The Chess Cognition Podcast

Prof. Ben Balas' blog: https://lichess.org/@/NDpatzer/blog
Ben's Substack: https://benbalas.substack.com/?utm_source=sidestack.io&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=directory
Follow Ben Balas on X: https://x.com/bjbalas
https://www.ndsu.edu/centers/cvcn/labs/balas/people.php
Calculating Sharpness in Chess: https://lichess.org/@/jk_182/blog/evaluating-sharpness-using-lc0s-wdl/EXZ3pRoy#:~:text=The%20basic%20idea%20behind%20the,winning%20and%20losing%20probability%20increase.


The Psychology of Chess by Fernand Gobet: https://amzn.to/4flnp9y

00:00 Intro
01:38 Prof. Benjamin Balas' Chess History
04:23 The Limits of Our Visual System
06:45 Visual Crowding
09:23 Expert Eyes vs. Novice Eyes
13:35 Grouping the Familiar Chunks
17:16 Practical Tips for Better Blunder Checks
19:49 2D vs. 3D
24:13 Visual Span and Visual Attention
31:54 Research Project Ideas Involving Chess
34:11 Visual Imagery and Calculation
38:34 Group vs. Individual Problem-Solving (Chessable Grant)
40:01 Avoid the Blunder #1
43:01 Reshevsky's Blunder and Why He Committed It
47:29 Avoid the Blunder #2
50:50 Checklists to Reduce Blunders
58:48 Loose Piece + Alignment
1:02:30 Inhibition of Return
1:05:33 Brief Summary and Lessons

In this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the cognitive science behind chess blunders with Professor Benjamin Balas from North Dakota State University. As an expert in visual cognition, Ben sheds light on how our visual system, with all its strengths and limitations, plays a crucial role in our chess performance. We discuss how issues like visual crowding and peripheral vision contribute to common mistakes, especially for newer players. Ben also explains practical strategies for enhancing blunder-checking skills and shares insights on his ongoing research, offering invaluable tips that all players can apply.

One of the key takeaways is understanding why certain blunders, like missing "sniper bishops," often occur due to our visual system's natural constraints. Ben dives into the concept of "visual crowding," where surrounding pieces make it harder to detect distant threats, and reveals how experts overcome this by developing rich chunks and patterns in memory. Together, we explore how checklist processes and deliberate board scanning can help mitigate these blind spots, making blunders less likely and visual processing more effective.

Throughout our conversation, Ben also highlights groundbreaking research studies on chess expertise and visual cognition, detailing how experts use eye-tracking and attentional techniques to manage complex positions efficiently. From practical advice on blunder-check processes to a discussion of the psychological and visual nuances that define expert play, this conversation is packed with insights that every chess player will find enlightening.

Contact FM Tarik Selbes here: https://lichess.org/@/nuagesgris

The article featuring Yagiz, Tarik, and Romanov: https://www.chess.com/news/view/12-year-old-erdogmus-breaks-polgars-historic-rating-record

Tarik's chess history blog 'Cafe Chigorin': https://tinyurl.com/yp9hhmyz

00:00 Intro
02:23 Enters Tarik Selbes
05:42 The Puzzle Grind That Built Monster Calculation Skills
12:23 The Importance of Calculation in Chess
15:36 His Work with GM Evgeny Romanov
22:15 Positional Play and Dorfman's Influence
27:09 Showing Games: Static vs. Dynamic Play
30:49 Yagiz's Early Positional Mistakes
35:09 Erdogmus - Nitish
39:47 Shaik - Erdogmus
43:59 Excellent Calculation: Erdogmus - Sapenov, 2023
49:40 His Resiliency: Santiago - Erdogmus
51:42 Present Time: Erdogmus - Svidler, 2025
55:44 Strategic Maturity: Erdogmus - Vachier-Lagrave, 2025
59:51 Erigaisi - Erdogmus, 2026: The Exchange Sac That Shocked the Chess World
01:06:05 Does Yagiz Know Chess Classics and Old Masters?
01:09:35 Zurich 1953: Why You Should Read Old Books Skeptically
01:14: 36 Is Blitz Good For Your Chess?
01:21:25 Tarik Selbes’ IM Journey at 40 — Adult Improvement Tips
01:31:26 The Psychological Pressure of Being a “Future World Champion”
01:44:14 How to Define 'Talent' in Chess
01:53:54 Kids vs Adults
01:58:02 Opening Work
02:02:02 Tarik's Book Project on Max Euwe
02:04:23 The Rise of Turkish Chess


In this special podcast episode, I’m joined by FIDE Master and longtime friend Tarik Selbes to break down the incredible rise of Turkish chess prodigy Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş — a player many believe has future World Champion potential. Even Magnus Carlsen has called him the strongest 14-year-old chess player ever, while Hikaru Nakamura has highlighted his extraordinary calculation skills.

Tarik shares rare behind-the-scenes insights from training camps where he worked as translator for Russian coach Evgeny Romanov, revealing:

• How Yağız built monster-level calculation through massive puzzle training
• Why modern prodigies train differently from past generations
• The key positional weaknesses he had, and how they were fixed
• The balance between dynamic and static factors (Dorfman-style thinking)

We also analyze instructive games against legends like Peter Svidler and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, showing how Yağız’s play has matured from pure tactical brilliance into world-class positional mastery.

Beyond prodigy development, we dive into:

Talent vs hard work
Chess psychology and pressure at the highest level
Why kids today train differently than adults who grew up on chess books
How adult improvers can still make huge progress (Tarik’s IM norm journey at 40!)
The rise of Turkish chess culture

Tarik recently completed his final IM norm at age 40 and now needs to reach 2400 ELO to become an International Master. He is an inspiration for adult improvers.

keywords
chess, Yagiz Kaan, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Tarık Selbes, chess training, calculation, positional play, chess prodigy, chess improvement, strategic training, chess analysis, chess, chess strategy, chess psychology, chess talent, chess education, chess culture, chess improvement, chess prodigies, chess classics, chess learning, adult chess improvement,

The Perpetual Chess Pod: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/

Perpetual Chess Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetualchesspodcast

Perpetual Chess Improvement: https://amzn.to/4i4Jsmp

Perpetual Chess Link-fest: https://benjohnson.substack.com/

Ben's Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/identifying-critical-moments-in-chess/course/248353/

00:00 Intro
01:49 The Art of Guest Selection and Preparation
09:39 Insights from Years of Podcasting Experience
12:30 Memorable Conversations and Unique Stories
16:08 The Chess Linkfest Newsletter
19:06 Chess Scandals & Drama
22:59 Writing 'Perpetual Chess Improvement'
27:56 Structured Learning in Chess
30:33 Minimizing Blunders for Improvement
33:30 Ben's Next Book Project
38:33 His Recent OTB Tournament Experience
51:08 Blitz Chess
52:58 Ben's Chessable Course 'Identifying Critical Moments in Chess'

In this episode, I’m thrilled to host Ben Johnson, the voice behind the Perpetual Chess Podcast and one of the most connected figures in the chess world. With over eight years of experience interviewing top players, coaches, and adult improvers, Ben has a unique perspective on what it takes to improve at chess. We dive deep into his journey as a podcaster, the art of selecting guests, and the lessons he’s distilled into his book, Perpetual Chess Improvement. Ben shares valuable insights that every chess enthusiast can learn from.

We also explore the key themes from his book, including the importance of community, effective training methods, and how to sustain improvement as an adult. Ben's candid reflections on the state of chess content and his thoughtful approach to interviews make this conversation useful for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of chess improvement. Please check out his book and listen to his podcast for deep chess wisdom.

Robert's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nmrobertramirez
Robert on the Perpetual Chess Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od16FlwGl5U
Robert's Chessable courses: https://www.chessable.com/counterblow-a-complete-fighting-repertoire-for-beginners/course/199358/
https://www.chessable.com/first-strike-the-fighting-stonewall-attack-for-beginners/course/241908/

Fernand Gobet and Jensen's article on chess improvement: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267259137_Training_in_chess_A_scientific_approach

00:00 Introduction
02:58 System Openings
06:18 Are They More Suitable for Adults?
08:43 Balancing the Downsides of System Openings
13:18 Prof. IM Fernand Gobet's Take on Openings
14:58 Opening Traps and Human Psychology
18:48 Are System Openings Easily Targeted?
23:28 Middlegame Plans/Toolbox
31:16 How to Create an Opening Course on System Openings
35:30 Working With Adults and Kids
44:07 Benefits of Learning Chess Later in Life
47:02 Productive Failure
48:12 Robert's Coaching Philosophy
59:36 Future

In this video, I had the pleasure of hosting National Master Robert Ramirez, a renowned Chessable author, YouTuber, and educator. We delve into various chess topics, starting with Robert’s unique journey in the chess world, from his humble beginnings to becoming a well-respected coach. We also discussed the advantages of system openings, such as the King’s Indian/Pirc Defense and the Reverse Stonewall. Robert shares his insights on why system openings can be particularly useful not only for busy adult learners but also for kids, cutting down on preparation time and allowing more focus on chess fundamentals.

Our conversation shifted towards cognitive science, highlighting the role of chunking and pattern recognition in chess improvement. Robert shared his thoughts on how system openings foster familiarity with recurring structures, aiding long-term retention of key chess ideas. We explored the differences between teaching kids and adults. Robert emphasized that consistent practice, especially in tactical exercises and real games, is essential for meaningful progress, regardless of age.

Lastly, we discussed Robert’s approach to teaching and the importance of productive failure in chess learning. He shared how he tracks his students' progress and uses setbacks as opportunities for growth. We wrapped up with a look into Robert’s upcoming projects, including a new Chessable course on strategy, and reflected on the rewarding aspects of coaching and teaching chess. Whether you're an adult improver, a competitive player, or simply passionate about chess, this conversation offers valuable insights into the learning process and the tools necessary for success.

Solveig's Excellent Chessable Course 'Breaking 1000': https://www.chessable.com/breaking-1000/course/237622/
Solveig's Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/rookieredhead
Find Solveig on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rookie_redhead/?hl=en
Find Solveig on X: https://x.com/RookieRedhead

00:00 Intro
01:38 How Solveig Rediscovered the Game
07:40 Chessable Course: Breaking 1000
13:57 Misconceptions Around Chess Improvement
20:42 Productive Failure: Why Reflection and Feedback Are Crucial
27:52 Social Aspect of Chess Learning
32:14 Advantages of Group Lessons
38:54 Solveig's Upcoming Course on Cultivating Courage Over the Board
47:28 What Makes Chess So Fascinating?
52:00 How Chess Teaches Us About Ourselves

In this exciting episode, I sit down with Solveig Friberg, also known as Rookie Redhead, a rising chess star from Norway who started playing chess in 2022 and has already made impressive strides, reaching a FIDE rating of 1570! But Solveig is more than just a chess enthusiast—she's a professional educator. She shares her unique insights into education and psychology, blending them with her chess journey. Whether you're an adult improver, a chess learner, or a coach, this conversation will offer valuable lessons about learning chess, overcoming barriers, and enhancing your educational approach.

Solveig shares her fascinating story of falling in love with chess after watching the World Chess Championship on Norwegian TV and realizing the game's incredible depth. From setting a New Year's resolution to learn chess to working with coaches, playing in tournaments, and crafting her popular Chessable course, "Breaking 1000," Solveig opens up about the dedication and mindset it takes to improve. We also discuss the social side of chess learning, group dynamics, and how these pedagogical principles can boost anyone’s chess progress, especially for adult learners navigating rating anxiety and psychological barriers. Solveig also gives a sneak peek at her upcoming Chessable course on cultivating courage over the board!

Tune in to hear Solveig’s approach to mindset, embracing failure as a learning tool, and the importance of reflection in the improvement process. It’s an enlightening conversation for anyone interested in chess education, psychology, and the mindset behind improving at the game.

Queens of the Chess Board: https://www.chessable.com/queens-of-the-chess-board/course/102010/

Follow Luciana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsgambit/
Follow Luciana on X: https://x.com/LucianaMorales
Follow Luciana on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/drcanchess.bsky.social

'Imagination in Chess' was written by Paata Gaprindashvili: https://amzn.to/42PVFqb
'Chess Queens' by Jennifer Shahade: https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Jennifer-Shahade/dp/1399701371

00:00 Intro
02:12 Background Story and Early Years
08:49 The Making of 'Queens of the Chess Board'
23:15 Her Upcoming Chess Book
35:55 Fide Chessable Academy
39:43 Chessable Classroom
45:27 Social Media & The Art of Chess Memes
56:14 Menchik - Sir George Thomas, 1932
01:03:50 Menchik - Price, 1927
01:08:43 Rudenko - Bruce, 1946
01:13:16 Bykova - Keller, 1952
01:19:46 Rubtsova - Vaisberg, 1951
01:25:12 Gaprindashvili - Beliavsky, 1977
01:33:36 Luciana's Masterpiece

This episode was recorded on a truly special day for me—I’ve been honored as Chessable’s Author of the Year for 2024! It’s an incredible milestone, and I’m deeply grateful for all the support along the way. But this episode isn’t just about celebrating—I'm joined by the amazing WIM Luciana Morales, a highly accomplished chess player, educator, and Chessable author. We dive into her Chessable course "Queens of the Chess Board," which explores the lives and games of the first five Women’s World Champions, bringing to light some of chess history’s most fascinating and underappreciated players.

Beyond her chess achievements, Luciana is a true multi-talent—she’s working on a children’s chess book, managing social media for Chessable and Chess.com, and has played a key role in various chess education projects, including the FIDE Chessable Academy with legendary trainers like Artur Yusupov. In this episode, we explore the styles of Women’s World Champions, discuss how chess connects generations, and even touch on her creative work on social media.

By the end of the video, we show games of five World Champions to explore their chess styles. And a gem of a game from Luciana against an international master!

Nick's substack 'Chess in Small Doses': https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/
The Perpetual Chess Episode on 'Make it Stick': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpcgQpppDOQ

https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/play-first-study-later?source=queue
https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/coming-soon
https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/making-it-stick

Here is the game Nick was referring to with c4-c5 giving away the d5-outpost: https://lichess.org/wGOkHFpi/black

00:00 Intro
02:58 Visualization Training/Step 2 Thinking Ahead
11:14 Information Overload and Finding Relevancy
14:24 Direct Instruction vs. Productive Failure
21:48 Craft Learning vs. Academic Learning
24:14 Science Behind Chess Improvement
31:38 Visualization Drills
41:01 Positional Chunks and Patterns
47:22 Evidence-Based Learning Approaches
55:31 Testing Nick: Position 1
01:01:51 Testing Nick: Position 2

In this podcast episode, I am hosting Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses. Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential.

Nick shares his personal journey in chess, including how he started taking the game seriously in 2020, progressing from a 1650 chess.com rating to an impressive 1913 in classical games on lichess. Along the way, Nick overcame plateaus by embracing visualization exercises that significantly boosted his performance. In our discussion, he explains how targeted visualization training can be a game-changer, especially for adult players who often struggle with seeing ahead on the board, and why this approach is key to building stronger chess habits.

We also explore evidence-based learning methods, discussing the balance between direct instruction and productive failure. Nick’s experience highlights the importance of making chess learning personal and relevant, emphasizing that true growth often comes from hands-on experimentation and learning from mistakes. Whether you're an adult chess improver or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into the science of learning and practical strategies for breaking through barriers in your chess journey.

Sam's Training Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E1r69Q46gZX02mE5hYPjdVw4VXdz0KfjrTjvLdf3z3s/edit?tab=t.0

Sam's chesscom profile: https://www.chess.com/member/eyecandewit

In this podcast episode, I’m joined by my own student Sam, who moved from 700 to 2000+ Chess.com Rapid (peaking near 2100) in around 3.5 years. Sam tells the full story and shares the study routine that helped him reach 2000. If you’re an adult improver chasing a rating goal, this conversation is a reality check and a roadmap.

We get very practical: Sam explains his study plan, why he keeps openings simple (plans over memorization), how he uses targeted training to fix weaknesses (rook endgames were a big one), and how he studies strategy without getting lost in engine “best moves.” We also talk about the weekly group lesson format, how coaching helps identify high-impact leaks you can’t easily spot yourself, and why Sam believes structure beats “random grinding.”

The real gem is Sam’s routine: clear start/stop cues, a pregame process goal (instead of Elo goals), and a postgame method that reduces tilt. If you struggle with rating anxiety, inconsistent performance, or not knowing what to study next, this episode is for you. Download Sam’s study guide (linked below) and try it, then tell us what changed.

Keywords: adult chess improver, chess improvement, how to reach 2000 elo, chess.com rapid, chess study plan, chess routine, rating anxiety, blunder check, endgame training, rook endgames, chess coaching, process goals, chess habits

00:00 Introduction to Sam's Chess Journey
03:49 Impact of Group Lessons
11:12 Detailed Study Guide Breakdown
13:26 Behavioral Cues: Entry Cue and Exit Cue
17:51 Opening Study
24:42 Opening Strategies and Pawn Structures
27:33 Middlegame Study
31:48 Endgame Study
36:09 Grandmaster Thinking
42:25 Tactics Study
45:22 Setting Process Goals
52:00 Square Breathing and Meditation
54:41 Focus and Emotional Control During Games
59:16 Jumping 250 ELO in Three Months
01:02:14 Post-Game Reflection and Analysis
01:06:06 Learning from Mistakes
01:14:12 Why Chess?

Aman's London Course: https://www.chessable.com/aman-hambletons-london-system/course/353577/

Chessbrah: https://www.youtube.com/c/chessbrah

00:00 Intro
01:31 The Chessbrah Journey
09:40 The Impact of the Chess Boom
12:57 The Educational Value of the Channel
18:33 Building Habits Series
30:11 The Role of Blitz in Improvement
36:08 Creating the London System Course
40:48 Unique Aspects of his London Course
45:59 Connecting Openings to Middlegame
54:33 Conceptual Approach and Knowing Crucial Ideas
58:09 Balancing Engine Lines and Practical Play
01:03:36 Speed Chess Championship Live Commentary
01:12:20 The Future of Chess Content Creation

Grandmaster Aman Hambleton joins the podcast to unpack the real origin story of Chessbrah, from two Canadian juniors casually “streaming” to each other with one viewer, to building a long-running, community-first brand that’s now approaching 400K subscribers. He reflects on the 2020 chess boom (lockdown + Queen’s Gambit) as an accelerator, but emphasizes that Chessbrah’s durability comes from stickiness: entertainment that keeps people watching, and instruction embedded naturally in real games, blunders, and commentary.

The conversation then shifts to Aman’s first Chessable opening course, the London System repertoire, covering why system openings are realistic for most improvers, how his London is differentiated, and why practical, human-centered choices sometimes beat “engine purity.” Finally, he discusses commentating elite speed chess events, the role of the evaluation bar for spectators, and the direction of chess content into the future.

Surya's Chessable Page: https://www.chessable.com/author/suryaganguly/
Surya's 1. e4 Repertoire Part 1: https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-suryas-1e4-part-1/course/353840/
Surya's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Suryachess
ProChess Training: https://prochesstraining.com/

GM Ganguly on the Perpetual Chess Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLy5B3n5aOQ

00:00 Intro
02:29 Understanding vs. Memorization
09:13 Opening Advantage is Not Everything
11:19 How Surya Structures His Opening Courses
18:30 Explaining Strange Looking Moves in the Najdorf
22:27 Lessons From Team Anand
25:20 Stories From Training Indian Top Players
34:22 System Openings vs. Mainlines
48:40 His YouTube Journey
53:01 Pro Chess Training
56:15 WHY We Play Chess

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Surya Ganguly, one of India’s most respected grandmasters and opening theoreticians. A former child prodigy, six-time Indian Champion, Asian Champion, and former world #55 with a peak rating of 2676, Surya was also a key member of Viswanathan Anand’s World Championship team—achieving a remarkable 100% score as part of the preparation squad. Many chess fans also know Surya from his deep, principled work as a coach and author, including his latest Chessable course: Lifetime Repertoire: 1.e4 – Part 1 vs the Sicilian.

Instead of repeating questions from his excellent appearances on the Perpetual Chess Podcast, this conversation goes deeper into how openings should be learned and taught. We explore understanding vs memorization, the importance of asking why in opening study, integrity and consistency in building a repertoire, system openings versus main lines, and how Surya adapts his teaching from 1400-rated players to elite stars like R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi.

keywords: chess openings, Surya Ganguly, chess education, Chessable, opening preparation, chess strategy, memorization vs understanding, chess courses, chess training, creativity in chess, Anand