EP 416- IM Malcolm Pein: The Award-winning Journalist and Organizer on the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz, and Why He Is Optimistic about Chess Despite Recent Stumbles

IM Malcolm Pein is an institution in British chess who has played nearly every role imaginable in helping to grow the game. He is a former professional player who was the British Junior  Champion in 1977 , but these days is extremely busy as an organizer, journalist, author, store-owner,  and Captain of the England Olympiad team. After an eventful FIDE World Rapid & Blitz, I thought Malcolm would be a great person to chat with about the controversies, and about the general health of chess in 2025, both in Great Britain, and in the world generally. As the Founder and Organizer of the London Chess Classic, Malcolm regularly interacts with corporate sponsors and was able to contextualize the positive trajectory of chess despite recent negative headlines. We also touch on the business of selling chess books, Malcolm’s work at the grassroots level, and his thoughts on the passing of legendary GM Robert Hubner. I found this to be an informative and encouraging conversation, and think that you will as well. 

You can read my article about the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz here, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter as well!

https://benjohnson.substack.com/p/10-observations-about-the-world-rapid

0:03- Malcolm shares his thoughts on the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz

Hans Niemann interview with IM Levy Rozman-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2fGrnTZNP4

31:00- Malcolm discusses the origins of The London Chess Classic, and the most recent edition  -

Mentioned: Malcolm’s 2022 Chessbase India interview with Chessbase India

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDjh-CVEu5Y

38:00- How did GM Nikita Vitugiov end up transferring and moving to the U.K. 

42:00- Patreon mailbag question: Is English chess in decline? 

45:00- What were the origins of Malcolm’s Chess in Schools and Communities program in London? 

49:30- Patreon mailbag question: What are some unexpected lessons Malcolm has learned through his organization’s community impact? 

53:00- What is the most common question Malcolm hears from potential chess sponsors? 

56:00- Patreon mailbag question: What changes does Malcolm foresee to chess in the next 10 years? 

58:00- We discuss the business of selling books in person, both at Malcolm’s shop in London, and at OTB tournaments.

Mentioned:

Chess4Less.com 

1:02:00- We discuss the work Malcolm has done consulting for television show’s, including Apple TV’s great show, Slow Horses. 

Mentioned: You can watch the scene Malcolm consulted on here:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8h17xz

1:06:00- Patreon mailbag question: Is it possible for an independent candidate to become FIDE President? 

1:08:00- Did Malcolm know the recently deceased GM Robert Hübner ?  

Thanks so Malcolm for an incredibly insightful interview, you can follow him on X here, or visit him at the next London Chess Classic!

https://x.com/telegraphchess?lang=en

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess

 

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