Episodes

  • EP 479 – GM Rafael Leitão on Sindarov’s Historic Candidates Win, His Training Methods & What Comes Next

    EP 479 – GM Rafael Leitão on Sindarov’s Historic Candidates Win, His Training Methods & What Comes Next
    Apr 20 2026
    With the FIDE Candidates now in the rearview mirror, 7-time Brazilian Champion and Chess.com “Game of the Day” columnist GM Rafael Leitão joins me to help break it all down. We discuss: Sindarov’s incredible performance and the training methods that helped him ascend to the top Vaishali’s strong finish and her chances against Ju Wenjun Rafael’s take on opening trends, and which players might be most disappointed with their performance GM Leitão also shares his thoughts on the Judit Polgar documentary on Netflix, along with his story of getting to play Judit. Thanks to Rafael for sharing his insights. I’m excited to see the two new World Championship challengers fight for the title later this year. 00:00 Introduction to the Candidates Tournament 02:04 Training Methods and Classical Chess Education Mentioned: IM Roman Vidonyik interview with Charlize van Zyl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc 04:50 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates 07:43 Analysis of Player Performances 10:56 Sindarov's Unique Play Style 13:51 Reflections on Historical Performances 16:54 Opening Trends in High-Level Chess 19:52 The Future of Chess Openings 30:09 Concurrent Tournaments: A New Perspective 31:41 Vaishali's Resilience and Performance 35:00 Sindarov vs. Gukesh: The Rising Stars Mentioned: Chess.com article touching on Sindarov’s trainer IM Roman Vidonyak https://www.chess.com/news/view/2026-fide-candidates-tournament-round-14 Interviews with IM Roman Vidonyok: Chessbase India- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6VDTVVXMZU&t=442s FIDE- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc&t=1s Chessbase article about the support Erdogmus receives: https://en.chessbase.com/post/a-billionaire-supports-chess-talents 38:40 Ambitious Goals: The Future of Sindarov 42:04 Support Systems in Chess: A Double-Edged Sword 44:20 The Candidates Tournament: Format and Future 48:01 Memorable Encounters: Rafael's Game with Judit Polgar Mentioned: Rafael’s YouTube video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvQuSfNd6A 50:20 Analyzing Chess.com’s “Game of the Day”: Rafael's Approach Mentioned: Praggnandhaa vs. Rapport 2025- https://www.chess.com/events/2025-uzchess-cup-masters/06/Praggnanandhaa_R-Rapport_Richard 54:15 The Future of Chess: New Generations and Trends 56:00- Thanks to GM Leitao for rejoining me! You can reach him via his website, and follow him via the following methods: Website: https://rafaelleitao.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCistQmaDouEpKROBZBkQQ9A Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmrafaelleitao/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • EP 478 – GM Ben Finegold on the Candidates, the Hans–Magnus Netflix Documentary, and TakeTakeTake’s Bold Business Move

    EP 478 – GM Ben Finegold on the Candidates, the Hans–Magnus Netflix Documentary, and TakeTakeTake’s Bold Business Move
    Apr 14 2026
    It has been a busy time in the chess world, as dramas new and old bubble to the surface. GM Javokhir Sindarov is on the verge of winning the FIDE Candidates. A highly anticipated Netflix documentary has just been released about the Hans–Magnus controversy, and there is even some business intrigue, as an app co-founded by GM Magnus Carlsen is set to compete directly with Chess.com. Joining me to discuss it all is the popular and entertaining YouTuber and commentator, GM Ben Finegold. Questions answered include: Is the early Kalshi market correct to make Sindarov a 66% favorite over Gukesh in a World Championship match? Will the Netflix documentary change anyone’s mind about Chess.com, Magnus Carlsen, or Hans Niemann? Is Magnus likely to be directly involved in Take Take Take’s new direction? We also discuss Ben’s recent health struggles, the state of his OTB game, and his upcoming plans. It’s always worthwhile to hear Ben’s unvarnished opinions! 0:00 – Intro + GM Ben Finegold returns 0:40 – FIDE Candidates Discussion (Sindarov’s dominance, Gukesh, Women’s section, format talk) 7:30 – Netflix “Chessmates” Documentary (Niemann–Carlsen) (Impressions, cheating debate, Magnus/Chess.com dynamics, Hans’ future) Mentioned: Untold: Chess Mates 31:00 – TakeTakeTake vs Chess.com + Chess Business Drama (Magnus, Lichess partnership, Hikaru’s reaction) Mentioned: Hikaru discusses the TakeTakeTake/LiChess partnership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFdWHX8oHuE&t=1534s Theo Wait of Lichess interview with Chessbase India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8nm-RPZzsM Poker scandal- https://www.reddit.com/r/HobbyDrama/comments/104pwwx/poker_the_infamous_j4_hand_that_nearly_tore_the/ 42:30 – Ben Finegold on His Chess + Future Plans (Retirement from OTB, health, streaming, poker, travel) Find Ben at the 2026 National Open: https://new.uschess.org/2026-national-open 50:00- Thanks as always to Ben for coming on the podcast. Here is how to keep up with him: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/itsbenandkaren/videos?filter=highlights&sort=time YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EnFbK-P5q0zeaqI5yobKg X: https://x.com/ben_finegold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • EP 477- Jennifer Shahade on Cheating, AI, and Thinking Like a Chess Player

    EP 477- Jennifer Shahade on Cheating, AI, and Thinking Like a Chess Player
    Apr 7 2026
    Jennifer Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women’s Champion, poker professional, commentator, and acclaimed author. This week, she returns to the pod to discuss her new book Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life. Drawing on chess, poker, and psychology, Jen shares practical tips and memorable stories about decision-making, creativity, and improvement. We discuss: Why she interviewed reformed chess cheaters and what their stories reveal about ambition Helpful advice for remembering opening lines The “Einstellung Effect” and how to avoid missing better ideas How AI is changing the way we learn and think We also catch up on Jen’s recent travels and upcoming events. There is a lot to learn and plenty of great stories along the way. 0:00- Intro- Jen Shahade and US Chess announce a settlement: https://x.com/KenneyBaden/status/2039375140534767852?s=20 0:02- Jen Shahade joins me. How did she find reformed chess cheaters to interview? What did she learn from talking with them for her book? Mentioned: Netflix Untold Documentary about the Niemann-Carlsen story https://www.netflix.com/title/81582391 0:10- What is “MTR”? 0:14- Working with legendary trainer IM Mark Dvoretsky 0:18- Lessons learned from interviewing a memory champion Mentioned: Yanjaa Wintersoul, GM Sam Shankland 0:28- Jen’s experiences coding with Claude Check out the links to the app she built here: https://jenshahade.substack.com/p/spin-the-wheel-vibe-a-move 0:36- What is “the Einstellung effect”? 0:40- Jen’s chess-related conversation with legendary psychologist and author Daniel Kahneman 0:42- How chess master and Alpha Zero creator Demis Hassabas “thought sideways” to secure funding for his start up. 0:48- Observations from the recent Sloan sports analytic conference 0:50- What is “the sandwich method”? 0:51- Upcoming book events for Jen 0:52- If you will be in NYC on May 12 and want to support a good cause, come see Jen and I at this event. You can buy tickets to the Chess in the Schools Poker/Chess Fundraiser here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-3rd-annual-charity-poker-tournament 0:54- Thanks to Jen for joining me again, here is where to order her book. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Thinking-Sideways/Jennifer-Shahade/9798897100729 https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Sideways-Think-Chess-Player/dp/B0FCDDB8XV Photo in thumbnail by Maria Emelianova Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Bonus Pod: Sindarov’s Historic Start + Inside the FIDE Candidates with Mike Klein

    Bonus Pod: Sindarov’s Historic Start + Inside the FIDE Candidates with Mike Klein
    Apr 6 2026
    FM Mike Klein of Chess.com joins the show from Cyprus to give an on-the-ground look at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. We discuss the incredible start by GM Javokhir Sindarov, and what Mike has observed from his interactions with the rising star. Mike also describes the tournament atmosphere,shares behind-the-scenes stories from the venue, and provides insights on the Women’s Candidates race. We also discuss what to expect in the critical rounds ahead including a huge round 8 battle. 0:00 – Intro + Mike Klein joins (Candidates update)0:45 – Javokhir Sindarov’s historic start (6/7) + Anna Muzychuk leading women’s field 1:20 – Sindarov’s personality: “infectious,” approachable, media-friendly3:35 – Candidates trivia + chess culture vs performance debate 4:45 – Comparing Sindarov’s start to past Candidates performances6:18 – Mindset: why Sindarov isn’t satisfied (even after a draw) 7:50 – Will Sindarov keep pushing or coast to victory?9:27 – Tournament suspense vs runaway leader (Nepo comparison) 10:25 – Life in Cyprus: smaller scene vs Madrid/Toronto11:00 – Hotel stories + luxury setting + “White Lotus vibes”12:48 – Safety, isolation, and player accommodations 13:51 – Venue setup: viewing area, fan zones, and logistics15:30 – Rest day activities + paddle tournament 16:30 – Paddle tournament results + Caruana appearance17:50 – Chess + tennis crossover (Pavel Tregubov trivia)19:05 – What is paddle? (sport explanation + Magnus tie-in) 20:30 – Women’s Candidates overview: Muzychuk vs Vaishali + contenders22:48 – Seconds and prep teams (Caruana, Hikaru, etc.) 25:00 – Key matchup: Nakamura vs Caruana26:00 – What would Sindarov be like as World Champion? 28:30 – Mike’s YouTube channel + future content plans29:20 – “Weightless chess” goal (fun viral idea)30:40 – Wrap-up + sign-off 31:00- Thanks to Mike Klein for joining me! Be sure to sub to his YouTube channel here for additional on-site Candidates coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@FunMasterMike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • EP 476-Vlad Ghita: Is the Rating System Still Broken? A Data-Driven Investigation

    EP 476-Vlad Ghita: Is the Rating System Still Broken? A Data-Driven Investigation
    Mar 31 2026
    It has been over two years since FIDE implemented major changes to its rating system aimed at combating rating deflation. But are those changes actually working? My guest, Vlad Ghita, joins me to dig into the data. Vlad is a Romanian arbiter, instructor, and chess enthusiast with a master’s degree in physics. In his new e-book, The Rating Revolution, he takes a rigorous, data-driven look at how the global rating system is functioning—and where it may still be falling short. We discuss: What Vlad calls the “participation paradox” Which countries may be the most underrated How age impacts rating expectations Why some players feel stuck despite improving Is the US rating system functioning more effectively than FIDE? As discussed in the episode, many of these issues stem from structural imbalances in the rating pool—something Vlad illustrates through extensive analysis of nearly one million games . In our conversation (and in his book), Vlad not only identifies problems but also proposes thoughtful solutions. As a dedicated coach and adult improver himself, he also shares practical advice for chess improvement. ; 0:00- Intro Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Check out their FIDE Candidates Sale here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/offer/ Sign up for Chessable Pro here: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:02- Vlad’s joins the show, we being by diving into his chess background Mentioned: Michael Franco/NoseKnowsAll’s free Lichess materials- https://lichess.org/study/by/NoseKnowsAll 0:10- How Vlad’s curiosity about ratings was piqued around the pandemic, what he learned about ratings 0:11- What is the cause of FIDE rating deflation? Mentioned: Jeff Sonas, Dr. Mark Glickman 0:16-What is “the participation paradox?” 0:21- Is the US rating system working better than FIDE’s? 29:00- Should FIDE institute adjustable rating floors? 31:00- What solutions does Vlad propose to improve the rating system? 42:00- Chess improvement lessons from Vlad’s playing and training experience Mentioned: Chess Structures, How to Study Chess on Your Own, Chessbook 50:00- The pros and cons of working full time in chess 52:00- Thanks to Vlad for coming on the pod and writing an insightful book. Vlad has offered a discount to Perpetual Chess Listeners if you use the code “perpetual30” at checkout. Use the code “perpetual30” to get a discount on his e-book. https://vladchess.com/rating-revolution If you are interested in getting coaching from Vlad, you can reach him via his website: https://vladchess.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Book Recap #38- Silman’s Chess Odyssey + Stories from a Former Student with Gaurav Datta

    Book Recap #38- Silman’s Chess Odyssey + Stories from a Former Student with Gaurav Datta
    Mar 24 2026
    The Perpetual Chess book discussion series Chess Books Recaptured returns with a personal, funny, and heartfelt episode. Gaurav Datta, a longtime student and close friend of IM Jeremy Silman, joins me to discuss Silman’s Chess Odyssey: Cracked Grandmaster Tales, Legendary Players, & Instructions and Musings. This memoir and collection of writing was Silman’s final work, and it beautifully captures his deep and enduring love for chess. As Gaurav shares, he was an ordinary club player who repeatedly emailed Silman until Jeremy reluctantly agreed to take him on as a student in the late 1990s. What began as lessons soon turned into a decades-long friendship. Jeremy did not care much about Gaurav’s rating, but he appreciated his sense of humor and his ability to tell interesting stories. Throughout the conversation, Gaurav interweaves touching and often hilarious personal memories with insights from the book, offering a glimpse into Silman’s life and teaching philosophy. I greatly enjoyed reading Silman’s Chess Odyssey, and hearing Gaurav’s stories added a whole new dimension to understanding one of chess’s most beloved teachers. 0:00 Intro + overview of Silman’s Chess Odyssey Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com. Check out IM Jeremy SIlman’s vast catalog of courses here: https://www.chessable.com/author/Jeremy_Silman/5:48 Guest intro: Gaurav Datta (long-time student & friend of Jeremy Silman) 7:00 How Gaurav discovered Silman, early struggles, and first meeting12:30 What lessons with Silman were really like (stories, life, chess) 18:20 Chess as art: Silman’s core philosophy22:40 Training methods: studying master games & subtle ideas Mentioned: IM Erik Kislik, NM Steve Brandwein 28:00 Gambling struggles, life setbacks, and returning to chess 33:00 Silman’s personality: stories, Japan, boxing & unique interests 38:40 Final years, illness, and completing his last book Mentioned: Autobiography of a Goat 51:30 Key lessons: play for beauty, not rating + lasting impact 1:15:00- Thanks so much to Gaurav for sharing his amazing stories! Here is how you can reach him: Email- gdatta at gmail.com Chess.com- https://www.chess.com/member/olddirtypatzer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • EP 476- GM Jan Gustafsson previews the 2026 FIDE Candidates

    EP 476- GM Jan Gustafsson previews the 2026 FIDE Candidates
    Mar 17 2026
    The 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament is almost here, and GM Jan Gustafsson joins the podcast to break down the entire field. As a leading opening theoretician who has worked on GM Magnus Carlsen’s World Championship team, Jan brings unique insight into this high-stakes event. Jan will be on site in Cyprus providing commentary alongside his longtime friend GM Peter Svidler. In this episode we go player by player discussing the contenders’ chances, from rising stars like Praggnanandhaa and Javokhir Sindarov to established veterans like Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. Jan shares insights on preparation, momentum, and who is most likely to win the Candidates and earn the right to challenge for the World Championship. We also discuss the Women’s Candidates Tournament, pop culture, and Jan’s latest projects. Episode Recorded on March 11, 2016 0:00 Intro – Candidates preview with GM Jan Gustafsson You can buy tickets to the Chess in the Schools Poker/Chess Fundraiser here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-3rd-annual-charity-poker-tournament Check out Jan’s Chessable courses here: Be sure to check out Chessiverse.com, and use code “Perpetual30” for a discount on premium features and IM John Bartholomew’s course. 5:16 Jan Gustafsson joins the show 6:36 Patreon mailbag question: Strategy for the Candidates tournament 12:55 Matthias Bluebaum preview Mentioned: Kalshi FIDE Candidate’s Odds: https://kalshi.com/markets/kxchesscandidates/chess-candidates-champion/kxchesscandidates-26 17:18 Andrey Esipenko preview 22:39 Praggnanandhaa preview 26:35 Javokhir Sindarov preview 31:20 Anish Giri preview 33:52 Wei Yi preview 39:00 Fabiano Caruana preview 44:42 Hikaru Nakamura preview 49:57 Predictions for the winner 52:40 Women’s Candidates preview 57:00- Patreon mailbag question: What would Jan like to keep as is in the chess world, and what would he like to see changed? 1:00:05 Closing thoughts, tv shows, nonsense. Mentioned: Jeselnik book club: https://anthonyjeselnik.com/the-jeselnik-book-club 1:06:00- Thanks to Jan for joining! Be sure to tune in to the FIDE YouTube channel for his Candidates coverage, sub to Janistan TV on Twitch, and check out his Chessable courses here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • EP 475- Matt Biancuzzo (Byredofantome) on Keeping Chess Fun, Ignoring Rating, and Making Viral Chess Videos

    EP 475- Matt Biancuzzo (Byredofantome) on Keeping Chess Fun, Ignoring Rating, and Making Viral Chess Videos
    Mar 10 2026
    This week’s guest on the Adult Improver Series is Matt Biancuzzo. Matt is a 31-year-old New York City consultant who is very active in both the local chess scene and on social media. He has taken full advantage of New York’s many chess opportunities, regularly attending chess gatherings and pub nights while also competing in tournaments locally. Over the past few years he has improved from below 1400 USCF to a peak of over 1800! Matt has worked with multiple coaches, grinded tactics, and consumed countless chess videos, but he credits the majority of his improvement to building a social network that made chess fun for him. Speaking of fun, Matt has also built a large online following thanks to his hilarious short-form videos. Posting as “byredofantome” on Instagram and “fantomechess” on TikTok, Matt creates impressions and humorous shorts that lightly satirize chess culture. In the second half of our interview, we shift our focus from chess improvement to the story behind Matt’s videos. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the bonus video breaking down some of Matt’s best clips here. Join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community here: Ben Johnson | creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Join the Perpetual Chess Discord here: https://discord.gg/gUPSsHMK Check out Chessable’s Women’s Day sale here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/offer/f/ Check out Chessiverse.com, use code “Perpetual30” to save 30% on premium offerings. 00:00 Introduction to Chess Improvement and Content Creation 04:45- Matt Biancuzzo joins the show! We begin by discussing how he got into chess in college. 13:29 The Role of Community in Chess Improvement Mentioned: GM Robert Hungaski, IM Denys Shmelov, Alex Pickett, IM Jan van der Mortaal, Jonathan Williams, Pobo Efikoro 18:03 Coaching and Learning Strategies 23:04 The Impact of Online Chess and Content Creation Mentioned: MaddiePlaysChess, GambitMan 25:00- Getting a chess coach Mentioned: IM Sam Khanin, IM VIktor Matviishen 28:00 Personal Growth Through Chess 33:14 Final Thoughts on Chess and Community 40:16 The language and habits of chess players 48:55 Content Creation in Chess Mentioned: Matt’s article about Where to Play Chess in NYC https://www.chess.com/blog/byredofantome/where-to-play-chess-in-nyc-and-how-to-gauge-a-good-club POV When you are Prepping for the 2002 World Under 12 Championship: https://www.instagram.com/byredofantome/reel/DT6A_OHDqTi/ What I learned Playing 130 Chess Tournaments in 2 Years https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ-fgbeDmHY/ POV You are Spassky in 1971 https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOntmlDlEM/ 49:54 The Art of Subversive Commentary 52:06 Impressions and Mannerisms in Chess Matt’s Yasser/magnus video is here: https://www.tiktok.com/@byredofantome/video/7240979768525573418?_r=1&_t=ZP-94OfoAItpk7 53:50 Translating Chess for the Average Person 55:15 Inspiration from Online Trends Mentioned: POV Chess Players Training at the Gym https://www.instagram.com/p/DRqJ2x_jvKs/ 01:03:19 Monetization and Content Creation Challenges 01:05:26 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Chess 01:09:05 Colliding Worlds: Chess and Consulting 01:12:26 The Nature of Content Creation and Recognition Matt’s linktree is here: https://linktr.ee/byredofantome?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnKZHTvXc3y6vDxPUApYvPDxbUFpbNtVLXr58nVATFdTyrdu7mR6xgzob8An4_aem_SjGs6svkY3aTt1lbEPnWOg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 26 mins