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Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai

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

Interested in improving your chess? Welcome to the Dojo! A structured plan to hold yourself accountable to and a group to do it with. - https://chessdojo.club

Follow ChessDojo here:
Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojolive
Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chess_dojo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chess_dojo/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com/

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#205
September 11 · 1 hr 3 min
EP 202 | Who Will Win The 2026 FIDE Olympiad?
Jesse, David, and Kostya preview the 2026 Chess Olympiad, breaking down the top contenders, Team USA, dark horses, board orders, and the notable players missing from the event. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 – Olympiad Predictions 09:00 – The Top Contenders 18:00 – India’s Big Challenge 27:00 – Breaking Down Team USA 36:00 – Dark Horses to Watch 45:00 – Board Order Strategy 55:59 – Why Top Players Are Skipping 1:02:33 – Final Thoughts & Predictions
#204
August 24 · 1 hr 14 min
EP 201 | Summer Update + FIDE Elections
The ChessDojo sensei reconnect after a busy summer to recap recent tournament runs, European travels, behind-the-scenes FIDE election politics, and updates across the Dojo. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 - Summer Catch-Up 01:35 - Tournaments & Prodigy Records 06:40 - US Senior Championship 13:50 - European Tour & FIDE Politics 19:57 - The GM Quest Reality 23:42 - 45-Minute Classical Time Controls 26:15 - 2700 Blitz Peak & Dojo Camp
#203
July 10 · 1 hr 20 min
EP 200 | 2026 FIDE Election w/ Peter Heine Nielsen
For our milestone 200th episode of Dojo Talks, we are joined by Grandmaster and long-time second to Magnus Carlsen, Peter Heine Nielsen! The sensei and Peter discuss the upcoming 2026 FIDE Presidential election. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 - Election Intro 02:54 - FIDE Voting System 07:54 - Secret Ballots & FIFA 18:59 - Two-Term Limit Drama 33:15 - The New Candidates 1:03:47 - Coaching Magnus & Freestyle Chess
#202
July 1 · 1 hr 13 min
EP 199 | Jacob Aagaard Talks Books And The Future Of Chess Training
GM Jacob Aagaard joins Dojo Talks for a deep conversation on chess books, AI, coaching, and the future of chess improvement. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 Jacob Aagaard's Publishing Journey 07:09 The New Dvoretsky Book Collection 12:18 Are Chess Books Still Relevant? 27:25 Deep Work vs. Digital Learning 39:33 AI, Chess, and the Future of Learning 50:19 Why Great Chess Coaches Still Matter 56:05 Why Beginner Chess Books Are Too Hard
#201
June 24 · 53 min
EP 198 | Is The Queen Worth 10?
The sensei discuss is the queen really worth 9 points, or should it be valued closer to 10? Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:05 — Is the Queen Worth 10 Points? 09:38 — Queen vs. Two Rooks 17:41 — When Is the Queen Stronger? 29:56 — Queen vs. Three Minor Pieces 40:10 — How Chess Values Evolve 53:20 — Final Thoughts on Piece Values
#200
June 17 · 40 min
EP 197 | Slumps
Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss slumps. How they happen, why they happen, and how to get out of one. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:06 What is a Slump? 02:08 Why Slumps Happen 07:36 Rating Milestones & Tougher Competition 10:06 Confidence & The Junior Slump 19:20 Hard Work & Fitness 22:58 Changing Your Mindset
#199
June 12 · 52 min
EP 196 | Chess and AI
In this episode of Dojo Talks, the sensei revisits how rapid advancements in AI are shaping everyday life and changing the way chess players train, coach, and spar. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 — Introduction: Revisiting AI and Chess 01:00 — AI's Impact on Everyday Life & The Economy 03:33 — The Reality of AI Chess Coaches 07:34 — The "Glazing" Problem & Human Accountability 10:42 — LLMs, Position Descriptions, and Stories 21:01 — Why Human Expertise Beats AI Motivation 29:45 — AI Sparring Bots and the Future of Training
#198
June 3 · 1 hr 13 min
EP 195 | Who Will Be Top 10 in 2027?
The Dojo Sensei review last year’s predictions, debates which rising stars and veterans will make the cut, and reveals their picks for the chess world’s Top 10 players in 2027. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:00 Intro & Last Year’s Results 2:18 Hits, Misses & Surprise Picks 6:55 What Happened to Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa? 10:25 The Best Prediction of the Year 15:31 Building the 2027 Top 10 List 23:17 Dark Horses and Comeback Candidates 39:34 Top 5 Predictions & Final Rankings
#197
May 29 · 48 min
EP 194 | Should I Play Up?
Should you play up in chess tournaments? The sensi discuss tournament rating sections, strategy, and best methods for improvement. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:00 Should You Play Up? 0:55 Play Your Own Section 2:23 The Ego Trap 5:29 What About Juniors? 9:32 If Everyone Plays Up 17:15 Tournament Problems 22:27 Playing Stronger Opponents 29:09 Don't Play for a Draw 38:04 Confidence Matters 44:08 Enjoy the Challenge
#196
May 20 · 57 min
EP 193 | The Opening Revolution
Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the opening revolution caused by powerful cloud engines and modern analysis and it's impacts on the state of current chess at all levels. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:00 The Opening Revolution 1:18 New Engine Evaluations 4:15 How Computers Think About Chess 7:12 Why This Is a Big Deal 11:16 More Openings Are Playable 14:12 The Blumenfeld Debate 20:23 Expanding Opening Theory 29:42 The Return of the Dragon 36:39 Weird Moves That Work 48:34 Humans vs Engine Evaluations 56:30 The Future of Opening Prep
#195
May 15 · 1 hr 2 min
EP 192 | The Next Generation
The sensei discuss the rise of young players Yagiz Erdogmus and Faustino Oro and the next generation of players and training. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:00 Intro 1:23 Erdogmas Breaks 2700 at 14 5:20 Proving Himself Against Elite Competition 10:42 Is This a New Era of Chess Talent? 16:17 Engines, Neural Networks, and Human Limits 22:57 How AI Changed Modern Chess Training 32:55 Fearless Juniors and the New Generation 46:11 Fino Oro Becomes GM at 12 56:29 Blitz Monsters and the Future of Chess
#194
April 29 · 1 hr 3 min
EP 191 | The New ChessDojo Rating Converter
GM Kraai is joined by Dojoer Vlad Ghita to discuss the new ChessDojo Rating Converter. They break down the differences between Chess.com, Lichess, USCF, and FIDE ratings. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 Why a Rating Converter 05:11 New Table Overview 09:39 FIDE Compression 15:50 Online vs OTB 20:28 Lichess vs Chess.com 29:21 Global Rating Issues 38:53 Update Frequency 58:21 Future Predictions
#193
April 19 · 1 hr 15 min
EP 190 | Who Won The War? Magnus, Hans, & Chess.com
Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the recent Netflix documentary on the story behind Magnus, Hans, and Chess.com. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 The Magnus–Hans Story Revisited 02:36 Take Take’s Shock Move vs Chess.com 03:28 Netflix Doc: First Impressions 09:38 Who Looks Worst in the Documentary? 12:32 The Hans Ban Timeline Explained 17:33 Why the Doc Feels Formulaic 22:51 Magnus vs Chess.com – What Really Happened 45:56 Take Take, Lichess & the Future of Chess Platforms
#192
April 19 · 1 hr 2 min
EP 189 | Is Sindarov The Real Deal? 2026 FIDE Candidates Recap
The Dojo (GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, IM Kostya Kavutskiy) recap the 2026 FIDE Candidates, including the historic run the young Javokhir Sindarov. They look back at their original predictions to see who came closest, who surprised, and who disappointed. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 Sindarov wins the Candidates 02:05 Is this a new generation of chess? 07:02 The turning point vs Fabi 12:33 Who disappointed (Fabi, Naka, Prague) 17:19 Biggest winners (Sindarov, Giri, others) 28:23 Predictions, future outlook, and world title implications
#191
April 6 · 45 min
EP 188 | Will Sindarov Win the 2026 FIDE Candidates?
Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo At the halfway mark of the 2026 Candidates, one storyline has taken over: Sindarov is dominating the field. But is this a historic breakthrough—or just a heater that the rest of the players will adjust to? We break down his incredible run, from elite opening prep to relentless time pressure and confident decision-making. Is anyone capable of catching him? Or is it already over? We also dive into Fabi’s quietly strong performance, the psychology of players falling out of contention, and what to expect in the second half of the tournament. Drama, collapse potential, and one big question: is this inevitability… or just the beginning? 00:00 Candidates Midway Overview 00:21 The Sindarov Story 01:44 How He’s Winning (Openings & Clock Pressure) 04:09 Best Games So Far 06:39 Opponents Start Adjusting? 10:32 Risky Style & Confidence Boost 12:49 Can Anyone Catch Him? 13:57 Fabi’s Chances 23:14 Motivation & Tournament Psychology 27:50 Problems with Candidates Format 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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
#190
March 31 · 45 min
EP 187 | Blitz Quests w/ NM Jeremy Kane
In this Dojo Talks episode, we explore blitz chess with NM Jeremy Kane—what it takes to improve, how time management and openings matter, and whether blitz actually helps your classical game. Featuring insights from his work at Chess.com, plus real lessons from blitz rating climbs and practical training advice. If you want to get better at blitz (and understand its limits), this one’s for you. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 What Makes Someone Good at Blitz 00:40 Jeremy Kane’s Blitz Journey 03:00 Climbing from 2400 to 2800+ 06:00 Blitz Quests & Rating Volatility 09:15 Using the Clock as a Weapon 13:30 Openings and Simplifying for Blitz 18:00 Does Blitz Improve Classical Chess?
#189
March 22 · 1 hr 16 min
EP 186 | 2026 Candidates Predictions
The 2026 Candidates Tournament is right around the corner, and this field might be one of the most competitive we’ve ever seen. In this episode of Dojo Talks, we break down every player’s chances, compare our picks to the betting odds, and debate who’s truly a contender. From rising young stars to established elite players, we dig into form, consistency, and what it actually takes to win a Candidates. Who do you think will come out on top? We’re running a 2026 Candidates Fantasy Contest—and this is your chance to prove you actually know what you’re talking about. Pick your players, lock in your rankings, and compete against the Dojo community to see who can best predict how the tournament unfolds. With such a wide-open field, this might be the hardest (and most fun) Candidates to call in years. 🏆 Prizes: 1st Place: Free Dojo membership + exclusive coaching session 2nd Place: Free Dojo membership 3rd Place: Dojo merch bundle Make your picks here: https://tinyurl.com/2026Candidates Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:00 Intro & Candidates overview 1:30 Why this field is so competitive 3:00 Early picks & lowest seeds 10:30 Breaking down the bottom contenders 19:45 Giri & Wei Yi chances 32:10 Nakamura discussion 38:15 Prague’s form & upside 46:15 Young players & Sindarov 53:30 Top contenders debate 1:01:25 Final thoughts & betting vs reality
#188
March 19 · 52 min
EP 185 | Do Kids Ruin Your Chess?
In this episode of Dojo Talks, we explore how having children impacts chess performance, from real examples of world champions to personal experiences as chess dads. With Hikaru Nakamura entering the Candidates as a new father, the question is more relevant than ever. We break down the short-term dip (sleep, focus, hormones) vs long-term recovery—and what it could mean for top players like Magnus Carlsen. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 00:00 Do Kids Hurt Your Chess? 00:25 Why Hikaru’s new baby matters 02:35 World champions and parenthood 06:13 Naka, Magnus, and motivation 10:26 How kids changed their own chess 17:51 The science: sleep, hormones, and focus 28:54 Can top players avoid the dip? 33:02 Long-term benefits of parenting? 42:50 The dip is real, but varies 51:22 Final verdict on kids and chess
#187
March 16 · 57 min
EP 184 | Chessboxing and the Dreams of James Canty
FM James Canty III joins Dojo Talks to talk about becoming the World Chessboxing Champion, how he got into boxing, and what it was like competing with Team USA in Serbia. The conversation also covers training, the connection between chess and combat sports, nootropics and performance, and Canty’s current push for IM and GM norms. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:00 Chessboxing World Champion James Canty 1:26 Creator, Streamer, Coach, or Competitor? 4:19 The Quests James Is Chasing Right Now 5:29 How James Got Into Boxing 10:33 Team USA and Winning Gold in Serbia 12:28 How Strong Is James as a Boxer? 18:35 Why He Might Retire From Chessboxing 22:00 Is Chessboxing Actually Growing? 35:46 PEDs, Nootropics, and Chess Performance 48:25 Fatherhood, Motivation, and the IM/GM Push
#186
March 13 · 54 min
EP 183 | Should Draw Offers Be Banned?
A lively Dojo Talks debate on whether draw offers should be banned in chess. The episode covers the history of draw offers, the role of tournament culture and incentives, the Dubov–Nepo controversy, and whether changing draw rules would actually improve fighting chess. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo 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/GhKsJtjpFw 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 0:05 Should Draw Offers Be Banned? 1:04 History of the Draw Offer in Chess 2:58 Grandmaster Draws and Fear in Elite Play 5:54 Professional vs Amateur Events and Draw Rules 9:26 Chess Culture vs Rule Changes 15:13 Tournament Incentives and Fighting Chess 33:39 Dubov–Nepo Blitz Draw Controversy 38:46 The Case for Keeping Draw Offers in Chess

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