The Chess Cognition Podcast

Episodes

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  How to Make Chess Puzzle Training Work in Real Games 20.10.2026 18m

  0:00 Why Chess Puzzles Don't Always Transfer to Real Games01:02 Solution Patterns vs. Tactical Triggers2:19 Why Triggers Matter for Working Memory3:04 Puzzle 1: Find the Trigger4:05 Learning to Recognize Loose Pieces6:15 Puzzle 2: Same Trigger, Different Position8:25 Puzzle 3: Missed Chance in Carlsen - Kaymer10:34 Why You Must Study Near Misses10:59 The Greek Gift Sacrifice: When It Fails12:49 The Greek Gift Sacrifice: When It Works15:11 A Four-Step Method for Training Chess Tactics16:18 The Most Important Question After Every Puzzle17:11 Connecting Tactical Triggers to CLAMPHave you solved hundreds of chess puzzles but still find yourself missing tactics in your actual games? The problem may not be your calculation skills, but your ability to recognize tactical triggers. In this video, I explain why chess puzzle training doesn't always transfer to practical games and how learning to identify the underlying cues behind tactical patterns can improve your tactical awareness. Drawing on principles from cognitive science and learning psychology, we explore the difference between knowing a tactical solution and recognizing when you should start looking for one.Through instructive chess examples, including double attacks, deflections, loose pieces, and the famous Greek Gift sacrifice, I demonstrate how to extract generalizable patterns from tactical puzzles. You'll also learn why studying failed combinations and near misses is essential for developing accurate pattern recognition. Finally, I introduce a practical four-step approach to chess tactics training that can help you recognize opportunities, manage your attention, and apply what you learn to unfamiliar positions in your own games. The goal is not simply to solve more puzzles, but to learn more deeply from every puzzle you solve.
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  Prof. Ben Balas - The Science of Chess Blunders: Insights from Visual Cognition 12.10.2026 1h 7m

  Prof. Ben Balas' blog: https://lichess.org/@/NDpatzer/blogBen's Substack: https://benbalas.substack.com/?utm_source=sidestack.io&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=directoryFollow Ben Balas on X: https://x.com/bjbalashttps://www.ndsu.edu/centers/cvcn/labs/balas/people.phpCalculating Sharpness in Chess: https://lichess.org/@/jk_182/blog/evaluating-sharpness-using-lc0s-wdl/EXZ3pRoy#:~:text=The%20basic%20idea%20behind%20the,winning%20and%20losing%20probability%20increase.The Psychology of Chess by Fernand Gobet: https://amzn.to/4flnp9y00:00 Intro01:38 Prof. Benjamin Balas' Chess History04:23 The Limits of Our Visual System06:45 Visual Crowding09:23 Expert Eyes vs. Novice Eyes13:35 Grouping the Familiar Chunks17:16 Practical Tips for Better Blunder Checks19:49 2D vs. 3D24:13 Visual Span and Visual Attention 31:54 Research Project Ideas Involving Chess34:11 Visual Imagery and Calculation38:34 Group vs. Individual Problem-Solving (Chessable Grant)40:01 Avoid the Blunder #143:01 Reshevsky's Blunder and Why He Committed It47:29 Avoid the Blunder #2 50:50 Checklists to Reduce Blunders58:48 Loose Piece + Alignment1:02:30 Inhibition of Return1:05:33 Brief Summary and LessonsIn this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the cognitive science behind chess blunders with Professor Benjamin Balas from North Dakota State University. As an expert in visual cognition, Ben sheds light on how our visual system, with all its strengths and limitations, plays a crucial role in our chess performance. We discuss how issues like visual crowding and peripheral vision contribute to common mistakes, especially for newer players. Ben also explains practical strategies for enhancing blunder-checking skills and shares insights on his ongoing research, offering invaluable tips that all players can apply.One of the key takeaways is understanding why certain blunders, like missing "sniper bishops," often occur due to our visual system's natural constraints. Ben dives into the concept of "visual crowding," where surrounding pieces make it harder to detect distant threats, and reveals how experts overcome this by developing rich chunks and patterns in memory. Together, we explore how checklist processes and deliberate board scanning can help mitigate these blind spots, making blunders less likely and visual processing more effective.Throughout our conversation, Ben also highlights groundbreaking research studies on chess expertise and visual cognition, detailing how experts use eye-tracking and attentional techniques to manage complex positions efficiently. From practical advice on blunder-check processes to a discussion of the psychological and visual nuances that define expert play, this conversation is packed with insights that every chess player will find enlightening.
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  FM Tarık Selbes - GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş: How a Future World Champion Is Being Built 12.10.2026 2h 12m

  Contact FM Tarik Selbes here: https://lichess.org/@/nuagesgrisThe article featuring Yagiz, Tarik, and Romanov: https://www.chess.com/news/view/12-year-old-erdogmus-breaks-polgars-historic-rating-recordTarik's chess history blog 'Cafe Chigorin': https://tinyurl.com/yp9hhmyz00:00 Intro02:23 Enters Tarik Selbes05:42 The Puzzle Grind That Built Monster Calculation Skills12:23 The Importance of Calculation in Chess15:36 His Work with GM Evgeny Romanov22:15 Positional Play and Dorfman's Influence27:09 Showing Games: Static vs. Dynamic Play30:49 Yagiz's Early Positional Mistakes35:09 Erdogmus - Nitish39:47 Shaik - Erdogmus43:59 Excellent Calculation: Erdogmus - Sapenov, 202349:40 His Resiliency: Santiago - Erdogmus51:42 Present Time: Erdogmus - Svidler, 202555:44 Strategic Maturity: Erdogmus - Vachier-Lagrave, 202559:51 Erigaisi - Erdogmus, 2026: The Exchange Sac That Shocked the Chess World01:06:05 Does Yagiz Know Chess Classics and Old Masters?01:09:35 Zurich 1953: Why You Should Read Old Books Skeptically01:14: 36 Is Blitz Good For Your Chess?01:21:25 Tarik Selbes’ IM Journey at 40 — Adult Improvement Tips01:31:26 The Psychological Pressure of Being a “Future World Champion”01:44:14 How to Define 'Talent' in Chess01:53:54 Kids vs Adults01:58:02 Opening Work02:02:02 Tarik's Book Project on Max Euwe02:04:23 The Rise of Turkish Chess In this special podcast episode, I’m joined by FIDE Master and longtime friend Tarik Selbes to break down the incredible rise of Turkish chess prodigy Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş — a player many believe has future World Champion potential. Even Magnus Carlsen has called him the strongest 14-year-old chess player ever, while Hikaru Nakamura has highlighted his extraordinary calculation skills.Tarik shares rare behind-the-scenes insights from training camps where he worked as translator for Russian coach Evgeny Romanov, revealing: • How Yağız built monster-level calculation through massive puzzle training • Why modern prodigies train differently from past generations • The key positional weaknesses he had, and how they were fixed • The balance between dynamic and static factors (Dorfman-style thinking)We also analyze instructive games against legends like Peter Svidler and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, showing how Yağız’s play has matured from pure tactical brilliance into world-class positional mastery.Beyond prodigy development, we dive into:Talent vs hard work Chess psychology and pressure at the highest levelWhy kids today train differently than adults who grew up on chess booksHow adult improvers can still make huge progress (Tarik’s IM norm journey at 40!)The rise of Turkish chess culture Tarik recently completed his final IM norm at age 40 and now needs to reach 2400 ELO to become an International Master. He is an inspiration for adult improvers.keywordschess, Yagiz Kaan, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Tarık Selbes, chess training, calculation, positional play, chess prodigy, chess improvement, strategic training, chess analysis, chess, chess strategy, chess psychology, chess talent, chess education, chess culture, chess improvement, chess prodigies, chess classics, chess learning, adult chess improvement,
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  NM Ben Johnson - The Most Connected Person in the Chess World 12.10.2026 55m

  The Perpetual Chess Pod: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/Perpetual Chess Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetualchesspodcastPerpetual Chess Improvement: https://amzn.to/4i4JsmpPerpetual Chess Link-fest: https://benjohnson.substack.com/Ben's Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/00:00 Intro01:49 The Art of Guest Selection and Preparation09:39 Insights from Years of Podcasting Experience12:30 Memorable Conversations and Unique Stories16:08 The Chess Linkfest Newsletter19:06 Chess Scandals & Drama22:59 Writing 'Perpetual Chess Improvement' 27:56 Structured Learning in Chess30:33 Minimizing Blunders for Improvement33:30 Ben's Next Book Project38:33 His Recent OTB Tournament Experience51:08 Blitz Chess52:58 Ben's Chessable Course 'Identifying Critical Moments in Chess'In this episode, I’m thrilled to host Ben Johnson, the voice behind the Perpetual Chess Podcast and one of the most connected figures in the chess world. With over eight years of experience interviewing top players, coaches, and adult improvers, Ben has a unique perspective on what it takes to improve at chess. We dive deep into his journey as a podcaster, the art of selecting guests, and the lessons he’s distilled into his book, Perpetual Chess Improvement. Ben shares valuable insights that every chess enthusiast can learn from.We also explore the key themes from his book, including the importance of community, effective training methods, and how to sustain improvement as an adult. Ben's candid reflections on the state of chess content and his thoughtful approach to interviews make this conversation useful for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of chess improvement. Please check out his book and listen to his podcast for deep chess wisdom.
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  NM Robert Ramirez - System Openings and Chess Tips for All Ages 12.10.2026 1h 2m

  Robert's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nmrobertramirezRobert on the Perpetual Chess Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od16FlwGl5URobert's Chessable courses: https://www.chessable.com/counterblow-a-complete-fighting-repertoire-for-beginners/course/199358/https://www.chessable.com/first-strike-the-fighting-stonewall-attack-for-beginners/course/241908/Fernand Gobet and Jensen's article on chess improvement: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267259137_Training_in_chess_A_scientific_approach00:00 Introduction02:58 System Openings06:18 Are They More Suitable for Adults?08:43 Balancing the Downsides of System Openings13:18 Prof. IM Fernand Gobet's Take on Openings14:58 Opening Traps and Human Psychology18:48 Are System Openings Easily Targeted?23:28 Middlegame Plans/Toolbox31:16 How to Create an Opening Course on System Openings35:30 Working With Adults and Kids44:07 Benefits of Learning Chess Later in Life47:02 Productive Failure48:12 Robert's Coaching Philosophy59:36 FutureIn this video, I had the pleasure of hosting National Master Robert Ramirez, a renowned Chessable author, YouTuber, and educator. We delve into various chess topics, starting with Robert’s unique journey in the chess world, from his humble beginnings to becoming a well-respected coach. We also discussed the advantages of system openings, such as the King’s Indian/Pirc Defense and the Reverse Stonewall. Robert shares his insights on why system openings can be particularly useful not only for busy adult learners but also for kids, cutting down on preparation time and allowing more focus on chess fundamentals.Our conversation shifted towards cognitive science, highlighting the role of chunking and pattern recognition in chess improvement. Robert shared his thoughts on how system openings foster familiarity with recurring structures, aiding long-term retention of key chess ideas. We explored the differences between teaching kids and adults. Robert emphasized that consistent practice, especially in tactical exercises and real games, is essential for meaningful progress, regardless of age.Lastly, we discussed Robert’s approach to teaching and the importance of productive failure in chess learning. He shared how he tracks his students' progress and uses setbacks as opportunities for growth. We wrapped up with a look into Robert’s upcoming projects, including a new Chessable course on strategy, and reflected on the rewarding aspects of coaching and teaching chess. Whether you're an adult improver, a competitive player, or simply passionate about chess, this conversation offers valuable insights into the learning process and the tools necessary for success.
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  Solveig Friberg - The Pedagogical Blueprint for Chess Success 12.10.2026 59m

  Solveig's Excellent Chessable Course 'Breaking 1000': https://www.chessable.com/breaking-1000/course/237622/Solveig's Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/rookieredheadFind Solveig on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rookie_redhead/?hl=enFind Solveig on X: https://x.com/RookieRedhead00:00 Intro01:38 How Solveig Rediscovered the Game07:40 Chessable Course: Breaking 100013:57 Misconceptions Around Chess Improvement20:42 Productive Failure: Why Reflection and Feedback Are Crucial 27:52 Social Aspect of Chess Learning32:14 Advantages of Group Lessons38:54 Solveig's Upcoming Course on Cultivating Courage Over the Board47:28 What Makes Chess So Fascinating?52:00 How Chess Teaches Us About OurselvesIn this exciting episode, I sit down with Solveig Friberg, also known as Rookie Redhead, a rising chess star from Norway who started playing chess in 2022 and has already made impressive strides, reaching a FIDE rating of 1570! But Solveig is more than just a chess enthusiast—she's a professional educator. She shares her unique insights into education and psychology, blending them with her chess journey. Whether you're an adult improver, a chess learner, or a coach, this conversation will offer valuable lessons about learning chess, overcoming barriers, and enhancing your educational approach.Solveig shares her fascinating story of falling in love with chess after watching the World Chess Championship on Norwegian TV and realizing the game's incredible depth. From setting a New Year's resolution to learn chess to working with coaches, playing in tournaments, and crafting her popular Chessable course, "Breaking 1000," Solveig opens up about the dedication and mindset it takes to improve. We also discuss the social side of chess learning, group dynamics, and how these pedagogical principles can boost anyone’s chess progress, especially for adult learners navigating rating anxiety and psychological barriers. Solveig also gives a sneak peek at her upcoming Chessable course on cultivating courage over the board!Tune in to hear Solveig’s approach to mindset, embracing failure as a learning tool, and the importance of reflection in the improvement process. It’s an enlightening conversation for anyone interested in chess education, psychology, and the mindset behind improving at the game.
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  WIM Luciana Morales - The Untold Stories of Women’s World Champions 12.10.2026 1h 48m

  Queens of the Chess Board: https://www.chessable.com/queens-of-the-chess-board/course/102010/Follow Luciana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsgambit/Follow Luciana on X: https://x.com/LucianaMoralesFollow Luciana on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/drcanchess.bsky.social'Imagination in Chess' was written by Paata Gaprindashvili: https://amzn.to/42PVFqb'Chess Queens' by Jennifer Shahade: https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Jennifer-Shahade/dp/139970137100:00 Intro02:12 Background Story and Early Years08:49 The Making of 'Queens of the Chess Board'23:15 Her Upcoming Chess Book35:55 Fide Chessable Academy39:43 Chessable Classroom45:27 Social Media & The Art of Chess Memes56:14 Menchik - Sir George Thomas, 193201:03:50 Menchik - Price, 192701:08:43 Rudenko - Bruce, 194601:13:16 Bykova - Keller, 195201:19:46 Rubtsova - Vaisberg, 195101:25:12 Gaprindashvili - Beliavsky, 197701:33:36 Luciana's Masterpiece This episode was recorded on a truly special day for me—I’ve been honored as Chessable’s Author of the Year for 2024! It’s an incredible milestone, and I’m deeply grateful for all the support along the way. But this episode isn’t just about celebrating—I'm joined by the amazing WIM Luciana Morales, a highly accomplished chess player, educator, and Chessable author. We dive into her Chessable course "Queens of the Chess Board," which explores the lives and games of the first five Women’s World Champions, bringing to light some of chess history’s most fascinating and underappreciated players.Beyond her chess achievements, Luciana is a true multi-talent—she’s working on a children’s chess book, managing social media for Chessable and Chess.com, and has played a key role in various chess education projects, including the FIDE Chessable Academy with legendary trainers like Artur Yusupov. In this episode, we explore the styles of Women’s World Champions, discuss how chess connects generations, and even touch on her creative work on social media.By the end of the video, we show games of five World Champions to explore their chess styles. And a gem of a game from Luciana against an international master!
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  Dr. Nick Vasquez - Visualization, Productive Failure, and Chess Improvement 12.10.2026 1h 9m

  Nick's substack 'Chess in Small Doses': https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/The Perpetual Chess Episode on 'Make it Stick': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpcgQpppDOQhttps://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/play-first-study-later?source=queuehttps://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/coming-soonhttps://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/making-it-stickHere is the game Nick was referring to with c4-c5 giving away the d5-outpost: https://lichess.org/wGOkHFpi/black00:00 Intro02:58 Visualization Training/Step 2 Thinking Ahead11:14 Information Overload and Finding Relevancy14:24 Direct Instruction vs. Productive Failure21:48 Craft Learning vs. Academic Learning24:14 Science Behind Chess Improvement31:38 Visualization Drills41:01 Positional Chunks and Patterns47:22 Evidence-Based Learning Approaches55:31 Testing Nick: Position 101:01:51 Testing Nick: Position 2In this podcast episode, I am hosting Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses. Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential. Nick shares his personal journey in chess, including how he started taking the game seriously in 2020, progressing from a 1650 chess.com rating to an impressive 1913 in classical games on lichess. Along the way, Nick overcame plateaus by embracing visualization exercises that significantly boosted his performance. In our discussion, he explains how targeted visualization training can be a game-changer, especially for adult players who often struggle with seeing ahead on the board, and why this approach is key to building stronger chess habits.We also explore evidence-based learning methods, discussing the balance between direct instruction and productive failure. Nick’s experience highlights the importance of making chess learning personal and relevant, emphasizing that true growth often comes from hands-on experimentation and learning from mistakes. Whether you're an adult chess improver or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of learning and practical strategies for breaking through barriers in your chess journey.
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  Sam Belnap - The 2000 Elo Routine: A Simple Study System That Actually Works 12.10.2026 1h 19m

  Sam's Training Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E1r69Q46gZX02mE5hYPjdVw4VXdz0KfjrTjvLdf3z3s/edit?tab=t.0Sam's chesscom profile: https://www.chess.com/member/eyecandewitIn this podcast episode, I’m joined by my own student Sam, who moved from 700 to 2000+ Chess.com Rapid (peaking near 2100) in around 3.5 years. Sam tells the full story and shares the study routine that helped him reach 2000. If you’re an adult improver chasing a rating goal, this conversation is a reality check and a roadmap.We get very practical: Sam explains his study plan, why he keeps openings simple (plans over memorization), how he uses targeted training to fix weaknesses (rook endgames were a big one), and how he studies strategy without getting lost in engine “best moves.” We also talk about the weekly group lesson format, how coaching helps identify high-impact leaks you can’t easily spot yourself, and why Sam believes structure beats “random grinding.”The real gem is Sam’s routine: clear start/stop cues, a pregame process goal (instead of Elo goals), and a postgame method that reduces tilt. If you struggle with rating anxiety, inconsistent performance, or not knowing what to study next, this episode is for you. Download Sam’s study guide (linked below) and try it, then tell us what changed.Keywords: adult chess improver, chess improvement, how to reach 2000 elo, chess.com rapid, chess study plan, chess routine, rating anxiety, blunder check, endgame training, rook endgames, chess coaching, process goals, chess habits00:00 Introduction to Sam's Chess Journey03:49 Impact of Group Lessons11:12 Detailed Study Guide Breakdown13:26 Behavioral Cues: Entry Cue and Exit Cue17:51 Opening Study24:42 Opening Strategies and Pawn Structures27:33 Middlegame Study 31:48 Endgame Study36:09 Grandmaster Thinking42:25 Tactics Study45:22 Setting Process Goals52:00 Square Breathing and Meditation54:41 Focus and Emotional Control During Games59:16 Jumping 250 ELO in Three Months01:02:14 Post-Game Reflection and Analysis01:06:06 Learning from Mistakes01:14:12 Why Chess?
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  GM Aman Hambleton - His London Course, Chessbrah & Winning Habits 12.10.2026 1h 20m

  Aman's London Course: https://www.chessable.com/aman-hambletons-london-system/course/353577/Chessbrah: https://www.youtube.com/c/chessbrah00:00 Intro01:31 The Chessbrah Journey09:40 The Impact of the Chess Boom12:57 The Educational Value of the Channel18:33 Building Habits Series30:11 The Role of Blitz in Improvement36:08 Creating the London System Course40:48 Unique Aspects of his London Course45:59 Connecting Openings to Middlegame54:33 Conceptual Approach and Knowing Crucial Ideas58:09 Balancing Engine Lines and Practical Play01:03:36 Speed Chess Championship Live Commentary01:12:20 The Future of Chess Content CreationGrandmaster Aman Hambleton joins the podcast to unpack the real origin story of Chessbrah, from two Canadian juniors casually “streaming” to each other with one viewer, to building a long-running, community-first brand that’s now approaching 400K subscribers. He reflects on the 2020 chess boom (lockdown + Queen’s Gambit) as an accelerator, but emphasizes that Chessbrah’s durability comes from stickiness: entertainment that keeps people watching, and instruction embedded naturally in real games, blunders, and commentary.The conversation then shifts to Aman’s first Chessable opening course, the London System repertoire, covering why system openings are realistic for most improvers, how his London is differentiated, and why practical, human-centered choices sometimes beat “engine purity.” Finally, he discusses commentating elite speed chess events, the role of the evaluation bar for spectators, and the direction of chess content into the future.
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  GM Surya Ganguly - Teaching Openings for Real Chess Improvement 12.10.2026 1h 1m

  Surya's Chessable Page: https://www.chessable.com/author/suryaganguly/Surya's 1. e4 Repertoire Part 1: https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-suryas-1e4-part-1/course/353840/Surya's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SuryachessProChess Training: https://prochesstraining.com/GM Ganguly on the Perpetual Chess Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy5B3n5aOQ00:00 Intro02:29 Understanding vs. Memorization09:13 Opening Advantage is Not Everything11:19 How Surya Structures His Opening Courses18:30 Explaining Strange Looking Moves in the Najdorf22:27 Lessons From Team Anand25:20 Stories From Training Indian Top Players34:22 System Openings vs. Mainlines48:40 His YouTube Journey53:01 Pro Chess Training56:15 WHY We Play ChessIn this episode, I’m honored to welcome Surya Ganguly, one of India’s most respected grandmasters and opening theoreticians. A former child prodigy, six-time Indian Champion, Asian Champion, and former world #55 with a peak rating of 2676, Surya was also a key member of Viswanathan Anand’s World Championship team—achieving a remarkable 100% score as part of the preparation squad. Many chess fans also know Surya from his deep, principled work as a coach and author, including his latest Chessable course: Lifetime Repertoire: 1.e4 – Part 1 vs the Sicilian.Instead of repeating questions from his excellent appearances on the Perpetual Chess Podcast, this conversation goes deeper into how openings should be learned and taught. We explore understanding vs memorization, the importance of asking why in opening study, integrity and consistency in building a repertoire, system openings versus main lines, and how Surya adapts his teaching from 1400-rated players to elite stars like R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi.keywords: chess openings, Surya Ganguly, chess education, Chessable, opening preparation, chess strategy, memorization vs understanding, chess courses, chess training, creativity in chess, Anand
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  FM Kamil Plichta on Building Openings That Create Early Pressure 12.10.2026 1h 27m

  Kamil's 1. e4 course: https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-plichtas-1e4-part-1-sicilians/course/383069/Two games Kamil mentioned: https://lichess.org/broadcast/european-individual-chess-championship-2026--boards-127-186/round-6/tOTpwfDr/7Z18O2EThttps://lichess.org/broadcast/european-individual-chess-championship-2026--boards-1-66/round-4/NxEg1ofB/nHwDXHB600:00 Intro04:02 Beating Magnus Carlsen in Blitz07:15 Feedback and Course Development09:11 How Kamil Found Chessable14:50 Winning Best Author Support Awards22:45 A Typical Day in Kamil's Life29:47 Typical Author Mistakes 37:39 Creating Problems for Both Sides43:46 Chessable's Evolution51:29 Kamil's New Course: 1.e4 LTR01:01:10 Grenke Chess and European Individual Championship01:19:38 Everybody is a Fighter These DaysThis podcast episode features FM Kamil Plichta, one of Chessable’s most recognizable opening authors, known for his tricky sidelines, practical repertoires, humor, and unusually strong course support. Kamil explains how his opening philosophy is built around creating early problems for the opponent, avoiding predictable main lines, and choosing positions where both sides may feel uncomfortable—but where he has more experience. He also shares how he became a Chessable author, how his course-making process evolved, why good explanations matter more than endless variations, and how he thinks about target audiences, quick starters, model games, and long-term course support.The conversation also explores Kamil’s return to over-the-board chess, including his recent tournaments, the challenges of modern preparation, rating deflation, defensive weaknesses he discovered in his own play, and his ambition to become an International Master. Along the way, he discusses beating Magnus Carlsen in blitz, the changing landscape of Chessable, why blitz can be useful for some players, and his new 1.e4 repertoire course against the Sicilian. This is a funny, honest, and practical conversation about openings, chess improvement, authorship, and the realities of competitive chess today.
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  GM Lars Schandorff - Inside the Mind of Chessable Author of the Year 12.10.2026 1h 7m

  Lars' Chessable Courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/LarsSchandorff/00:00 Intro01:00 How Lars Creates His Opening Courses07:31 The First Key Decision When Creating an Opening Course15:03 The Importance of Openings in Chess18:46 A Story About Rook Endgames21:43 Where to Stop in an Opening Course25:47 Chess as a Lifestyle: Freedom and Identity27:52 Can Beginners Benefit from His Courses?34:33 The Role of Engines in Modern Chess Preparation40:13 His Weekly Radio Show 'Nimzowitsch'45:19 The Cultural Significance of Chess in Literature50:46 Nimzowitsch's Influence55:32 Chess Improvement in Modern Times58:40 How GM Schandorff Coaches People1:03:29 Future Plans and CoursesIn this engaging interview, Danish chess author GM Lars Schandorff shares insights into his successful courses, the art of opening preparation, and the cultural significance of chess. Lars has recently become the Chessable Author of the Year 2025, and that is very inspiring.We discussed the following topics:Lars Schandorff's approach to creating accessible and deep chess coursesThe importance of opening repertoire and strategic choicesThe influence of Nimzowitsch on modern chess ideasThe role of technology and engines in chess preparationThe cultural and historical significance of chesskeywordsChess, Chess Courses, Opening Repertoire, Chess Strategy, Chess Culture, Chess History, Chessable, Nimzowitsch, Chess Improvement, Chess Tools, Lars Schandorff
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  Kamryn Hellman - How an Adult Beginner Reached 2000 ELO in Two Years 12.10.2026 51m

  Kamryn's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCYUOoqtGaRgUeUta134aUyw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9gkF840Vk&t=1sKamryn's Chessable course: https://www.chessable.com/50-essential-chess-concepts-an-improvers-blueprint/course/233222/Kamryn's Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/kamrynheidihttps://bsky.app/profile/kamrynheidi.bsky.socialhttps://kamrynheidichess.substack.com/00:00 Intro01:54 The Chess Bug and the Very Short Summary of the Journey to 2000 ELO08:57 The Thought Process10:47 Blunder-Check15:16 'Why Am I Losing?' Document23:07 How Blitz Helped 26:00 Study Advice for 0-1500 ELO29:16 Study Advice for 1500 - 2000 ELO37:18 Her Chessable Course41:40 Her New Openings44:47 Final Advice for Beginners45:40 Final Advice for Intermediate Players46:34 The Weekly Training ScheduleIn this special year-end episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Kamryn Helman, an extraordinary adult improver who achieved a chesscom rapid rating of 2000 in just two years, starting from absolute zero. Kamryn shared her inspirational journey, which began in 2021 after watching The Queen’s Gambit. Despite balancing her undergraduate studies and later a full-time job, she devoted around 20 hours per week to chess and made remarkable progress. Kamryn's disciplined approach combined playing, tactical exercises, and joining a chess club, where she set goals to compete with stronger players. Her story is a testament to how dedication and a structured approach can yield extraordinary results in a short time.During our conversation, Kamryn offered valuable insights into her improvement methods. She talked about her "Why I Am Losing" document, a weekly habit of analyzing losses to identify patterns and guide her studies. We also discussed her thought process, including a mental checklist to avoid blunders, and the critical role of breaks in consolidating knowledge. Kamryn's ability to stay intentional and disciplined about her chess journey is both inspiring and instructional for players at all levels.Toward the end, we explored her educational contributions to the chess community, including her Chessable course, 50 Essential Chess Concepts: An Improver's Blueprint. She shared the challenges of designing clean, instructive puzzles that minimize cognitive overload and maximize learning. Kamryn's passion for chess and commitment to improvement was evident throughout our discussion, leaving me—and hopefully you—with fresh ideas and inspiration to tackle our own chess journeys. I’m thrilled to see what Kamryn accomplishes next and I look forward to another conversation as her chess story unfolds.
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  Dr. Benjamin Portheault on Chess Psychology: Overcoming Mental Blocks, Pressure & Self-Doubt 12.10.2026 1h 25m

  Benji's website: https://mindcreaser.com/Benji's substack: https://mindcreaser.substack.com/ Benji's course 'Mindfulness for the Tournament Player': https://mindfulness-for-the-tournament-player.teachable.com/Follow Benji: https://bsky.app/profile/benjiportheault.bsky.socialHis piece on discipline: https://mindcreaser.substack.com/p/disciplineUnder the Surface: https://amzn.to/4hnw7EULife and Games of Mikhail Tal: https://amzn.to/42r4c2OThe Seven Deadly Chess Sins: https://amzn.to/4joJzu3Think Like a Super-GM: https://amzn.to/3E59kPUBenji later recommended the books by Wojciech Moranda.00:00 Intro12:03 Pressure14:37 Alan Watts' Fantasy17:53 Meditation21:04 Playing the Position in Front of You27:01 Toxic Self-Talk 30:24 Rating Anxiety 33:42 Confidence and Self-Efficacy41:23 Handling Losses45:21 Pain = Suffering x Resistance52:35 Time Trouble55:07 Giving up Control58:00 Self-Adopted Identities1:00:28 Beauty in Complexity1:03:46 Preserving the Love for the Game1:15:31 Pre-Game RitualsBenji Portheault, a seasoned performance coach with experience working with chess players of all levels, including super grandmasters, joined the podcast to discuss the mental aspects of chess. Throughout the conversation, he explored topics such as meditation, dealing with tilt, tournament preparation, and the psychology of chess success. Benji gave insights into how identity, confidence, and mindset play crucial roles in a player's performance. His approach combines modern psychology with meditation techniques to help players build resilience and manage the stress of competition effectively.A major focus of the discussion was on managing emotions during games, particularly in high-pressure situations. Benji explained the importance of developing self-awareness, identifying negative thought patterns, and learning how to reset mentally after mistakes. He introduced techniques such as open monitoring meditation and mental reframing to help players regain focus and prevent one mistake from snowballing into further blunders. He also emphasized the need for practical routines before and during games, including recognizing the feeling of playing well and recalling past successful experiences to build confidence.The conversation also touched on broader topics like rating anxiety, tournament nerves, and the importance of maintaining a love for the game. Benji encouraged players to cultivate a healthy relationship with chess, understanding that improvement requires embracing both wins and losses as learning experiences. He highlighted how professionals and amateurs alike struggle with the psychological challenges of competition, making mental training just as crucial as tactical and strategic preparation.
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  NM Dan Heisman - 30 Years of Chess Coaching Wisdom 12.10.2026 2h 2m

  Dan's Website: https://www.danheisman.com/Dan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/danheismanFollow Dan on X: https://x.com/danheismanDan's Chessable Author Profile: https://www.chessable.com/author/Dan_Heisman/The Improving Chess Thinker: https://amzn.to/3OtKDyEIs Your Move Safe? https://amzn.to/4g77Z8ZElements of Positional Evaluation: https://amzn.to/4fOc5TAThought and Choice in Chess: https://amzn.to/4fMoCqO00:00 Dan Heisman: A Brief Introduction04:25 Common Misconceptions About Chess Improvement09:37 The Role of Knowledge vs. Skills in Chess16:22 How Blitz Chess Can Help (or Hurt!) Improvement21:23 Time Management27:12 Is There Luck in Chess?29:42 Ideal Thought Process37:11 Checklists44:00 Diagnosing Thought Process Mistakes with De Groot Exercises56:33 The Evolution of Chess Content for Beginners1:03:43 Dan's Career Highlights and Coaching Philosophy1:23:12 Visualization/Board Vision/Tactical Vision1:36:46 The Woodpecker Method1:46:50 Learning Chess Notation1:54:43 Creating a Chess LegacyIn this very special episode, I had an insightful conversation with the legendary chess coach NM Dan Heisman. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dan has authored 14 books, developed a Chessable course, and helped thousands of students improve since he began coaching in 1996. His expertise shines through as we delve into the nuances of chess improvement, from bridging the knowledge-skill gap to the importance of thought process and time management. Dan shares valuable insights into his journey, including his work with renowned players and groundbreaking contributions to chess coaching, such as coining terms like "hope chess", "handwaving", "ABC Error", "counting" and "wise adult syndrome."A major focus of our discussion revolves around the critical skills needed for chess improvement, such as blunder-check and criticality assessment. Dan emphasizes the importance of improving both knowledge (patterns and principles) and skills (analysis, time management, and perseverance). Drawing on his decades of coaching, Dan recounts fascinating anecdotes, like the curious case of a student with perfect visualization but flawed analysis. We also discuss practical strategies for players, such as balancing blitz and classical games, and how to train effectively by focusing on process-oriented methods.This episode is packed with actionable advice for players of all levels, particularly adult improvers navigating the challenges of chess growth. Dan's dedication to helping players reach their potential shines throughout the conversation, offering viewers a wealth of strategies and motivation to refine their approach to the game. Whether you're struggling with transitioning from knowledge to skill, managing time effectively, or avoiding blunders, this discussion provides a masterclass in practical chess improvement.
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  CM Azel Chua - Mastering Chess Calculation with the Burger Technique 12.10.2026 1h 41m

  Azel's Chessable Courses: https://www.chessable.com/author/AzelChua/Azel's Course on Calculation: https://www.chessable.com/calculation-a-complete-guide-for-tournament-players/course/53691/Fundamental Chess Calculation Skills: https://www.chess.com/course/fundamental-chess-calculation-skills-12333300:00 Intro02:01 Why His Calculation Course Was a Huge Success05:13 Checks, Captures, and Threats: Why It Falls Short11:03 The Burger Technique12:10 Position 121:00 Position 226:24 Position 3 Enters Magnus the Superhuman 29:26 Position 438:26 Position 542:39 Position 650:06 Position 754:25 Position 858:35 Transfer of Patterns to Different Contexts1:04:40 Conceptual Patterns - Position 91:06:48 Position 101:11:30 Visualization1:31:48 How Best to Learn Patterns1:33:34 The Endgame RiddleIn this episode, I sit down with Candidate Master and Chessable author Azel Chua to dive deep into the intricacies of chess calculation and thought processes. Azel's Calculation course broke records on Chessable. He shared concrete positions and concepts to clarify his "Burger Technique"—a systematic approach that breaks down calculation into three essential steps. We explored why traditional approaches like "checks, captures, and threats" (CCT) can often fail, and how context-driven techniques provide a more robust, scalable method for players of all levels.Throughout the discussion, Azel showcased several illustrative positions that demonstrated the power of identifying loose pieces, critical squares, and exposed lines of attack. We learned how chess targets—whether pieces, squares, or alignments—can continually expand in complexity as players improve. Azel concluded with insightful exercises on visualization, introducing the concept of "visualization decay" and how to overcome it. He demonstrated that improving calculation involves spotting patterns and expanding one’s ability to recall and connect conceptual similarities across seemingly different positions.
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  Aiden Rayner - Cracking Chess Visualization and Working Memory 12.10.2026 1h 43m

  Aiden's Website: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/Aiden's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FdBsG9UsLeTbBt18kI6lkThe Moves of the Blindfold Game: 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4.Qg4 d6 5.Qxg7 Nf6 6. Qxf7+#Also see Prof. Benjamin Balas episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzblptGNjw00:00 Who Is Aiden Rayner?07:11 Visualization Training/Chess Improvement10:58 Conceptualization/Visualization12:18 Aphantasia20:53 Working Memory24:03 Freezing/Forgetting/Freewheeling29:10 Intuition33:24 Ghost Pieces37:38 Building Habits41:24 How to Best Learn Chess Patterns and Chunks49:05 Checklists53:08 Who is Your Daddy and What Does He Do?1:02:26 First and Second-Order Effects1:09:12 Ideal Training Intensity1:20:33 Blindfold ExerciseIn this podcast episode, we’re joined by Aiden Rayner, a chess coach and visualization expert, from Australia. Aiden discusses the critical role of visualization in chess, explaining how most resources overlook direct training in this skill and why he decided to design targeted exercises to fill this gap. Aiden’s innovative approach, blending structured cognitive training with practical exercises, has helped players of all levels, even influencing grandmasters to incorporate his techniques.We delve into the nuances of working memory and its limitations in chess, shedding light on how cognitive bottlenecks lead to blunders. He offers actionable advice on creating personalized checklists and forming habits that interrupt automatic, often flawed, intuitive responses during games. The discussion also explores how visualization doesn’t have to mean visualizing in the literal sense, emphasizing that players should lean into how their brain naturally processes chess information—be it through verbal narratives, spatial awareness, or other personal methods.The conversation takes a deeper dive into training methodologies, focusing on isolating and intensifying specific skills to enhance overall performance. Aiden shares practical exercises, including a blindfold chess drill designed to stretch cognitive capacity, and discusses the importance of prioritizing key patterns for improvement. Throughout the episode, the synergy between cognitive science and chess improvement is highlighted, providing listeners with a treasure trove of insights and tools to elevate their game, whether they’re beginners or seasoned players.
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  Prof. Christopher Chabris - Cognitive Science Insights into Chess Thinking 12.10.2026 1h 41m

  Invisible Gorilla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2MvoThe Door Study (Change Blindness): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWSxSQsspiQhttps://www.chabris.com/Their Study on Overconfidence in Chess Players: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/yd5he_v1https://amzn.to/437DXhzhttps://amzn.to/44Mrh0O00:00 Intro02:48 Enters Dr. Christopher Chabris06:15 Inattentional and Change Blindness 18:38 Checklists21:26 Categorizing and Labeling Things22:59 Visual Crowding24:36 Blunder-Check30:23 Cognitive Biases and Decision Making in Chess38:30 Sunk Cost Fallacy42:01 Truth Bias43:45 Trusting Authority50:53 Practical Decision Making54:37 Overconfidence in Chess1:00:27 The Dunning-Kruger Effect 1:12:07 The Illusion of Memory and Its Impact on Chess1:14:20 Causal Attribution and Learning from Mistakes1:19:39 The Role of Engines in Chess Analysis01:29:46 Scientific Studies Involving ChessIn this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Christopher Chabris—a cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and chess candidate master—whose groundbreaking work on attention, decision-making, and cognitive biases has deeply shaped our understanding of the mind. Known especially for The Invisible Gorilla experiment, which exposed the phenomenon of inattentional blindness, Chris shares insights on how these cognitive limitations directly affect our chess decisions. We discuss how chess players often miss threats that are right in front of them due to selective attention, and how ideas like gradual change blindness can lead to missed information even under careful observation.We then explore how these principles translate into practical advice for chess improvement. Chris discusses metacognitive tools like checklists and conscious blunder checks as remedies for attentional blind spots. We reflect on the power of naming patterns—like “sniper bishop” or “loose pieces”—to aid memory and pattern recognition, and how habits of structured thinking can eventually become automatic. We also connect this to broader life patterns: why multitasking reduces performance and how expertise shapes perception.Finally, we dive into Chris's recent scientific study on overconfidence in chess players. Analyzing data from hundreds of players, they discovered that most chess players believe they’re underrated, especially lower-rated players—a real-world instance of the Dunning-Kruger effect. We unpack how confirmation bias, sunk cost fallacy, truth bias and motivated reasoning influence not just how we play chess, but also how we evaluate our own skill level. Chris shares powerful reminders that chess is fundamentally a game of decision-making under uncertainty—and that metacognitive awareness, realistic self-assessment, and embracing discomfort are key to long-term growth in both chess and life.keywords: cognitive science, chess, metacognition, attention, cognitive biases, decision making, change blindness, inattentional blindness, learning strategies, memory, cognitive biases, confirmation bias, motivated reasoning, sunk cost fallacy, overconfidence, truth bias, chess decision making, authority trust, uncertainty, Dunning-Kruger effect, chess, overconfidence, Dunning-Kruger effect, memory, skill assessment, causal attribution, chess engines, learning, cognitive bias, player ratings, chess, psychological resilience, tactics, scientific experiments, chess ambitions, cognitive science, performance, skill, learning, expertise
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  GM Jacob Aagaard - A Deep Dive into Strategic Decision-Making 12.10.2026 2h 13m

  https://killerchesstraining.com/https://www.newinchess.com/https://amzn.to/4igE5Qghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Aagaardhttps://www.chessable.com/author/JacobAagaard/The Art of Exchanging Pieces:https://www.chessable.com/the-art-of-exchanging-pieces/course/82374/00:00 Intro02:20 Mastering Chess Exchanges06:46 Woodpecker Method13:45 Jacob Tests Me: Position 116:28 Jacob Tests Me: Position 222:44 Effective Decision-Making31:46 Jacob Tests Me: Position 334:26 Rules/Principles vs. Concepts40:08 Improving Tactical Vision47:19 Volume and Focus55:40 Jacob Tests Me: Position 401:05:52 Jacob Tests Me: Position 501:12:23 Abdusattorov's Bad Decision01:13:33 Jacob Analyses His Recent OTB Game01:30:07 I Test Jacob: Position 101:30:58 Chess Instructor's Most Valuable Quality01:34:34 3 Questions01:40:44 When We Should Stop Calculating01:41:50 Gelfand's Almost-Religious Insight01:48:25 I Test Jacob: Position 202:03:20 Why Modern Engines Are Crap02:07:51 I Test Jacob: Position 3I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Grandmaster Jacob Aagaard—one of the most prolific chess authors in the world—for a conversation that quickly became one of the most meaningful episodes I’ve recorded. Jacob was incredibly open, thinking out loud through challenging positions and showing what high-level problem-solving really looks like in real time.Jacob and Reiner Castellanos recently published the book 'Mastering Chess Exchanges'. We tested each other with positions—Jacob using exercises involving piece trades, and I brought a few from my upcoming course, Workbook for the Art of Series. We discussed exchanges in depth, including themes like good vs. bad pieces, positional vs. tactical justifications, and how to make sense of tension on the board. What stood out most was Jacob’s emphasis on clarity: how simple questions, if asked at the right moment, can organize your thinking and lead to better decisions.Beyond strategy, we explored how players learn. I shared insights from cognitive science, including how reducing extraneous cognitive load helps players process ideas more efficiently. Jacob spoke about the power of volume and focus—how long-term memory, built through serious, undistracted effort, allows strong players to recognize relevance instantly. If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to how a world-class coach thinks about chess, this episode is for you.