Chess with Mustreader

Chess with Mustreader

By Greg MustreaderSportsEducationLeisure
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Chess with Mustreader episodes

  • "BAD FAITH from Hikaru", Candidates HOT TAKES | MVL PODCAST
    Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek

    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

    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

    53 min
  • The TRUTH about FREESTYLE Chess | Jan Buettner PODCAST
    Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7

    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

    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

    1 hr 7 min
  • You WON’T BELIEVE Magnus’s Next Opponent | PODCAST
    Learn the rare Four Knights with a3 on Chessreps: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-4-a3-in-the-four-knights-vbnf1t0


    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


    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

    45 min
  • Wei Yi: CANDIDATES, Ding’s Comeback & Gukesh | PODCAST
    Learn the rare Four Knights with a3 on Chessreps: https://www.chessreps.com/course-creator/mustreader-s-4-a3-in-the-four-knights-vbnf1t0

    Today my guest is one of the world’s top GMs and a 2026 Candidates participant — Wei Yi. We talk about his preparation for the 2026 Candidates, the mental struggles he had to overcome, and whom he sees as the main favorites. Wei also shares why Gukesh hasn’t looked as sharp lately, plus his honest take on Ding Liren — is he actually considering stepping away from chess? We finish with an intense blitz game with a surprising result — 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]


    My previous podcast with Wei: https://youtu.be/080CuetikLE
    Nepo’s 2026 Candidates Tier List: https://youtu.be/Kk1u6caPMW8
    My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo?si=AtUforPE0YYsWbhi
    My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q?si=kJmwzyxph6XJ2Jdp
    My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs?si=j_GBgdtZKywBKEfc

    Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

    00:00 — Intro
    00:48 — Meet Wei Yi
    01:22 — Surprised to be in the Candidates?
    02:15 — The plan to reach the Candidates
    04:35 — Last year’s mental struggles
    05:35 — Why the World Cup "clicked"
    07:51 — Wei Yi's Candidates tier list
    10:35 — What matters most at the Candidates?
    11:49 — When did you start preparing?
    12:28 — Candidates prep plan
    13:26 — Does fitness matter in prep?
    14:06 — Chess training vs gym
    14:35 — Is Ding Liren helping?
    15:27 — What’s going on with Ding?
    17:06 — What happened to Gukesh?
    20:06 — Will Gukesh bounce back?
    21:43 — Wei Yi’s goals
    22:48 — Who beats Gukesh in a title match?
    24:48 — Chess as an esport
    26:55 — Blitz vs Wei Yi

    Wei Yi: CANDIDATES, Ding’s Comeback & Gukesh | PODCAST
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    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!

    #weiyi #candidates2026 #chess #candidates #dingliren #gukesh #chesspodcast #chesstraining #chessimprovement #chesspsychology #worldchampionship #blitzchess #chesstalk #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm
    28 min
  • Bots that PLAY LIKE HUMANS — Future of CHESS TRAINING? | John Bartholomew PODCAST
    Check out the King's Gambit and other openings on Chessreps: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/kings-gambit


    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

    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

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    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!


    #johnbartholomew #chess #chesstraining #chessimprovement #chesscoaching

    42 min
  • "I almost QUIT CHESS" | Anish Giri PODCAST
    Try Chessreps and check out the gambit against the French: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7


    Today my guest is one of the world’s top players and a 2026 Candidates participant — Anish Giri! We cover all the hottest topics: how Anish is preparing for the Candidates, who he thinks are the main favorites, why the Candidates matter so much for Hikaru, Fabi’s road to the world title, and a few spicy thoughts about Magnus. We also talk chess improvement, whether Freestyle could replace classical, and what it takes to win the Candidates. As always, we finish with a blitz game — followed by Anish’s post-game review. Don’t miss it!


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

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

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

    Anish's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnishGiriOfficial

    Anish's X: https://x.com/anishgiri

    Anish’s project — Chess Monitor: https://www.chessmonitor.com


    Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus


    00:00 — Intro

    01:08 — Candidates qualification — surprised?

    02:34 — Why 2025 clicked

    06:08 — “I almost quit chess”

    08:57 — What went wrong in your classical chess?

    12:19 — Did the WC dream bring you back?

    17:22 — Fabi and online chess

    19:42 — The most important tournaments

    21:44 — Anish on the WC cycle

    24:22 — Are Candidates bigger than the WC match?

    25:28 — Are Candidates everything for Hikaru?

    27:38 — Who’s most motivated to win Candidates?

    29:57 — What score wins the Candidates?

    32:05 — Candidates strategy: solid or sharp?

    34:50 — Anish reacts to Magnus’s Candidates tier list

    39:52 — Anish’s Candidates tier list

    45:17 — Who are Anish’s seconds for Candidates?

    45:59 — Best way to improve in chess

    49:28 — How Anish adjusts his prep

    52:04 — Everyone hides prep for Candidates

    54:21 — Why Anish skipped Freestyle events

    01:00:24 — Could Freestyle eclipse classical?

    01:05:16 — Anish’s new project

    01:10:44 — A must-have chess app

    01:17:41 — How players trained before apps

    01:18:41 — Why Anish believes in the project

    01:24:51 — Blitz vs Anish

    01:30:22 — Game review with Anish


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    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 #anishgiri #candidates2026 #magnuscarlsen #hikarunakamura #fabianocaruana #worldchampionship #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

    1 hr 26 min
  • PREDICTIONS for CHESS in 2026 | GM Felix Blohberger | PODCAST
    2025 has been a wild year in chess: huge events, big drama, and an insane level of play. So I sat down with GM Felix Blohberger — Austrian Champion, commentator, and content creator — to recap the year and look ahead to 2026. We talk about the dominance of the young generation, the biggest trends in modern chess, and the key events of 2025 — including the World Cup, the Grand Swiss, and the 2026 Candidates. Felix shares his thoughts on the top Candidates favorites and whether Gukesh will keep his crown. As always, we finish with a blitz game — featuring my favorite King’s Gambit. Happy New Year, and enjoy!


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

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

    Collabs: [email protected]

    Felix's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@febloh

    Felix's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixblohberger/

    Felix's X: https://x.com/gmblohberger


    Links to what's discussed in the podcast:

    Felix’s course — King’s Indian: A Complete Repertoire for Black: https://shop.chessbase.com/en/products/blohberger_kings_indian_repertoire_vol1_and_2?ref=RF5-TYB55LUOVF

    Rook endgames series (start here): https://youtu.be/EEESoSw164w?si=zULJ6Ur3_ianQCWi


    Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus


    00:00 — Intro

    01:29 — What this episode is about

    02:08 — Felix’s breakout results: what changed?

    04:41 — What separates a GM from a super-GM?

    08:28 — Why the new generation dominates

    13:06 — Are endgames more important now?

    14:03 — Deep prep or broad repertoire?

    18:46 — Top GMs are so flexible in openings

    20:32 — How many openings do you need as Black?

    21:52 — And as White?

    22:25 — Mind games in the opening

    23:23 — Will 2026 be a draw-fest?

    24:57 — Faster formats reduce draws

    27:00 — The Candidates lineup surprises

    28:42 — Is the rating system broken?

    30:20 — Bluebaum: a surprise?

    31:30 — Esipenko: the most underrated?

    32:14 — Sindarov: the dark horse?

    33:13 — Wei Yi: potential world champ?

    34:40 — The "Chinese style" in chess

    35:42 — Fabi and Giri?

    37:32 — Is Hikaru even trying to peak?

    40:54 — Isn’t Pragg the best choice?

    43:02 — Alireza, Keymer, Abdusattorov, Arjun

    45:50 — Will Gukesh lose the title?

    49:44 — Name this segment in the comments!

    50:34 — Does Felix even like bullet?

    51:14 — Secret accounts for openings?

    52:28 — Does online blitz help your chess?

    53:58 — Blitz vs Felix Blohberger


    PREDICTIONS for CHESS in 2026 | GM Felix Blohberger | PODCAST

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    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!


    #felixblohberger #chess #chesspodcast #chessnews #candidates2026 #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

    51 min
  • Boris GELFAND: training with KASPAROV, battling MAGNUS | Podcast
    Today my guest is the chess legend Boris Gelfand — a six-time Candidates participant, winner of the 2009 World Cup, and the 2012 World Championship challenger. We talk about modern chess, the young generation, Magnus Carlsen, and the upcoming 2026 Candidates. Boris also shares how he trains his students and what every chess player must understand about decision-making. Plus stories from his prime years training with Kasparov, and a traditional blitz game at the end!


    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 referral link to chess.com: https://go.chess.com/mustreader

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


    Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus


    00:00 — Intro

    01:13 — What’s happening with modern chess?

    04:04 — Modern chess: playing style

    06:52 — Boris’s opening repertoire

    07:55 — Dubov on World Cup 2025

    10:14 — Boris’s goals in chess nowadays

    12:22 — Whom does Boris coach?

    13:54 — Boris’s training methodology

    17:46 — What every chess player MUST understand

    19:30 — Two types of chess thinking

    22:11 — Solver vs thinker in chess

    24:26 — How long will Magnus stay No. 1?

    25:32 — Gukesh, Pragg or Arjun?

    27:35 — Boris on Fabi’s talent

    29:18 — Can Fabi win the Candidates?

    30:31 — Is the Candidates system broken?

    35:51 — Boris’s prime years

    37:03 — "At 40, I worked at least 8 hours a day.”

    39:56 — A story about engines

    41:34 — THIS is how to use engines

    43:33 — Boris still works on chess all day

    46:42 — Don’t be a slave to engines

    49:39 — Boris on Kasparov

    53:59 — Advice for young players

    54:33 — Israel Chess Federation scandal

    59:52 — Blitz vs Boris Gelfand


    Boris GELFAND: training with KASPAROV, battling MAGNUS | Podcast

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    greg mustreader

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    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!


    #borisgelfand #garrykasparov #magnuscarlsen #chess #chessimprovement #chesstraining #chesscoaching #chesspodcast #candidates2026 #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

    1 hr 6 min
  • MAGNUS’S COACH on GUKESH, POLITICS and the FUTURE of CHESS | Peter Heine Nielsen
    Peter’s course on Chess Structures: http://go.chess.com/chessstructures

    My referral link to chess.com: https://go.chess.com/mustreader


    Today my guest is Peter Heine Nielsen, the legendary coach who worked behind the scenes for both Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen during their World Championship reigns. We talk about what life inside Team Magnus really looks like, how Magnus’s preparation has changed since he left the World Championship cycle, and whether he plans to return to the fight for the World Title. We also dive into many exciting chess topics: what Peter really thinks about Gukesh, the impact of engines on modern chess, and what the future of chess formats (including Chess960/Freestyle) might look like. Toward the end we also talk about politics in chess — bans on Russian players and the criteria for excluding federations from international events. We close the episode with a fascinating 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

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


    Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus


    00:00 — Intro

    01:34 — From Anand to Magnus: all achieved?

    04:29 — Have engines replaced chess coaches?

    07:08 — Using Vishy’s secrets against him?

    12:36 — How big is Team Magnus?

    15:54 — Magnus’s training after the World Championship

    19:40 — Does Magnus have Chess960 preparation?

    23:47 — How Peter trains Magnus

    30:39 — Dubov’s ideas for the World Championship

    31:53 — Does Peter miss World Championship camps?

    35:35 — How strong is Gukesh really?

    38:27 — Will anyone dominate like Magnus?

    40:20 — How neural networks changed chess

    44:21 — Is classical chess basically dead?

    51:57 — Will rapid replace classical chess?

    55:00 — Do we need a “Total Chess Champion” title?

    58:19 — Will Magnus return to the world title?

    01:03:44 — Should Russians be banned from international events?

    01:06:53 — Russian team at the World Women’s Team Championship

    01:13:32 — What criteria should ban a country?

    01:19:17 — Should innocent players be punished?

    01:30:52 — Blitz game vs Peter Heine Nielsen


    MAGNUS’S COACH on GUKESH, POLITICS and the FUTURE of CHESS | Peter Heine Nielsen

    Peter Heine Nielsen

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    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.

    Don't forget to subscribe!


    #peterheinenielsen #magnuscarlsen #vishyanand #gukeshdommaraju #peterheinenielsen #chesscoach #classicalchess #chess960 #chess #chesspodcast #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

    1 hr 40 min
  • He CREATED the CRAZIEST CHESS GAMBIT | Witty Alien PODCAST
    Volen's Alien Gambit course: https://go.chess.com/aliengambit

    Referral link to chess.com: https://go.chess.com/mustreader

    Volen’s email for sponsorships: [email protected]


    If you’ve ever wanted to play totally crazy chess and still win, this conversation with Volen "Witty Alien" Dyulgerov is for you. He explains how he created the Alien and Martian Gambits, why they keep scoring against strong opposition even after “refutations”, and what romantic, sacrificial chess can give to amateur players. We also talk about the dark side of content creation: 30-hour streams, migraines, burnout, and the emotional farewell video where he almost quit chess forever. The episode ends with a gambit tier list and a must-watch Alien Gambit blitz game – don’t miss it!


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

    Greg's DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb

    Greg's X: https://x.com/mustreader

    Greg's channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips

    Greg's chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub

    Collab with Greg: [email protected]

    Volen's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Witty_AlienClips

    Volen's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/witty_alien


    Videos mentioned in this episode:

    https://youtu.be/08x2sL7RWjw?si=tXDLVOGfYQwSvHGF

    https://youtu.be/hCEDjGVPRl4?si=N5ZUHJtJmYekBV4h

    https://youtube.com/shorts/wdlKuGOvtI8?si=F7XdRK_wF048o5KV


    Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus


    00:00 — Intro

    1:12 — How Alien Gambit was born

    5:56 — What is the Martian Gambit?

    7:30 — Witty’s Favorite Chess Gambits

    9:45 — How to Play the King’s Gambit?

    11:42 — Why You SHOULD Play Romantic Chess

    16:44 — Volen’s Farewell Video

    25:34 — Witty Streamed 30 HOURS – WHAT?

    31:03 — Why Witty’s Family Doesn’t Support Him

    32:47 — Content Creation Is Not Easy

    35:15 — Does Witty Want to Become a GM?

    37:16 — New Gambits From Witty?

    37:57 — Tier List for Chess Gambits

    49:00 — Mustreader vs Witty Alien: blitz!

    59:23 — Something special for the viewers


    He CREATED the CRAZIEST CHESS GAMBIT | Witty Alien PODCAST

    improvement in chess

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    chess gambits

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    alien gambit

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    greg mustreader

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    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!


    #witty_alien #chess #chessimprovement #chessopenings #gambit #aliengambit #romanticchess #chessstreamer #chesspodcast #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

    1 hr 1 min

About Chess with Mustreader

From the publisher's feed

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

I interview top chess players (my guests include Nepo, Fabi, Aronian, Dubov etc.), play…

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