This week’s guest on Perpetual Chess an author, an American Chess Magazine columnist, and the recently-crowned World Champion of Correspondence chess, Dr. Jon Edwards. Correspondence chess historically was played by mail, without assistance, these days it is played by email, with engine assistance allowed. The current format makes for incredibly accurate games that often end in draws. So what enabled Jon to win the Championship? Did luck play a role?
Jon is an expert on how modern engines work, and what they say about various openings. We discuss the current opening battlegrounds of top engines, and discuss how correspondence chess has evolved as engines continue to get stronger. Should the rules of correspondence chess be tweaked with so many games ending in draws? Among many other topics, we also discuss Jon’s massive chess book and chess stamp collections, and why Petrosian is his favorite player. Please read on for timestamps and links related to topics discussed.
0:00- How has Jon’s life changed since winning the World Correspondence Champion?
Mentioned: FM Alex Dunne passed away, Jon Edwards wins 32nd World Correspondence Championship
08:00- It is pretty rare to win in modern correspondence chess. What happened in 2 games that Jon won in the championship tournament?
14:00- What type of computer does Jon use to power his chess engines?
17:00- We take a quick detour to discuss Jon’s early investment in Apple Stock in 1984.
24:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Aimchess.com. Aimchess’ algorithm reviews your games and gives you actionable advice on how to improve your game. Check it out for free, and if you choose to subscribe you can use the code Perpetual30 to save 30%.
Or use this link for the same discount:
https://aimchess.com/try?ref=benjohnson12
25:00- Jon tells me how engines are evaluating a handful of openings including the Najdorf and the Semi-slav.
34:00- Why does Jon prefer correspondence chess to OTB chess?
38:00- Patreon mailbag question: Would Jon consider doing a course on advanced uses on Chessbase?
44:00- Perpetual Chess is brought to you in part by Chessable.com. Check out their latest courses here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
45:00- Patreon mailbag question: What type of engine does Jon use?
Mentioned: Stockfish 15.1
52:00- Patreon mailbag question: What does Jon think of ideas to change the format of the Correspondence championship due to the preponderance of draws?
54:00- Patreon mailbag question: Are there stylistic changes made in how correspondence games are played based on the strength of the engines?
Mentioned: Dubov-Karjakin 2020, Joppen vs. Petrosian 1954, Edwards-Lobonov
59:00- Patreon mailbag question: What are the biggest contributions of correspondence chess to OTB chess?
1:01:00- Does one see the French defense or the Caro Kann at top level Correspondence Chess?
1:04:00- Jon discusses his large chess book collection and his chess stamp collection.
Mentioned: Great Moments in Modern Chess
1:11:00- Jon discusses why Petrosian is his favorite player
Mentioned: Joppen vs. Petrosian 1954, Joseph Platz
1:16:00- Jon mentions his favorite current stock investment. :)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EP 381- CM Azel Chua- Calculation Advice, Improving Chess Intuition, and is the concept of “Checks, Captures & Threats” overrated?
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
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
That Don‘t Sound Right
Gun Talk
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast
Good Job, Brain!
Adeptus Ridiculous