Next week’s podcast is arriving early, and it's a double episode! For the first segment, I am joined again by Chessable author and trainer CM Vjekoslav (Vjeko) Nemec. Vjeko and I discuss the riveting, recently concluded FIDE Grand Swiss. India’s ascension continued as GM Vidit Gujirathi and IM R. Vaishali’s had impressive victories in the Open and Women’s Sections respectively. With more spots in the 2024 FIDE Candidates now settled, we also look ahead to what is shaping up to be quite an entertaining fight for the right to challenge for the World Championship titles. Lastly, Vjeko followed this event quite closely, so he recommends several interviews and games from an action-packed tournament for us to check out.
Following Vjeko, I catch up with Chris Callahan (38:00) about what is new with LiChess.org since our last chat in 2021. Chris reports that LiChess is continuing to see solid growth, and discusses their plans in terms of both community outreach and potential additional features on the website. We also discuss the latest in cheat detection and LiChess’ decision to stop working with US Chess and with the St. Louis Chess Club in the wake of the allegations against GM Alejandro Ramirez. It is always fun to catch up with Chris and hear about what is going on with LiChess. As always, timestamps of the many topics discussed can be found below.
Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com! Silman’s Endgame Course is now on Chessable and on sale if you act quickly!
https://www.chessable.com/silmans-complete-endgame-course-from-beginner-to-master/course/199399/
0:00- Intro
Up to date information about ordering my book, and events can be found here:
5:00- CM Vjekoslav Nemec joins me to recap the FIDE Grand Swiss
5:30- Who won and earned Candidates’ spots in the FIDE Grand Swiss?
More info here
13:00- What can chess do to make more tournaments feel as important as the Grand Swiss and the FIDE World Cup?
Mentioned: Tarjei Svensen’s article about GM Ding Liren
19:00- What players and personalities stood out in the tournament?
Mentioned: L’ami-Gujirathi 2023
Bogdan-Daniel Deac interview with Fiona Stiel-Antoni:
Mishra’s amazing analysis of his win over Ivanchuk:
Sevian’s analysis of his win over Firouzja
L’ami-Gujirathi 2023
24:00- Who are the early favorites to win the 2024 Candidates?
27:00- What stood out from the Women’s section?
Mentioned: GM Pia Cramling, GM Tan Zhonkyi, GM Humpy Koneru
IM Vaishali’s analysis of her round 3 win over Garifullina
32:00- Early thoughts on the 2024 Women’s Candidates Field
36:00- Thanks to Vjeko for coming back to talk with us- check out his Twitter page here:
37:00- Chris Callahan joins the pod to talk LiCHess
38:00- How LiChess has changed in recent years?
Mentioned: Episode 221 with Chris Callahan,
LiChess game database available for download here:
42:00- How do LiChess blogs work? How is it determined which posts get on the home page?
Mentioned: FM Nate Solon
46:00- How do they treat blog posts that are somewhat promotional in nature?
48:00- What, if any, are the technical upgrades the LiChess team is working on?
50:00- What are most requested features for LiChess?
52:00- Chris’ discusses the financial situation of LiChess.
LiChess’ costs spreadsheet here:
54:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does LiCHess have plans to become a non-profit (501c3) in the US?’
57:00- What is the latest on LiChess’ cheat detection efforts?
1:03:00- What went into Lichess’ decision to stop working with US Chess and the St. Louis Chess Club?
Mentioned: Breaking the Silence, Chris’ interview on Ono Another Chess Podcast
St. Louis Chess Club Statement
1:10:00- Patreon mailbag question: “How can one volunteer with the Women in Chess Foundation?”
1:13:00- Thanks to Chris for joining the pod! You can email him at chris.callahan at Lichess dot org
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EP 380- FIDE Candidates Wrap Up with GM Erwin L'Ami: Gukesh Ascends as Caruana Suffers a Heartbreaking Setback
EP 379- IM Renier Castellanos on How he Earned the GM Title at Age 41.
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates Round 12 Breakdown (Part 2)- FM Mike Klein on the Player’s Mindsets, Historical Context, and the Alireza Shoe Controversy
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates Round 12 Breakdown (Part 1)- An Epic Finish Awaits, as Naka, Nepo and Gukesh are Tied!
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates Round 10 Breakdown (Part 2)- GM Jan Timman on the tournament so far.
EP 378- Lou Hays- Spending weekends with Fischer and Spassky, Getting to 2100 from Scratch as an Adult, Chess Publishing Then and Now
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates Round 10 Breakdown (Part 1)- Nepo and Gukesh lead Narrowly as Naka and Fabi are in Pursuit
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates Round 7 Breakdown (Part 2)- GM Daniel King on the Tournament So Far
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates Round 7 Breakdown (Part 1)- Nepo and Tan Zhongyi Lead after a Dramatic First Half of the Tournament
EP 377- NM Dan Heisman and NM Laura Smith. Two Accomplished Trainers on Capturing, Counting, and other Chess Concepts To Know
Bonus Pod- FIDE Candidates First 4 Round Breakdown. Nepo leads (As usual). Plus a Fan's Toronto Trip Report
EP 376- Adult Improver Jordan Groff on What it Takes to Make Master in 2024
EP 375- FIDE Candidates Mega Preview with GM Rafael Leitão, Chess by the Numbers, and On the Queenside
EP 374- GM Noel Studer- Chess Improvement Q & A- Avoiding Burnout, Addressing Weaknesses, Avoiding Blunders, & Lots More!
EP 373- Carol Ann Caronia: Advice for Chess Parents & Scholastic Teachers from an Author and Longtime Teacher
EP 372- GM Jan Gustafsson: Learning 1. E4, Life after Team Magnus, Chess Cheating, the FIDE Candidates & more
EP 371- GM Josh Friedel- Common Beginner & Intermediate Mistakes, Freestyle Chess, and Advice for Goal-Setting
EP 370- GM Paul van der Sterren- Breakthroughs, Declines, Mindfulness and the Odyssey of a 20+ Year Professional Career
EP 369- NM Robert Ramirez on the difference between Adult and Youth Chess Students, Chess in Cuba, and Why He Loves the Pirc Defense
EP 368- Erik Allebest (Chess.com CEO)- Online Cheating, The Magnus-Hikaru match that fell through, the Chess24 closure & more
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