Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

By IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai

The official podcast of ChessDojo (IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, & GM Jesse Kraai). Most episodes are streamed live to twitch.tv/chessdojolive.

Interested in improving your chess? Welcome... more

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FAQs about Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast:

How many episodes does Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 149 episodes available.

Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast episodes:

March 07, 2025 EP 145 | Does Freestyle Chess Have A Future?
GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, and recent and ongoing issues between FIDE and Freestyle Chess in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
Chapters:
CHAPTERS
0:00 Freestlye Chess, FIDE, and Magnus
2:40 Do Fans Like Freestyle Chess?
8:36 Will Kids Get Into Freestyle Chess?
16:54 Looking at the Data
26:18 Magnus Carlsen and Freestyle Chess
54:40 Wrap-Up
...more
58min
February 25, 2025 EP 144 | Online vs. OTB Chess
GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss the differences and pros vs cons between Online Chess and Over the Board (OTB) Chess in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
Chapters:
0:00 Online vs OTB Chess
15:50 Anecdotes
25:21 Using Boards for Online Chess
29:17 Blitz Chess
32:08 Thinking Online vs OTB
42:37 Being Too Online
46:09 Discrepancies Between Online and OTB Chess
...more
1h
February 21, 2025 EP 143 | Who Will Qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates?
GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss who will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates cycle in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
Chapters:
0:00 Who Will Qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Cycle?
1:12 FIDE Candidate Cycle Rating Spot Changes
8:50 FIDE Cycle Results
14:37 Points and Tie-Breaks
18:11 Jesse's List
19:20 Top 6 from the 2024 FIDE Circuit
31:44 This Coming Year in Chess
...more
39min
February 12, 2025 EP 142 | Kostya's Heresy
The sensei debate Kostya’s controversial claim that all major chess tournaments should switch to rapid, exploring its potential impact on classical chess, player improvement, tournament structure, and fan engagement, ultimately leaving Jesse and David unconvinced.
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction – Discussion on Kostya’s controversial quote about switching major tournaments to rapid.
01:16 – Context of the Quote – Explanation that it was a short Q&A answer, not a detailed proposal.
03:18 – Future of Classical Chess – Kostya argues that classical chess may become obsolete over time.
04:06 – Online Growth vs. OTB Decline – Discussion on why rapid and Blitz are growing online but not in classical tournaments.
06:06 – Opening Preparation Issues – Classical chess demands extensive opening prep, making it less enjoyable for some players.
10:25 – Classical for Beginners, Rapid for Pros? – Kostya suggests longer time controls are useful for improvement but not ideal for elite events.
12:07 – Rapid Chess Popularity – Historical attempts to promote rapid chess and why it hasn’t taken over.
22:49 – World Championship & Classical Chess – Arguments for why classical chess remains the gold standard for top-level competition.
30:55 – Quality of Games in Different Formats – Whether faster time controls lead to better or worse chess quality.
41:23 – Closing Thoughts – Debate recap with Jesse and David still unconvinced by Kostya’s stance on rapid chess.
...more
42min
February 06, 2025 EP 141 | The Psychology of Goals w/ Dr. Joel Sneed
Dr. Joel Sneed, a psychologist and dedicated adult chess improver, discusses the challenges of learning chess later in life, his struggles with perfectionism and obsession over openings, and how psychological techniques like ACT and CBT can help manage chess-related anxiety.
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Dojo Talks; guest Dr. Joel Sneed's background in psychology and chess.
00:38 – Discussion on Sneed’s chess journey, starting late and reaching a 2000+ rating.
01:54 – Sneed’s transition from Freudian psychoanalysis to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and ACT therapy.
03:49 – Adapting to new technology as an older adult and learning struggles.
05:57 – Comparison between changes in psychology and changes in chess over time.
13:54 – Sneed’s crisis moment: forgetting opening prep in a Blitz game and quitting chess.
17:11 – The frustration of learning but failing to apply knowledge in real games.
33:15 – Dealing with an "action crisis"—considering quitting chess and reevaluating goals.
53:16 – Focusing on process-oriented goals instead of rating-based goals.
1:16:35 – Sneed’s new goal: playing more tournament games and prioritizing enjoyment over rating.
...more
1h 19min
January 31, 2025 EP 140 | Should There Be A SuperGM Title
The sensei debate whether FIDE should introduce an official Super-GM title, discussing its potential requirements, the impact of rating inflation, and how chess titles should evolve to reflect modern competitive standards.
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
...more
47min
January 23, 2025 EP 139 | Who Decides The World Championship? ft. GM Jacob Aagaard
The sensei are joined by GM Jacok Aagaard to discuss who decides the world championship.
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
Chapters
[00:00] - Introduction
[01:06] - Historical Tradition
[02:19] - 1990s Split Era
[04:54] - Kasparov vs. FIDE
[07:49] - Counting World Champions
[15:37] - Importance of Qualification
[28:46] - Reunification Match (2006)
[36:28] - Critique of Recent Cycles
[45:22] - Who is a World Champion?
[56:01] - Modern Challenges in Defining Champions
[1:08:22] - Expiration of Lineage
[1:37:07] - Ding Liren and Nepomniachtchi Match Issues
[1:55:26] - Freestyle Chess World Championship
[2:00:05] - Conclusion

...more
2h 1min
January 22, 2025 EP 138 | Top 5 Chess Authors
GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy rank the top five greatest chess authors of all time in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast!
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
CHAPTERS
0:00 Ranking The 5 Greatest Chess Authors of All Time
3:45 Categories of Chess Authors
6:08 Jesse's No. 5 Pick
7:05 David's No. 5 Pick
11:24 Kostya's No. 5 Pick
12:47 Kostya's No. 4 Pick
13:50 David's No. 4 Pick
15:39 Jesse's No. 4 Pick
17:17 Jesse's No. 3 Pick
18:07 David's No. 3 Pick
20:55 Kostya's No. 3 Pick
23:43 Greatest Course Makers Episode?
25:55 Kostya's No. 2 Pick
28:04 David's No. 2 Pick
29:34 Jesse's No. 2 Pick
31:19 Jesse's No. 1 Pick
34:03 David's No. 1 Pick
38:04 Kostya's No. 1 Pick
41:01 ChessDojo's Greatest 5 Chess Authors of All Time
43:15 Magnus Carlsen's Output
47:21 Follow ChessDojo
...more
49min
January 15, 2025 EP 137 | Should Beginners Study Openings w/ GM Hammer
GM Jon Ludvig Hammer joins the sensei on this Dojo Talks to discuss whether beginners should study openings, and if so, how much?
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining
00:01 – Introduction and welcome to GM Hammer; discussion about his new Chessable course.
01:33 – Overview of the debate: Should beginners study openings?
02:21 – Hammer’s argument for teaching openings to beginners for motivation and familiarity.
03:35 – Defining "beginner" and the target audience for Hammer's course (800–1300 Chess.com rapid rating).
05:00 – Differences in chess ratings across platforms (Chess.com vs. Lichess) and their relevance to the debate.
07:28 – Hammer explains the importance of enjoying chess and using openings as a "cheat code" for improvement.
09:05 – When Hammer believes opening study is most beneficial (during stagnation or motivation slumps).
14:15 – Jesse’s perspective: Most mistakes at lower levels occur in the middle or endgame, not in the opening.
15:55 – Importance of board vision and avoiding hanging pieces for beginners.
18:31 – Risks of opening study: Memorization without understanding and neglecting principles.
21:42 – Hammer’s course design: Emphasis on plans, common moves, and practical advice tailored for lower-rated players.
28:17 – Clarifying misconceptions about opening study in the Chess Dojo training system.
34:49 – Motivation and its role in chess improvement at all levels.
45:16 – Hammer on the purpose of his course: Surviving the opening to focus on other aspects of chess.
50:44 – Discussion on Chessable’s business decisions, including paywalling "Short and Sweet" courses.
1:02:37 – Closing thoughts: Balancing opening study with broader chess skills and finding what motivates individual players.

...more
1h 13min
January 04, 2025 EP 136 | 2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer
The sensei are joined by GM Jon Ludvig Hammer to discuss the 2024 World Rapid Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen's controversial decision to split the championship title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, drawing significant criticism for bending competition rules and setting a troubling precedent.
Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78
Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club
Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo
Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop
Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip
Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo
Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips
#chess #chesstraining

00:00 Introduction of GM Jon Ludvig Hammer and his Chessable course.
00:37 Overview of the Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen.
01:16 Discussion on Abdusattorov’s rise and breakout performances.
02:32 Controversy over Magnus and Nepomniachtchi sharing the title.
03:15 Social media and fan perspectives on the shared title.
04:08 Hammer’s stance on sportsmanship and breaking rules.
08:21 Comparison to past events and "Grandmaster draws."
12:20 Speculation on Magnus’s motivations for sharing the title.
29:03 Hammer’s view on Magnus’s current career and form.
34:15 FIDE’s role in allowing the title to be shared.
41:04 Freestyle Chess and its rivalry with FIDE.
48:22 Final thoughts on Magnus and the Blitz Championship.
...more
53min

FAQs about Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast:

How many episodes does Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 149 episodes available.

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