Today’s guest is Jan Henric Buettner — a candidate for FIDE President and co-founder of Freestyle Chess. Jan shares the story behind his unexpected presidential run: why he decided to enter the race after stepping back from running Freestyle Chess, and how Javokhir Sindarov and Bibisara Assaubayeva helped spark the idea. We discuss whether he could bring Magnus Carlsen back into the classical World Championship cycle, why he questions the transparency and fairness of the FIDE election, and what he plans to change if he becomes president. Jan also shares his vision for the future of classical chess, how to make chess more popular, and discusses his position on Russia and Belarus in FIDE events. This one got pretty heated — don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Jan's X: https://x.com/JanHBuettner

Jan’s campaign website: https://janhenricbuettner.com

Links and resources mentioned in the podcast:

FIDE Budget: https://doc.fide.com/docs/DOC/2025_GA_online/GA-202509.pdf

Jan’s Chess Manifesto Summary: https://onecdn.io/media/4chessmanifestosummary-ce195d9b-272c-4eca-9af2-ea9cb9036ac6.pdf

My previous podcast with Jan: https://youtu.be/4qLJHs2J-KY

My podcast with Magnus’s coach, Peter Heine Nielsen: https://youtu.be/bXQAvKUiA7A

My podcast with Nodirbek: https://youtu.be/IIQ3eguWJdY

My podcast with Boris Gelfand: https://youtu.be/fj5BmOc6Rrk?si=aEkzLvPMmkbdSLZl

My podcast with Levon Aronian: https://youtu.be/3EuVAo74L4U

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro  

01:11 — Why run for FIDE President?  

08:51 — Preparing for the election  

10:11 — Weren’t you leaving chess?  

12:44 — Who runs Freestyle Chess now?  

14:38 — A conflict of interest?  

17:02 — Why Freestyle’s model failed  

23:01 — What’s going on with Magnus?  

24:42 — Can Jan bring Magnus back?  

28:43 — Jan’s campaign platform  

32:14 — How to make chess more popular?

34:32 — The future of classical chess  

38:15 — Russia and Belarus at FIDE events  

43:24 — Is FIDE favoring one candidate?

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts. 

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play). 

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#janhenricbuettner #fide #fideelection #magnuscarlsen #freestylechess #chesspolitics #chesspodcast #chess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Today I’m joined by Vidit Gujrathi — one of India’s strongest grandmasters, a Chess Olympiad winner, and a Candidates Tournament participant. We haven’t seen Vidit at many major classical events lately, so we talked about where he’s been, why he decided to step back, and what his future in chess might look like. We also discussed Sindarov and the new generation, why Gukesh is struggling, and the upcoming 2026 Olympiad. And as always, we finished with a blitz game. Don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Vidit's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@viditchess

Vidit's X: https://x.com/viditchess

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

My podcast with Nepo: https://youtu.be/sW-i4CPCa_w

My podcast with Daniil Dubov: https://youtu.be/rimjT4Pj3jY

My podcast with Arjun Erigaisi: https://youtu.be/3Nvfuk70v6g

My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs

My podcast with Anish Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

00:57 — All world champions in 60 seconds

03:02 — Chess openings in 60 seconds

04:35 — Why Vidit took a break

07:42 — Two years all-in on chess

12:01 — The cost of going all-in

14:31 — How much did Vidit train?

15:22 — Building a team

17:55 — The shower test

19:06 — 1,830 days of meditation

21:26 — Vidit’s chess training routine

23:02 — Vidit’s favorite chess legends

24:24 — Sindarov, Gukesh, and the new generation

27:36 — Why is Gukesh struggling?

30:46 — Vidit has no chess goal?

33:20 — Vidit at the UzChess Cup

36:33 — Vidit working with Anish?

37:09 — Vidit as a future coach?

38:33 — Vidit builds chess apps

44:47 — Will Vidit build a startup?

45:53 — Who wins the 2026 Olympiad?

47:55 — Blitz vs Vidit

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#viditgujrathi #gukeshdommaraju #indianchess #chessolympiad #javokhirsindarov #chesspodcast #chessinterview #mustreaderchess

Today I’m joined by a young super-GM Awonder Liang. We talked about his matches against Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann, the 2026 Candidates, and the discontinued Webster chess program. Awonder also shared his thoughts on chess mindset, playing under stress, what it takes to become great, and his own training routine and goals. And of course, we finished with a blitz game you don’t want to miss!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Awonder's X: https://x.com/awonder676

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q

My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo

My podcast with Peter Svidler: https://youtu.be/qVpKE0mTVsI

My podcast with Erigaisi: https://youtu.be/3Nvfuk70v6g

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

01:11 — Match vs Hans Niemann

03:25 — Playing under stress

07:31 — The Chessreps discussion

11:12 — Awonder’s chess mindset

14:50 — Recent troubles in Awonder’s play

17:07 — Did beating Hikaru matter?

20:53 — Confidence in chess

24:42 — Sacrificing everything for chess?

29:01 — How much does Awonder train?

29:52 — What does Awonder train?

33:06 — Do chess books matter?

35:42 — Pattern recognition

38:49 — Plan to become World Champion

41:34 — Awonder’s chess goals

42:56 — Webster chess program discontinued

45:46 — Chess support in the U.S.

50:08 — Candidates 2026

53:06 — Blitz vs Awonder

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#awonderliang #hikarunakamura #hansniemann #uschess #candidates2026 #chesspodcast #chessinterview #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #cwm

Today I’m joined by chess legend GM Peter Svidler — World Cup winner, former World No. 4, elite commentator, second, and one of the most fascinating voices in chess. We discuss his career path, the dreams he never fully achieved, and why GYM matters more than most players realize. We also talk about whether Kasparov could still compete with the very best today, and what happens to chess once Magnus is gone. And of course, we finish with a blitz game you don’t want to miss!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Peter's X: https://x.com/polborta

Peter's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/plbrta

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs

My podcast with Grischuk: https://youtu.be/EfwA420_1bo

My podcast with Boris Gelfand: https://youtu.be/fj5BmOc6Rrk?si=aEkzLvPMmkbdSLZl

My podcast with Jan Gustafsson: https://youtu.be/7gV7nxBaoQs

My podcast with Erigaisi: https://youtu.be/3Nvfuk70v6g

My podcast with Kramnik that got me blocked by him: https://youtu.be/YKzes4eteb4?si=5nUg3RNqeHXnqANK

My podcast with Nodirbek: https://youtu.be/IIQ3eguWJdY

My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

00:56 — Who is Peter Svidler today?

05:00 — Peter as a Candidates second

05:55 — Why Peter commentates less

08:39 — Does Peter still want 2700?

14:56 — Why Peter doesn’t play online

16:16 — Will Peter become a streamer?

18:48 — Hearthstone and chess

19:29 — How Peter works on chess now

21:22 — Why gym matters so much

24:24 — Can Peter still compete?

31:44 — What about Kasparov?

34:58 — Unexpected doggo

35:14 — Back to Kasparov

36:45 — Pressure against young players

39:36 — Back to the Russian team?

41:19 — Peter never had goals?

47:02 — Chess in Peter’s life

49:17 — Must chess cost everything?

53:54 — How long will Magnus last?

58:53 — Blitz

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#petersvidler #magnuscarlsen #garrykasparov #futureofchess #chesspodcast #chessinterview #chess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess

Today I’m joined by one of the strongest GMs, World No. 4 Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Everyone has been wondering what changed — why is Nodirbek suddenly crushing everyone and winning tournaments? We talked about his training, his mindset, and his plans to fight for the chess crown. We also covered some of the hottest topics in chess right now: what makes Magnus so great, why Gukesh is struggling, and of course the 2026 Candidates tier list. And at the end, we played a blitz game you absolutely have to watch — it won’t disappoint.

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Nodirbek's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdusattorov_nodirbek_official

Nodirbek's X: https://x.com/NodirbekGM

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

My podcast with Kramnik that got me blocked by him: https://youtu.be/YKzes4eteb4?si=5nUg3RNqeHXnqANK

My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo

My podcast with Boris Gelfand: https://youtu.be/fj5BmOc6Rrk?si=aEkzLvPMmkbdSLZl

My podcast with Nodirbek’s former coach, Jacob Aagaard: https://youtu.be/VHJejuic5qQ

My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs

My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY

My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

01:05 — What changed?

04:30 — Last game vs Gukesh

07:22 — Why ambition is harmful

09:04 — Mistakes come from emotions

11:37 — How Magnus handles pressure

13:14 — Magnus: gift or hard work?

13:38 — “I don’t believe in mental coaches”

15:39 — Gukesh’s real problem

17:53 — Gukesh needs to lose the title

19:32 — Do you agree with Kramnik?

21:24 — Bring the crown to Uzbekistan

22:14 — World No. 1 or world champion?

23:24 — Who will surpass Magnus?

27:05 — Nodirbek’s training routine

32:01 — Are you intuitive or technical?

33:44 — Candidates tier list

41:31 — Blitz vs Nodirbek

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#nodirbekabdusattorov #magnuscarlsen #candidates2026 #gukeshdommaraju #chess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Today I’m joined by one of the best chess players in the world — GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. We dive into the biggest topics in chess right now: the 2026 calendar clash, Hikaru’s criticism video, chess as part of esports, the 2026 Olympiad, and more. MVL also explains what went wrong in his attempt to qualify for the Candidates, and together we build a Candidates 2026 tier list — with some very spicy takes. And of course, as always, we finish with a blitz game — don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

MVL's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MVLChess

MVL's X: https://x.com/Vachier_Lagrave

MVL's website: https://www.mvlchess.com

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

My previous podcast with MVL: https://youtu.be/6sIBWByqqG8

My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo

My podcast with Magnus’s coach Peter Heine Nielsen: https://youtu.be/bXQAvKUiA7A

My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY

My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs

My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

01:13 — How have you changed this year?

03:30 — 2026 calendar clash: MVL’s take

08:24 — MVL on Hikaru’s criticism

11:09 — Will organizers find a compromise?

12:59 — Esports World Cup or Sinquefield Cup?

13:53 — Has Vitality changed you?

15:24 — Chess as an esport

18:01 — What went wrong with Candidates?

22:23 — “The most talented player is…”

25:14 — Back to Candidates qualification

26:33 — How to reach next Candidates?

28:09 — Olympiad 2026

29:47 — Candidates 2026 tier list

30:52 — Don’t underrate Bluebaum

32:19 — Esipenko plays incredible chess

33:57 — Sindarov’s great future

35:56 — Wei Yi: “it’s controversial, but…”

37:32 — Hot take on Pragg

41:29 — Anish impressed in 2025

43:09 — Fabi: six Candidates later...

45:37 — Hikaru: his best chance?

49:25 — Last takes on Candidates

51:37 — Blitz vs MVL

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#maximevachierlagrave #candidates2026 #chess #hikarunakamura #mvl #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Today I’m joined by Jan Henric Buettner — co-founder of Freestyle Chess, one of the boldest projects in the chess world. We talk about why chess, in its current form, may never truly become mainstream, what has to change, and what chess can learn from Formula 1. We also discuss the difference between classical chess and Freestyle Chess, and why Jan believes the future belongs to Freestyle. We dive into the FIDE vs Freestyle conflict and why Hikaru Nakamura, one of the biggest names in chess media, is not part of the project. Don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

My podcast with Levon Aronian: https://youtu.be/3EuVAo74L4U

My podcast with Fabiano Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo

My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY

My podcast with Anish Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q?si=kJmwzyxph6XJ2Jdp

My podcast with Erik Allebest: https://youtu.be/1cCrMcUTDj8

And other LEGENDS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAzovIvBvGxzaDCVwmo-ZJDtrilrJLjS

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

01:16 — Freestyle World Championship

03:14 — “It turned out very differently”

04:30 — How Freestyle Chess began

08:58 — What went wrong with Freestyle?

12:53 — What’s next for Freestyle?

17:48 — Why the Freestyle Tour struggled

21:01 — Chess is not interesting?

24:14 — Freestyle more interesting than classical?

26:43 — Freestyle struggles with funding

29:18 — What Freestyle achieved in 2.5 years

31:35 — Can chess be Formula 1?

35:55 — How to make chess watchable

39:52 — Why not rapid instead of Freestyle?

41:04 — Magnus’s choice

41:27 — Freestyle or rapid: same thing?

44:15 — Chess media is just getting started

45:58 — FIDE vs Freestyle

50:50 — World Championship without Hikaru

53:06 — Gukesh took Hikaru’s place

55:41 — World Championship qualification

57:23 — How can chess become profitable?

01:02:54 — ChessCom — the most successful chess company?

01:04:13 — Jan on his own chess level

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#chess #magnuscarlsen #freestylechess #fischerandom #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Imagine a future Magnus match nobody expected — one that could grab the entire chess world’s attention and attract new sponsors. Sounds wild, right? My guest, Oleg Skvortsov, is a major chess patron and tournament organizer who’s deeply involved in how modern chess is marketed and funded — and he’s ready to make it happen. We talk about what chess is missing for mainstream appeal, why “drama” matters, and what one change could make the game far more exciting for casual viewers. Oleg also shares his blunt take on freestyle chess, what he plans to discuss with Jan Buettner, and whether he could end up leading the project. We finish with a quick chess game — don’t miss it.

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1745521337

All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

01:05 — A future Magnus match idea

05:39 — Why this opponent?

07:07 — Does he even have a chance?

10:48 — What does Magnus gain?

11:27 — Why not Hans vs Magnus?

12:27 — “This will be like Fischer–Spassky”

14:10 — Is chess not interesting anymore?

15:48 — One change to make chess WAY more exciting

17:28 — Oleg’s FIDE-approved idea

19:27 — What’s wrong with freestyle chess?

22:12 — What will Oleg discuss with Buettner?

24:10 — We need drama

25:02 — Draws kill the excitement

27:58 — Has the level of play dropped?

31:49 — Magnus lost to the Grob Opening?!

34:33 — Calendar clash isn’t the problem

35:52 — Is Freestyle the future?

36:51 — Why Buettner is stepping back

38:43 — Could Oleg replace Buettner?

40:14 — Will Dvorkovich get sanctioned?

40:50 — Many want Freestyle to grow

42:45 — Our game

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#chess #magnuscarlsen #freestylechess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Collabs: [email protected]

Today my guest is IM John Bartholomew — one of the original chess YouTubers, chess coach, and a former co-founder of Chessable. We talk about what chess YouTube was like back in 2014, the gap between IMs and GMs, and whether Levy aka GothamChess can still make the GM title. We also discuss how online courses changed the way people learn chess, plus John’s new project Chessiverse and what “human-like” training bots could mean for chess improvement. And of course, we nerd out about the Scandinavian Defense (one of John’s signature openings) and then finish with a blitz game. Don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader

My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb

My X: https://x.com/mustreader

My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

Collabs: [email protected]

John's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBartholomewChess

John's X: https://x.com/fins0905

John’s project — Chessiverse: https://chessiverse.com

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

00:50 — John: IM, educator, Chessable co-founder

01:51 — How Chessable started

04:44 — Was Magnus in the meetings?

05:33 — Chessable valuation?

08:33 — Chessiverse: best for beginners?

10:34 — Chessable vs Chessiverse: what’s different?

14:30 — Who is Chessiverse for?

16:39 — What “human-like bots” means

19:30 — The future of Chessiverse

20:30 — Chess.com bots vs Chessiverse

22:30 — Chess YouTube in 2014

25:20 — Competition in chess content

28:59 — Competing with GothamChess?

31:40 — Did John ever chase GM?

33:55 — Can Levy (GothamChess) become GM?

35:27 — How John trains now

36:34 — Splitting time between projects

38:24 — Why the Scandi works

41:12 — Blitz vs John

42:33 — Scandinavian tips for beginners

46:03 — Blitz begins

Bots that PLAY LIKE HUMANS — Future of CHESS TRAINING? | John Bartholomew PODCAST

John Bartholomew

John Bartholomew podcast

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IM John Bartholomew

chess training

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Chessable

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Levy Rozman

Scandinavian Defense

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Scandinavian Defense tips

chess podcast

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mustreader

greg mustreader

cwm

My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

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