EP.35 - Writer Sean Williams

This week’s guest is Aiden Rayner, a Melbourne, Australia-based chess trainer, blogger, podcaster,  and the founder of the training site, Don’t Move Until You See It. Aiden became interested in chess improvement as an adult and quickly zeroed in on a need to improve his ability to picture a chess board in his head. In the subsequent years, he has developed some tools to help improve this skill, and has read extensively on how the different brains adapt to this task. Aiden also has studied how working memory functions, and shares what adults need to know about how it affects chess calculation. Lastly, Aiden shares a few “non-chess” book recommendations for those who would like to learn more about the challenges of rewiring our brains for chess. If you are interested in improving your chess game, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed can be found below.  Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com. They are now offering a #chesspunks approved classic, The Power of Pawns, presented by IM Andras Toth. 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 ”  02:00- Why doesn’t Aiden like the term “visualization” when it comes to playing through moves in our heads Mentioned: GM George Koltanowski  07:00- What got Aiden into visualization?  11:00- What features does Aiden’s site offer?  Mentioned: Aiden’s blindfold trainer: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/blindfold-trainer/ 16:30- Patreon mailbag question: What advice does Aiden have for people adjusting from playing 2D (on screens) to playing 3D (OTB)?  26:00- Patreon mailbag question: Can Aiden share advice for how to improve at remembering a game through “narration” rather than visualization?  32:00- Aiden’s recommended (non-chess) books: Mentioned: Thinking Fast and Slow Chatter, The Voice in Our Head and Why it Matters, and How to Harness It Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions 34:30- What is working memory and why does it matter for chess players?  Mentioned: Chess Visualization with Don’t Move   55:00- What are “the three Fs?”  1:05:00- Thanks to Aiden, for joining me! Here is it how to keep up with him: Don’t Move Until You See It Website: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/ Follow Aiden on X here:  https://x.com/AidenAtDontMove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Juli 20241h 11min

This week’s guest is author, commentator, and Slavic Linguistics professor at the University of Oslo, IM Atle Gronn. Atle’s most recent book, Games and Goals: The Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein has recently been released in the English language and is one I have been greatly looking forward to reading. It did not disappoint, as it provides a revealing biography of one of the most compelling figures in modern chess history. GM Simen Agdestein, in addition to being a Norwegian chess legend, and the childhood trainer of Magnus Carlsen, Simen was a supremely talented athlete who played for the Norwegian national soccer team. As a strong player from the same generation as Simen, Atle bore witness to Simen’s rise, fall, and resurgence, and also witnessed and contextualizes GM Magnus Carlsen’s relentless ascent to the top of the chess world.  There are many lessons we all can learn from the stories that Atle shares and I greatly enjoyed chatting with him about his book.  Games and Goals is available from Amazon and other booksellers,  Games and Goals: The Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein books  And you can view a Free excerpt here: https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/9186.pdf 0:01- Thanks to our sponsor Chessable.com- If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use the link below to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- What made Simen Agdestein a “mythic figure” in the 1980’s? How did he go from beginner to national Norway champion in 4 years?  Mentioned: Tarjei Svensen’s Article on the most recent Norwegian Championship: https://www.chess.com/news/view/15-year-old-copies-magnus-carlsen-norwegian-champion 0:07- How did Simen become an elite athlete without training extensively? What was his style like as a footballer? 15:00- How did Atle’s collaboration with Simen come about?  22:00- How would Atle describe Simen’s chess style? What traits of Simen can be seen in Magnus Carlsen (his student)?  29:00- Atle describes his 2005 game against Magnus Carlsen, which became a famous win for Magnus. https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1348050 32- Why was Atle initial skeptical of Magnus’ talents?  37:00- How did injuries change Simen’s careers? 46:00- What did Simen do for income during his years when both careers suddenly ended? 52:00- We discuss chess books and the topics of Otle’s prior books, which were written in Norwegian.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Juli 20241h 8min

This week’s guest is Russ Makofsky. Russ is the founder of both The Gift of Chess, and of Impact Coaching Network. The Gift of Chess is a global non-profit dedicated to changing lives by distributing free chess sets in overlooked communities. Impact Coaching Network is a New York City-based educational chess organization that facilitates school programs and runs tournaments. In our interview, Russ recounts his journey from a sport-obsessed kid to a chess educator and shares the stories of many people whose lives have been changed by chess, including FM Tani Adewumi, and Tunde Onakoya of Chess in Slums. Russ is a firm believer in the power that good stories can have in spreading a passion for chess, and of the impact that chess can have on lives once that passion is ignited. Tune in to hear many of these inspiring stories!  Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com- in addition to Solveig’s course, be sure to check out GM Sam Shankland’s latest, and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the link below. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 2:00- What were the beginnings of Russ’ chess organization, Impact Coaching Network?  7:00- As an educator does Russ encounter any resistance from parents to emphasiszing the competitive element of chess? Mentioned: Brooklyn Castle  15:30- Famed youth champion, FM Tani Adewumi discovered chess via one of the Impact Coaching Network’s Schools while his family was living in a homeless shelter- Russ tells this story from his perspective.  Mentioned: Chesskid.com  28:00- What are the origins of the non-profit, The Gift of Chess? Mentioned: Episode 219 with Tunde Onakoya 57:00- What does The Gift of Chess do for prison outreach? Mentioned: Episode 289 with Tony Ballard  1:03:00- How is the fundraising going?   1:08:00- Russ’ advice for chess educators and those thinking of starting chess programs Thanks to Russ for sharing so many inspiring stories! Here is the linktree for the GiftofChess: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofchess You can email them at info at giftofchess.org  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Juli 20241h 17min

The Adult Improver Series of Perpetual Chess returns, as I am joined by Solveig Friberg, who streams on Twitch as “The Rookie Redhead.” Solveig is a relatively new chess player who discovered the game via a Norwegian national TV broadcast of one of Magnus Carlsen’s World Championship matches. A few years later, she has attained a rating of 1570 FIDE, built a large online audience, published her first Chessable course (Breaking 1000)  as a Twitch streamer, and has even had the opportunity to interview players like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. We begin our conversation by discussing the unique popularity of chess in Norway- it is very popular as a spectator sport, but that has not translated into a thriving competitive chess scene. Why might that be? We also discuss Solveig’s own chess journey.  Solveig shares a lot of study recommendations and core beliefs based on her experience as a chess player and her professional background as an educator. Solveig is a particularly firm believer in the importance of finding a community, and did not see her chess take off until she found online “chess people.” Solveig is an inspiration for anyone who is coming to chess as a working adult with a busy life.  Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com- in addition to Solveig’s course, be sure to check out GM Sam Shankland’s latest, and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the link below. https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 2:00- Solveig got into chess by watching coverage of the Magnus-Nepo match on national TV in Norway. What is the coverage like in Norway? What is the OTB scene like there?  Mentioned:  Solveig on Chess Journeys, Episode 91: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rwxKkso2M2IPITLOEt4hc?si=86bec8cf1aa34f5d Solveig on Sjakksnakk  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1c0FBix4q4OSvPdz6nbGSf?si=63cf7ec45f5f441d 9:00- How did Solveig find a chess community?  To find the “chess people” on X, make an account, send a message and conclude it with the #chesspunks https://x.com/hashtag/chesspunks?src=hashtag_click To apply or suggest someone to be a guest on the Adult Improver Series, use this google form: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adult 17:00- How did Solveig’s professional background impact her approach to chess improvement?  22:30- What was Solveig’s approach to studying chess?  27:00- We discuss chess pub nights and the Good Knight Chess Pub in Oslo, Norway 29:00- What would Solveig have done differently to improve at chess if she could start over? 32:00- Patreon mailbag question- what are some common mistakes that beginners make, and how can they avoid them? 36:00- Solveig’s resource recommendations Mentioned: Hanging Pawns YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@HangingPawns Build Up Your Chess Series https://www.chessable.com/the-fundamentals-1-build-up-your-chess/course/19145/ Chess Tactics from Scratch  https://www.chessable.com/chess-tactics-from-scratch-understanding-chess-tactics/course/27821/ Also available as a book- https://www.amazon.com/Chess-Tactics-Scratch-Understanding/dp/1907982027 37:00- What was it like for Solveig to interview Hikaru Nakamura about gender issues in chess?  Mentioned: Watch the interview here: https://x.com/RookieRedhead/status/1801228262170882212 46:30- What is theme of Solveig’s Chessable course, Breaking 1000? 52:00- What are Solveig’s streaming goals? Does she ever stream in Norwegian? 1:00:00- Thanks to Solveig for joining me, here is how to keep up with her: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rookie_redhead/?hl=en X: https://x.com/RookieRedhead And her Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/breaking-1000/course/237622/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 Juli 20241h 1min

This week’s guest is 21-year old former youth champion, GM Awonder Liang. As a scholastic player, Awonder broke many records including becoming the youngest US player to reach a rating of 2000 (USCF), the youngest to beat an International Master, as well the youngest to beat  a Grandmaster. These days, Awonder is a student at University of Chicago and is more devoted to his studies than his chess. Nonetheless, Awonder’s love for the game is evident, and he recently played in two strong tournaments even though he did not prepare as rigorously as he once would have. In our conversation, Awonder was able to contextualize his remarkable chess success and discuss both what made him great, and what may have led to  contemporaries of his like GM Alireza Firouzja and Arjun Erigaisi surpassing him in rating ( for now at least.) It was fun to hear Awonder reflect on his career as if he were an old man, and I look forward to seeing how his bright future unfolds.  0:00-  You can subscribe to my free newsletter here- ” https://benjohnson.substack.com Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Find out more about the Create Your Own Course Contest here: https://t.co/wUQCi0gqaC 0:03- Awonder joins the pod! Awonder has mostly been taking a break from chess while at the University of Chicago. How did it feel to play two high level tournaments recently? 0:06- Did Awonder consider pursuing chess rather than university?  0:08- Does Awonder prefer classical or online blitz? 11:00- We discuss Awonder’s Chicago Open performance 15:00- How did Awonder prepare for the Summer Chess Classic, where he finished shared 2nd?  19:00- Awonder’s thoughts on the Chicago Open cheating scandal  23:00- What makes Awonder so good at chess?  33- What does it mean to have a good chess memory?  36:00- Did Awonder read a lot of chess books?  38:00- How does Awonder use engines?  42:00- What is the story behind Awonder’s famous 2022 Scotch Gambit win over GM Levon Aronian? Mentioned: https://www.chess.com/events/2022-us-chess-championship/05/Liang_Awonder-Aronian_Levon 45:00- What are Awonder’s other favorite games of his?  Mentioned: Liang-Caruana 2022 50:00- Awonder’s summer plan 52:00- Awonder’s post graduation plans   1:06:00- Awonder’s favorite chess memories  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Juni 20241h 16min

Recorded June 8, 2024 at the National Open in Las Vegas  Chess Books Recaptured returns to revisit an old book which now has a modern twist. My System by Aron Nimzowitsch is one of the best-selling and most recommended chess books of all time, but the original version has not aged well in some respects. In Book Recap #18, IM Christof Sielecki and I highlighted some of the classic book’s shortcomings as viewed through a modern lens. Luckily, GM Alex Fishbein decided to update the book for a 21st-century audience. The result is My System: Fast Track Edition, from Russell Enterprises (also available via Forward Chess). During my recent trip to the National Open in Las Vegas, Alex joined me to discuss My System’s legacy, his personal history with the book,  and why he decided that the chess world needed a better version. Following our chat, Alex took some questions from the audience, and briefly shared his thoughts on my book, Perpetual Chess Improvement. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.  You can hear my discussion of prior editions of My System with IM Christof Sieleki in Book Recap #18- https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lkGXPkegq9flj5zEoGAxi?si=f82aa751388a4476 0:02- GM Alex FIshbein joins! How does My System compare to Nimzo’s other classic, Chess Praxis?  3:30- What was the genesis of Alex deciding to edit/create the fast-track edition of My System? 12:00 - What were the challenges of translating the book? 27:00- What did Alex do with variations that modern engines say were incorrect? Mentioned: Simple Chess by GM Michael Stean  35:00- Audience question- “Would Alex consider editing a “fast track edition” of any other classic books?’ Mentioned: Alekhine 1924 39:00- Audience question- “Did Alex include other concepts to the book in addition to those that were written about in the original?”  41:00- Audience question: “What foundational chess concepts are excluded from this book?” 43:00- Audience questions:  “Is Alex familiar with the book by Raymond Keene, Nimowitsch: A Reappraisal?”  “What about The Blockade?” 44:00- Audience question:  “How much shorter is the fast track edition compared to the regular?” 44:00- Audience question; “Would he do a fast track edition of “Praxis” by Nimzowitsch?” 46:00- Audience question: “Do older books still matter as learning tools, as compared to playing games?”  49:00- Audience question:  ‘What is the best way to read a chess book?’  Mentioned: The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal  53:00- Alex shares his thoughts on my book, Perpetual Chess Improvement.  Thanks to GM Alex Fishbein for joining me in Las Vegas!  You can check out the new edition of My System, as well as his other books on Amazon, Forward Chess and other booksellers.  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alex-Fishbein/author/B075N1DG4Z?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true https://forwardchess.com/product/my-system-fast-track-edition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Juni 20241h

This week’s pod is a special edition featuring 10 different short interviews from the 2024 National Open in Las Vegas. We feature stories and perspectives from GM Ben Finegold, adult improver return guests, other chess podcasters, and even two different Grandmasters named Daniel Fernandez! Big tournaments like the National Open are great opportunities to bond over a shared love of chess, and I hope this episode helps encapsulate the many ways that chess can touch our lives,  teach us lessons, and bring us together. Timestamps and a brief description of each interview and guest can be found below.  GM Ben Finegold- 6:45  (recorded Wednesday, June 5) -Ben discusses his personal history at the National Open, the Nimzo-Indian defense, and dispenses some chess advice  Glenn Panner- 17:30-   (recorded Friday, June 7) The tournament co-organizer discusses the tournament history , the recent cheating story from the Chicago Open, and the cheat detection methods being used at the National Open.   GM Daniel Fernandez (US) 31:00-  (recorded Friday, June 7) The first of our GM Danil Fernandez guests, a Houston based player and trainer discusses how the stresses of playing compare to the stresses of coaching, and the advice he gives to his students who are competing in the tournament.  Kamryn Hellman 40:15  -  (recorded Saturday June 8) The popular streamer and YouTuber reflects on her first big tournament and the recent chess lessons that she has learned. You can hear more from Kamryn in Episode 314.  And check our her YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@kamrynheidi Kevin Scull-  -49:50  (recorded Saturday June 8) - The host of the Chess Journeys podcast reflects on the highs and lows of an ongoing tournament and discusses why he is trying to read fewer chess books!  Be sure to sub to the Chess Journeys podcast! Lennart Ootes- 59:30- (recorded Saturday June 8) - The renowned chess photographer and multimedia maestro compares photographing amateurs to photographing his usual subjects, the top pros of chess. Check out Lennart’s beautiful photos here: Lennart Ootes And his National Open photos here: https://www.chessphotoshop.com/National-Open-2024-Las-Vegas Kyle Boddy-  1:10:00 (recorded Saturday June 8) -I am rejoined by the founder of Driveline Baseball to discuss why he makes time for the National Open in the middle of the baseball season,and to share the lessons he has learned from IM Calvin Blocker, IM Marc Esserman and others. You can hear more of Kyle’s chess story in Episode 303.  GM Daniel Fernandez (UK)- 1:21:00 -(recorded Sunday, June 9) The U.K. based player, author and trainer discusses what he is doing in an effort to push through mental barriers and the importance of physical training at the GM level.  GM Kayden Troff- 1:31:15 (recorded Tuesday June 11)- Kayden’s primary role at the National Open was to provide free post-mortem analysis of amateur games. What type of mistakes did he see recur after reviewing dozens of games over a long weekend?  Check out Kayden’s epic game here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1753125 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETcq8kmlMic You can find the Chesssharkz Twitch stream with Tony Padron here: https://www.twitch.tv/chesssharkz ElaynahTV - 1:46:30-  (recorded Friday,  June 14) The popular chess streamer and newly minted podcaster discusses how the women’s tournament compared to the Open event, and the challenges of streaming a tournament.  Check out Elaynah’s Twitch stream here: https://www.twitch.tv/elaynah And her new podcast with Dylan Quercia here: https://chesslounge.podbean.com/  Photo in thumbnail of ElaynahTV by Lennart Ootes- https://www.chessphotoshop.com/National-Open-2024-Las-Vegas And thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com. If you sign up for Chessable pro, please use this link to help support the pod: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Juni 20242h 1min

This week I am pleased to be joined by 4-time Latvian champion, GM Arturs Neiksans. In addition to his accomplished, (and ongoing)  competitive career, Arturs is a respected coach, commentator, Twitch streamer,  and Chessable Author. Arturs recently added a new line to his resume as he became the trainer of IM Levy Rozman! As Levy trains for the GM title, he has been posting instructive excerpts of his frequent lessons with Arturs. In our conversation, we hear Arturs’ perspective on the origins of their collaboration and what Levy needs to work on in order to potentially ascend to the next level. Arturs also reflects on his own bumpy journey to the GM title and shares plenty of general improvement advice and . Lastly, as chess cheating has (again) been in the news, Arturs provides his personal perspective on the unfortunate fall from grace of his fellow Latvian player, GM Igors Rausis (who later changed his name to Isa Kasimi, and is now deceased). It was a pleasure to talk chess with Arturs, and I look forward to learning more from him both on his own channels, and on that of Gotham Chess!   Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- How did GM Arturs Neiksans become Levy Rozman’s coach? What does Levy need to work on to become a GM? 17:00- Arturs quit chess at 18 and came back at 27. What drove him away and what brought him back?  23:00- How will Arturs balance responsibilities like playing on the Latvian national team with coaching Levy? 28:00- How challenging was it for Arturs to become a GM in his late 20s? 35:00- It was Arturs who saw GM Igors Rausis (who was caught cheating during an OTB tournament) attempting to compete under a new identity. What was the story behind that? 44:00- What was Arturs approach to chess study as a kid?  48:00- Does Arturs play a narrow or broad opening repertoire? 51:00- Thanks to Arturs for joining me!  Here is how to keep up with him: Chess.com https://www.chess.com/member/gmneiksans YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChrqQ5BlmmGkaVmraYQw-IQ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/gmneiksans Chessable courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/GMNeiksans/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Juni 202455min