
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 can happen when you are a family man who is working full-time, studying for multiple hours a day, and creating chess content on top of that. Nick took time away to read some quality chess books, and to recalibrate his chess improvement plans. In our conversation Nick tells me:
Why, after reflection, he has decided that the lofty goal of earning the National Master title is still worth pursuing.
How a few chess books opened his eyes to the work he still had to do
What he intends to do next
As a longtime reader of Nick’s blog, I was excited to finally chat with him, and I look forward to following his continued success.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
02:00- Nicholas joins the show- check out his rating graph here:
https://www.uschess.org/datapage/ratings_graph.php?memid=12772484
05:00- What does Nick think contributed to his recent slump?
14:00- What effect did reading GM Jonathan Rowson’s books have on Nick?
Mentioned: Book Recap #14: Seven Deadly Chess Sins
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins
Book Recap #32: Chess for Zebras
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2021/1/29/book-recap-the-seven-deadly-chess-sins
20:00- More book recs!
Mentioned: Road to Chess Improvement
Chess Improvement: It’s All in the Mindset
22:00- How did Nick adjust to being an emotional player?
24:00- How has Nick changed his approach?
Mentioned: Pump Up Your Rating
27:00- What thought process is Nick using over the board?
Mentioned: GM Alexander Goldin
28:00- What did Nick learn from the book Rapid Chess Improvement ?
Mentioned: CT-Art , Chessking App
32:00- How Nick avoids burnout
Mentioned: Episode 173 with NM Philemon Thomas, GM Johan Hellsten’s Mastering Chess Strategy
35:00- Why does Nick focus on local club tournaments rather than big weekend ones? Mentioned: Episode 346 with NM Todd Bryant
40:00- Does Nick play a narrow or wide repertoire?
44:00- How many tournament games does Nick aim to play per year?
46:00- Nick’s approach to game analysis
50:00- Thanks to Nick for joining! Here is his linktree that provides many ways to keep up with him:
https://linktr.ee/HighgroundChess
If you would like to join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 5
58 min

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 exists in chess, the science of blunders, and how confirmation bias influences decision-making over the board. In our conversation, we touch on all of these topics and also delve into Ben’s personal chess journey. He shares the scientific studies he believes every chess player should know about — and, as with his writing, I learned alot from chatting with Ben.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:02- What got Ben back into chess during the pandemic after decades away?
Mentioned: Ben’s interview with Dr. Can Kabadayi on the Chess Cognition podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzblptGNjw
0:07- What experience got Ben thinking about whether momentum exists in chess?
Mentioned:
https://lichess.org/@/NDpatzer/blog/science-of-chess-winning-streaks-losing-streaks-and-skill/K4NmnE6b
Also mentioned, FM Nate Solon’s post:
https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/yes-theres-luck-in-chess
The Hot Hand by Benjamin Cohen:
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Hand-Mystery-Science-Streaks/dp/0062820729
17:00- What is Dr. Balas' approach to chess improvement?
Mentioned:
100 Endgames You Must Know, The Woodpecker Method, Dr. Katie Wissman
19:00- What does Dr. Balas think of the Woodpecker Method as a study program?
21:00- 3 Scientific Studies Chess Players Should Know About, starting with “Chunking”
Mentioned: IM Fernand Gobet
24:00- Study #2- Stronger players are much better at avoiding confirmation bias
29:00- Dr. Balas has played two OTB tournaments since regaining an interest in chess a few years ago. How were these experiences?
31:00- Study #3- The importance of moving your eyes during a chess game!
Mentioned: Preventing Blunders in Chess by Dr. Can Kabadayi
https://www.chessable.com/preventing-blunders-in-chess/course/258968/
35:00- Why are chess professionals scientifically studied so much more often than amateurs?
39:00- What is next for Ben’s chess?
42:00- If Dr. Balas received funding to do a scientific study on chess, what would he research?
44:00- Dr. Balas’ closing chess improvement advice.
Mentioned:
Blindfold Chess
https://www.amazon.com/Blindfold-Chess-Psychology-Techniques-Champions/dp/0786475269/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1FSJ92B6Q46H0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Rrt6OpihMGjYaHTqvOcHzb6-vZpowdj6xWtFMGFyA6gRhFRzSVmJdBCFgP7UkFD4FUNk4TmKhse2uqjgQ7ZXcuEf5znf67nC8ENj73IDNspElRzfCfxGNYTtHoUUnJTzb_2oecXU8NIk7B4ZJj1mIw.uelpnrMJtCfCmpe6iIa0qWyDhlE32PRwGmXsv5_MeBw&dib_tag=se&keywords=blindfold+chess&qid=1753302264&s=books&sprefix=blindfold+ches%2Cstripbooks%2C112&sr=1-4
Book Recap Podcast discussing Blindfold Chess: History, Psychology, Techniques, Champions, World Records, and Important Games
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2020/8/29/book-recap-talking-blindfold-chess-with-guest-co-host-jerry-wells
47:00- Thanks to Ben for joining, here is how to keep up with his work:
Lichess:
https://lichess.org/@/NDpatzer/blog
Substack:
https://benbalas.substack.com/
And don’t forget to sub the Perpetual Chess Linkfest:
https://benjohnson.substack.com/
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 29
57 min

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 Vegas. Jan also reflects on the legacy of GM Boris Spassky, laments his struggles with memory and motivation, and mourns the end (for now) of FM Donny Ariel’s quest for online stardom. Per tradition, we also touch on non-chess subjects such as parenting, basketball, and TV shows and Jan’s appearance is as entertaining as ever.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:02- Brief parenting discussion
0:04- How does Jan go about learning an opening? How did he choose the lines for a course on The Austrian attack?
0:11- The time Jan had to join the Chess.com anti-cheating Zoom call during Titled Tuesday
0:15- How was Jan’s most recent tournament, the Thailand Open?
0:18- What did Jan think of the first day of the Las Vegas Freestyle tournament?
0:19- What will Jan be doing at the E-Sports World Cup? (plus a little chess Bundesliga talk)
Mentioned:
GM Peter Heine Nielsen-Gustafsson 2025-
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2833767
22:00- Back to discussion of the freestyle tournament
Mentioned: Clip of GM Hans Niemann celebrating Aronian’s upset of Carlsen
https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1m1xeex/hans_claps_and_bows_down_to_levon_aronian/
25:00- Should spectators at major chess events be allowed to bring phones?
28:00- Brief basketball talk- When will The Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast have GM Jan Gustafsson on their podcast?
31:00- FIDE Women’s World Cup- Who is Jan rooting for?
32:00- Did Jan ever meet recently deceased Former World Champion Boris Spassky?
35:00- What happened to FM Donny Ariel’s quest for the grandmaster title?
Mentioned: EP 421 with GM Jan Gustafsson and FM Donny Ariel
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2025/2/11/ep-421-gm-jan-gustafsson-and-fm-donny-ariel-discussion-can-a-mid-40s-working-dad-make-grandmaster-without-doing-any-worknbsp
43:00- I asked Chat GPT to come up with 20 questions for Jan Gustafsson. Jan answers about 18 of them! We discuss the nature of chess talent, what makes Magnus special, Jan’s favorite chess job, and more.
Mentioned: Jan and GM Peter Heine Nielsen’s Top 50 Players Series:
https://www.chess.com/lessons/hall-of-fame-the-50-greatest-chess-players-of-all-time
1:07:00- Thanks as always to GM Jan Gustafsson for joining! Here is how to keep up with him:
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/janistantv
Chessable courses:
https://www.chessable.com/author/JanGustafsson/
If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 22
1 hr 20 min

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 interview, he shares insights from his latest book and Chessable course, Mastering Chess Defense (also available in print,) reflecting on why defending is often harder than attacking, which players are best to study to improve your defensive play, and key concepts like “the lifeline.” Johan is a true professional, and always a pleasure to talk chess with. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:00- We begin with an impromptu discussion of obscure chess opening names including the Austrian Defense, the Tartakower Caro Kann, The Fegatello Italian, and the Polerio Italian Defense
10:00- Why is it harder for people to spot defensive resources than tactics?
15:00- How did Johan find so many good defensive examples?
Check out Johan’s separate course on defense for Chessmood members:
https://chessmood.com/course/chess-defense
21:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How should amateur players incorporate chess defense into their thinking processes?”
29:00- What is the definition of defense?
31:00- Did Johan ever meet legendary GM Miguel Najdorf?
Mentioned:
El Viejo by GM Zenon Franco
Najdorf X Najdorf by Liliana Najdorf
Kasparov vs. Najdorf Bugojno 1982
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1069983
36:00- If choosing between Kasparov, Karpov, Korchnoi, Spassky, whose games were the most instructive?
Mentioned: GM Emmanuel Berg
Check out Johan’s Youtube videos about Petrosian and Ulf Andersson here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYAkeoP9TTs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDo--EPHnfc
42:00- More book recs from Johan!
Mentioned:
Timman’s Triumphs:
https://www.amazon.com/Timmans-Triumphs-100-Best-Games/dp/9056919172
Speed Demon:
https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Demon-Fascinating-Tragic-Vyzhmanavin/dp/9493257819
GM Judit Polgar’s Quality Chess Trilogy
46:00- What is the chess defensive resource that is sometimes referred to as “the lifeline?”
Mentioned:
GM Hellsten’s Chessmood article about it:
https://chessmood.com/blog/lifeline-chess-tactic
Or move 32 of this Korchnoi-Fisher 1962 Curaco game:
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044560
49:00- What do the concepts of “Evolution and revolution” have to do with chess defense?
Mentioned: GM Josif Dorfman’s “The Method”
https://www.abebooks.com/Method-Chess-Dorfman-Iossif-Sarl-Game/31453994460/bd
52:00- More chess book talk!
Mentioned: Boris Spassky’s Best Games
https://www.amazon.com/Boris-Spasskys-Best-Games-Rising/dp/1784832006
53:00- Check out the two defensive puzzles we discuss in this Lichess study:
https://lichess.org/study/1AlpJ6gn/3b3ZdebD
Spassky-Geller move 35-
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1049395
Carlsen-Duda 2025 is included and annotated by NM Anthony Levin for Chess.com here (as well as in the LiChess study):
https://www.chess.com/news/view/2025-cct-chesscom-classic-playoffs-day-1
Thanks to Johan for joining me again, you can reach him via his Chess.com page:
https://www.chess.com/member/jhellsten
And check out his Chessable courses here:
https://www.chessable.com/author/JohanHellsten/
And his books here
If you would like to join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community for access to ad-free episodes and other perks, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 15
1 hr 11 min

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 highs and lows of her chess journey and the strategies behind her rapid improvement. Key turning points included learning to slow down at the board and forcing herself to embrace endgame study despite her resistance. Hannah’s rapid progress is inspiring to young girls and adult improvers alike—and it was fun to hear her story. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:02- What is Hannah’s approach to streaming and prepping for Titled Tuesdays.
Mentioned:
7:00- Overcoming the Nerves of OTB chess
12:00- We discuss Hannah’s chess improvement philosophy as originally laid out in her popular YouTube video, How I Went from 700 to 2200 in 2 Years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCBGNjddiTE
Specifically she touched these 7 themes:
Play longer time controls
Developing calculating skills
Decision journal
Analyze your games
Practice your tactics
Calculate before you move
Study master games
18:00- How Hannah will work on her endgames
Mentioned: Notjowol on Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/notjowol
20:00- Why does Hannah stream the lessons that she gets?
21:00- Hannah’s current chess goals
22:00- How did Hannah get into chess?
24:00- Hannah’s advice for girls getting into chess
28:00- Hannah’s favorites chess books and authors
Mentioned: Modern Chess Openings, IM Jeremy Silman, GM Yasser Seirawan
30:00- Hannah’s favorite Chess Youtubers:
Mentioned: IM Eric Rosen, GM Daniel Naroditsky, GM Ben Finegold, Hanging Pawns
32:00- What is the chess scene like in Melbourne?
33:00- Hannah’s favorite OTB tournament
Mentioned: The Rilton Cup
35:00- Hannah’s post-university plans and non-chess hobbies
39:00- Thanks to Hannah for joining the show! Here is how to follow her continued progress:
Hannah’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anichessgame/?hl=en
Hannah’s Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/hannahsayce
Hannah’s Chess.com:
https://www.chess.com/member/hannahsaycestreams
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@hannahsayce1
If you would like to join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community for access to ad-free episodes and other perks, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 1
45 min

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, he played nearly 200 classical games,, and he has now travelled to over 50 countries. In our conversation we discussed:
How he maintains his energy and positive outlook through a busy tournament calendar
Why he thinks playing quickly gives him a competitive advantage. (Hence the nickname “No Fear”)
How he reacted to getting some harsh feedback from legendary trainer IM Mark Dvoretsky at age 18.
We also talked about GM Fier’s recent qualification for the 2025 FIDE World Cup, his plans for the rest of 2025, and of course, chess books. It was a pleasure to chat with one of Brazil’s top players, and I look forward to following his nonstop tournament adventures in the years to come.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:02- Alexandr is one of the most active Grandmasters in the world- how does he stay motivated?
0:06- How does Alexandr prepare for opponents?
0:11- How did Alexandr begin to collaborate with Imperial sports?
0:13- How Alexandr qualified for the World Cup?
Mentioned: Fier-Shankland 2025
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-american-continental-chess-championship/05/Fier_Alexandrandr-Shankland_Sam
0:16- Why Alexandr plays quickly
Mentioned: GM Giga Quparadze
18:00- What makes the World Cup special to Alexandr?
22:00- Alexandr’s early Chess Development and Influences
Mentioned: Blokh’s Combination Art, Domination by Kasparian, Laszlo Polgar’s Chess: 5334 Combinations and Games
Navara-Fier 2015
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1787858
GM Navara’s Blog Post:
https://lichess.org/@/RealDavidNavara/blog/because-we-care/fauAwr9r
26:00- Was it challenging to get chess books as a kid in Brazil?
28:00- Is chess gaining popularity in Brazil?
Mentioned: GM Rafael Leitao, GM Henrique Mecking
31:00- When did Alexandr decide to pursue chess professionally?
33:00- What languages does GM Fier speak?
35:00- Alex’s approach to following top games
37:28- How he Studies Openings and Uses Engines
39:00- Alexandr’s favorite opening authors
Mentioned: GM Ivan Cheparinov, Nikolaos Ntirlis, GM Alexei Kornev
Memories of Training with Dvoretsky
42:00- Alex’s favorite chess books
Mentioned: GM David Navara’s Best Games, Tal-Botvinnik 1960, The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal
44:00- Memories of a training camp with legendary trainer Mark Dvoretsky Influences and Inspirations in Chess
48:00- Why GM Fier loves endgame studies
50:00- GM Fier’s fondest memories
Fier-Ryan 2009, Ireland
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1601053
Fier-Akopian 2017-
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1870136
54:00- Alex’s passion for music
55:00- Upcoming tournaments and advice for Aspiring Chess Players
1:00:00- Thanks to Alex for joining!
Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/alexandr.fier/
https://www.instagram.com/pontocego/?hl=en
If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 24
1 hr 11 min

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 build intuition and visualization skills. A passionate player himself, many of Sam’s ideas have directly shaped NoctieAI, which offers immediate move feedback and personalized flashcards based on individual mistakes. We also explore the broader state of machine learning as it relates to chess. Samuel has been fascinated by this intersection since the days of Kasparov vs. Deep Blue, but while he still sees great potential in AI-assisted chess learning, he no longer views chess as the leading edge of AI development. This was a fascinating conversation, and I’m excited to follow NoctieAI’s continued evolution.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
You can also check out special offers from Chessmood, Chessdojo and Chess.com at the following page:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
0:00- What has been Sam’s approach to chess improvement?
Mentioned: EP 383 with Dan Bock
08:00- Why did Sam decide to develop Noctie such that it gives immediate feedback on your moves, rather than after your games?
12:00- When did Sam start playing tournament chess?
15:00- Why did Sam choose memorizing master games as a favorit- approach to chess improvement?
19:00- How to overcome rating anxiety
Mentioned: Sam’s Blog post-
https://noctie.ai/chess/how-not-to-get-better-at-chess/
24:00- Why does NoctieAI offer both rating level tests and non-numeric titles such as “Knight 3?”
27:00- What does Sam do to make NoctieAI play in a more human-like fashion?
31:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What new paradigms could still be coming from chess engines?”
34:00- What sparked Samuel’s interest in computers and chess?
37:00- Should chess still be considered an effective testing ground for AI development writ large, or has broader AI development caught up with the chess world?
40:00- Why is ChatGPT terrible at games like poker and chess?
Mentioned:
Nate Silver’s blog post:
https://www.natesilver.net/p/chatgpt-is-shockingly-bad-at-poker
Jen Shahade’s blog post:
https://jenshahade.substack.com/p/chatgpt-is-weirdly-bad-at-chess
47:00- How is the business of NoctieAI doing?
52:00- Sam’s favorite chess books and content creators
Mentioned: Jeremy Silman, Shereshevsky’s Endgame Strategy, ChessNetwork
Thanks to Samuel for joining us! The best way to reach him is via NoctieAI.
https://noctie.ai/
If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 17
54 min

In this memorable episode of Perpetual Chess, we welcome back Tony Ballard, who spent 26 years incarcerated and credits chess with helping him change the course of his life. When we last spoke in Episode 289 (2022), Tony was still in a minimum-security facility. Now fully free, he’s making the most of his second chance. He’s working full-time at the Paul Mitchell Barber School, has founded a nonprofit—Masters and Mentors—to teach chess to at-risk youth, and has released a powerful memoir, Time Alone: From Isolation to Transformation. The book doesn’t shy away from the trauma and darkness of his past, but ultimately it’s an inspiring story of growth and resilience.
In our conversation, we discussed: – How chess fits into his daily routine – His chess improvement philosophy – The best things about life after prison – Tony’s advice for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed
Chatting with Tony is always uplifting—and this conversation is no exception.
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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
02:00- Has Tony been playing any chess since getting out of prison?
Mentioned: Episode 390 with Russell Makofsky of The Gift of Chess
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/7/9/ep-390-russ-makofsky-how-chess-can-change-lives-from-nyc-to-africanbsp
Watch Tony’s interview with Devaughn Croxton of US Chess here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c6OH3NvF6M
06:00- What is Tony’s online chess routine?
Mentioned: Chess Psychology: The Will to Win
15:00- What is Tony’s chess improvement philosophy?
20:00- We discuss chess notation and Tony’s approach to game analysis
22:00- What are Tony’s favorite non-chess books?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Man’s Search for Meaning
The 48 Laws of Power
29:00- How is chess perceived in prison? What is the chess scene like there?
Mentioned: Agadmator
34:00- Patreon mailbag question:
“How can prisoners be encouraged to invest time and effort into activities like chess?”
39:00- What is the mission of Tony’s new non-profit, Masters and Mentors?
https://mastersandmentors.org/
You can support Masters and Mentors here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-masters-and-mentors-youth-enrichment-strategies
45:00- How did Perpetual Chess help Tony win over his girlfriend?
46:00- How did Tony get interested in golf?
50:00- What is the best part of being free?
53:00- Is Tony ever tempted to return to his younger lifestyle?
58:00 Tony’s closing advice for those who feel like they are struggling.
1:00- THanks to Tony for sharing his inspiring story!
Here is how to keep up with him
Facebook-
https://www.facebook.com/tony.ballard.900918
Instagram-
https://www.instagram.com/tonyballard1977/
Masters and Mentors-
https://mastersandmentors.org/
His Book-
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Alone-Transformation-Tony-Ballard/dp/B0F252YM48
His LiChess:
https://lichess.org/@/TonyBallard77
And Chess.com
https://www.chess.com/member/tony_1b
If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/notifications
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 10
1 hr 10 min

This two-part episode of Perpetual Chess features two of the most impactful figures in American chess education: Coach Jay Stallings and Adam Weissbarth. First up, Coach Jay shares insights from his decades of experience teaching over 30,000 students,and also discusses his recent work consulting on the chess scenes in the new Hollywood blockbuster The Accountant 2. Additionally, Jay reviews some of the teaching tools he currently relies on—including a fun new one that he recently created himself.
Following Jay is Adam Weissbarth, founder of Silver Knights Chess Academy, one of the largest after-school chess programs in the country. Adam recounts the immense challenges his company faced during the pandemic, when it lost all of its revenue sources overnight. He explains how he rebuilt the organization and expanded into elite coaching with grandmasters. Together, these conversations offer a fascinating look at the state of chess instruction—from classrooms to Zoom screens to movie scenes. Timestamps of guests and topics are below.
Check out the special offers mentioned at the beginning of the show below:
Chessdojo-
https://www.chessdojo.club/signup
Chessmood- Free one Week Trial-
Chessmood.com/Ben
Chess.com-Free Premum One Week Trial-
http://go.chess.com/Perpetual
0:02:00- Coach Jay joins the show! We begin by discussing chess and movies, Jay recently consulted on the chess scenes for The Accountant 2.
Mentioned:
Check out my recommended books here:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/book-recommendations
Order Coach Jay’s Books for Kids here:
https://store.coachjayschessacademy.com/collections/coach-jay-starter-packs
Coach Jay’s prior interviews:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2017/9/12/episode-39-coach-jay-stallings
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2018/5/14/episode-72-coach-jay-stallings-returns
Also mentioned:
Searching for Bobby Fischer
14:30- Why did Jay wind down his chess non-profit after the pandemic?
16:00- Jay’s report on Supernationals, the giant scholastic tournament where he coached?
25:00- Jay discusses his new chess educational kit for kids, “Triple Check”
Get it here:
https://store.coachjayschessacademy.com/collections/triple-check-the-chess-puzzle-game-that-needs-no-wifi
37:00- Jay shares a few new teaching tools he has been using.
Mentioned: Lichess studies, Chess.com Arena tournaments
40:00- Thanks to Coach Jay for joining, you can reach him via his website:
https://store.coachjayschessacademy.com/
44:00- NM Adam Weissbarth joins the podcast! What was the biggest challenge his organization has faced?
Adam’s prior Perpetual Chess Interview:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2018/4/9/silver-knights-chess-founder-adam-weissbarth
58:00- What has Adam learned from working with GM coaches like GM Johan Hellsten and GM Lazaro Bruzon?
Mentioned: Mastering Chess Strategy
1:02::00- Why has Silver Knights expanded its offering to stronger scholastic players?
1:06:00- Did Adam meet people from the US Chess Federation at the Nationals?
1:10:00- What resources does Silver Knights use for intermediate students?
1:14:00- Adam’s advice for growing a chess teaching business
Thanks to Adam for joining, you can reach the Silver Knights academy via the following page:
https://chessacademy.com/pages/contact-us
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 3
1 hr 31 min

EP 436- Adult Improver Torkil Jara Bårdsgjerde on How Workplace Trash Talk Sparked a Lifelong Passion for Chess
In this inspiring and relatable installment of the Adult Improver Series, we meet Torkil Jara Bårdsgjerde, a 39-year-old father of two, from Norway who discovered competitive chess after a bit of playful banter with a workplace rival. That exchange sparked a fascination with the game—and when the pandemic hit shortly after, Torkil suddenly had the time to dive in. Five years later, he's a regular tournament competitor and recently completed an impressive FIDE rating jump from 1400 to 1800 in just one year. In our conversation, Torkil shares his favorite resources and offers thoughtful advice on how to make the most of limited chess time. He also reflects on how chess has influenced his off-the-board habits—from health and mindfulness to goal-setting—and why he hopes his chess journey is still just beginning.
Spotify Adult Improver Playlist
You can volunteer or suggest an adult improver guest here:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adult
Links to special offers and new courses:
Chessdojo use- the code “Ben40” at checkout.
https://www.chessdojo.club/signup
Chessmood Free one Week Trial-
Chessmood.com/Ben
Check out FM Nate Solon’s new Chessable course here:
0:00- Torkil’s unique chess origin story
12:00- What resources helped Torkil early in his pursuit of chess improvement?
Mentioned: Hanging Pawns, Gotham Chess, Daniel Naroditsky, Anna Cramling, Anna-Maja Kazarian, Chessable Starter Pack
27:00- When did Torkil transition to tournament chess? What were the biggest adjustments?
40:00- What led to Torkil’s big rating jump?
49:00- Patreon mailbag question- “Where might the limit be for Torkil’s potential improvement?”
Mentioned: Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, Sherevsky’s Endgame Strategy
59:00- More recommendations from Torkil ADD IMAGES
Mentioned: The Seven Deadly Chess Sins, Move First Think Later, Chess Principles Reloaded, The Art of Attack in Chess
1:02:00- Torkil’s final reflections and advice
1:05:00- Thanks to Torkil for sharing his story! Here is his new, non-secret Lichess account where you can message him:
https://lichess.org/@/TorkilJaraBard
If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 27
1 hr 22 min
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