GM Patrick Wolff is quite accomplished on and off the chess board, as a 2 time US Champion and former second to Viswanathan Anand turned hedge fund analyst. Patrick is also the author of Learn to Play Chess Like a Boss, a book which is always one of my first recommendations for newer players. With such varied experiences, Patrick is well-suited to share his opinions on all of the recent controversies which have plagued the chess world. As Patrick explains, the recent controversies involving dress codes, prearranged draws and a chaotic qualification process for the FIDE Candidates are all connected. Patrick thinks that the chess world needs a new governing body, and that the game is poised for more explosive growth if this can occur. In addition to all of the news, we caught up on lessons Patrick learned from playing in the US Senior Championship, and on the continued evolution of chess engines. There is always lots to learn from GM Wolff, and I appreciated hearing his perspective.
Episode 189 Prior interivew with Patrick Wolff
0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com!
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03:00- Patrick shares his thought on prearranged draws in light of the Dubov-Nepomniachtchi prearranged draw.
Mentioned: Background info here, Video and discussing of it here
13:00- What did Patrick think of the controversy surrounding Anna Maja Kazarian’s footwear?
Mentioned: NY Times article
20:00- We discuss the chaotic FIDE Candidates qualification cycle, which culminated in GM Alireza Firouzja scrambling to gain a few rating points.
Mentioned: C Squared pod discussion of the issue
28:00- Patrick discusses the history of FIDE, as it has evolved during his career.
Mentioned: Florencio Campomanes
51:00- Why didn’t Kasparov’s PCA work?
55:00- Patrick shares his thoughts on the April 2024 FIDE Candidates
57:00- Patrick reflects on his performance in the US Senior Championship
Mentioned: GM Gregory Kaidanov, You can view the games discussed here:
https://www.chess.com/events/2023-us-senior-chess-championship/games
1:12:00- What age related effects does Patrick notice aside from struggling to remember opening lines?
1:15:00- Patrick discusses the way computers are effecting opening theory.
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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-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 356- FIDE Grand Swiss Recap/FIDE Candidates Lookahead plus LiChess Catchup with Community Manager Chris Callahan
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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