This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess marks the return of award-winning author, Chessable writer, and noted opening theoretician, IM Christof Sielecki. Christof has recently released, Keep it Simple: Black, an ambitious course which provides solid opening lines against every possible White first move. We discuss how Christof’s process for creating Chessable courses, using engines and choosing opening lines, has evolved over the years. Of course, there was quite a bit of chess news in the form of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz, so we also spent some time discussing this tournament, its standout performances, and its many attendant controversies. Lastly, Christof always has a few fun stories to share, and this interview was no exception.  He shared some details about the process behind helping to create The Magnus Touch with Magnus and his team. As always, you can read on for more details and show notes below. 

Prior interviews with IM Christof Sielecki: 

Episode 6

Episode 153

Book Recap 18- My System 

0:00- FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Recap and discussion

Mentioned: Dude fell from his chair!, GM Magnus Carlsen-GM Nodiberk Abdusattorov Blitz game 

26:15- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. You can check out IM Christof Sielecki’s courses, including free “Short and Sweet” previews of his new course here. 

27:30- How did Christof decide which openings to include in “Keep it Simple Black?” 

Mentioned: Lifetime Repertoires: Pirc Defense, Lifetime Repertoires: Caro-Kann, Lifetime Repertoires: Nimzo-Ragozin 

44:00- How has Christof’s use of engines evolved during the process of designing courses? 

Mentioned: Chessify Cloud Engine Rental 

49:30- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by AImchess.com.  Aimchess analyzes your online games and provides actionable improvement insights. Check out their updated website, and if you decide to subscribe please use the code “Perpetual30” to save 30%. 

51:00- Christof tells the story of meeting and working with GM Magnus Carlsen and family in conjunction with Magnus’ course The Magnus Touch. 

1:02:00- What will Christof be working on next? 

Mentioned: Episode 257 with GM Erwin L’Ami 

1:05:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What role should openings and Chessable opening courses play for amateur club-level players?’

1:17:00- Thanks so much to Christof for rejoining us! Here are links to keep up with him:

Keep it Simple Black is ON SALE now. Get it here:

Keep It Simple For Black - MoveTrainer™ Course - Chessable.com

Short and sweet free previews here and here 

Follow Christof on Twitter here:

https://twitter.com/ChessExplained

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