Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

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The official podcast of ChessDojo (IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, & GM Jesse Kraai). Most episodes are streamed live to twitch.tv/chessdojolive. 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/training Follow ChessDojo here: Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/

Episodes

2 hours ago

EP 138 | Top 5 Chess Authors

2 hours ago

GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy rank the top five greatest chess authors of all time in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!

Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.

Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

#chess #chesstraining

CHAPTERS
0:00 Ranking The 5 Greatest Chess Authors of All Time
3:45 Categories of Chess Authors
6:08 Jesse's No. 5 Pick
7:05 David's No. 5 Pick
11:24 Kostya's No. 5 Pick
12:47 Kostya's No. 4 Pick
13:50 David's No. 4 Pick
15:39 Jesse's No. 4 Pick
17:17 Jesse's No. 3 Pick
18:07 David's No. 3 Pick
20:55 Kostya's No. 3 Pick
23:43 Greatest Course Makers Episode?
25:55 Kostya's No. 2 Pick
28:04 David's No. 2 Pick
29:34 Jesse's No. 2 Pick
31:19 Jesse's No. 1 Pick
34:03 David's No. 1 Pick
38:04 Kostya's No. 1 Pick
41:01 ChessDojo's Greatest 5 Chess Authors of All Time
43:15 Magnus Carlsen's Output
47:21 Follow ChessDojo

7 days ago

EP 137 | Should Beginners Study Openings w/ GM Hammer

7 days ago

GM Jon Ludvig Hammer joins the sensei on this Dojo Talks to discuss whether beginners should study openings, and if so, how much?

Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.

#chess #chesstraining

00:01 – Introduction and welcome to GM Hammer; discussion about his new Chessable course.
01:33 – Overview of the debate: Should beginners study openings?
02:21 – Hammer’s argument for teaching openings to beginners for motivation and familiarity.
03:35 – Defining "beginner" and the target audience for Hammer's course (800–1300 Chess.com rapid rating).
05:00 – Differences in chess ratings across platforms (Chess.com vs. Lichess) and their relevance to the debate.
07:28 – Hammer explains the importance of enjoying chess and using openings as a "cheat code" for improvement.
09:05 – When Hammer believes opening study is most beneficial (during stagnation or motivation slumps).
14:15 – Jesse’s perspective: Most mistakes at lower levels occur in the middle or endgame, not in the opening.
15:55 – Importance of board vision and avoiding hanging pieces for beginners.
18:31 – Risks of opening study: Memorization without understanding and neglecting principles.
21:42 – Hammer’s course design: Emphasis on plans, common moves, and practical advice tailored for lower-rated players.
28:17 – Clarifying misconceptions about opening study in the Chess Dojo training system.
34:49 – Motivation and its role in chess improvement at all levels.
45:16 – Hammer on the purpose of his course: Surviving the opening to focus on other aspects of chess.
50:44 – Discussion on Chessable’s business decisions, including paywalling "Short and Sweet" courses.
1:02:37 – Closing thoughts: Balancing opening study with broader chess skills and finding what motivates individual players.

Saturday Jan 04, 2025

EP 136 | 2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer

Saturday Jan 04, 2025

The sensei are joined by GM Jon Ludvig Hammer to discuss the 2024 World Rapid Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen's controversial decision to split the championship title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, drawing significant criticism for bending competition rules and setting a troubling precedent.

Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop

Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip

Find all of our chess book & supplies 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.

#chess #chesstraining

00:00 Introduction of GM Jon Ludvig Hammer and his Chessable course.
00:37 Overview of the Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen.
01:16 Discussion on Abdusattorov’s rise and breakout performances.
02:32 Controversy over Magnus and Nepomniachtchi sharing the title.
03:15 Social media and fan perspectives on the shared title.
04:08 Hammer’s stance on sportsmanship and breaking rules.
08:21 Comparison to past events and "Grandmaster draws."
12:20 Speculation on Magnus’s motivations for sharing the title.
29:03 Hammer’s view on Magnus’s current career and form.
34:15 FIDE’s role in allowing the title to be shared.
41:04 Freestyle Chess and its rivalry with FIDE.
48:22 Final thoughts on Magnus and the Blitz Championship.

Monday Dec 30, 2024

EP 135 | Denimgate

Monday Dec 30, 2024

Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the controversy around "DenimGate," involving Magnus Carlsen's disqualification from the World Rapid Tournament due to dress code violations, with broader implications for tensions between Carlsen, FIDE, and Freestyle chess organizers.

Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop

Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip

Find all of our chess book & supplies 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.

#chess #chesstraining

00:05 - Introduction to "DenimGate," the controversy involving Magnus Carlsen, jeans, and dress code violations during the World Blitz Championship.
00:46 - Context about prior conflicts and drama between Magnus, FIDE, and freestyle chess.
01:48 - Explanation of the tension between freestyle chess organizers and FIDE over the rights to world championships in alternate formats like Fischer Random.
03:04 - Analysis of Magnus Carlsen’s career stage and his challenges finding motivation as his dominance wanes.
05:01 - Magnus’s focus on rapid and blitz chess over classical formats and his struggle with recent tournament results.
07:14 - Freestyle chess’s plans to run a championship tour with significant funding and high-profile players.
09:10 - Discussion of the jeans controversy and whether it was an isolated incident or part of broader disputes.
11:50 - Broader historical parallels between past chess legends and their conflicts with FIDE.
14:52 - The complexities of dress code enforcement and Magnus’s refusal to change, leading to forfeiture.
20:09 - Insights into Magnus’s frustration with FIDE and his vision for the future of chess.
26:24 - Speculation about the impact of Fischer Random Chess and Magnus’s endorsement of it as a potential future for elite chess.
31:08 - Challenges of introducing Fischer Random Chess to mainstream audiences and players’ resistance.
40:46 - Psychological attachment of players to traditional chess formats and its impact on the acceptance of variants.
45:57 - Connection to Magnus’s involvement in an esports event backed by Saudi funding, and the potential geopolitical implications.
50:54 - Discussion about the appropriateness and enforcement of dress codes in professional chess.
56:46 - Conclusion and look ahead to the World Blitz Championship and Magnus’s chances of making a comeback.

Sunday Dec 29, 2024

EP 134 | FIDE vs. Freestyle Drama

Sunday Dec 29, 2024

GM Kraai, IM Pruess, and IM Kavutskiy discuss the conflict between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Association over the legitimacy and rights to organize Chess 960 (Fischer Random) events, with players like Magnus Carlsen spearheading Freestyle's efforts to revitalize the format. The sensei discuss fan interest, FIDE's waning control, and the broader implications for chess traditions and alternative formats.

Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop

Want to support the channel?
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Find all of our chess book & supplies 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.

#chess #chesstraining

00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Overview of the Drama
01:13 - Hosts' Opinions on Chess 960
02:58 - Freestyle Chess Organization's Efforts
07:27 - Fan Interest and Chess 960’s Appeal
08:28 - Freestyle’s Announcement and FIDE’s Response
12:27 - Magnus and Hikaru's Potential Withdrawal
17:07 - Presentation and Fan Engagement
20:14 - FIDE vs. Freestyle Chess: Rights Dispute
25:51 - Importance of Event Longevity
39:36 - Freestyle Chess: Future Challenges
57:08 - The Ideal Resolution

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024

EP 133 | 2024 World Chess Championship Recap

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai recap the 2024 World Chess Championship match between defending champion GM Ding Liren and challenger GM Gukesh D in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!

Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
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Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
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Find all of our chess book & supplies 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.

#chess #chesstraining

CHAPTERS

0:00 New Book Announcement

:02 ChessDojo Streaming the Match

3:55 Predictions vs Reality

14:02 How Would This World Championship Rank?

Monday Nov 25, 2024

EP 132 | Who Will Win the 2024 World Chess Championship?

Monday Nov 25, 2024

Who will win the 2024 World Chess Championship between GM Ding Liren and GM Gukesh D? GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss who will be the next World Chess Champion, the format for the match, and whether the match will be close or a blowout in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.

Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.

#chess #chesstraining

Friday Nov 22, 2024

EP 131 | The Top 5 World Chess Championship Matches Of All-Time

Friday Nov 22, 2024

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai finish their series of ranking the best World Chess Championship matches ever with a discussion and ranking of the top 5 World Chess Championship matches of all time.

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Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.

#chess #chesstraining

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024

EP 130 | Every World Chess Championship Match Ranked | Part 3: Modern Era (1993-2023)

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024

GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy continue their series of ranking every World Chess Championship match ever in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.

Featuring champions and challengers like Garry Kasparov, Nigel Short, Viswanathan Anand, Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Leko, Veselin Topalov, Boris Gelfand, Magnus Carlsen, Sergey Karjakin, Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Ding Liren.

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Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.

#chess #chesstraining

Monday Nov 18, 2024

EP 129 | Every World Chess Championship Match Ranked | Part 2: Soviet Era (1951-1990)

Monday Nov 18, 2024

GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy continue their series of ranking every World Chess Championship match ever in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast.

Part 2 focuses on the time after World War II, the Soviet Era of chess between 1951 and 1990, with matches involving Mikhail Botvinnik, Vasily Smyslov, David Bronstein, Mikhail Tal, Tigran Petrosian, Boris Spassky, Bobby Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, Viktor Korchnoi, and Garry Kasparov.

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Find all of our chess book & supplies 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.

#chess #chesstraining