Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

https://feed.podbean.com/ChessDojoTalks/feed.xml

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/

Episodes

Apr 19, 2026

EP 190 | Who Won The War? Magnus, Hans, & Chess.com

Apr 19, 2026

1hr 15 min

Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the recent Netflix documentary on the story behind Magnus, Hans, and Chess.com.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

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

00:00 The Magnus–Hans Story Revisited
02:36 Take Take’s Shock Move vs Chess.com
03:28 Netflix Doc: First Impressions
09:38 Who Looks Worst in the Documentary?
12:32 The Hans Ban Timeline Explained
17:33 Why the Doc Feels Formulaic
22:51 Magnus vs Chess.com – What Really Happened
45:56 Take Take, Lichess & the Future of Chess Platforms

Apr 19, 2026

EP 189 | Is Sindarov The Real Deal? 2026 FIDE Candidates Recap

Apr 19, 2026

1hr 2 min

The Dojo (GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, IM Kostya Kavutskiy) recap the 2026 FIDE Candidates, including the historic run the young Javokhir Sindarov. They look back at their original predictions to see who came closest, who surprised, and who disappointed.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

00:00 Sindarov wins the Candidates
02:05 Is this a new generation of chess?
07:02 The turning point vs Fabi
12:33 Who disappointed (Fabi, Naka, Prague)
17:19 Biggest winners (Sindarov, Giri, others)
28:23 Predictions, future outlook, and world title implications

Apr 6, 2026

EP 188 | Will Sindarov Win the 2026 FIDE Candidates?

Apr 6, 2026

45 min

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo

At the halfway mark of the 2026 Candidates, one storyline has taken over: Sindarov is dominating the field. But is this a historic breakthrough—or just a heater that the rest of the players will adjust to?

We break down his incredible run, from elite opening prep to relentless time pressure and confident decision-making. Is anyone capable of catching him? Or is it already over?

We also dive into Fabi’s quietly strong performance, the psychology of players falling out of contention, and what to expect in the second half of the tournament.

Drama, collapse potential, and one big question: is this inevitability… or just the beginning?

00:00 Candidates Midway Overview
00:21 The Sindarov Story
01:44 How He’s Winning (Openings & Clock Pressure)
04:09 Best Games So Far
06:39 Opponents Start Adjusting?
10:32 Risky Style & Confidence Boost
12:49 Can Anyone Catch Him?
13:57 Fabi’s Chances
23:14 Motivation & Tournament Psychology
27:50 Problems with Candidates Format

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.

Mar 31, 2026

EP 187 | Blitz Quests w/ NM Jeremy Kane

Mar 31, 2026

45 min

In this Dojo Talks episode, we explore blitz chess with NM Jeremy Kane—what it takes to improve, how time management and openings matter, and whether blitz actually helps your classical game.

Featuring insights from his work at Chess.com, plus real lessons from blitz rating climbs and practical training advice.

If you want to get better at blitz (and understand its limits), this one’s for you.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

00:00 What Makes Someone Good at Blitz
00:40 Jeremy Kane’s Blitz Journey
03:00 Climbing from 2400 to 2800+
06:00 Blitz Quests & Rating Volatility
09:15 Using the Clock as a Weapon
13:30 Openings and Simplifying for Blitz
18:00 Does Blitz Improve Classical Chess?

Mar 22, 2026

EP 186 | 2026 Candidates Predictions

Mar 22, 2026

1hr 16 min

The 2026 Candidates Tournament is right around the corner, and this field might be one of the most competitive we’ve ever seen. In this episode of Dojo Talks, we break down every player’s chances, compare our picks to the betting odds, and debate who’s truly a contender.

From rising young stars to established elite players, we dig into form, consistency, and what it actually takes to win a Candidates.

Who do you think will come out on top?

We’re running a 2026 Candidates Fantasy Contest—and this is your chance to prove you actually know what you’re talking about.

Pick your players, lock in your rankings, and compete against the Dojo community to see who can best predict how the tournament unfolds. With such a wide-open field, this might be the hardest (and most fun) Candidates to call in years.

🏆 Prizes:

1st Place: Free Dojo membership + exclusive coaching session
2nd Place: Free Dojo membership
3rd Place: Dojo merch bundle

Make your picks here: https://tinyurl.com/2026Candidates

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

0:00 Intro & Candidates overview
1:30 Why this field is so competitive
3:00 Early picks & lowest seeds
10:30 Breaking down the bottom contenders
19:45 Giri & Wei Yi chances
32:10 Nakamura discussion
38:15 Prague’s form & upside
46:15 Young players & Sindarov
53:30 Top contenders debate
1:01:25 Final thoughts & betting vs reality

Mar 19, 2026

EP 185 | Do Kids Ruin Your Chess?

Mar 19, 2026

52 min

In this episode of Dojo Talks, we explore how having children impacts chess performance, from real examples of world champions to personal experiences as chess dads. With Hikaru Nakamura entering the Candidates as a new father, the question is more relevant than ever.

We break down the short-term dip (sleep, focus, hormones) vs long-term recovery—and what it could mean for top players like Magnus Carlsen.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

00:00 Do Kids Hurt Your Chess?
00:25 Why Hikaru’s new baby matters
02:35 World champions and parenthood
06:13 Naka, Magnus, and motivation
10:26 How kids changed their own chess
17:51 The science: sleep, hormones, and focus
28:54 Can top players avoid the dip?
33:02 Long-term benefits of parenting?
42:50 The dip is real, but varies
51:22 Final verdict on kids and chess

Mar 16, 2026

EP 184 | Chessboxing and the Dreams of James Canty

Mar 16, 2026

57 min

FM James Canty III joins Dojo Talks to talk about becoming the World Chessboxing Champion, how he got into boxing, and what it was like competing with Team USA in Serbia. The conversation also covers training, the connection between chess and combat sports, nootropics and performance, and Canty’s current push for IM and GM norms.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

0:00 Chessboxing World Champion James Canty
1:26 Creator, Streamer, Coach, or Competitor?
4:19 The Quests James Is Chasing Right Now
5:29 How James Got Into Boxing
10:33 Team USA and Winning Gold in Serbia
12:28 How Strong Is James as a Boxer?
18:35 Why He Might Retire From Chessboxing
22:00 Is Chessboxing Actually Growing?
35:46 PEDs, Nootropics, and Chess Performance
48:25 Fatherhood, Motivation, and the IM/GM Push

Mar 13, 2026

EP 183 | Should Draw Offers Be Banned?

Mar 13, 2026

54 min

A lively Dojo Talks debate on whether draw offers should be banned in chess. The episode covers the history of draw offers, the role of tournament culture and incentives, the Dubov–Nepo controversy, and whether changing draw rules would actually improve fighting chess.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

0:05 Should Draw Offers Be Banned?
1:04 History of the Draw Offer in Chess
2:58 Grandmaster Draws and Fear in Elite Play
5:54 Professional vs Amateur Events and Draw Rules
9:26 Chess Culture vs Rule Changes
15:13 Tournament Incentives and Fighting Chess
33:39 Dubov–Nepo Blitz Draw Controversy
38:46 The Case for Keeping Draw Offers in Chess

Mar 4, 2026

EP 182 | Being a Chess Professional ft. GM Felix Blohberger

Mar 4, 2026

59 min

GM Felix Blohberger discusses the realities of being a modern chess professional, including balancing playing, coaching, content creation, and course development while pursuing a long-term goal of reaching 2600. The conversation explores training methods, opening preparation, tournament economics, and the broader challenges of building a sustainable career in chess.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

00:05 Introduction
01:08 Chess career path
04:31 Goal of 2600
07:08 Making a living in chess
10:15 Chess money and prizes
12:30 Training routine
17:23 Opening preparation
22:03 Game recap videos
32:14 Playing style
37:25 Chess courses
48:27 Sponsorship and opportunities

Feb 25, 2026

EP 181 | Queen of Chess

Feb 25, 2026

1hr 2 min

In this episode of Dojo Talks, the Sensei review the Netflix documentary 'Queen of Chess' and discuss Judit Polgar’s rise to the top of the chess world. They break down what the film gets right, what it leaves out about the Polgar training experiment, and what her legacy means for future generations of players.

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
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.

00:05 Intro to the documentary
04:30 Family movie night reactions
08:50 Chess stories on Netflix
13:30 Underdog appeal in chess
19:40 What the film leaves out
27:00 Polgar’s rise explained
36:30 Polgar vs Kasparov debate
1:00:20 Lessons from the film