[Replay] GM Daniel Naroditsky's 2020 Perpetual Chess Interview
As the chess world digests the devastating news of the passing of Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, I found myself thinking back to our first interview in August of 2020 (Episode 191). At the time, as chess boomed during the pandemic, Danya was ascending from promising young American player to chess commentating superstar. In the interview Danya’s eloquence, empathy, and hilarious impersonations were on full display. It is among the most listened-to Perpetual Chess episodes in the podcast's 9 year history. Danya's loss is immense and I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and many fans. - Ben
00:00 – 03:15
Ben’s tribute and introduction following Danya’s passing (2025)
03:16 – 04:00
2020 Interview with Danya begins- Introduction to Danya’s chess background and early achievements
04:00 – 06:00
Danya on listening to Perpetual Chess and favorite episodes
06:00 – 10:00
Discussion of the Hikaru–Magnus finale and Armageddon tiebreaks
10:12 – 13:10
Early fascination with blitz and bullet chess; childhood training habits
13:10 – 16:00
Blitz addiction story and lessons from IM John Donaldson
16:00 – 21:40
Practical tips on blitz improvement — tactics, intuition, and time management
21:40 – 26:30
Deep dive into time management and “15-second rule” from Hikaru analysis
26:30 – 33:00
Stories of playing Magnus and Alireza online; Rebecca Harris account origin
33:00 – 36:15
Etiquette and psychology of elite bullet matches
36:15 – 38:10
What Danya works on to improve; paradox of bullet skill vs. classical weakness
38:10 – 40:10
Balancing streaming, teaching, and training during COVID
40:10 – 43:00
Untapped potential and thoughts on improvement as a 2600+ GM
43:00 – 45:30
The continuing value of classical chess in a fast-paced world
45:30 – 49:10
Teaching and streaming as dual passions; insights on Twitch culture
49:10 – 54:30
Streaming schedule, viewer expectations, and sustainability
54:30 – 56:30
The pressures and pitfalls of Twitch streaming; handling trolls
56:30 – 1:00:00
Patreon questions: notebooks, writing process, and early books
1:00:00 – 1:03:00
How Mastering Positional Chess came to be; influence of Russian literature
1:03:00 – 1:06:00
Formative chess books and lessons from Kasparov and Soviet literature
1:06:00 – 1:09:30
Advice for adult improvers: training priorities and tactical habits
1:09:30 – End
Reflections on commentary, pedagogy, and love of teaching
Photo in thumbnail via Charlotte Chess Center:
https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/staff/gm-daniel-naroditsky
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1:22:37
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1:22:37
EP 455- Marcos Patricio Macedo: A Forensic Detective’s Reflections on Chess, Balance, and Burnout
The Adult Improver Series returns with a fascinating story that highlights the broad appeal of chess. Marcos Patricio Macedo is a Brasília-based forensic detective, dad, and chess enthusiast who rediscovered the game in 2018 and hasn’t stopped since. Chess has become a welcome escape from the pressures of his homicide-investigation work, and he’s helped build community both locally and among fellow officers.
Marcos believes in the game’s value so deeply that he helped restore chess as an event in the World Police & Fire Games, an international gathering for first responders. In our conversation, he shares:
What it took to bring chess back to the games
How it was received and what might come next
His mixed feelings about balancing chess with family, work, and improvement
Lessons from coaches, online study, and his first major OTB tournament
Marcos’ relatable story reveals both the rewards and the potential pitfalls of dedicating a lot of time to chess as a hobby.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:
https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
Try Chess.com (try for free):
http://go.chess.com/Perpetual
If you know a scholastic player who could use high quality online group lessons, be sure to check out Silver Knights Chess Academy..
chessacademy.com/online
Use coupon code- "pod" to save 50% on the first month.
0:00- You can join the Perpetual Chess Patreon community here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess
02:00- What got Marcos back into chess in 2018?
07:00- Similarities and differences between chess analysis and forensic analysis
10:00- Marcos’ approach to improving at chess
Mentioned: GM Rafael Leitão, Hanging Pawns YouTube Channel, GM Daniel Naroditsky
15:00- Chess as a stress reliever for a first responder
20:00- Marcos tells the story of his successful advocacy to get chess included in the recent World Police & Fire Games
30:00- Why does Marcos think his interest in chess waned when he returned from the World Police & Fire Games ?
Mentioned: Silman’s The Amateur’s Mind, Coach FM Juan Cruz Arias
40:00- Marcos’ previous OTB experiences
43:00- The chess scene in Brazil
44:00- Marcos’ next move
49:00- Closing thoughts
Mentioned: EP 429 with Omar Mills
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2025/4/8/ep-429-omar-mills-chess-and-life-lessons-learned-from-not-improving-as-much-as-he-expected
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
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1:02:17
EP 454 — Hanging Pawns (Stjepan Tomić) Shares Chess Book Recs for Every Level & Discusses His Big New Project
Stjepan Tomić has built a sizable following through his beloved Hanging Pawns YouTube Channel, but good old-fashioned chess books remain his true passion. That passion has led to his ambitious new project, ChessReads.com, a free platform designed to help players of all levels find the right book for their needs through crowdsourced reviews. The project already features its own YouTube channel, Discord server, and a growing website filled with helpful writeups.
To celebrate the site’s launch, Stjepan joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about the enduring value of chess literature. We answered listener questions about whether books are still as vital as ever, how Stjepan chooses what to read next, and we shared recommendations across nearly every rating band. Stjepan also updated us on his own chess improvement goals and upcoming tournaments.
As a fellow chess bibliophile, I’m excited about the ChessReads project and enjoyed catching up with Stjepan. Timestamps for all topics and rating ranges are below, along with Amazon affiliate links to the books mentioned.
If you know a scholastic player who could use high quality online group lessons, be sure to check out Silver Knights Chess Academy..
chessacademy.com/online
Use coupon code- "pod" to save 50% on the first month.
Below are shortened show notes, for more complete show notes with links for all of the book recs, click here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Io2RMjGWDpncNDRcUMOlNmYHKMvdxUP1TGmGJFtdB4/edit?tab=t.0
0:03- Stjepan joins the pod! What is the chessreads.com origin story?
Mentioned:
Chessreads Discord-
https://discord.gg/gbFZGDw4
0:07- Patreon mailbag question: 1) Are chessbooks useful/optimal as chess improvement tools in the modern digital era? 2) Are modern books and older classics equally useful?
19:00- Patreon mailbag question:
Could Stjepan recommend a few books that can be read without a chessboard?
Mentioned: Perpetual Chess Improvement, Thinking Inside the Box
23:00- Patreon mailbag question: How does Stjepan select which chess book to read next?
25:00- Patreon mailbag question: What recommendations does Stjepan have for books about thinking processes?
30:00- Book Recommendations by rating range, starting with under 1000
36:00- Recommendations for the 1000-1200 level
37:00- - Recommendations for the 1200-1400 level
41:00- Recommendations for the 1400-1600 level
45:00- Recommendations for the 1600-1800 level
49:00- Recommendations for the 1800-2000 level
52:00- Recommendations for the above 2000 level
1:01:00-
Chess improvement update from Stjepan
1:06:00- Impromptu discussion- what makes some countries better at chess (and other competitive endeavors) than others?
1:11:00-
Check out Stjepan’s interview with me about my book on the Chessreads channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plMpTaO3Z2Y
Perpetual Chess Improvement is finally available on Audible!
https://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Chess-Improvement-Practical-World-Class/dp/B0FHWWC2ZX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0
1:17:00- Thanks to Stjepan for joining me again, here is how to keep up with him and the ChessReads project.
Hanging Pawns YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@HangingPawns
Chessreads YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ChessReadsCom
Chessreads Discord-
https://discord.gg/gbFZGDw4
Chessreads
chessreads.com
X
x.com/chessreads
Instagram
instagram.com/chessreads
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1:17:41
EP 453- IM-elect Tatev Abrahamyan on the Long Road to her New Title.
Despite an impressive chess résumé as one of the U.S.’s top women players, Tatev Abrahamyan has had moments when she questioned whether it was all worth it. After a prolonged slump, she not only considered giving up on ever earning the International Master title, but she nearly quit competitive chess altogether. Fortunately, Tatev persevered. Earlier this year, she unexpectedly finished second in the Woman’s American Cup, and then in August, she delivered a standout result that earned her the International Master title at age 37 — more than 10 years after achieving her final required norm! Remarkably, Tatev’s performance was so strong that she also secured her first GM norm.
In our conversation, Tatev reflects on:
Why a timely vote of confidence from a mentor propelled her toward a $30,000 prize
Opening advice and the enduring value of endgame studies
What she has learned from this roller-coaster journey — and what she advises others facing slumps
Tatev’s story is both candid and inspiring, and I look forward to following her next chapter at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Championship and beyond.
0:00- Thanks to our sponsors Chessable.com:
Check out Tatev’s courses here- and if you sign up for Chessable Pro, be sure to use this link:
https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro
0:02- Late last year, after a slump, Tatev was “despondent” with her chess? Did she seriously consider quitting?
0:05- Once she didn’t quit, how did she prepare for the American Cup?
0:08- Tatev’s tournament routine and mindset
Mentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy, GM Josh Friedel, Endgame Labaratory by GM Jacob Aagaard
0:11- Why does Tatev think her results turned around at the American Cup?
Mentioned: GM Yasser Quesada Perez
0:15- Tatev’s next tournaments in Spain and Budapest
0:18- Tatev’s approach to openings
0:20- When did Tatev start to think that earning the IM title was becoming realistic?
0:24- Patreon mailbag question: Was there any change to Tatev’s mindset leading up to this breakthrough?
Mentioned: You can check out Tatev’s games from the tournament here:
https://www.chess.com/events/budapest-one-week-budapest-one-week-gm
FM Mike Klein’s article about Tatev’s title:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/abrahamyan-plays-best-tournament-of-career-earns-im-title-gm-norm
26:00- Meeting up with Judit after the tournament!
34:00- More reflections on Tatev’s tournament
Mentioned: IM Kostya Kavutskiy’s blog post about analyzing with Ivanchuk
https://hellokostya.substack.com/p/2025-spring-eurotrip
40:00- The US Women’s Championship
41:00- Tatev discusses her Chessable course and her fondness for endgame studies.
Mentioned:
Chess Studies: Solve to Evolve
https://www.chessable.com/chess-studies-solve-to-evolve/course/300770/
49:00 Tatev’s next projects
51:00- Will Tatev pursue the GM title?
Mentioned: Jeanne Sinquefeld prize for a woman earning the GM title
https://www.chess.com/news/view/jeanne-cairns-sinquefield-award-us-female-grandmasters
Also mentioned: GM Felix Blohberger
https://www.chess.com/news/view/being-a-chess-professional-in-europe-sucks-blohberger
55:00- Thanks to Tatev for joining us!
You can reach her via the Lichess coaches page:
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1:01:39
EP 452: GM Daniel King — The Grand Swiss, Candidates Spots, and What It Takes to Win High-Stakes Swiss Tournaments
The FIDE Grand Swiss always seems to deliver drama, and this year’s edition was no exception. To help break it all down, I am joined by popular commentator, Chessable author, and host of the Power Play Chess YouTube channel, GM Daniel King.
In our conversation, Daniel shares his takeaways on: • The common thread that fueled the successes of GMs Anish Giri and Matthias Blübaum • Standout performances from young stars like GMs Erdogmus, Mishra, and Woodward • Why the Women’s Grand Swiss produced fewer surprise qualifiers • A look ahead to the FIDE World Cup and the fight for the remaining Candidates spots
We also touch on tournament formats, opening preparation, and Daniel’s current projects. This was a fascinating event to follow and an equally fun one to recap with GM King.
Thanks to our sponsors, Silver Knights Chess Academy. If you know a scholastic player who could use high quality online group lessons, be sure to check them out.
chessacademy.com/online
Use coupon code- "pod" to save 50% on the first month.
0:00- Intro
0:03- Whose play impressed Daniel?
Mentioned:
Pragganandhaa-Mishra 2025
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-fide-grand-swiss-open/04/Praggnanandhaa_R-Mishra_Abhimanyu
Keymer-Bluebahm 2025
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-fide-grand-swiss-open/10/Keymer_Vincent-Bluebaum_Matthias
IM Greg Shahade’s tweet-
https://x.com/GregShahade/status/1967742931122724924
10:00- How will Bluebahm fare in the Candidates?
13:00-
Mentioned: Colin McGourty’s great tournament recap is here:
https://www.chess.com/news/view/2025-fide-grand-swiss-13-conclusions#giri-1
15:00- Does the FIDE Grand Swiss format make it too likely that non-elite players will qualify for the Candidates?
Mentioned: Peter Heine Nielsen’s Tweet
https://x.com/PHChess/status/1967494651566588023
Leonard Barden’s column for The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/12/chess-erdogmus-14-wins-immortal-game-on-silk-road-as-grand-swiss-nears-climax
17:00- Daniel’’s thoughts on the new FIDE Women’s Candidates
20:00- Who would Daniel like to see earn one of the last Candidate spots?
Mentioned:
Chess Reddit post on players not yet in the Candidates:
https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1nig9bx/10_strong_players_but_only_3_available_slots/
Giri-Niemann 2025
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-fide-grand-swiss-open/11/Giri_Anish-Niemann_Hans_Moke
25:00- Should there be a tiebreak playoff at the Grand Swiss?
Browne-Petrosian 1982
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1035512
29:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Should FIDE use a different pairing algorithm in order to limit color imbalances?”
The two papers (via Dr. Benjamin Portheault) that describe the pairing system are here:
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2112.10522
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2410.19333
32:00- Patreon mailbag question: “At what stage are players leaving their opening prep at the professional level?”
37:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Where can a player find good model games in the Kalashnikov Sicilian?”
Mentioned: Cuenca, Moisenko, SL Narayanyan, Maghsoodloo, Bulmaga
39:00- What is Daniel’s process for following tournaments and picking games to show on his channel?
Mentioned: Mittai-Erdogmus 2025
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-fide-grand-swiss-open/04/Aditya_Mittal-Erdogmus_Yagiz_Kaan
42:00- Daniel’s current projects:
Join his Patreon here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/powerplaychess/posts
50:00- Check out Daniel’s book reviews on his channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhyM8toCZs_oHwQr_PTveXDkbnbq2Z4HO
53:00- Before we go, we make incorrect predictions of who will win the FIDE World Cup!!
56:00- Thanks as always to Daniel for joining me. Here is how to keep up with him:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMBATpFb--uLNAODOVWvCTA
His Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/powerplaychess/
His Chessable Courses:
https://www.chessable.com/author/DanielKing/
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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
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