Episode 156 Ireland’s first and only Chess Grand Master Alexander Baburin chats with Fender Jackson in Dublin on Sunday 13th April 2025. He is editor-in-chief of the e-mail distributed chess newspaper Chess Today and is a coach and author.

Conversation includes: introductions; the background of being Ireland’s only Chess Grand Master; International Masters Sam Collins, Brian Kelly, Conor Murphy; Grand master norms; ratings vs. titles; Alexander’s highest rating; rating inflation; Alexander’s move from Russia to Ireland; Eamon Keogh; Michael Crowe; Philip Short; how chess has evolved in Ireland over the years; how chess could be supported more in Ireland; the Irish Chess Union (ICU); the advantages of playing chess; dealing with setbacks; the importance of thinking you have a chance of victory before a game; playing against Viktor Korchnoi; other memorable games; the relationship between brain and body; playing techniques; establishing why a move is bad and why one made the move; analysis, chess engines and spell checks; advice on improving classical games; ‘World Chess Championship Candidates Tournament Zurich 1953’ by David Bronstein; ‘Ficheall’ by Úna O Boyle; Peter Svidler; Wesley So; Anar Rajabov; Patryk Rekuc; Hikaru Nakamura; advice for young players; advice for parents of young chess players and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.alexbaburinchess.com

http://www.chesstoday.net

Additional Links

https://www.icu.ie

https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/a6e8bd8a/34-una-o-boyle-chess-woman-candidate-master

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