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 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
Book Recap #35- Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning- What should chess players know about how to learn and retain information? (with Dr. Nick Vasquez)
EP 367- Adult Improver Julio Calcina: A Chess and MMA Enthusiast on the Life Lessons that Each Can Provide.
EP 366- GM Raven Sturt: Chess Improvement Deep Dive with a Self-Taught Grandmaster. Board Visualization Tips, Book Recs & Lots more.
EP 365- GM Abihimanyu Mishra: The Young Phenom on his Chess Improvement Regimen, His Next Goals, and his 2024 Plans
EP 364- GM Patrick Wolff: Recent Chess News Breakdown: Prearranged Draws, Bizarre Dress Codes, the Candidates Cycle- Is it time to Replace FIDE? Plus, a Chess and AI update
EP-363 Jennifer Shahade on Playing Like a Champion, Building Confidence, and what "Zapping" is in Chess.
EP 362- IM Jeremy Silman tribute: IM John Donaldson and IM Cyrus Lakdawala look back on their friend's life and legacy
Book Recap #34- IM Jeremy Silman's The Amateurs Mind (with David Hamm)
EP 361- Professor/ GM David Smerdon: Renewed Chess Cheating Allegations and the new “Gender Equality in Chess Index.”
EP 360- Adult Improver Ben Hodgkiss just quit his job to pursue chess full-time. Here is his story.
EP 359- Davaun Williams (aka Chess Knowledge with H1) on Chess TikTok Stardom, Opening Traps, and Improvement Recs
EP 358- GM Robert Hungaski on Teaching Chess Teachers, Nakamura, Shirov, Niemann The Indian Chess Boom & more
EP 357- Adult Improver Denis Markov on How a Calm and Consistent Approach has Elevated his Chess Game
EP 355- Cecilia Albertini and Chandler Toffa- Two filmmakers discuss their touching new chess documentary, The City of Human Chess
EP 354- Perpetual Chess Improvement Book Discussion with Dr. Christopher Chabris
EP 353- GM Davorin Kuljasevic: Chess Improvement Q & A (plus discussion of his great new book on GM Ding Liren)
EP 352- Emilia Castelao and Craig Dubose: Two Chess Enthusiasts on their Chess Passion Projects
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