Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai

4.6 (54)
GAMES
UPDATED WEEKLY

The official podcast of ChessDojo (IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, & GM Jesse Kraai). Most episodes are streamed live to twitch.tv/chessdojolive.

JAN 23

EP 139 | Who Decides The World Championship? ft. GM Jacob Aagaard

The sensei are joined by GM Jacok Aagaard to discuss who decides the world championship. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining Chapters [00:00] - Introduction[01:06] - Historical Tradition[02:19] - 1990s Split Era[04:54] - Kasparov vs. FIDE[07:49] - Counting World Champions[15:37] - Importance of Qualification[28:46] - Reunification Match (2006)[36:28] - Critique of Recent Cycles[45:22] - Who is a World Champion?[56:01] - Modern Challenges in Defining Champions[1:08:22] - Expiration of Lineage[1:37:07] - Ding Liren and Nepomniachtchi Match Issues[1:55:26] - Freestyle Chess World Championship[2:00:05] - Conclusion

2 hr
JAN 22

EP 138 | Top 5 Chess Authors

GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy rank the top five greatest chess authors of all time in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast! Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining CHAPTERS0:00 Ranking The 5 Greatest Chess Authors of All Time3:45 Categories of Chess Authors6:08 Jesse's No. 5 Pick7:05 David's No. 5 Pick11:24 Kostya's No. 5 Pick12:47 Kostya's No. 4 Pick13:50 David's No. 4 Pick15:39 Jesse's No. 4 Pick17:17 Jesse's No. 3 Pick18:07 David's No. 3 Pick20:55 Kostya's No. 3 Pick23:43 Greatest Course Makers Episode?25:55 Kostya's No. 2 Pick28:04 David's No. 2 Pick29:34 Jesse's No. 2 Pick31:19 Jesse's No. 1 Pick34:03 David's No. 1 Pick38:04 Kostya's No. 1 Pick 41:01 ChessDojo's Greatest 5 Chess Authors of All Time43:15 Magnus Carlsen's Output47:21 Follow ChessDojo

48 min
JAN 15

EP 137 | Should Beginners Study Openings w/ GM Hammer

GM Jon Ludvig Hammer joins the sensei on this Dojo Talks to discuss whether beginners should study openings, and if so, how much? Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining 00:01 – Introduction and welcome to GM Hammer; discussion about his new Chessable course.01:33 – Overview of the debate: Should beginners study openings?02:21 – Hammer’s argument for teaching openings to beginners for motivation and familiarity.03:35 – Defining "beginner" and the target audience for Hammer's course (800–1300 Chess.com rapid rating).05:00 – Differences in chess ratings across platforms (Chess.com vs. Lichess) and their relevance to the debate.07:28 – Hammer explains the importance of enjoying chess and using openings as a "cheat code" for improvement.09:05 – When Hammer believes opening study is most beneficial (during stagnation or motivation slumps).14:15 – Jesse’s perspective: Most mistakes at lower levels occur in the middle or endgame, not in the opening.15:55 – Importance of board vision and avoiding hanging pieces for beginners.18:31 – Risks of opening study: Memorization without understanding and neglecting principles.21:42 – Hammer’s course design: Emphasis on plans, common moves, and practical advice tailored for lower-rated players.28:17 – Clarifying misconceptions about opening study in the Chess Dojo training system.34:49 – Motivation and its role in chess improvement at all levels.45:16 – Hammer on the purpose of his course: Surviving the opening to focus on other aspects of chess.50:44 – Discussion on Chessable’s business decisions, including paywalling "Short and Sweet" courses.1:02:37 – Closing thoughts: Balancing opening study with broader chess skills and finding what motivates individual players.

1h 12m
JAN 4

EP 136 | 2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer

The sensei are joined by GM Jon Ludvig Hammer to discuss the 2024 World Rapid Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen's controversial decision to split the championship title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, drawing significant criticism for bending competition rules and setting a troubling precedent. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining 00:00 Introduction of GM Jon Ludvig Hammer and his Chessable course.00:37 Overview of the Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen.01:16 Discussion on Abdusattorov’s rise and breakout performances.02:32 Controversy over Magnus and Nepomniachtchi sharing the title.03:15 Social media and fan perspectives on the shared title.04:08 Hammer’s stance on sportsmanship and breaking rules.08:21 Comparison to past events and "Grandmaster draws."12:20 Speculation on Magnus’s motivations for sharing the title.29:03 Hammer’s view on Magnus’s current career and form.34:15 FIDE’s role in allowing the title to be shared.41:04 Freestyle Chess and its rivalry with FIDE.48:22 Final thoughts on Magnus and the Blitz Championship.

53 min
12/30/2024

EP 135 | Denimgate

Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the controversy around "DenimGate," involving Magnus Carlsen's disqualification from the World Rapid Tournament due to dress code violations, with broader implications for tensions between Carlsen, FIDE, and Freestyle chess organizers. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining 00:05 - Introduction to "DenimGate," the controversy involving Magnus Carlsen, jeans, and dress code violations during the World Blitz Championship.00:46 - Context about prior conflicts and drama between Magnus, FIDE, and freestyle chess.01:48 - Explanation of the tension between freestyle chess organizers and FIDE over the rights to world championships in alternate formats like Fischer Random.03:04 - Analysis of Magnus Carlsen’s career stage and his challenges finding motivation as his dominance wanes.05:01 - Magnus’s focus on rapid and blitz chess over classical formats and his struggle with recent tournament results.07:14 - Freestyle chess’s plans to run a championship tour with significant funding and high-profile players.09:10 - Discussion of the jeans controversy and whether it was an isolated incident or part of broader disputes.11:50 - Broader historical parallels between past chess legends and their conflicts with FIDE.14:52 - The complexities of dress code enforcement and Magnus’s refusal to change, leading to forfeiture.20:09 - Insights into Magnus’s frustration with FIDE and his vision for the future of chess.26:24 - Speculation about the impact of Fischer Random Chess and Magnus’s endorsement of it as a potential future for elite chess.31:08 - Challenges of introducing Fischer Random Chess to mainstream audiences and players’ resistance.40:46 - Psychological attachment of players to traditional chess formats and its impact on the acceptance of variants.45:57 - Connection to Magnus’s involvement in an esports event backed by Saudi funding, and the potential geopolitical implications.50:54 - Discussion about the appropriateness and enforcement of dress codes in professional chess.56:46 - Conclusion and look ahead to the World Blitz Championship and Magnus’s chances of making a comeback.

57 min
12/30/2024

EP 134 | FIDE vs. Freestyle Drama

GM Kraai, IM Pruess, and IM Kavutskiy discuss the conflict between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Association over the legitimacy and rights to organize Chess 960 (Fischer Random) events, with players like Magnus Carlsen spearheading Freestyle's efforts to revitalize the format. The sensei discuss fan interest, FIDE's waning control, and the broader implications for chess traditions and alternative formats. Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining 00:00 - Introduction00:40 - Overview of the Drama01:13 - Hosts' Opinions on Chess 96002:58 - Freestyle Chess Organization's Efforts07:27 - Fan Interest and Chess 960’s Appeal08:28 - Freestyle’s Announcement and FIDE’s Response12:27 - Magnus and Hikaru's Potential Withdrawal17:07 - Presentation and Fan Engagement20:14 - FIDE vs. Freestyle Chess: Rights Dispute25:51 - Importance of Event Longevity39:36 - Freestyle Chess: Future Challenges57:08 - The Ideal Resolution

59 min
12/17/2024

EP 133 | 2024 World Chess Championship Recap

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, and GM Jesse Kraai recap the 2024 World Chess Championship match between defending champion GM Ding Liren and challenger GM Gukesh D in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast! Get ChessDojo's first book, How to Analyze Your Games, here: https://amzn.to/3Ds5r78 Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining CHAPTERS 0:00 New Book Announcement :02 ChessDojo Streaming the Match 3:55 Predictions vs Reality 14:02 How Would This World Championship Rank?

1h 13m
11/25/2024

EP 132 | Who Will Win the 2024 World Chess Championship?

Who will win the 2024 World Chess Championship between GM Ding Liren and GM Gukesh D? GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss who will be the next World Chess Champion, the format for the match, and whether the match will be close or a blowout in today's episode of Dojo Talks, the ChessDojo podcast. Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Join the Training Program - https://chessdojo.club Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/sUUh8HD Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips #chess #chesstraining

1h 5m

See All (100)

4.6

out of 5

54 Ratings

Awesome chess convos

12/16/2024

Dg din

Really interesting discussions! Thanks
Silman

09/27/2023

cocodojo

I enjoyed your last show. I was thinking maybe a book can be made with all his articles. I always wanted to learn chess. It wasn’t queen gambit, but the book The immortal game that started my deeper interest, and your podcast pushed of course.
The wheat and the chaff

12/05/2023

Down in P-town

Most of the time, I’m annoyed with the hosts because they seem to constantly and purposefully misunderstand each other’s points and talk in circles, which frustrates me as a listener. Feels like they’re arguing to win a point rather than trying to understand the other person’s position and perhaps come to a mutual understanding. And Jesse’s and David’s insistence that only OTB classical chess is real chess definitely has a “get off my lawn” vibe. But if you can get through that, there are some great nuggets.
WELCOME TO THE DOJO

05/20/2023

a_dumb_ox

WELCOME TO THE DOJO? CHESS DOJO IS GOOD IF YOU LIKE CHESS AND LIKE CHESS OR EVEN IF YOU LIKE CHESS. HUMANS WHO LIKE CHESS SHOULD LISTEN TO IT IF THEY LIKE CHESS 5/5 STARS. :D

The official podcast of ChessDojo (IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, & GM Jesse Kraai). Most episodes are streamed live to twitch.tv/chessdojolive.

Creator

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai
Years Active

2021 - 2025
Episodes

100
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

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Updated Biweekly
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Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

EP 139 | Who Decides The World Championship? ft. GM Jacob Aagaard

EP 138 | Top 5 Chess Authors

EP 137 | Should Beginners Study Openings w/ GM Hammer

EP 136 | 2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer

EP 135 | Denimgate

EP 134 | FIDE vs. Freestyle Drama

EP 133 | 2024 World Chess Championship Recap

EP 132 | Who Will Win the 2024 World Chess Championship?

Awesome chess convos

Silman

The wheat and the chaff

WELCOME TO THE DOJO

About

Information

You Might Also Like

Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

Episodes

EP 139 | Who Decides The World Championship? ft. GM Jacob Aagaard

EP 138 | Top 5 Chess Authors

EP 137 | Should Beginners Study Openings w/ GM Hammer

EP 136 | 2024 World Rapid & Blitz w/ GM Hammer

EP 135 | Denimgate

EP 134 | FIDE vs. Freestyle Drama

EP 133 | 2024 World Chess Championship Recap

EP 132 | Who Will Win the 2024 World Chess Championship?

Ratings & Reviews

Awesome chess convos

Silman

The wheat and the chaff

WELCOME TO THE DOJO

About

Information

You Might Also Like