Show notes
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 KeresAlex’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=proAnd 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/partnersMentioned: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-storiesMy System Fast Track Book Recap #37 with GM Alex Fishbeinhttps://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbspAlso mentioned: Dan Joelson, IM Stuart Rachels Mentioned:Interview with Nazi Paikidze and GM Yasser Seirawan:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQHow 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-chessMentioned: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_IgorMentioned: Chess is My Life by GM Viktor KorchnoiMentioned: Claud Bloodgood:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_BloodgoodMentioned: Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Phillip Hurtado 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/perpetualchessLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices