Perpetual Chess Podcast

Ben Johnson
  • 4.8 (610)
  • HOBBIES
  • 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

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 475- Matt Biancuzzo (Byredofantome) on Keeping Chess Fun, Ignoring Rating, and Making Viral Chess Videos

    This week’s guest on the Adult Improver Series is Matt Biancuzzo. Matt is a 31-year-old New York City consultant who is very active in both the local chess scene and on social media. He has taken full advantage of New York’s many chess opportunities, regularly attending chess gatherings and pub nights while also competing in tournaments locally. Over the past few years he has improved from below 1400 USCF to a peak of over 1800! Matt has worked with multiple coaches, grinded tactics, and consumed countless chess videos, but he credits the majority of his improvement to building a social network that made chess fun for him. Speaking of fun, Matt has also built a large online following thanks to his hilarious short-form videos. Posting as “byredofantome” on Instagram and “fantomechess” on TikTok, Matt creates impressions and humorous shorts that lightly satirize chess culture. In the second half of our interview, we shift our focus from chess improvement to the story behind Matt’s videos. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the bonus video breaking down some of Matt’s best clips here. Join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community here: Ben Johnson | creating Perpetual Chess Podcast | Patreon Join the Perpetual Chess Discord here:  https://discord.gg/gUPSsHMK Check out Chessable’s Women’s Day sale here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/all/offer/f/ Check out Chessiverse.com, use code “Perpetual30” to save 30% on premium offerings.  00:00 Introduction to Chess Improvement and Content Creation 04:45- Matt Biancuzzo joins the show! We begin by discussing how he got into chess in college.  13:29 The Role of Community in Chess Improvement Mentioned: GM Robert Hungaski, IM Denys Shmelov, Alex Pickett,  IM Jan van der Mortaal, Jonathan Williams, Pobo Efikoro 18:03 Coaching and Learning Strategies 23:04 The Impact of Online Chess and Content Creation Mentioned: MaddiePlaysChess, GambitMan 25:00- Getting a chess coach Mentioned: IM Sam Khanin, IM VIktor Matviishen 28:00 Personal Growth Through Chess 33:14 Final Thoughts on Chess and Community 40:16 The language and habits of chess players  48:55 Content Creation in Chess Mentioned: Matt’s article about Where to Play Chess in NYC https://www.chess.com/blog/byredofantome/where-to-play-chess-in-nyc-and-how-to-gauge-a-good-club POV When you are Prepping for the 2002 World Under 12 Championship: https://www.instagram.com/byredofantome/reel/DT6A_OHDqTi/ What I learned Playing 130 Chess Tournaments in 2 Years https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ-fgbeDmHY/ POV You are Spassky in 1971 https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOntmlDlEM/ 49:54 The Art of Subversive Commentary 52:06 Impressions and Mannerisms in Chess Matt’s Yasser/magnus video is here: https://www.tiktok.com/@byredofantome/video/7240979768525573418?_r=1&_t=ZP-94OfoAItpk7 53:50 Translating Chess for the Average Person 55:15 Inspiration from Online Trends Mentioned: POV Chess Players Training at the Gym https://www.instagram.com/p/DRqJ2x_jvKs/ 01:03:19 Monetization and Content Creation Challenges 01:05:26 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Chess 01:09:05 Colliding Worlds: Chess and Consulting 01:12:26 The Nature of Content Creation and Recognition Matt’s linktree is here: https://linktr.ee/byredofantome?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnKZHTvXc3y6vDxPUApYvPDxbUFpbNtVLXr58nVATFdTyrdu7mR6xgzob8An4_aem_SjGs6svkY3aTt1lbEPnWOg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 26m

  2. MAR 3

    EP 474- NM Han Schut on GM Jan Timman’s Legacy, Chess Improvement, & Using LLM’s to Create Helpful Chess Tools

    This week’s returning guest is NM Han Schut. Han is a former corporate executive turned Chessable author and trainer, known for his expertise in the Chess Steps Method and chess technology. Han joins me to reflect on the legacy of his fellow Dutchman, GM Jan Timman, who recently passed away. He shares personal anecdotes and discusses Timman’s impact as a world-class competitor, prolific author, and cultural icon in the Netherlands. We also explore a fascinating recent project: Han built a custom chess database with the help of the LLM Claude, which handled all of the coding. He explains how players can use LLMs effectively for chess study and recommends other powerful digital tools. Finally, Han offers evergreen advice on rest, mindset, and accurately assessing your own chess performance. As always, I came away inspired by Han’s wide-ranging knowledge and practical approach to chess. Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com! Check out Han Schut's courses here: ⁠https://www.chessable.com/author/HanSchut/⁠ 00:00 Remembering Grandmaster Jan Timman Mentioned: Read Peter Doggers’ obituary here: https://www.chess.com/news/view/jan-timman-obituary Timman-Ribli 1978- https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1142478 12:03 Exploring LLMs in Chess Coding Check out Han’s video about coding with Claude here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSj69yLmwMg&t=3s Download the Lichess Puzzle Database Here: https://database.lichess.org/#puzzles Link to download Han and Claude’s creation within this article: https://lichess.org/@/HanSchut/blog/the-lichess-opening-puzzles-with-games-makes-them-searchable-from-any-position/BUHE9eQ3 Matt Shumer article “Something Big is Happening”- https://x.com/mattshumer_/status/2021256989876109403 21:45 Creating Chess Tools with AI 27:56 The Rise of AI and Its Implications 34: 00 Han’s Chess Study Tool Recommendations: Mentioned:  Forward Chess https://forwardchess.com/ Chessvision AI https://chessvision.ai/ 36:55 Patreon mailbag question: What is Han’s advice for how to approach chess puzzles?  Mentioned:  CT Art Puzzles- (Chessking App) https://chesskingtraining.com/ct-art/ Chessbase Puzzles https://tactics.chessbase.com/nl/Solve 45:40 Mindset and Mental Strength in Chess Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by Michael Adams How to Chess Podcast with Han Schut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPN60QMA2oA 53:12 Managing Anxiety and Performance Pressure 58:46 Patreon mailbag question: What does Han think of Chessalyz AI and other AI Chess Tutors?  Mentioned:  Chessalyz AI: https://chessalyz.ai/ FM Dalton Perrine’s blog: https://chesschatter.substack.com/ Novachess AI https://www.chessagine.com/ 1:05:00- Thanks to Han for joining me! Here is how to keep up with him: YouTube (including Saturday morning streams):  https://www.youtube.com/c/hanschut Lichess coaches: https://lichess.org/coach/HanSchut Chessable courses:  https://www.chessable.com/author/HanSchut/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 15m

  3. FEB 24

    EP 473- GM Aman Hambleton on SCC London, The London System & The Future of Chess

    GM Aman Hambleton has been busy lately. In addition to his usual role as a popular Twitch streamer and Youtuber for the Chessbrah channel, he recently returned from London, where he was one of the lead commentators for Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship. He also has recently released his highly anticipated Chessable course, Aman Hambleton’s London System. In our conversation we discuss:  What made the latest Speed Chess Championship “special” according to Magnus Carlsen, and Aman’s thoughts on rapid, classical and freestyle chess.  What Aman says to haters of the London Opening.  Aman’s thoughts on the FIDE Candidates.  We also discuss whether Aman is an adult improver at blitz chess (having recently crossed 3000 on Chess.com , Aman’s thoughts on The Queen of Chess, and the all important question of what Aman thinks of Magnus Carlsen’s new mustache. Its always fun chatting with Aman!  0:01- Aman’s reflections on Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship in London  0:14- Looking ahead to the Esports World Cup  0:19- Aman’s thoughts on the FIDE Candidates  0:23- Highlights of Aman’s London course.  More on Aman’s chessboxing match with IM Lawrence Trent here: https://www.chess.com/news/view/mogul-chessboxing-championship-hambleton-trent 35:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Aman have plans of doing a formal course on the Taimanov?  Mentioned: Aman’s Taimanov Speedrun: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUjxDD7HNNTjZAD99gBAKVm_ZipXTtNYn Mentioned: The Taimanov Bibl 41:00- Patreon mailbag question: What is Aman’s advice for how to improve your middlegame play?  46:00- Where did Aman come up with the term “snorkel”?  49:00- Aman recently went over a 3000 blitz rating. Is he an adult improver? 52:00- Does Aman have any new impersonations?  53:00- Aman’s thoughts on The Queen of Chess  54:00- Did the Chessbrahs go out in London? 55:00- Favorite chessbrah videos  56:00- Does Aman approve of Magnus’ new mustache? 59:00- Thanks to Aman for joining me again! Here is how to keep up with he and the Chessbrahs: Chessable course: https://www.chessable.com/aman-hambletons-london-system/course/353577/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/chessbrah Kick: https://kick.com/chessbrah/videos YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chessbrah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 5m

  4. FEB 17

    EP 472- Author Katie Kormanik on How Chess Helped Shape Her Life, and Why She Left it Behind 

    What role does chess play in our lives? That’s a recurring question on Perpetual Chess, and one that author Katie Kormanik explores in her new, personal memoir, Adventures of a Chess Girl. A former top scholastic player, Katie looks back at the competitive years of her early 20s and reflects on how chess became a refuge during a stressful and uncertain time. The game allowed her to travel widely and immerse herself in an eclectic social circle of strong players from around the world. Although Katie ultimately stepped away from competition, she still loves chess, and now fondly revisits those formative memories. We also discuss her experience self-publishing the book, as well as our thoughts on the new Queen of Chess documentary on Netflix.  Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Check out GM Simon Williams' new course here: https://www.chessable.com/lifetime-repertoires-stonewall-dutch/course/378958/ 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:49 Exploring the Memoir: Adventures of a Chess Girl Mentioned: All the Wrong Moves by Sasha Chapin 03:28 Chess as a Refuge and a place to build identity 08:14 The Role of Peer Influence in Chess 12:00- Does Katie have a love-hate relationship with chess? 16:09 Romantic Relationships and Chess Improvement 19:00- Gender dynamics in the chess world  22:05 Advice for Young Women in Chess 23:15 Introducing Chess to Children 25:59 The Journey of Self-Publishing a Book You can find Katie’s self-publishing checklist within this article: https://booksbywomen.org/the-case-for-self-publishing-and-why-its-easier-now-than-ever-before/ 34:13 Reflections on Life Lessons and Risks 39:47 Our thoughts on the new Netflix Queen of Chess documentary  43:32 Parenting Styles and Nurturing Passions 45:00- Thanks so much to Katie for joining me! You can find out more about her and her book at: https://www.chessgirlbook.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    50 min

  5. FEB 10

    EP 471- Dr. Kevin Scull on Adult-Only Tournaments, Plateaus and Progress  

    Is it possible to continue to get better at chess once you hit your 50s?  The Adult Improver Series returns, and that’s one of the central questions I explore with today’s guest, long-time friend of the pod and fellow chess podcaster Dr. Kevin Scull. Kevin is the host of the popular Chess Journeys podcast, where he interviews adult chess improvers on a weekly basis. In our conversation, he shares insights drawn from hundreds of interviews, as well as from his own dedicated pursuit of tournament chess. We discuss: How Kevin managed to reach a new all-time rating high of over 1800 USCF in his early 50s The social and competitive benefits of adult-only tournaments Whether struggling to remember your games afterward means you’re hopeless at chess As you’d expect, Kevin also shares a wealth of chess resource recommendations and practical improvement tips, and reflects on nearly five years of producing Chess Journeys. Perpetual Chess Adult Improver Series Website: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adultimprover Perpetual Chess Adult Improver Series Spotify Playlist:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=ab7ba68225fb43dc 0:00- Thanks to Chessable, check out Kevin’s course here: https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ 0:01- Kevin joins the pod. How did he achieve a new rating high of 1800+ USCF in his early 50s?  0:08- Why Kevin particularly enjoys adult and senior-only tournaments  18:00- Kevin’s recent chess improvement realizations  Mentioned: Karpov’s Strategic Wins by IM Tibor Karolyi  23:00- The benefits of having a coach Mentioned: NM Gopal Menon https://lichess.org/streamer/vitamixbrand 28:00- More chess improvement secrets! Mentioned: 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know The Carlsbad Pawn Structure Revisited  Chess Structures  32:00- Is Kevin hopeless at chess because he can’t remember his games? Post- Am I bad at chess or our brains really that different? https://drscull.substack.com/p/am-i-bad-at-chess-or-are-brains-really Playing a Chess Tournament without Calculating https://substack.com/@drscull/p-185151203 43:00- What is new with the Chess Journeys Podcast and Kevin’s Streaming? Check at Chess Inception at Chesspuzzle.net  https://chesspuzzle.net/Inception 47:00- Patterns that Kevin sees in successful improvers 50:00- What has Kevin learned from watching his daughter pursue chess?  53:00- Kevin’s review of IM Danny Rensch’s Dark Squares 54:00- How to recalibrate expectations as you get older  56:00- The value of studying random positions  Thanks to Kevin for joining me! Blog/substack here: https://substack.com/@drscull/posts Chess Journeys Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kNbZLQE6JvbAyfOlv7ZNY?si=4b82e81608c24743&nd=1&dlsi=1afd66a98e904dc7 Chessable course: https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 5m

  6. FEB 3

    EP 470- GM Yasser Seirawan on Fischer, Najdorf, Silman & How he Became a GM-Level Storyteller

    In the  9 years of  Perpetual Chess’ existence, GM Yasser Seirawan is the most requested guest by listeners. It took some time to make it happen, but today the renowned commentator, author, and 4-time US Champion delivers. We chat about:  Yasser is renowned as a storyteller- what does he think the origins are of this skill?  Stories about Bobby Fischer, Bent Larsen, GM Miguel Najdorf, and many others.  The role that IM Jeremy Silman played in helping Yasser craft his popular Winning Chess Series.  Current exhibits at the World Chess Hall of Fame (including “Seirawan Chess”) and exciting renovations at the St. Louis Chess Club  This episode features plenty of laughter and a number of entertaining stories that I hadn’t heard Yasser tell before. 0:00- Here is the link to join the Perpetual Chess Discord:  https://discord.gg/aVWPk6P3 0:00- Thanks to our sponsors,  Chessiverse.com. Be sure to check out the Bots and courses, and use the code “Perpetual30” to receive a 30% discount on courses and premium offerings.  0:00- And you can check out Yasser’s Chessable courses here: https://www.chessable.com/author/Yasser_Seirawan/ 0:02- Yasser joins me! He begins by discussing his storytelling roots, and some of the best raconteur GMs- Bent Larsen and Miguel Najdorf.  29:00- Yasser on his love for books and how he managed to write his Play Winning Chess series in such an accessible style.  47:00- Where do the point values for the pieces come from?  Mentioned: NFL player John Urschel, GM Fabiano Caruana 48- ADD BOARD GRAPHICS LATER IF YOU UP FOR IT 56:00- Yasser’s friendship with IM Jeremy Silman, and his favorite authors Mentioned: Mikhail Tal, Larry Christiansen, John Nunn, Fred Reinfeld 1:12:00- Yasser describes the renovations at the St. Louis Chess Club and the displays at the World Chess Hall of Fame, including one on chess variants.  https://worldchesshof.org/exhibits-programs/current-exhibitions/ Play “S Chess” or Seirawan Chess here: https://www.chess.com/variants/seirawan-chess 1:23:00- Playing blitz hustlers in NYC Mentioned: Vincent Livermore, FM Asa Hoffman 1:35:00- The St. Louis Chess Club’s community outreach and work with first responders Watch Anita Aronian singing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUEsLaf3R9w World Chess Hall of Fame Music Performances: https://www.youtube.com/worldchesshof 1:41:00- One last Botvinnik story!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 57m

  7. JAN 27

    EP 469- Author Brad Stulberg on What ‘Excellence’ Means for Amateur Chess Players

    Best-selling author Brad Stulberg has devoted a large part of his professional life to studying what it means to be excellent. He has interviewed peak performers in fields ranging from athletics and music to, of course, chess. His new book, The Way of Excellence distills all he learned.  In our conversation, Brad shares tons of helpful advice for anyone looking to improve at something. We tackle topics such as: – What “pursuing excellence” means for an amateur chess player hoping to get a little bit better – Why Brad admires chess, and what he learned from interviewing GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave for his new book, – Brad’s advice for striking a balance between digital and analog life and learning As a long-time fan of Brad’s writing and podcast, I was honored to speak with him about improving at chess and other domains. 0:00- Be sure to check out the bots and courses at  Chessiverse.com. Use the code “Perpetual30” to receive a 30% discount on courses and premium offerings.  2:00- Brad joins the show. What is “arrival fallacy” and is it the same thing as what hikers call "summit fever?”  08:00- Why did Brad want to include chess in a book about excellence? 12:00- How would Brad define excellence for someone engaged in a hobby, such as a chess player who just wants to go up in rating class?  15:00- Brad’s advice for people working hard on chess who are not seeing any rating gains Mentioned: The Myth of Sisyphus by Camus  Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com, you can sign up for Chessable Pro here: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Check out their new courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 22:00- What did Brad learn from an exchange with Kasparov about the value of early-life specialization?  Mentioned: Kasparov’s reply here: https://x.com/Kasparov63/status/2002428459688341793 25:00- Brad’s experiences as a chess player and parent  28:00- Digital vs. Analog life and the biophilia hypothesis  37:00- The value of consistency over intensity  40:00- What Brad learned from interviewing 70+ elite performers across domains  45:00- Brad’s parting advice  Thanks to Brad for joining me, here is how to keep up with him: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/ Substack: https://bradstulberg.substack.com/ Webpage: https://www.bradstulberg.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    53 min

  8. JAN 20

    EP 468- FM Carsten Hansen on Tactics Plateaus & The Best Recent Chess Books 

    Prolific author and book reviewer FM Carsten Hansen returns to Perpetual Chess to talk chess improvement, chess publishing, and to provide a rundown of standout recent chess books. We start with a listener question about plateauing in tactics training. How do we know if we’re just hitting a speed bump, or if we’ve reached our ceiling? From there, we dive deep into chess books, sharing recommendations with both a biographical and improvement focus. Lastly, we discuss Chess Openings for Dummies and Carsten’s many other book projects. I still don’t know how Carsten puts out so much chess material, but it’s always fun to hear about it. EP 468- FM Carsten Hansen on Tactics Plateaus & The Best Recent Chess Books  Prolific author and book reviewer FM Carsten Hansen returns to Perpetual Chess to talk chess improvement, chess publishing, and to provide a rundown of standout recent chess books. We start with a listener question about plateauing in tactics training. How do we know if we’re just hitting a speed bump, or if we’ve reached our ceiling? From there, we dive deep into chess books, sharing recommendations with both a biographical and improvement focus. Lastly, we discuss Chess Openings for Dummies and Carsten’s many other book projects. I still don’t know how Carsten puts out so much chess material, but it’s always fun to hear about it. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com, you can sign up for Chessable Pro here: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro Check out their new courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 2:00 – Welcome  Prior FM Carsten Hansen interviews: Episodes 84, 206, Book Recap #30 4:00 –Carsten joins:  Patreon mailbag question: tactics plateaus and adult improvement Mentioned:  The Chess Wizardy of Wotowa  Invisible Chess moves Forcing Chess Moves  12:00 – Carsten’s own chess goals and IM aspirations 19:00 – Carsten’s favorite chess books of the past few years Mentioned:  Tiger’s Chaos Theory The Stories, Games and Intrigue of Capablanca and Alekhine  Gideon Stahlberg: An Epoch in Swedish Chess Korchnoi Year by Year Hubner Year by Year Alexander Alekhine: The Russian Sphinx IM Cyrus Lakdawala: Becoming an IM Converting an Extra Pawn in Chess Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual: 6th Edition Endgame study books by GM Jan Timman and IM Yochanan Afek 29:00 – Carsten discusses his newest project with FM James Eade, Chess Openings for Dummies Download the Chess for Dummies bonus content here: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Chess+Openings+For+Dummies%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9781394345014#downloadstab-section 41:00- Carsten’s other projects: Mentioned: Mazukevich’s Madness Carsten’s Newly Edited Capablanca books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=carsten+hansen+capablanca&crid=E42JM4JTS3CX&sprefix=carsten+hansen+capablanc%2Caps%2C114&ref=nb_sb_noss Coming soon: The Canal and Prins Gambits Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer  53:00 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up  Thanks to Carsten for rejoining me! Here is how to keep up with him: Website:  https://www.winningquicklyatchess.com/ Email- carstenchess at gmail dot com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    55 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Johnson
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    562
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Perpetual Chess LLC
  • Show Website
    Perpetual Chess Podcast

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