The Chess Cognition Podcast

Can Kabadayi
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

A deep dive into the world of chess through the lenses of cognitive science, psychology, and teaching. Join the leading players, coaches, and scholars as they explore the intricacies of chess and the mental processes that drive success on and off the board.

  1. 4d ago

    How to Make Chess Puzzle Training Work in Real Games

    0:00 Why Chess Puzzles Don't Always Transfer to Real Games 01:02 Solution Patterns vs. Tactical Triggers 2:19 Why Triggers Matter for Working Memory 3:04 Puzzle 1: Find the Trigger 4:05 Learning to Recognize Loose Pieces 6:15 Puzzle 2: Same Trigger, Different Position 8:25 Puzzle 3: Missed Chance in Carlsen - Kaymer 10:34 Why You Must Study Near Misses 10:59 The Greek Gift Sacrifice: When It Fails 12:49 The Greek Gift Sacrifice: When It Works 15:11 A Four-Step Method for Training Chess Tactics 16:18 The Most Important Question After Every Puzzle 17:11 Connecting Tactical Triggers to CLAMP Have you solved hundreds of chess puzzles but still find yourself missing tactics in your actual games? The problem may not be your calculation skills, but your ability to recognize tactical triggers. In this video, I explain why chess puzzle training doesn't always transfer to practical games and how learning to identify the underlying cues behind tactical patterns can improve your tactical awareness. Drawing on principles from cognitive science and learning psychology, we explore the difference between knowing a tactical solution and recognizing when you should start looking for one. Through instructive chess examples, including double attacks, deflections, loose pieces, and the famous Greek Gift sacrifice, I demonstrate how to extract generalizable patterns from tactical puzzles. You'll also learn why studying failed combinations and near misses is essential for developing accurate pattern recognition. Finally, I introduce a practical four-step approach to chess tactics training that can help you recognize opportunities, manage your attention, and apply what you learn to unfamiliar positions in your own games. The goal is not simply to solve more puzzles, but to learn more deeply from every puzzle you solve.

  2. Oct 12

    Prof. Ben Balas - The Science of Chess Blunders: Insights from Visual Cognition

    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.

  3. Oct 12

    FM Tarık Selbes - GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş: How a Future World Champion Is Being Built

    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,

  4. Oct 12

    NM Ben Johnson - The Most Connected Person in the Chess World

    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.

  5. Oct 12

    NM Robert Ramirez - System Openings and Chess Tips for All Ages

    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.

  6. Oct 12

    Solveig Friberg - The Pedagogical Blueprint for Chess 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.

  7. Oct 12

    WIM Luciana Morales - The Untold Stories of Women’s World Champions

    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!

  8. Oct 12

    Dr. Nick Vasquez - Visualization, Productive Failure, and Chess Improvement

    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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

A deep dive into the world of chess through the lenses of cognitive science, psychology, and teaching. Join the leading players, coaches, and scholars as they explore the intricacies of chess and the mental processes that drive success on and off the board.

Information

  • Creator
    Can Kabadayi
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Can Kabadayi
  • Show Website
    The Chess Cognition Podcast

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