We are back for one more 2024 FIDE Candidates reflection as we start to take stock of a historic tournament. Joining me (again) to discuss it is renowned trainer, opening theoretician, Chessable author, and 2022 Dutch National Champion, GM Erwin Lami. Erwin has frequently collaborated with GM Anish Giri, and he was on the World Championship preparation team for GM Veselin Toplov. Erwin shares his thoughts on GM Gukesh’s impressive ascendance, Fabiano and Nepo’s disappointment, and what this result does and does not mean for the trajectory of professional chess. We also discuss the performance of the other players, the Women’s Candidates, and Erwin’s plans for 2024. I always love to hear Erwin’s perspective, and discussing this tournament was not an exception. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 

Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com! Check out what they have to offer, and if you sign up for Chessable Pro (as you should), use this link to help support Perpeutal Chess:

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0;00- Upcoming events and info:

1. Chess in the Schools Poker Fundraiser;

https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-poker-night-fundraiser

1. National Open/Las Vegas Chess Festival Info:

https://www.vegaschessfestival.com/national-open/

4:30- GM Erwin L’Ami joins me! What does he think made this tournament was so compelling? 

10:00- How surprised was Erwin by Gukesh’s performance? What should we expect from him from here? 

18;30- Patreon mailbag quesiton: “How can Caruana recover from his devastaiting loss to Nepo? “ 

.27:00- What did Erwin think of Nepo's performance?

29:30- Where does Nakamura go from here? Will this be his last Candidates? 

38:00- What went wrong for GM Alireza Firouzja? 

43:00 What are Erwin’s thoughts on Pragganandhaa’s performance? 

46:00- What were Erwin’s thoughts on the Women’s Candidates? 

49:00- Where might the World Championship be held? Would it help or hurt Gukesh if it were in India? 

53:00- Who does Erwin think would be the favorite in Gukesh vs. Ding?

Mentioned: Gotham City Podcast with GM Gukesh 

57:00 Does the format for the Candidates or Candidates qualification need to be changed? 

Mentioned: IM Greg Shahade’s blog post 

1:08:00- What are Erwin’s remaining 2024 plans? 

Thanks as always to GM Erwin L’ami for providing his perspective! 

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess, you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices