Chess with Mustreader

NODIRBEK Abdusattorov: Magnus, Gukesh, Candidates | PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7 Today I’m joined by one of the strongest GMs, World No. 4 Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Everyone has been wondering what changed — why is Nodirbek suddenly crushing everyone and winning tournaments? We talked about his training, his mindset, and his plans to fight for the chess crown. We also covered some of the hottest topics in chess right now: what makes Magnus so great, why Gukesh is struggling, and of course the 2026 Candidates tier list. And at the end, we played a blitz game you absolutely have to watch — it won’t disappoint. Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP My X: https://x.com/mustreader My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub Collabs: mazdrid@gmail.com Nodirbek's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdusattorov_nodirbek_official Nodirbek's X: https://x.com/NodirbekGM Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My podcast with Kramnik that got me blocked by him: https://youtu.be/YKzes4eteb4?si=5nUg3RNqeHXnqANK My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Boris Gelfand: https://youtu.be/fj5BmOc6Rrk?si=aEkzLvPMmkbdSLZl My podcast with Nodirbek’s former coach, Jacob Aagaard: https://youtu.be/VHJejuic5qQ My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:05 — What changed? 04:30 — Last game vs Gukesh 07:22 — Why ambition is harmful 09:04 — Mistakes come from emotions 11:37 — How Magnus handles pressure 13:14 — Magnus: gift or hard work? 13:38 — “I don’t believe in mental coaches” 15:39 — Gukesh’s real problem 17:53 — Gukesh needs to lose the title 19:32 — Do you agree with Kramnik? 21:24 — Bring the crown to Uzbekistan 22:14 — World No. 1 or world champion? 23:24 — Who will surpass Magnus? 27:05 — Nodirbek’s training routine 32:01 — Are you intuitive or technical? 33:44 — Candidates tier list 41:31 — Blitz vs Nodirbek My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts. On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play). I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese. Don't forget to subscribe! #nodirbekabdusattorov #magnuscarlsen #candidates2026 #gukeshdommaraju #chess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

"BAD FAITH from Hikaru", Candidates HOT TAKES | MVL PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek Today I’m joined by one of the best chess players in the world — GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. We dive into the biggest topics in chess right now: the 2026 calendar clash, Hikaru’s criticism video, chess as part of esports, the 2026 Olympiad, and more. MVL also explains what went wrong in his attempt to qualify for the Candidates, and together we build a Candidates 2026 tier list — with some very spicy takes. And of course, as always, we finish with a blitz game — don’t miss it! Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb My X: https://x.com/mustreader My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub Collabs: mazdrid@gmail.com MVL's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MVLChess MVL's X: https://x.com/Vachier_Lagrave MVL's website: https://www.mvlchess.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My previous podcast with MVL: https://youtu.be/6sIBWByqqG8 My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Magnus’s coach Peter Heine Nielsen: https://youtu.be/bXQAvKUiA7A My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:13 — How have you changed this year? 03:30 — 2026 calendar clash: MVL’s take 08:24 — MVL on Hikaru’s criticism 11:09 — Will organizers find a compromise? 12:59 — Esports World Cup or Sinquefield Cup? 13:53 — Has Vitality changed you? 15:24 — Chess as an esport 18:01 — What went wrong with Candidates? 22:23 — “The most talented player is…” 25:14 — Back to Candidates qualification 26:33 — How to reach next Candidates? 28:09 — Olympiad 2026 29:47 — Candidates 2026 tier list 30:52 — Don’t underrate Bluebaum 32:19 — Esipenko plays incredible chess 33:57 — Sindarov’s great future 35:56 — Wei Yi: “it’s controversial, but…” 37:32 — Hot take on Pragg 41:29 — Anish impressed in 2025 43:09 — Fabi: six Candidates later... 45:37 — Hikaru: his best chance? 49:25 — Last takes on Candidates 51:37 — Blitz vs MVL My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts. On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play). I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese. Don't forget to subscribe! #maximevachierlagrave #candidates2026 #chess #hikarunakamura #mvl #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

The TRUTH about FREESTYLE Chess | Jan Buettner PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7 Today I’m joined by Jan Henric Buettner — co-founder of Freestyle Chess, one of the boldest projects in the chess world. We talk about why chess, in its current form, may never truly become mainstream, what has to change, and what chess can learn from Formula 1. We also discuss the difference between classical chess and Freestyle Chess, and why Jan believes the future belongs to Freestyle. We dive into the FIDE vs Freestyle conflict and why Hikaru Nakamura, one of the biggest names in chess media, is not part of the project. Don’t miss it! Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb My X: https://x.com/mustreader My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub Collabs: mazdrid@gmail.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My podcast with Levon Aronian: https://youtu.be/3EuVAo74L4U My podcast with Fabiano Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY My podcast with Anish Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q?si=kJmwzyxph6XJ2Jdp My podcast with Erik Allebest: https://youtu.be/1cCrMcUTDj8 And other LEGENDS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAzovIvBvGxzaDCVwmo-ZJDtrilrJLjS Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:16 — Freestyle World Championship 03:14 — “It turned out very differently” 04:30 — How Freestyle Chess began 08:58 — What went wrong with Freestyle? 12:53 — What’s next for Freestyle? 17:48 — Why the Freestyle Tour struggled 21:01 — Chess is not interesting? 24:14 — Freestyle more interesting than classical? 26:43 — Freestyle struggles with funding 29:18 — What Freestyle achieved in 2.5 years 31:35 — Can chess be Formula 1? 35:55 — How to make chess watchable 39:52 — Why not rapid instead of Freestyle? 41:04 — Magnus’s choice 41:27 — Freestyle or rapid: same thing? 44:15 — Chess media is just getting started 45:58 — FIDE vs Freestyle 50:50 — World Championship without Hikaru 53:06 — Gukesh took Hikaru’s place 55:41 — World Championship qualification 57:23 — How can chess become profitable? 01:02:54 — ChessCom — the most successful chess company? 01:04:13 — Jan on his own chess level My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts. On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play). I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese. Don't forget to subscribe! #chess #magnuscarlsen #freestylechess #fischerandom #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

You WON’T BELIEVE Magnus’s Next Opponent | PODCAST

Learn the rare Four Knights with a3 on Chessreps: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-4-a3-in-the-four-knights-vbnf1t0Imagine a future Magnus match nobody expected — one that could grab the entire chess world’s attention and attract new sponsors. Sounds wild, right? My guest, Oleg Skvortsov, is a major chess patron and tournament organizer who’s deeply involved in how modern chess is marketed and funded — and he’s ready to make it happen. We talk about what chess is missing for mainstream appeal, why “drama” matters, and what one change could make the game far more exciting for casual viewers. Oleg also shares his blunt take on freestyle chess, what he plans to discuss with Jan Buettner, and whether he could end up leading the project. We finish with a quick chess game — don’t miss it. Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb My X: https://x.com/mustreader My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub Collabs: mazdrid@gmail.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1745521337 All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:05 — A future Magnus match idea 05:39 — Why this opponent? 07:07 — Does he even have a chance? 10:48 — What does Magnus gain? 11:27 — Why not Hans vs Magnus? 12:27 — “This will be like Fischer–Spassky” 14:10 — Is chess not interesting anymore? 15:48 — One change to make chess WAY more exciting 17:28 — Oleg’s FIDE-approved idea 19:27 — What’s wrong with freestyle chess? 22:12 — What will Oleg discuss with Buettner? 24:10 — We need drama 25:02 — Draws kill the excitement 27:58 — Has the level of play dropped? 31:49 — Magnus lost to the Grob Opening?! 34:33 — Calendar clash isn’t the problem 35:52 — Is Freestyle the future? 36:51 — Why Buettner is stepping back 38:43 — Could Oleg replace Buettner? 40:14 — Will Dvorkovich get sanctioned? 40:50 — Many want Freestyle to grow 42:45 — Our game My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts. On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play). I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese. Don't forget to subscribe! #chess #magnuscarlsen #freestylechess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Wei Yi: CANDIDATES, Ding’s Comeback & Gukesh | PODCAST

Learn the rare Four Knights with a3 on Chessreps: https://www.chessreps.com/course-creator/mustreader-s-4-a3-in-the-four-knights-vbnf1t0Today my guest is one of the world’s top GMs and a 2026 Candidates participant — Wei Yi. We talk about his preparation for the 2026 Candidates, the mental struggles he had to overcome, and whom he sees as the main favorites. Wei also shares why Gukesh hasn’t looked as sharp lately, plus his honest take on Ding Liren — is he actually considering stepping away from chess? We finish with an intense blitz game with a surprising result — don’t miss it!Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreaderMy DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xbMy X: https://x.com/mustreaderMy channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClipsMy chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClubCollabs: mazdrid@gmail.comMy previous podcast with Wei: https://youtu.be/080CuetikLENepo’s 2026 Candidates Tier List: https://youtu.be/Kk1u6caPMW8My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo?si=AtUforPE0YYsWbhiMy podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q?si=kJmwzyxph6XJ2JdpMy podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs?si=j_GBgdtZKywBKEfcMany thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus00:00 — Intro00:48 — Meet Wei Yi01:22 — Surprised to be in the Candidates?02:15 — The plan to reach the Candidates04:35 — Last year’s mental struggles05:35 — Why the World Cup "clicked"07:51 — Wei Yi's Candidates tier list10:35 — What matters most at the Candidates?11:49 — When did you start preparing?12:28 — Candidates prep plan13:26 — Does fitness matter in prep?14:06 — Chess training vs gym14:35 — Is Ding Liren helping?15:27 — What’s going on with Ding?17:06 — What happened to Gukesh?20:06 — Will Gukesh bounce back?21:43 — Wei Yi’s goals22:48 — Who beats Gukesh in a title match?24:48 — Chess as an esport26:55 — Blitz vs Wei YiWei Yi: CANDIDATES, Ding’s Comeback & Gukesh | PODCASTWei YiWei Yi podcastWei Yi interviewWei Yi Candidates 2026Candidates 2026FIDE Candidates 2026Candidates predictionsCandidates favoritesCandidates tier listhow to win the CandidatesCandidates preparationchess preparationchess trainingchess improvementmental game in chesschess psychologypressure in chessWorld Cup wei yiDing LirenDing Liren comebackDing Liren retirementwhat happened to Ding LirenGukeshDommaraju GukeshGukesh formGukesh strugglesWorld Championship matchwho beats Gukeshtitle match predictionchess as an esporttop chess playerschess podcastchess with mustreadermustreader chessmustreadergreg mustreadercwmMy name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts. On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play). I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.Don't forget to subscribe!#weiyi #candidates2026 #chess #candidates #dingliren #gukesh #chesspodcast #chesstraining #chessimprovement #chesspsychology #worldchampionship #blitzchess #chesstalk #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm