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 281- Dr. Stuart Margulies tells the story behind the classic, best-selling book, Bobby Fischer Teacher Chess
Book Recap #26- Discussing Alexei Shirov's Fire on Board with Mitchell Fabian
EP 280- GM Ben Finegold on The FIDE Candidates, Recent Declines in Chess Twitch Viewership, and Why He Thinks he Doesn't Play as Well as he Used to.
EP 279- Derek Wilder (Adult Improver Series)- The key lessons that helped an 1800 break through to a USCF 2000 rating.
Ep 278- GM Jan Gustafsson- The Popular Chess24 Commentator discusses the World Championships, Chess Openings, The State of his Chess Game, and his new Chess Podcast
EP 277-GM Kirill Shevchenko and WFM Maria Emelianova, a Ukrainian GM and a Russian Chess Streamer, on How the Russian-Ukrainian War Impacts their lives, their Careers and the Chess World
EP 276- GM Michael Adams- Stories and Lessons from Mickey's decades Among the Chess Elite
EP 275- IM Ali Mortazavi- A CEO and Successful Stock Investor on how the Challenges of Chess Help Everything Else Seem Easier
EP 274- Paul Hedrick (Adult Improver Series) with guest co-host Han Schut
EP 273- GM Johan Hellsten on Chess Improvement, the Inspirations for his "Mastering Chess" Book Series, and his favorite OTB Memories
EP 272- "Positional Puzzle Book Championship" with Neal Bruce
Book Recap #25- Review and Discussion of The Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games with NM Chrisopher Chabris and FM Graham Burgess
EP 271- GM Hans Niemann on his Rapid Climb up the Chess Rankings and What's Next for Him in 2022
EP 270- Cody Smith (Adult Improver Series)
EP 269- Jen Shahade on her New Book and Chess in the Queen's Gambit age
EP 268- GM Joel Benjamin and Harold Scott on How to Win the World Open
Book Recap #24- Discussing GM Jan Markos' Under the Surface with NM Gopal Menon and Matt Fletcher
EP 267- NM Nelson Lopez (of the ChessVibes YouTube Channel)
EP 266- NM Jeremy Kane (Adult Improver Series)
EP 265- GM Simon Williams- (aka The Ginger GM) returns
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