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C-Squared Podcast

Fabiano Caruana & Cristian Chirila

The C-Squared Podcast is an in depth weekly discussion about the chess world with your hosts, Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana and Cristian Chirila. Bringing the biggest news and chess stars to your doorstep!

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22 episodes
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#124
Thursday · 54 min
Fabi vs Wesley Tiebreaks, Hikaru's Top 5 Debate, Is Hans Quitting Classical?
The boys get back together in St. Louis to recap the 2026 U.S. Chess Championship in St. Louis, breaking down how Fabi went from giving himself a 0% chance before Round 11 to forcing a tiebreak playoff against Wesley So after Wesley's final-round loss to Sam Sevian. We also discuss Hans Niemann's comments about shifting focus toward other chess formats, whether classical chess is still king, who belongs in the current Top 5 in the world (and where Hikaru Nakamura stands), the new "Total World Chess Championship" format, the Magnus Carlsen and Bobby Fischer world champion paradox, and behind-the-scenes stories from the Chess Olympiad. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr #chess #fabianocaruana #wesleyso Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#123
October 1 · 1 hr
We're Back
Episode was posted on September 11th After a busy summer full of competition, the boys are finally back with a new episode! Fabiano and Cristian discuss the Global Chess League, the recent debate about young players changing federations, and the upcoming Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Enjoy, and don't forget to subscribe for more! ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:34 Recap of the last 2 months 03:47 Global Chess League 22:58 Chess Olympiad 2026 29:52 Prodigies & change in federation 50:45 Olympiad team reviews #chess #fabianocaruana #globalchessleague Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#122
May 30 · 1 hr 47 min
Peter Leko : World Championship HEARTBREAK, Beating Polgar's Record, Keymer Is Special
Cristian sits down with one of the most underrated chess legends of all time. Grandmaster Peter Leko was a prodigy who sacrificed everything to become a professional. He left home at 9, dethroned Judit Polgar to become the youngest Grandmaster in history, climbed to World #4, and came within ONE GAME of becoming Classical World Champion against Vladimir Kramnik in 2004. Today he's the coach behind Vincent Keymer, one of the most exciting talents in modern chess, and in this conversation he holds nothing back. Peter takes us through his entire journey: the early Hungarian prodigy battles with Polgar, his coaches and his switch from football to chess, his legendary Linares 2003 performance, the preparation behind a World Championship match, what really happened in his unforgettable match against Kramnik, his work seconding the world's best players, and lastly, what makes Vincent Keymer one of the most special talents in chess. Subscribe for more conversations with the biggest names in chess. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#121
May 12 · 46 min
Hans Confesses After GCT Win: "I Felt The Turtle Closing In."
Fabi and Cristian break down a wild stretch in chess. Hans Niemann wins his first ever super tournament in Warsaw to kick off the Grand Chess Tour, but admits he felt like the rabbit being caught by the turtle as Fabi closed the gap in the final rounds. We dig into the American trio's standout performances, Alireza's secret conflict between the GCT and the Esports World Cup, and Magnus winning Tepe Sigeman in Malmo, ahead of Erigaisi and Erdogmus. Plus, 12-year-old Faustino Oro officially becomes a Grandmaster, the second youngest in chess history! Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/. The fastest way to learn openings and actually remember them. Train smarter, play sharper. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#120
May 12 · 58 min
GCT Warsaw Is Here, Carlsen vs Erdogmus Is HERE, Webster Kills SPICE, Red Or Blue Button?
Fabi and Cristian are live from Warsaw ahead of the Grand Chess Tour’s first leg, breaking down the biggest stories in chess. Magnus Carlsen returns to classical at TePe Sigeman in Malmo and faces 14-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus for the first time ever. Webster University shuts down the legendary SPICE program, ending one of the most decorated collegiate chess dynasties in U.S. history — and Susan Polgar isn’t taking it quietly. Plus the red or blue button debate splitting chess Twitter, and Fabi’s POV heading into GCT Warsaw. Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#119
April 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Hans Returns To Grand Chess Tour, Erdogmus Is 2700 (!!), Take x 3 Declares War On Chess.com
Fabi and Cristian break down the biggest stories in chess right now. Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus becomes the youngest player ever to cross 2700, smashing Wei Yi's record by nearly a year after a dominant 5-1 demolition of Topalov in Monte Carlo. Hans Niemann is back in the Grand Chess Tour with a wildcard slot in Warsaw. And Take Take Take's new Lichess partnership puts Magnus's app on a collision course with Chess.com. Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ — the fastest way to learn openings and actually remember them. Train smarter, play sharper. Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#118
April 18 · 34 min
Sindarov's Magical Run Stuns The Chess World, Fabi Opens Up About His Candidates Dream
The 2026 Candidates is over, and Javokhir Sindarov is heading to the World Championship match against Gukesh. Fabi breaks down Sindarov's magical run and insane opening prep, reflects on his own Candidates dream, and weighs in on Hikaru's opening disaster, the state of Titled Tuesday, and who takes the title in Gukesh vs Sindarov. Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:28 Sindarov's Magic 05:28 Fabi vs Sindarov 07:28 Sindarov Stays Consistent Until The End 10:48 Fabi's Candidates Dream 23:28 Sindarov's Insane Prep 27:38 Hikaru Blames His Seconds For Opening Disaster 32:08 Titled Tuesday Is Dead 32:42 Gukesh Vs Sindarov Predictions Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#117
February 25 · 39 min
Fabi's Honest Take on Gukesh, Cheating & His Candidates Camp
Fabi gets real about Gukesh's controversial cheating comments, reveals how his Candidates camp is shaping up, and we dive into the E-Sports World Cup threatening to clash with the Grand Chess Tour. Plus: Why are Super GMs suddenly playing in open tournaments? And our full Prague Masters preview. 📌 The 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament starts March 29 in Cyprus. Fabi plays White against Hikaru Nakamura in Round 1, an All American Clash! 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes as we count down to the Candidates! ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#116
February 10 · 54 min
Caruana's Stunning Claim "He Can Do Something I Can Only Dream Of Doing"
The boys connect to talk about the biggest news of the week. The chaotic Speed Chess Championship is over, and we unpack everything that happed in London, and much more. Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:35 Overview of last week 03:15 Tata Steel Recap 15:02 Tata Steel B Group 22:50 Polgar Netflix Documentary 24:20 Speed Chess Championship Review 46:00 Grand Chess Tour VS Esports World Cup Clash #magnuscarlsen #fabianocaruana #speedchess Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#115
February 10 · 1 hr 5 min
Gukesh And The Blunder That Shocked The Chess World, The Biggest Chess Prodigy Is Here
We're back after a two-month break, recording during Tata Steel Chess 2026 in Wijk aan Zee, where Fabi isn't playing this year. Fabi recaps the end of 2025: Levon Aronian winning the Freestyle tour, his team's Global Chess League title and his medal at the World Rapid & Blitz. Then we get into whether Wijk is the Wimbledon of chess, 14-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and the best teenagers in history, the blunder Gukesh and Erdogmus both missed, and how Fabi is preparing for the 2026 Candidates. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:42 Comeback 03:30 Grand Slam & Wimbeldon of Chess 04:44 Wijk aan zee History 07:50 Chess has become a young sport 16:00 Strongest 15 years old 26:55 Chess Engine Power 33:44 Candidates performance in Tata Steel 37:24 Who win Tata Steel? 45:25 Gukesh Blundered 52:45 Fabi reveals his Candidates Prep 56:49 Freestyle World Championship #chess #fabianocaruana #tatasteelchess Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#114
Nov 28, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
Matt Thomas & James Canty | Exposure Therapy, Breathwork & Turning Chess Brains Into Boxing Weapons
The boys are joined by @movingwithmat and @JamesCantyIII to discuss the recent happenings in the exciting world of Chessboxing. Matt is the moving force behind the Chessboxing movement in the US, while James just recently became the heavy weight Chessboxing World Champion after defeating his Russian foe in Serbia earlier this year. We discuss a wide range of topics, enjoy! Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ Support the channel : ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#113
Nov 24, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
Fabi Welcomes Two New Candidates To The Party | World Cup Breakdown
Fabiano and Cristian react to the World Cup semifinals craziest moments. The blunder that changed history and handed Wei Yi his candidates ticket, as well as the tense clash between the two Uzbek superstars are discussed. Here is our full breakdown of the 2025 World Cup Semifinals! Watch the episode with video analysis directly on our Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@csqpod Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Semifinals Breakdown 18:53 Sindarov Shines In The Uzbek Clash 47:54 Wei Yi vs Esipenko, Insane Turnaround 01:09:56 Painful Moments in Chess Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
Nov 22, 2025 · 34 min
Erigaisi Channels His Inner Tal Against Levon, Leaves Fabi In Shock
In this Fabiano's Masterclass, Fabi breaks down Arjun Erigaisi's win with Black over Levon Aronian in the second classical game of their round-5 match at the 2025 FIDE World Cup. He explains why Levon chose the Italian to play for a win, how Arjun's preparation took over, and the Tal-like sacrifices that forced Levon to resign and knocked him out. Follow this Masterclass analysis by checking the video on our Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@csqpod Check this episode's sponsor, Chessreps, at chessreps.com Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#112
Nov 20, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
Caruana's Reaction To The Insane World Cup Results
Consider Donating to the Daniel Naroditsky Memorial Fund | https://givebutter.com/naroditsky Fabiano and Cristian react to the World Cup's most insane matches and unexpected upsets so far. Almost all the top favorites are out, and the intense final battles for the Candidates are underway, here is our breakdown as we go into the semis! Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:30 Danya's Memorial Fund 03:00 World Cup Review 08:28 Donchenko's Journey 12:39 Nodirbek Yakubboev's Journey 21:09 Jose Martinez's Journey 29:50 Lodici - The rising Italian Star 35:54 Shankland's Journey 37:00 Fabi's take on Dubov's 10 min Preparation 45:58 Esipenko's Journey 53:45 Fabi shares his World Cup experience 01:00:16 Wei Yi Vs Arjun Erigaisi 01:11:30 Candidates 2026 Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#111
Nov 7, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Fabiano Caruana Predicts Who's Going To Win The World Cup
Want to get your reps in and play the perfect opening? Make sure you check our friends at https://www.chessreps.com The World Cup is one of the most exciting events of the chess calendar, and this year's edition has not disappointed. The boys get together to chat about the favorites, give their predictions, and discuss the big surprises of the first rounds. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:19 Clutch Chess Recap 08:00 Magnus Vs Gukesh Rivalry 18:45 Total Chess Championship (Norway Chess) ?!?! 37:35 World Cup Analysis & Predictions Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
Oct 31, 2025 · 8 min
I Confronted Hikaru About The US Championship
Cristian sits down with Hikaru Nakamura in St. Louis before a 10+5 event against Magnus Carlsen, Fabi and Gukesh. Hikaru likes the format's escalating points because they allow comebacks. He also explains why he hasn't played the US Championship since winning it in 2019, putting the odds of a return at about 10 percent, and congratulates Fabi on four straight US titles. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
Oct 31, 2025 · 8 min
Magnus On His Return To St. Louis, Fatherhood, And Changing Diapers
Magnus stops to chat with Cristian after returning to St. Louis for the first time since the infamous episode from Sinquefield Cup 2022. He tells us how fatherhood changed him, his training for Clutch Chess, and more. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
Oct 11, 2025 · 33 min
New Move In The King's Indian Defense SHOCKS Fabiano Caruana | FM #003
Episode 3 of Fabiano's Masterclass focuses on the incredible King's Indian idea shown by Grandmasters Maurizzi MarcAndria in his game against Luca Moroni Jr. This idea, when implemented in your games, will allow you to get dynamic position that will surely prove difficult to handle for your opponent. Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Chessreps.com ! Want to learn openings faster and more efficiently? Our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ have the perfect tools to help you with your goals! ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref... 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : / csqpod 💬Discord : / discord Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
#110
Oct 7, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
Fabiano Caruana Reacts To Hikaru vs. Gukesh Drama , GCT Insane Comeback
A rollercoaster ride that started in Brazil and finished in Arlington, Texas, comes to an end. We got together for an in depth reaction to the chess world's new controversy, Hikaru's King toss against Gukesh, as well as the comprehensive analysis of the Grand Chess Tour's finals. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:39 GCT Finals Review 02:42 Chessreps.com Sponsor 21:05 Fabi Vs MVL (Queen endgame analysis) 45:00 Fabi Vs MVL (Finals Blitz) 01:01:00 USA VS IND 0 1:03:30 The Showmanship Concept in the Event 01:13:00 Fabi Running For Glory 01:18:45 Drama Erupts After Hikaru throws Gukesh's King Into Crowd Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!
Oct 1, 2025 · 32 min
Fabiano's Masterclass #002 | The Perfect Game
Welcome to Fabiano's Masterclass! This new series aims to provide the highest level of chess analysis, presented by none other than one of the greatest chess players to ever play the game, Fabiano Caruana. Episode 2 focuses on the battle between Grandmasters Anish Giri and Hans Niemann, who met in the last round of the FIDE Grand Swiss, with a candidate ticket on the line. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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