Perpetual Chess Podcast

Ben Johnson

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UPDATED WEEKLY

Perpetual Chess features weekly conversations with the chess world's best players, trainers and accomplished amateurs about their careers, current projects, best practices and the latest in chess news. Learn more at PerpetualChessPod.com

3 DAYS AGO

Sunrise in the Bronx: David MacEnulty on Lessons Taught & Learned at an Inner-City Scholastic Chess Powerhouse

David MacEnulty is an award-winning author and chess teacher who coached for many years at CES 70 school in the Bronx. In this public school in a disadvantaged school district, the chess program began with modest expectations, but went on to win many national championships. David’s new book, Sunrise in the Bronx: Chess and Life Lessons from the South Bronx to the White House, tells the story of the many kids whose lives were changed through chess. In our interview, David shares a few of his favorite stories, with plenty of lessons to impart for both parents and anyone else who wishes to introduce the younger generation to chess. After CES-70, David went on to head the chess program at the Dalton School, an elite private school. In the book, and in our conversation, David also reflects on the similarities and differences in coaching at such different schools. As a longtime friend of David’s, I was excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint me. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 0:02- How did David accidentally become a chess teacher in his 40s? What lessons did he learn? 22:00- Will there be an audiobook, will the book be on KIndle? 24:00- What surprising skills did chess help kids develop? 28:30- Patreon mailbag question- “Does David have any advice for motivating students to study chess at home?” Mentioned: Matthew Looks, Bruce Alberston 35:40- Patreon mailbag question: “What is David’s advice for encouraging your kid to pursue tournament chess without ‘bulldozing them’?” 45:00- How did David and CES 70’s National Championship team get to meet President Bill Clinton? 46:00- What are the crucial components of chess improvement? 47:00- How does David spend his time in retirement? 48:00- We discuss the value of extra-curriculars at school 50:00- Should kids get trophies for just participating in tournaments? 52:00- Thanks to David for joining me! Sunrise in the Bronx is available from Amazon, New in Chess, and many major booksellers. https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Bronx-Chess-Lessons-South/dp/9083434907 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 1m
6 DAYS AGO

Bonus Pod- FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Preview featuring IM Eric Rosen and FM Alisa Melekhina

In the chess world, the holiday season means its almost time for one of the most entertaining tournaments of the year- The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship. This year’s championship events are star-studded affairs featuring GM Magnus Carlsen, GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk and a litany of big-name challengers. For the first time, these events will be taking place in New York CIty, and I will be attending the event and subsequently covering them here on Perpetual Chess. Joining me to discuss the tournament are two wildcard participants. First up (9:00) is the ever-popular Youtuber and Twitch streamer, IM Eric Rosen. Among other topics, IM Eric Rosen shares how he got the opportunity to play in the tournament, discusses whether he feels any apprehension about potentially tangling with so many world-class players, and discusses how he prepares for such an event. Eric joined me just after returning from the World Championship in Singapire, so he also reflects on that experience as well. Following Eric, I am joined by FM Alisa Melekhina (35:00) . Alisa was one of the top players her age as a scholastic player, and is now a litigation partner at an NYC-based law firm. Alisa explains why she couldn’t resist the opportunity to participate in the Women’s Rapid Championship despite a busy professional life. Alisa co-founded the New York City Corporate Chess League and she also shares the background on that thriving endeavor. As always, I enjoyed chatting with Eric and Alisa, and look forward to watching them compete in this marquee event. If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

56 min
14 DEC

EP 413- GM Daniel Naroditsky Looks Back at Gukesh's Rise, Ding's Disappointment & the Heightened Emotions of the 2024 World Championship

Just one day after the match's unforgettable conclusion, I am honored to be joined by lead Chess.com Commentator and popular YouTuber, GM Daniel Naroditsky. Danya takes us straight to the deciding moment of the match and then looks back to contextualize broader lessons from a battle that was closer than many expected. We tackle questions such as: Is it possible that Ding subconsciously was ok with losing this match? How uncharacteristic was Ding's blunder for a GM? Did this match display more raw emotion than other recent World Championships? Is Magnus Carlsen's commentary impacting the chess discourse too much during a match? Following a detailed World Championship discussion, we touch on a few other topics, including the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz, Danya's upcoming Chessable course, and his recent coaching reflections. It was quite a treat to hear Danya process this match in real-time just one day after its conclusion. Approximate timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com.Be sure to check out the free course by IM Andras Toth on the World Championship match, the new Woodpecker Method 2 course, among their many offerings. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 3:00 -Review game 14 of World Championship 13:00 -Danya’s commentary influences 15:00 -Behind the scenes of Danya’s commentary 18:00 -Overview of World Championship match 22:00 -Ding’s struggles 29:00 -Looking ahead to the next World Championship 31:30 -Emotions during the match 34:00 -Thoughts on Gukesh 36:30 -Takes on Magnus’ Take Take Take Recaps 45:00 -Potential changes to WC format 51:00 -Openings in the WC 57:00 -What the audience can learn from the match 1:01:30 -Final thoughts on WC/Danya’s embarrassing moment in commentary career 1:10:00 -Listener questions, Danya’s future chessable course 1:14:00 -Danya's 2025 tournament plans 1:17:00 -Kramnik accusations/thoughts on upcoming World Rapid and Blitz 1:22:00 -Favorite memories being a part of Charlotte Chess Center 1:26:00 -What happened to Danya's NY Times chess column? Thanks to Danya for joining me! Be sure to sub to his YouTube and Twitch channels: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP9CdeguNUI-_nBv_UXBhw https://www.twitch.tv/gmnaroditsky If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 35m
10 DEC

EP 412- GM Jon Ludvig Hammer on Broadcasting the World Championship, How Chess is Covered in Norway & His Pet Opening System

GM Jon Ludvig Hammer is 3-time Norwegian Champion, popular commentator and highly-reviewed Chessable author. Most recently, GM Hammer has been broadcasting the World Championship for the YouTube channel of Magnus Carlsen’s TakeTakeTake app. In our conversation, Jon Ludvig discussed the origins of the Taketaketake company, and of his relationship with it. He also discussed the challenges of announcing without an engine, and shared his opinions on the best ways to present chess. Jon Ludvig has done a lot of coaching of amateurs around Chess.com’s Pogchamps, and also shares some chess improvement advice based on that experience, and tells the story of how it helped him shape an opening repertoire which he currently shares in his new Chessable course, Hammer’s My First Opening Repertoire for Black. We also touched on cheating in chess, Chess960, and GM Hammer’s 2025 plans. I always enjoy hearing GM Hammer’s takes, and I think that you will as well. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. This episode was recorded on December 3, and does not discuss the current state of the FIDE World Championship. For updated coverage of the Ding-Gukesh match check out the bonus pods. Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com.In addition to GM Hammer’s course, be sure to check out the free course by IM Andras Toth on the World Championship match. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:00- What is the origins of GM Hammer’s collaboration with Magnus’ new app, which is called TakeTakeTake Mentioned: Kaja Snare, WFM Dronning Maud, Sjakksnak Podcast with GM Hammer, the Magnus and Levy post-mortems we referenced are on the TakeTakeTake YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TakeTakeTakeApp 12:00- What are the chess broadcasts on TV like in Norway now that Magnus is semi-retired? 19:00- Why does Hammer think that chess is so much more popular as a spectator rather than participatory activity? 26:00- What frustrates GM Hammer about recent chess discourse? Mentioned: Chess in Slums, Brooklyn Castle, GM Ian Nepomniatchtchi cheated as an experiment against Hans Niemann: https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1gvwoc1/nepo_admits_to_using_stockfish_against_hans_in/ 38:00- Does GM Hammer do any coaching? 44:00- Is classical chess too slow? How is it presented on Norway television broadcasts? 52:00- How did Hammer discover his own Black setup for his Chessable course, Hammer’s My First Opening Repertoire for Black? Mentioned: Mr. Savage, BenjyFishy 1:02:00- GM Hammer’s upcoming plans and projects If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 16m
10 DEC

Bonus Pod- Ding-Gukesh in the Homestretch. Post-round 12 Analysis, Stories and Chess Improvement Takeaways with IM Andras Toth

An utterly unpredictable and entertaining World Championship match continues, and I am joined by popular YouTuber, Streamer, and Chessable Author, IM Andras Toth to discuss it. Andras has been regularly updating a free course on the program, and also had recently returned from visiting the match in Singapore. Andras provides a fun trip report, we discuss the many surprising aspects of the match, and we try to ascertain a few improvement takeaways for amateur players from this clash. Perpetual Chess will be back with one more look at this match after is conclusion. Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com, you can check out Andras’ free course here: https://www.chessable.com/world-chess-championship-2024-ding-vs-gukesh/course/281790/ If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38 min
5 DEC

Bonus pod- Tension escalates, as Ding-Gukesh remains tied after 9 rounds. Chess.com’s FM Mike Klein shares behind-the-scenes stories from Singapore.

Tension continues to escalate at the 2024 FIDE World Championship, as the match is now tied after 9 rounds. In recent rounds, both players have missed opportunities at times and also defended well in an entertaining match. In a Perpetual Chess World Championship tradition, I am joined by Chess.com’s FM Mike Klein. With so much insightful match analysis available online, Mike and I focused on what it is like behind the scenes at the venue, what he observes about he moods of the competitors, and how this match compares with others that Mike has covered. As always, Mike shared some funny anecdotes drawn from his ringside seat. We will back with more coverage as the match continues to unfold. Watch Mike Klein’s (pre-match) interview with GM Ding Liren here: https://youtu.be/NkoWqaHpmGM?si=uS-Or_kAyb_FiO6R Watch his (pre-match) interview with Gukesh here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBYpdWX7m_Q If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

42 min
3 DEC

EP 411- Adult Improver Supraja Vadlamani on How She Went from Chess Noob to Olympiad Participant in Just a Few Years.

The Adult Improver Series returns to spotlight the inspiring story of another amateur chess player. This week’s guest is Supraja Vadlamani. Supraja is an India-born, Uganda-based economist who learned to play chess just a few years ago. Her interest intensified during the pandemic, and through some unusual circumstances, Supraja got the opportunity to play in the Olympiad for Niger. Supraja has made impressive chess progress in just a few years, reaching Chess.com blitz and rapid ratings of 1800 and 1750 respectively. In a short time, Supraja has improved her game immensely and crossed paths with the likes of GM Fabiano Caruana and IM Eric Rosen. She shares her unique chess story and hard-won improvement advice. Timestamps of topics discussed and links of resources referenced can be found below. You can check out a playlist of the Adult Improver interviews here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=c57bb7bdfcf24644 If you would like to join or check out the Perpetual Chess Patreon community, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess https://www.chessable.com/world-chess-championship-2024-ding-vs-gukesh/course/281790/ Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com.Their new courses include IM Andras Toth’s course about the World Championship is here. If you sign up for Chessable Pro, please use the following link to help support Perpetual Chess: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro 0:1:30- Supraja joins the podcast and shares her chess origins. Mentioned: IM Eric Rosen, WGM Tijana Mandura, GM Igor Smirnov, Chessmood.com, The Russo Gambit 13:00- What is Supraja’s approach to speed chess ? 16:00- Life in Uganda 19:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Is chess supported by the government in Niger?” 21:00- How is the chess scene in Uganda? 22:00- Supraja details her fierce chess rivalry with her boyfriend 23:00- Olympiad reflections and sightings Mentioned: GM Fabiano Caruana 30:00- Supraja’s tournament plans 37:00- How much time per week does Supraja study chess? 39:00 Does she follow professional class? 41:00- Supraja’s favorite and least favorite aspects of chess 42:00- Supraja’s favorite openings Mentioned: Maia bots 45:00- Supraja completes her IM Eric Rosen story Mentioned: Cameo.com 49:00- Supraja’s closing chess advice. If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 hr
2 DEC

Bonus Pod- The World Championship is Deadlocked through 6 Games. IM Michael Rahal joins from Singapore & GM Jon Ludvig Hammer on the Match’s Surprising Trajectory

The 2024 FIDE World Championship has been somewhat surprisingly tense and entertaining, and is tied after 6 games. I was privileged to be joined by two return guests to discuss the following: Trainer, author and FIDE Press Officer, IM Michael Rahal (0:00) describes the venue in Singapore and provides behind the scenes details and perspective on the match. GM Jon Ludvig Hammer (35:00) has been Commentating the Event for The TakeTakeTake YouTube Channel and therefore has analyzed every move as it occurs. He discusses the Openings, as well as whether he thinks Ding can continue to keep Gukesh on his heels. We hope to have more bonus coverage to come, and will definitely be following and covering the World Championship once it has concluded. If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 4m

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Creator

Ben Johnson
Years Active

2016 - 2024
Episodes

498
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

Perpetual Chess Podcast

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Perpetual Chess Podcast

Sunrise in the Bronx: David MacEnulty on Lessons Taught & Learned at an Inner-City Scholastic Chess Powerhouse

Bonus Pod- FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Preview featuring IM Eric Rosen and FM Alisa Melekhina

EP 413- GM Daniel Naroditsky Looks Back at Gukesh's Rise, Ding's Disappointment & the Heightened Emotions of the 2024 World Championship

EP 412- GM Jon Ludvig Hammer on Broadcasting the World Championship, How Chess is Covered in Norway & His Pet Opening System

Bonus Pod- Ding-Gukesh in the Homestretch. Post-round 12 Analysis, Stories and Chess Improvement Takeaways with IM Andras Toth

Bonus pod- Tension escalates, as Ding-Gukesh remains tied after 9 rounds. Chess.com’s FM Mike Klein shares behind-the-scenes stories from Singapore.

EP 411- Adult Improver Supraja Vadlamani on How She Went from Chess Noob to Olympiad Participant in Just a Few Years.

Bonus Pod- The World Championship is Deadlocked through 6 Games. IM Michael Rahal joins from Singapore & GM Jon Ludvig Hammer on the Match’s Surprising Trajectory

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Perpetual Chess Podcast

Episodes

Sunrise in the Bronx: David MacEnulty on Lessons Taught & Learned at an Inner-City Scholastic Chess Powerhouse

Bonus Pod- FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Preview featuring IM Eric Rosen and FM Alisa Melekhina

EP 413- GM Daniel Naroditsky Looks Back at Gukesh's Rise, Ding's Disappointment & the Heightened Emotions of the 2024 World Championship

EP 412- GM Jon Ludvig Hammer on Broadcasting the World Championship, How Chess is Covered in Norway & His Pet Opening System

Bonus Pod- Ding-Gukesh in the Homestretch. Post-round 12 Analysis, Stories and Chess Improvement Takeaways with IM Andras Toth

Bonus pod- Tension escalates, as Ding-Gukesh remains tied after 9 rounds. Chess.com’s FM Mike Klein shares behind-the-scenes stories from Singapore.

EP 411- Adult Improver Supraja Vadlamani on How She Went from Chess Noob to Olympiad Participant in Just a Few Years.

Bonus Pod- The World Championship is Deadlocked through 6 Games. IM Michael Rahal joins from Singapore & GM Jon Ludvig Hammer on the Match’s Surprising Trajectory

About

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