenced: Ep. 25: Chess Club Stories (First segment: LICC origin story) Ep. 76: Decision Fatigue and Brain Fog at the Chessboard (Game Analysis #6) (Mailbag Segment: starting a chess club) Guide to a Successful Chess Club 📧 If you have a question, comment, or t…

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London Hughes and Felicity Ward get BURNING HOT at the beach 38:12

1M ago38:12

38:12

This week, London Hughes and Felicity Ward are welcomed into Katherine Ryan’s naughty library. Katherine instructs London and Felicity to write a story set on the beach, featuring a sunburnt tourist, a shark and a beach ball.⛱️ If you’re anticipating a sunset romance, readjust your expectations, and buckle up for the RIDE of your life - with sandy …

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EP 453- IM-elect Tatev Abrahamyan on the Long Road to her New Title. 1:01:39

1M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Despite an impressive chess résumé as one of the U.S.’s top women players, Tatev Abrahamyan has had moments when she questioned whether it was all worth it. After a prolonged slump, she not only considered giving up on ever earning the International Master title, but she nearly quit competitive chess altogether. Fortunately, Tatev persevered. Earli…

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Ep. 165: Why I (Probably) Will Never Play in a Weekend Tournament Ever Again 58:43

1M ago58:43

58:43

This week we discuss the dark side of weekend chess tournaments in the US. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) YouTube Buy Me a CoffeeBy Long Island Chess Club

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Lucy Beaumont and Stephen Bailey get WET at a water park 41:21

1M ago41:21

41:21

Lucy Beaumont and Stephen Bailey go plunging into Katherine’s dripping wet library this week. Expect waves of filthy fun, slippery surprises, and some deep dives that’ll leave you gasping. 💦 Katherine dares them to write a filthy tale set in a water park, where a floating noodle gets put to wicked use, the lifeguard can’t keep his eyes (or hands) o…

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EP 452: GM Daniel King — The Grand Swiss, Candidates Spots, and What It Takes to Win High-Stakes Swiss Tournaments 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

The FIDE Grand Swiss always seems to deliver drama, and this year’s edition was no exception. To help break it all down, I am joined by popular commentator, Chessable author, and host of the Power Play Chess YouTube channel, GM Daniel King. In our conversation, Daniel shares his takeaways on: • The common thread that fueled the successes of GMs Ani…

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Ep. 164: Why Is My 900-Rated Opponent Playing Like a Master? 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

So your opponent is rated "only" 900 or "only" 1200 but is playing extremely well. He's not hanging anything or falling victim to tactical traps and is also demonstrating a working knowledge of positional and strategic ideas. Welcome to modern tournament chess! This episode is a response to this Reddit post. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or to…

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Amy Gledhill and Ian Smith get B*LLS-DEEP at a banquet 44:10

2M ago44:10

44:10

Amy Gledhill and Ian Smith slip into Katherine’s saucy library this week, ready to spin a scandalous story set at an aristocrat’s decadent banquet. Their tales must include a quill put to deliciously improper use… and a cheese and onion pie that’s far too steamy for the supper table. Katherine must crown her Earl of Erotica or Lady of Lust — but fi…

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EP 451: GM Elshan Moradiabadi on Intuition, Coaching, and Why Fun Is Vital for Chess Improvement 59:45

2M ago59:45

59:45

North Carolina–based trainer and author Elshan Moradiabadi has won over 25 tournaments and was the 2001 National Champion of his native Iran. Despite his many accomplishments, Elshan is deeply reflective about the proper role chess should play in one’s life. While he has no regrets about the sacrifices he made, his experiences have given him valuab…

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Ep. 163: Adult Chess Improvement & Content Creation From a Gen-Z Perspective feat. Anthony Arena 43:17

2M ago43:17

43:17

This week's episode features Anthony Arena, a 27-year-old data analyst, amateur player, content creator, and Long Island Chess Club regular. Our conversation focused on chess improvement in the digital era, tournament play, and more. Links for Anthony Arena: TikTok YouTube Instagram Chess Masters 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for…

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Josh Jones and Sikisa get FILTHY at a funeral 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

Josh Jones and Sikisa swing by Katherine’s library this week and get DEEP into a filthy story. Katherine sets them the task of writing a naughty story that has to be set a funeral, feature a pallbearer, a eulogy and a sandwich buffet. Katherine has to decide who will win Erotica Champion of the week but first she has to hear the outrageous tales. W…

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EP 450 – Hikaru in Louisiana: Stories from His Surprise Appearance in the Louisiana State Championship 1:52:11

2M ago1:52:11

1:52:11

As you may have heard, ⁠GM Hikaru Nakamura made a surprise appearance ⁠at the Louisiana State Championship, as part of fulfilling FIDE’s World Championship qualification criteria. In return, the players he encountered gained memories and stories they’ll never forget. In this multi-guest special episode, I speak with several of Hikaru’s opponents, a…

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Ep. 162: Chess Burnout, Defending Against the London, Flagging Your Opponent & More (Listener Mailbag Exclusive) 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

Our summer hiatus is over and the pod is back! In this Listener Mailbag exclusive we dive into a number of chess improvement topics. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) YouTube Buy Me a CoffeeBy Long Island Chess Club

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Rosie Jones and Daniel Foxx get RISQUÉ in VEGAS 40:13

2M ago40:13

40:13

Katherine opens her library wide to her filthiest guests yet: Rosie Jones and Daniel Foxx! The dirty duo must write an explicit tale set in Vegas, featuring a blackjack dealer, a slot machine and a pair of dice. 🎲 Buckle up for the ride of your life as Daniel reveals how Harry Potter played an instrumental role in his sexual awakening, and Rosie sp…

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EP 449- GM Jesse Kraai on Confronting Tournament Fears, Mental and Physical Fitness, and What’s Next for Him and ChessDojo 1:01:49

2M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

ChessDojo’s GM Jesse Kraai is always one of my favorite people to talk chess with, yet somehow it had been five years since his last visit to the pod. Jesse returned at a great time, having been both studying and competing actively, and recently achieving his goal of qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Senior Closed Championship. His recent over-the-board…

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Janine Harouni and Maisie Adam attend a WILD wedding 36:00

2M ago36:00

36:00

Visiting the SALACIOUS library this week, we have two comedy icons: Janine Harouni and Maisie Adam! Katherine sets the dirty duo the task of writing a raunchy story set at a wedding and featuring a father of the bride, a smoke machine and GROSS wedding food. 🤢 This week's episode raises VERY important, sensual questions. What does TACKLE really mea…

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EP 448- NM Max Farberov on Beating Plateaus, Springing Opening Surprises, and Why Speed Chess Matters 1:01:43

2M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

NM Max Farberov is a 27-year-old chess instructor, Chessable author, and online speed-chess specialist with a Chess.com blitz rating north of 2600. He joined me after a busy chess summer that included his first European open and one of his best OTB results to date: winning clear first in the Under-2300 section of the Washington International. As Ma…

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Jake Lambert & Ed Jones visit a HORNY hospital 40:09

3M ago40:09

40:09

This week, Katherine Ryan welcomes Jake Lambert and Ed Jones to her sensual library. 📚 Jake and Ed have been set the task of writing a saucy story set a hospital, featuring a doctor, a rubber glove, and a urine sample. BUT who will be successful flirting with Nurse Jenny Talia? And does Ed's father make an appearance…and why is he naked? 🫣 Katherin…

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EP 447: Going Pro at 57- GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational 1:04:45

3M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Going Pro at 57: `GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational At 57 years old, Tennessee-based Grandmaster and Author, Alex Fishbein, has built an impressive chess résumé, with 12 state-championship titles across four states and multiple appearances in U.S. Championship events. But …

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Grace Campbell & Tatty Macleod are on HEAT at a dog show 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

Grace Campbell and Tatty Macleod visit the Write Me Dirty library this week, and their DIRTY story has to be set at a dog show. Katherine Ryan decides who will take the crown of naughtiest writer of the week. Will it be Tatty, who teaches us about fanny grunts and sucking on…watermelon vapes? Or will it be Grace, who makes herself the STAR of her o…

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EP 446- IM Greg Shahade on The State of Professional Chess, Why He Loves the Daily and Classical Formats & Adult Improving at Trivia 1:09:11

3M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

IM Greg Shahade was the very first guest of Perpetual Chess and has remained a frequent and insightful contributor ever since. A former youth national champion, Greg has subsequently been involved in the chess world in an array of capacities —founder of the US Chess School (which provides free training to top American juniors), creator of the now-d…

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Lou Sanders & Harriet Kemsley receive ZOMBIE d**k pics 35:56

3M ago35:56

35:56

Katherine Ryan is back in her filthy library and this week’s seductive scribes are none other than Lou Sanders and Harriet Kemsley. They’ve been set the curious mission of crafting a steamy encounter set during an apocalypse, featuring a head torch, canned food and a zombie who isn’t just hungry for brains… 🐱 Thought you knew the female form? Lou g…

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EP 445- “It Worked So Well That I Stopped Doing It”: Adult Improver Nicholas Sloan on Dealing with Burnout After a Rapid Rating Rise 58:48

3M ago58:48

58:48

Nicholas Sloan is a Wisconsin-based Network Engineer, a dad of 4, and an extremely motivated chess improver. Usually. But after an incredible run of gaining 500+ rating points in two years, fueled by consistent hard work and a unique study approach, Nick hit a wall. He gave back 150 rating points, and lost his motivation to work hard on chess. That…

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Stevie Martin & Fatiha El-Ghorri get FRISKY at a car showroom 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

Welcome to Write Me Dirty with Katherine Ryan, the hilariously horny podcast where comedians get their smut on, penning filthy fiction about each other. This week’s seductive scribes are none other than Stevie Martin and Fatiha El-Ghorri. Their mission? To craft a steamy encounter set in a car showroom - featuring a car salesman, a custom paint job…

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EP 444 – Dr. Benjamin Balas on Chess Streaks, Blunders, and Brain Science 53:11

3M ago53:11

53:11

Dr. Benjamin (Ben) Balas is an MIT-educated professor of psychology at North Dakota State University, where his research focuses on visual recognition. He’s also a passionate chess player who blogs frequently about the intersection of science and chess. On his popular LiChess blog, Ben (aka NDPatzer) has explored topics like whether streakiness exi…

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Thursdays just got Thirstier…. Write Me Dirty Season 2 with the incredible Katherine Ryan is coming….. 31st July 1:29

4M ago1:29

1:29

Welcome to Write Me Dirty, the riotously funny, wildly unfiltered podcast where comedy meets erotica — and no one is safe. Each week, comedian Katherine Ryan sets the stage with a ridiculous and often absurd prompt - think “Apocalypse , must include a zombie and a can of beans” and two guests go head-to-head, writing steamy, side-splitting erotic s…

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Ep. 161: Resetting the Board (Back in the Fall) 1:02

4M ago1:02

1:02

The Chess Angle will be taking a break for the remainder of the summer. I realized I needed more time to recharge after Season 9, and this pause will allow me to refocus and come back stronger. Thanks for your support - see you in the fall! ♟️🎙️ 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]…

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EP 443- GM Jan Gustafsson on Building Opening Repertoires, Freestyle Chess, Father Time, and the Usual Array of Nonsense 1:14:36

4M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

Opening expert, Twitch streamer, former Team Magnus member, and longtime friend of the pod, GM Jan Gustafsson is back for another fun and far-reaching interview! We talk about the origins of his new Chessable course on the Austrian Defense, how his approach to repertoire building has evolved, and get his take on the recent Freestyle Chess drama in …

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Ep. 160: "Old Man" Chess: The Slow, Boring Way to Win More Games 38:05

4M ago38:05

38:05

This week's show begins with some Listener Mailbag questions about opening choices. We then discuss the concept of "Old Man" Chess, which emphasizes a safe, ultra-solid, and risk-averse playing style that is often very effective at the club level. The conversation also explores the balance between tactical and positional play, the advantages and di…

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EP 442- GM Johan Hellsten: Why Defending Is So Difficult — And How to Improve At It 1:07:18

4M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

EP 442- GM Johan Hellsten: Why Defending Is So Difficult — And How to Improve At It GM Johan Hellsten returns to Perpetual Chess for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential chess skills: defense. Johan is the 2006 Swedish National Champion, and a renowned author and coach, best known for his Mastering Chess series. In this intervi…

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Ep. 159: Chess Opening Systems for White & More 39:51

4M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode, Neal shares his experience from a recent night at the LI Chess Club, discussing the challenges of tournament conditions and the nature of 'ugly wins.' The conversation transitions into listener questions, covering topics such as the value of attending chess clubs, the etiquette surrounding draw offers, and the effectiveness of coac…

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Ep. 158: Why Your Fancy Chess Study Plan and Four-Year Book Hierarchy Aren't Working 40:38

4M ago40:38

40:38

Many club-level players follow a highly structured study plan but have poor tournament results. We explore this phenomenon and offer some possible solutions. Referenced: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working (Amazon) Chess for Tigers (Amazon) 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]…

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EP 441- WCM Hannah Sayce: The 24-year old Twitch Streamer on the Key Factors Behind Her Rapid Rise to the WCM Title 43:12

4M ago43:12

43:12

In just a few years, 24-year-old Australian Twitch streamer Hannah Sayce went from playing casual online games during lockdown to earning the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title and competing in international tournaments. Her post-lockdown rise has taken her from below 1000 to a 2300 Chess.com blitz rating. In this conversation, Hannah shares the hi…

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Ep. 157 (S10 Premiere): 1...e6 vs. EVERYTHING, Does Blitz Mess Up Your Thought Process?, & More 43:02

4M ago43:02

43:02

Welcome to Season 10! This week we discuss 1...e6, blitz chess, using the King in the endgame, and more. Referenced: Blitz is Screwing Up Your Thought Process Ep. 100: The Hippopotamus Defense and Other Chess Opening Systems for Black 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our L…

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EP 440- GM Alexandr Fier: “I Blunder a Lot” – One of the World’s Most Active Grandmasters on Intuition, Endgame Studies, and Maintaining His Love For the Game 1:07:24

5M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

GM Alexandr Fier is a 5 time champion of Brazil and 9 time chess Olympian. He also recently qualified for the FIDE World Cup for the 8th time by finishing tied for first at the American Continental tournament. But aside from all of his impressive accomplishments, what interests me most about GM Fier is how frequently he competes. Last year alone, h…

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EP 439 — Samuel Sonning (Founder of NoctieAI): The Instructive Value of Memorizing Games, the Benefit of Losing Rating Points, and a Deep Dive on Chess and AI 50:32

5M ago50:32

50:32

This week’s guest is Samuel Sonning, a Swedish computer scientist, former Google engineer, and founder of NoctieAI—a user-friendly chess platform featuring rating tests and bots designed to play like humans. In our conversation, Samuel discusses his unique improvement philosophy as an adult learner, including how memorizing famous games helped him …