Best Chess Tournament Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 151: You Have 8 Years to Improve, Then It’s Game Over: A Discussion & Debate About Adult Chess Improvement feat. NM Tim Mirabile 47:39

1d ago47:39

47:39

A number of years ago, GM Andy Soltis claimed that once a chess player becomes serious about the game, there is an 8-year window during which he achieves 90% of his maximum chess potential. Anything beyond that time frame is just squeezing out the remaining 10%. NM Tim Mirabile returns to the podcast to discuss this theory and a bunch of other ches…

1
DrLupo Is DONE After Cheating In $100K PogChamps Tournament 33:24

4d ago33:24

33:24

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1
Magnus Goes Legendary, Did FIDE Miss The Digital Revolution? 50:04

7d ago50:04

50:04

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

1
NAD+ :: The Fountain of Youth in a Bottle 15:13

6d ago15:13

15:13

In this episode, I review NAD+ and discuss its many benefits for optimizing the body. Please note this episode is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

1
Ep. 150: The Jobava London System: A Chess Opening for Busy Adults 40:28

8d ago40:28

40:28

The Jobava London (1. d4, 2. Nc3, 3. Bf4) is an opening system that is easy to learn, yet still has a lot of sting, especially against ...g6 set-ups by Black. It can easily throw off an opponent who's expecting to face a standard London formation. The theory and ideas are fairly simple, making it a great choice for those with limited study time. Mu…

1
Ep. 149: Build Your Technique, Build Your Rating: The Game-Changer You Need 38:05

15d ago38:05

38:05

This episode is a review of the chess.com course "Build Your Technique" by FM Thomas Wolski. This is a highly recommended training module for adult players looking to improve. We also share some chess club stories, dive into the Listener Mailbag, and react to a chess.com article about common online time controls. 📧 If you have a question, comment, …

1
We Questioned The Chess Mafia Boss In The Back Of A Van 22:04

22d ago22:04

22:04

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref... 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : / csqpod 💬Discord : / discord

1
Hans Niemann’s Unexpected Move SHOCKS The Chess World 38:22

22d ago38:22

38:22

Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

1
Ep. 148: Can An Adult Beginner Reach 1600? 38:35

23d ago38:35

38:35

This week we discuss ratings and improvement for busy adults. You may wish to check out the Reddit post referenced in this episode. 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twitter (X) YouTube (Chess Angle Podcast) YouTube (LI Chess Club) Buy Me a Coffee…

1
Recapping the Cleveland Grappling Industries Jiu Jitsu Tournament 27:38

29d ago27:38

27:38

In this episode, I recap my competition experience at the Cleveland Grappling Industries event held on March 29, 2025. You can listen to the episode where I previewed the event HERE You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

1
Ep. 147: Bird's Opening (1. f4), When to Sac a Piece (and when not to) at the Amateur Level, Material vs. Initiative & More (Game Analysis #13) 40:03

30d ago40:03

40:03

This episode is a thematic analysis of an amateur game with takeaways that are instruction rich. Topics covered: Bird's Opening (1. f4) Unnecessary defensive moves Sacrificing pieces Material vs. Initiative Calculation Central Control Referenced: Guide to a Successful Chess Club Game analyzed (G/90;d10): 1. f4 b6 2. Nf3 Bb7 3. e3 Nf6 4. b3 e6 5. Bb…

1
This Is The Strongest Grandmaster To Ever Get Banned For Cheating 1:24:09

1M ago1:24:09

1:24:09

In late 2024 the world of chess was shattered by the news that GM Kirill Shevchenko got caught cheating using a phone in the bathroom. Now FIDE has finally reached its verdict, a 3 year ban from chess, including a 1 year suspension. This means Shevchenko will be back in action in October 2026, how do you feel about his punishment, was it too harsh …

1
Ep. 146: Better Tournaments, Better Chess: Creating Ideal Playing Conditions 36:38

1M ago36:38

36:38

This episode is a response to FM Nate Solon's excellent blog posts I Don’t Like Chess Tournaments and What Would a Fun Chess Tournament Look Like? Neal reacts and shares his thoughts on weekend events including the following: The ideal time control & round times Delay vs. increment Club events vs. weekend tourneys Practical matters 📧 If you have a …

1
433. Helen Sheehy :: Honoring A Mother's Legacy 32:12

1M ago32:12

32:12

Helen Sheehy is the author of, "Just Willa," a novel whose main character is inspired by the true life story of Helen's mother, a woman who endured great hardships to live a life of love and bravery. Learn more at https://helensheehy.org You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber…

1
Ep. 145: Correspondence Chess Success feat. NM Andy Ansel 46:04

1M ago46:04

46:04

In this conversation, Neal and return guest NM Andy Ansel dive into the world of correspondence chess, exploring its nuances, challenges, and Andy’s pursuit of the International Master (IM) norm. They discuss the differences between over-the-board and correspondence chess, the importance of openings, tips for those new to correspondence play, and t…

1
432. Susan Polgar :: Becoming A Chess Grandmaster 33:04

2M ago33:04

33:04

Susan Polgar became the first woman ever to earn the men's Chess Grandmaster title. Her new memoir, "Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Grandmaster," tells the story of Susan taking on the sexist establishment, standing up to an authoritarian empire and rewriting the rules of what women could achieve against the oppressive bac…

1
Fabi Is An Esports Pro, Dubov Delivers, Will Hans Ever Be Back In St. Louis? 58:20

2M ago58:20

58:20

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

1
Spassky The Legend, Magnus Auctions His Jeans, Hans VS Dubov Predictions 40:12

2M ago40:12

40:12

We catch up in St. Louis to discuss the passing of chess legend and 10th World Champion, Boris Spassky, Magnus' record setting auction, and the unexpected news that Hans Niemann will be playing Aeroflot Open in Russia, as well as an upcoming blitz match against Daniil Dubov. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH:…

1
Freestyle Chess Goes Global, Fabi Joins Team Liquid, Hikaru Retiring ?!?! 56:48

2M ago56:48

56:48

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

1
Ep. 144: Speed Chess Secrets: How 5-0 Blitz Can Supercharge Your Skills 39:02

2M ago39:02

39:02

5-0 blitz games can be an excellent chess improvement tool when used properly and judiciously. In this episode, we offer tips, tricks, and best practices. Referenced: Ep. 122: Online Blitz Chess and Adult Improvement 📧 If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for a future episode, e-mail us at [email protected]. 🎯 Our Links: Website Twit…

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431. Dr. Jeffrey Gladden :: Live Forever Young 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

Dr. Jeffrey Gladden is a longevity expert who tailors health strategies for individuals looking to live longer, stronger and more vibrantly. He is also the author of, "100 is the New 30." Learn more at https://gladdenlongevity.com You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber…

1
430. Edward Jones :: Can Antidepressants Create Murderers? 1:01:40

2M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Ed Jones is the author of, "Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: What Really Killed the Crespi Twins." The book, which is set to release in March 2025, chronicles David Crespi's shocking 2006 murders of his 5-year old twin daughters, the role antidepressants may have played in the killings, and his wife Kim's unimaginable journey of trauma and e…

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Ep. 143: Formal Chess Study Plans: Essential or Overhyped? 43:21

2M ago43:21

43:21

This week we discuss whether highly structured study plans are practical for busy amateurs. Neal concludes by sharing his own plan (HINT: it’s not complicated). Referenced: Ep. 61: Do Chess Training Programs Work? Ep. 105 (S7 Premiere): Declutter Your Chess Study Plan Build Your Technique by FM Thomas Wolski 📧 If you have a question, comment, or to…

1
Ep. 142: The Tactics vs. Imbalances Debate 41:32

2M ago41:32

41:32

This week's pod is a dedicated Listener Mailbag episode. We challenge some of the pushback that's out there about IM Jeremy Silman's system of imbalances and discuss some other topics as well. Referenced: Ep. 83 (S6 Premiere): Mastering the Middlegame for Club Players: The Legacy of IM Jeremy Silman Ep. 84: Mastering the Middlegame, Part 2: Are The…

1
Ep. 141: What Actually Wins Chess Tournaments (And What’s Just Noise) 58:23

2M ago58:23

58:23

This week we dive into what separates winning amateur chess players from the rest - and what’s often just noise and distraction. We break down the skills, habits, and strategies that lead to consistent tournament success and explore common misconceptions that don’t actually impact performance as much as people think. Referenced: Ep. 65: Your First …

1
429. Sayam Ibrahim :: Invest in Real Estate 30:54

3M ago30:54

30:54

Sayam Ibrahim is a real estate mentor who helps people make money through various real estate investment channels. Learn more at https://maximumequitypartners.com You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

1
I'm Competing in a Jiu Jitsu Tournament on March 29th 12:23

3M ago12:23

12:23

I'm competing at Cleveland Grappling Industries NO GI Jiu Jitsu tournament on March 29, 2025. I will be competing in the Senior Men's White Belt division at 230 lbs and also in the Absolutes. Follow the event here!: Grappling Industries CLEVELAND - Smoothcomp You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber…

1
Ep. 140: Chess Tournament Trickery & Shenanigans 59:34

3M ago59:34

59:34

You guys asked for more tournament stories, so this week Neal goes into full TD mode to discuss recent antics and shenanigans from the Long Island Chess Club. You can't make this stuff up! This is followed by an extended Listener Mailbag segment. Referenced: Ep. 45: The Truth About Chess Engines for Club Players Ep. 95: How to Use a Chess Engine as…

1
428. Natalie Brunell :: Bitcoin's Role in Financial Freedom 38:13

3M ago38:13

38:13

Natalie Brunell hosts the Coin Stories podcast, a deep and engaging dive into the revolutionary Bitcoin network and the future of money. Learn more at https://talkingbitcoin.com You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

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427. Dr. Joel Pash :: Size Matters 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

Dr. Joel Pash is a leading expert in penile enlargement and the co-founder of Upsize, a national series of clinics dedicated to safe and effective enhancement procedures. Learn more at https://upsizematters.com You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

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Ep. 139: The "Black Box" Method of Chess Improvement 27:02

3M ago27:02

27:02

This week we discuss a chess improvement philosophy based on the book Black Box Thinking: Why Most People Never Learn from Their Mistakes--But Some Do (Amazon) by Matthew Syed. We also cover some additional topics from our Listener Mailbag. Chapters: Intro & Listener Mailbag Playing Unrated Games & Bots Online Facing the London System The "Black Bo…

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My Favorite SARM -- Ostarine (MK-2866) 18:28

3M ago18:28

18:28

In this episode, I review my favorite SARM -- Ostarine. Ostarine attaches to proteins in the body known as androgen receptors. When ostarine binds to these receptors, it tells muscles to grow. It is important to note that ostarine is an investigational drug and not yet approved for human consumption by the FDA. *This episode is not to be construed …

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Ep. 138: "Hand Hovering" at Chess Tournaments, Why We Lose Games, & More 32:28

3M ago32:28

32:28

This week, Neal discusses the infamous "hand hover" at OTB events and other topics related to chess improvement and tournament strategy. Chapters: Intro & Listener Mailbag Thoughts on Chess Coaching How to Handle Fatigue Taking Byes Dealing with Nerves and Composure Hand-Hovering at Tournaments Know Your Basic Mates! Consistency Identifying and Add…

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426. Bronwyn Schweigerdt :: Overcoming Neglectful and Toxic Parents 33:07

3M ago33:07

33:07

Bronwyn Schweigerdt is a psychotherapist and anger expert who addresses root causes of mental and physical illnesses. She also hosts Angry at the Right Things Podcast. You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

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425. Stephen Baker :: Achieving Flow State 33:53

3M ago33:53

33:53

Stephen Baker is a peak performance coach and former professional poker player who combines neuroscience, psychology and hypnotherapy to help his clients achieve flow states. He also hosts The Mindset Advantage Podcast. Learn more at https://www.sbaker.life/ You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber…

1
Ep. 137: Chess Improvement Over Age 50 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. In this episode we discuss chess improvement and tournament strategies for players over 50 with some additional topics from our Listener Mailbag. Chapters: Intro and Listener Mailbag Winning Won Positions Spectator Interference Online Chess Etiquette Chess Improvement Strategies for Players Over 50…

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424. Anthony Arrigo :: Jits Over 50 46:04

4M ago46:04

46:04

Anthony Arrigo is a Jiu Jitsu brown belt whose YouTube channel, Jits Over 50, offers analysis of his rolls with training partners ranging from white belt to black belt. Subscribe to Anthony's channel @JitsOver50 You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaberBy Nate Haber

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Ep. 136: The Truth About Rook and Pawn Endings 32:58

4M ago32:58

32:58

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. First, Neal engages with listener feedback, discussing their chess improvement journeys and suggestions for future episodes. The conversation then transitions into an exploration of rook and pawn endings, emphasizing their complexity and the mental challenges players face. Neal also shares resource…

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AI Glasses, Is This The Biggest Threat To Chess? Tata Steel Begins 58:48

4M ago58:48

58:48

Just one day left before the Winbledon of chess begins! We get together to chat Tata Steel Chess 2025, the new and concerning AI Glasses for Chess Cheating, Gukesh-Vishy ad & the incredible Chinese Chess Cheating Scandal. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/…

1
423. Stuart Cooper :: Recapping Craig Jones Invitational 2024 48:12

4M ago48:12

48:12

Stuart Cooper is a Jiu Jitsu black belt and the founder of Stuart Cooper Films, a popular YouTube channel that documents the beautiful sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Subscribe to Stu's YouTube channel @stuartcooperfilms You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber…

1
Ep. 135: Hidden Chess Mistakes No One's Talking About 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. This week we discuss the importance of calculation, the choice between rapid and blitz games, and ten common hidden mistakes that players of all levels make. These mistakes range from erroneous pawn grabs to thoughtless bishop moves, providing valuable insights for beginners and reminders for exper…

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Ibutamoren (MK-677) Review for Muscle Gains 16:19

4M ago16:19

16:19

Ibutamoren (MK-677) is a growth hormone secretagogue and potent, long acting, non-peptide agonist of the ghrelin receptor. It is used for building lean muscle mass while potentially shedding fat and improving sleep. In this episode, I share my experiences using Ibutamoren and what I think of this product. You can Buy Me A Coffee to help support our…

1
Dubov On Talent, Training Magnus For The Match Against Fabiano 1:37:44

4M ago1:37:44

1:37:44

Want to support the channel? 👇 ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr…

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Ep. 134 (S9 Premiere): Is the London System for Lazy Players? and other Chess Hot Takes 41:39

4M ago41:39

41:39

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. Welcome to Season 9! This episode is a response to the Reddit post What is Your Personal Chess Hot Take? Neal discusses various topics, including the importance of analyzing both wins and losses, the debate surrounding the London System, and the significance of openings in chess strategy. He also s…

1
Splitting The World Championship Title ?!?!? 9:11

4M ago9:11

9:11

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

1
Dress Code Drama | Magnus & FIDE Go To War Over Jeans 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

1
World Rapid & Blitz Championships Start In New York, FIDE Changes The Rules 47:09

4M ago47:09

47:09

Support the channel ❤️ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr…

1
Sagar Shah : From Travelling Journalist To Building A Chess Media Empire 1:01:17

5M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Support the channel ❤️ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr…

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Ep. 133 (Bonus Episode!): Stop Obsessing & Start Winning at Chess 18:20

5M ago18:20

18:20

VIDEO VERSION is available on our YouTube Channel. This episode is a pre-season bonus pod. Season 9 of the podcast begins on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Moving forward, all episodes will have a full video version on our YouTube Channel, so whether you prefer to watch or listen, we've got you covered. A big THANK YOU to Brian Karen who helped prepare t…

1
Gukesh Is HERE!! World Championship Match Analysis, What's Next? 59:07

5M ago59:07

59:07

The Gukesh Dommaraju Era in chess has started! The boys get together to discuss THAT game 14 of the match, which changed the course of chess history. Enjoy! Ways to support the channel 👇 ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.co…

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