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 351- Steffen Nielsen: The author and award-winning endgame study composer on what makes a good chess puzzle, and whether endgame studies are good for your chess calculation.
EP.350- CM Can Kabadayi: A self-taught Candidate Master and Cognitive Scientist on Calculation, The Chess Aging Curve and his Favorite Chess Books
EP 349- Dr. Anique de Bruin: Deliberate Practice and the Science of Chess Learning
Book Recap #33- Think Like a Super GM and Strategic Chess Exercises: 2 Great Books for Intermediate Level and Up (with Dr. Michael Franco)
EP 348- ALTO Tournament Report- Two Participants on What they learned and Experienced at an Adult Only Weekend Tournament in Charlotte
EP 347- GM Gregory Kaidanov on The Return of Hans Niemann, FIDE World Cup Reflections & The Differences Between Adult and Youth Chess Students
EP 346- NM Todd Bryant Shares his Data on the Most Accomplished Adult Improvers in recent US Chess History, plus Discusses his Own Approach to Chess Enjoyment & Improvement
EP 345- WFM Maaike Keetman on The Best Open Tournaments in Europe, The Chess Steps Method & Chessable's Create Your Own Course Contest
EP 344- GM Melik Khachiyan on How Staying Active OTB and Emphasizing Physical Fitness helped him Finally win his First National Title!
Bonus Pod- FIDE World Cup Update- Magnus and Fabiano on a Collision Course? Featuring CM Vjekoslav Nemec and IM Michael Rahal reporting from the tournament in Baku.
EP 343- Rating Deflation Roundtable- Statistician Jeff Sonas and Data Scientist FM Nate Solon discuss FIDE’s Proposed Changes to their Rating System, Plus Historical Chess Nuggets from Jeff’s Grea
EP 342- GM Simen Agdestein: The Norwegian Chess Legend on Coaching Young Magnus, Life as a Pro Footballer, and What he Learned from Career-Altering Injuries
Book Recap #32- GM Rowson's Chess for Zebras a classic book that tackles the challenges of adult improvement, and the differences between playing White and Black (with guest co-host, Professor David
EP 341-Double Episode! GM Levon Aronian on The Global Chess League, How to Better Promote Chess, and Reflections on his Bumpy Ride to the Chess Elite + Global Chess League Chairperson Jagdish Mitra on
Bonus Pod- Jen Shahade joins for a FIDE Women's World Championship Wrap Up
EP 340- FIDE World Cup Preview with Mr. Dodgy- The Best Tournament of the Chess Year starts Sunday! Magnus looks for his first World Cup Win, and Hikaru, Fabiano, and a host of Challengers hope to Ear
EP 339- WGM Anna Zatonskih: The Four-Time US Women’s Champion Shares the Story Behind Earning Her First GM Norm at age 44!
Bonus Pod- The FIDE Women's World Championship is at the Halfway Point: American Chess Olympian WGM Begim Tokhirjonova joins to discuss it
EP 338- Dr. Daniel Simons and Dr. Christopher Chabris- Two Award Winning co-authors and Professors on Growth Mindset, Cheating in Chess, Chess Improvement & Much more!
EP 337- NM Nate Shuman- A Scholastic Champion on How Mindfulness Practices Helped Him & Can Help All Competitive Chess Players
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