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/chessdojo.

Interested in improving your chess? Welcome to ... 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 156 episodes available.

Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast episodes:

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
December 30, 2024 EP 135 | Denimgate
Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the controversy around "DenimGate," involving Magnus Carlsen's disqualification from the World Rapid Tournament due to dress code violations, with broader implications for tensions between Carlsen, FIDE, and Freestyle chess organizers.
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
00:05 - Introduction to "DenimGate," the controversy involving Magnus Carlsen, jeans, and dress code violations during the World Blitz Championship.
00:46 - Context about prior conflicts and drama between Magnus, FIDE, and freestyle chess.
01:48 - Explanation of the tension between freestyle chess organizers and FIDE over the rights to world championships in alternate formats like Fischer Random.
03:04 - Analysis of Magnus Carlsen’s career stage and his challenges finding motivation as his dominance wanes.
05:01 - Magnus’s focus on rapid and blitz chess over classical formats and his struggle with recent tournament results.
07:14 - Freestyle chess’s plans to run a championship tour with significant funding and high-profile players.
09:10 - Discussion of the jeans controversy and whether it was an isolated incident or part of broader disputes.
11:50 - Broader historical parallels between past chess legends and their conflicts with FIDE.
14:52 - The complexities of dress code enforcement and Magnus’s refusal to change, leading to forfeiture.
20:09 - Insights into Magnus’s frustration with FIDE and his vision for the future of chess.
26:24 - Speculation about the impact of Fischer Random Chess and Magnus’s endorsement of it as a potential future for elite chess.
31:08 - Challenges of introducing Fischer Random Chess to mainstream audiences and players’ resistance.
40:46 - Psychological attachment of players to traditional chess formats and its impact on the acceptance of variants.
45:57 - Connection to Magnus’s involvement in an esports event backed by Saudi funding, and the potential geopolitical implications.
50:54 - Discussion about the appropriateness and enforcement of dress codes in professional chess.
56:46 - Conclusion and look ahead to the World Blitz Championship and Magnus’s chances of making a comeback.

...more
57min
December 30, 2024 EP 134 | FIDE vs. Freestyle Drama
GM Kraai, IM Pruess, and IM Kavutskiy discuss the conflict between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Association over the legitimacy and rights to organize Chess 960 (Fischer Random) events, with players like Magnus Carlsen spearheading Freestyle's efforts to revitalize the format. The sensei discuss fan interest, FIDE's waning control, and the broader implications for chess traditions and alternative formats.
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
00:40 - Overview of the Drama
01:13 - Hosts' Opinions on Chess 960
02:58 - Freestyle Chess Organization's Efforts
07:27 - Fan Interest and Chess 960’s Appeal
08:28 - Freestyle’s Announcement and FIDE’s Response
12:27 - Magnus and Hikaru's Potential Withdrawal
17:07 - Presentation and Fan Engagement
20:14 - FIDE vs. Freestyle Chess: Rights Dispute
25:51 - Importance of Event Longevity
39:36 - Freestyle Chess: Future Challenges
57:08 - The Ideal Resolution

...more
1h
December 17, 2024 EP 133 | 2024 World Chess Championship Recap
IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai recap the 2024 World Chess Championship match between defending champion GM Ding Liren and challenger GM Gukesh D 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 New Book Announcement
:02 ChessDojo Streaming the Match
3:55 Predictions vs Reality
14:02 How Would This World Championship Rank?
...more
1h 14min

FAQs about Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast:

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

The podcast currently has 156 episodes available.

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