NM Max Farberov is a 27-year-old chess instructor, Chessable author, and online speed-chess specialist with a Chess.com blitz rating north of 2600. He joined me after a busy chess summer that included his first European open and one of his best OTB results to date: winning clear first in the Under-2300 section of the Washington International. As Max explains, this breakthrough came only after months of frustration and feeling that he had reached a plateau, making the success all the sweeter. In our conversation, Max and I discussed: Why he stays motivated to pursue tournament chess at an age when many slow down How he built an opening repertoire around the offbeat 1…d6 What he gains from following lesser-known professional tournaments Why speed chess is underrated as a tool for improvement Max’s passion for chess is infectious, and our conversation is full of helpful chess improvement advice. Timestamps 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/ Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com, via the link below: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners 0:02- What led to Max’s recent tournament outcome, where he attained the best result of his life?  10:00- What keeps Max going when many players in their 20s stop playing tournaments?  12:00- The College Chess League 13:00- Congrats to IM-elect Tatev Abrahamyan  14:00- Was Max tempted to quit after earning the NM title?  20:00- What was it like for Max to play in his first international tournament?  Mentioned: More on the Vila de Sitges here: https://open.penyaescacscp.com/ 22:00- The dangers of overpreparing for an opponent  24:00- Max’s approach to openings  26:00- GMs and top engines don’t like openings like the Philidor and the Pirc due to the concession of space. Has this been an issue for Max in his games? 28:00- Does Max consider himself a speed chess specialist? How can one get better at speed chess? 33:00- How to combat the London 35:00- Back to speed chess advice- Max’s advice for clock management  38:00 Opening prep war stories  40:00- The benefits of following and playing through the games from  professional (non-elite) circuit tournaments.  43:00- Max’s friendship with GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez  Mentioned: EP 409 with GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/11/19/ep-409-gm-fidel-corrales-jimenez-a-tireless-tournament-circuit-grinder-on-overcoming-setbacks-managing-energy-the-risks-of-otb-cheating-amp-his-love-for-the-scotch-openingnbsp 46:00- How Max became a chess teacher and  advice for getting into chess teaching  49:00- Max’s next chess goals 50:00- Is Max a regimented chess-studier? 52:00- Max’s chess improvement hot takes and book recs  Mentioned:  Practical Chess Exercises Evaluate like a Grandmaster  Attack with Mikhail Tal  56:00- Thanks to Max for joining me!  Here is how to reach him: X: https://x.com/chessgainz?lang=en Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/member/chess_gainz 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

Going Pro at 57: `GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational  At 57 years old, Tennessee-based Grandmaster and Author, Alex Fishbein, has built an impressive chess résumé, with 12 state-championship titles across four states and multiple appearances in U.S. Championship events. But until recently, his chess had always been balanced with a demanding finance career. Last year, for the first time since age 24, Alex stepped away from Wall Street to devote himself fully to chess—an experiment that paid off quickly.  Through a rigorous and unconventional study routine—including his unique “post-postmortem” method—Alex pulled off a surprise victory at the 2025 U.S. Senior Invitational, despite entering as the second-lowest rated player. In our conversation, he reflects on: The training methods that fueled his breakthrough His advice for caring less about ratings The outsized role of age and stamina in senior chess Lessons learned from legends like Korchnoi and Keres Alex’s story shows the power of playing actively against all comers, staying curious, and embracing new challenges, and he provides inspiration for chess players of all levels. 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/ Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners 02:30- GM Fishbein joins the podcast! We begin by discussing his recent tournaments  Mentioned: Episode 291 with GM Alex Fishbein: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2022/8/9/ep-291-gm-alex-fishbein-on-maintaining-a-passion-for-chess-into-ones-50s-plus-great-korchnoi-and-tal-stories My System Fast Track Book Recap #37 with GM Alex Fishbein https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbsp Also mentioned: Dan Joelson, IM Stuart Rachels  08:00- What changes did Alex recently make to his training regimen? Mentioned: Interview with Nazi Paikidze and GM Yasser Seirawan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQ 15:00- Patreon mailbag question: How are Alex’s preparation methods different as a professional vs.as an amateur?  Mentioned: Solitaire Chess  More on Solitaire Chess from FM Nate Solon here: https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/solitaire-chess 25:00- How and why did Alex begin to study the games and annotations of GM Paul Keres? 35:00- What was Alex’s approach to openings in the US Senior Closed? Did he try to surprise his opponents?  Mentioned: You can play through the games and openings mentioned from the tournament here: https://www.chess.com/events/2025-us-national=championships-seniors/01/Fishbein_Alexander-Novikov_Igor 38:00- What separates the strength of GM Vladimir Akopian from the rest of the field?  39:00- Why does GM Alex Fishbein think that the three youngest players were the ones to make the playoffs?  Mentioned: Chess is My Life by GM Viktor Korchnoi 40:00- Why ratings are a mirage for the Senior Closed 45:00- Alex’s advice for caring less about one’s rating Mentioned: Claud Bloodgood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bloodgood 53:00- Recent chess books Alex has read Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Phillip Hurtado  55:00- Alex’s training tips for lower-rated players 1:00- Thanks to Alex for joining me again! You can reach him via email at: Afish at panix.com  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

IM Greg Shahade was the very first guest of Perpetual Chess and has remained a frequent and insightful contributor  ever since. A former youth national champion, Greg has subsequently  been involved in the chess world in an array of capacities —founder of the US Chess School (which provides free training to top American juniors), creator of the now-defunct Pro Chess League, and a near-2800-rated blitz player on Chess.com who has maintained his level well into his 40s. A former poker pro, Greg has more recently become a trivia whiz to boot. But which is harder to improve at—trivia or chess? In this wide-ranging conversation, we catch up on Greg’s many interests, get his take on events like the E-Sports World Cup and Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, and hear his thoughts on the  continued ascension of the next chess generation. It’s always a treat to hear Greg’s takes on the ever-evolving chess landscape. 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/ 0:00- Will Greg learn GM Jan Gustafsson’s Chessable course? 0:05- Patreon mailbag question: Greg followed the E-sports World Cup (EWC) closely- what were his impressions of it?  0:09- Why Greg loves classical chess!  0:12- Back to the EWC 0:16- What did Greg think of the recent Freestyle tournament in Las Vegas?  21:00- The US Chess School- are kids good at chess? 30:00- The benefits of the daily chess format  36:00- Why did Greg decide to become good at trivia? Is it harder to improve at then chess? https://gregshahade.wordpress.com/2023/01/31/1-5-years-of-trivia-total-n00b-to-learnedleague-group-a/ 44:00- Patreon mailbag question: Greg seems like a happy and positive person- has that come easy to him or has he had to work at it? 47:00- Patreon mailbag question: Greg sings a song!(briefly)  48:00- As another friend of FM Donny Ariel’s, does Greg think he can make GM? Could Greg make GM?  53:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Carlsen’s retirement from the World Championship title hurt his legacy as compared to Kasparov?  Mentioned: Kasparov-Polgar touch-move controversy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT9UhaUIBCY 1:01- Greg discusses his enthusiasm for the Chess.com daily chess league  https://www.chess.com/article/view/join-chess-league Thanks to Greg for joining me again! You can reach/keep up with him via Chess.com or via X: https://www.chess.com/member/gregshahade https://x.com/GregShahade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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