Shows
Perpetual Chess PodcastEP 444 – Dr. Benjamin Balas on Chess Streaks, Blunders, and Brain Science
Dr. Benjamin (Ben) Balas is an MIT-educated professor of psychology at North Dakota State University, where his research focuses on visual recognition. He’s also a passionate chess player who blogs frequently about the intersection of science and chess. On his popular LiChess blog, Ben (aka NDPatzer) has explored topics like whether streakiness exists in chess, the science of blunders, and how confirmation bias influences decision-making over the board. In our conversation, we touch on all of these topics and also delve into Ben’s personal chess journey. He shares the scientific studies he believes every ches...2025-07-2957 min
The Chess ExperienceCM Can Kabadayi: How to Prevent Blunders and Why He’s a Top Coach for Club Players123 He went from beginner to 2150 FIDE in just four years. And that’s without receiving any coaching! Later, he became one of Chessable’s most popular course creators, recently winning Author of the Year in 2024.CM Can Kabadayi is a rare and impressive chess talent: he excels both as a player and a coach.In this episode, we chat about his journey from a Ph.D in cognitive science to becoming an in-demand course creator and popular chess YouTuber.Can also offers some great insights for chess improvement. He shares his unique “CLAMP” method f...2025-04-241h 08
The Chess Cognition PodcastNM Dan Heisman - The Legacy of a Chess Coach: 30 Years of Chess Coaching WisdomIn this very special episode, I had an insightful conversation with the legendary chess coach NM Dan Heisman. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dan has authored 14 books, developed a Chessable course, and helped thousands of students improve since he began coaching in 1996.
His expertise shines through as we delve into the nuances of chess improvement, from bridging the knowledge-skill gap to the importance of thought process and time management. Dan shares valuable insights into his journey, including his work with renowned players and groundbreaking contributions to chess coaching, such as coining terms like "...2024-11-302h 02The Chess Cognition PodcastAiden Rayner - Visualization, Working Memory, and Blindfold Training in ChessIn this episode, we’re joined by Aiden Rayner, a chess coach and visualization expert, from Australia. Aiden discusses the critical role of visualization in chess, explaining how most resources overlook direct training in this skill and why he decided to design targeted exercises to fill this gap. Aiden’s innovative approach, blending structured cognitive training with practical exercises, has helped players of all levels, even influencing grandmasters to incorporate his techniques.
We delve into the nuances of working memory and its limitations in chess, shedding light on how cognitive bottlenecks lead to blunders. He offers actionable advice on crea...2024-11-231h 43The Chess Cognition PodcastFM Dalton Perrine - The Art of Converting an AdvantageIn this podcast episode, I talked to FM Dalton Perrine, an accomplished chess player, Chessable author, and coach from the United States. Dalton has five Chessable courses, with a sixth on the way. A former student of GM Sam Shankland, Dalton reflects on the process of creating high-quality instructional content. GM Shankland collaborates with Dalton on his courses by providing video coverage.
We also discussed Dalton's latest Chessable project, Seal the Deal: How to Gain and Convert Middlegame Advantages, which is about gaining and converting long-term strategic advantages. Dalton emphasizes the importance of breaking down complex games into trainable...2024-11-1755 minThe Chess Cognition PodcastProf. Benjamin Balas - The Science of Chess Blunders: Insights from Visual CognitionIn this fascinating discussion, we delve deep into the cognitive science behind chess blunders with Professor Benjamin Balas from North Dakota State University. As an expert in visual cognition, Ben sheds light on how our visual system, with all its strengths and limitations, plays a crucial role in our chess performance.
We discuss how visual crowding and peripheral vision contribute to common mistakes, especially for newer players. Ben also explains practical strategies for enhancing blunder-checking skills and shares insights on his ongoing research, offering invaluable tips that all players can apply.
One...2024-11-091h 07The Chess Cognition PodcastDan Bock - Breaking Barriers: How He Gained 400 ELO in His 40sIn this episode, I’m excited to host Dan Bock, also known as Bold Move by Dan on X. Dan’s journey is truly inspiring—he achieved a 400-point rating increase as an adult improver, documenting every step of his path to success in his popular blog, Chess Improvement Lab. In our conversation, we dig deep into his unique approach to learning, his use of flashcards for improving his game, and how structured thinking, deliberate practice, and checklist routines shaped his path to improvement.
Dan shares invaluable advice for chess enthusiasts, highlighting how he leverages detailed self-analysis and carefully constr...2024-11-021h 09The Chess Cognition PodcastNM Robert Ramirez on System Openings and Chess Tips for All AgesIn this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting National Master Robert Ramirez, a renowned Chessable author, YouTuber, and educator. We delve into various chess topics, starting with Robert’s unique journey in the chess world, from his humble beginnings to becoming a well-respected coach. We also discussed the advantages of system openings, such as the King’s Indian/Pirc Defense and the Reverse Stonewall. Robert shares his insights on why system openings can be particularly useful not only for busy adult learners but also for kids, cutting down on preparation time and allowing more focus on chess fundamentals.
Our...2024-10-261h 02The Chess Cognition PodcastDr. Nick Vasquez - Visualization, Productive Failure and Chess ImprovementIn this episode, I talked to Nick Vasquez, a medical doctor, adult chess improver, and author of the insightful blog Chess in Small Doses.
Nick has been featured on the Perpetual Chess Podcast and brings a unique perspective to chess learning through cognitive science. We'll be diving deep into topics such as working memory, visualization, and how these concepts can help adult chess players unlock their potential.
Nick shares his personal journey in chess, including how he started taking the game seriously in 2020, progressing from a 1650 chess.com rating to an impressive 1913 in classical...2024-10-211h 09The Chess Cognition PodcastSolveig Friberg - The Pedagogical Blueprint for Chess SuccessIn this exciting episode, I sit down with Solveig Friberg, also known as Rookie Redhead, a rising chess star from Norway who started playing chess in 2022 and has already made impressive strides, reaching a FIDE rating of 1570!
But Solveig is more than just a chess enthusiast—she's a professional educator. She shares her unique insights into education and psychology, blending them with her chess journey.
Whether you're an adult improver, a chess learner, or a coach, this conversation will offer valuable lessons about learning chess, overcoming barriers, and enhancing yo...2024-10-1459 minThe Chess Cognition PodcastBenner - Chessable Superuser Explains How Best to Navigate the PlatformIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of Chessable with an expert guest, Benner, a Danish chess player with above 2000 ELO rating otb and Chessable superuser with over 1700 study streak days and five published courses.
Benner moved from 700 to 2200 ELO (online) in only 5 years by extensively studying Chessable courses! Benner shares valuable insights on how to navigate Chessable, discussing the MoveTrainer technology, spaced repetition, and how to best use Chessable for both openings and general chess improvement.
The discussion highlighted personalized study materials and focusing on one’s weaknesses, whether through tactical exercises or understanding co...2024-10-011h 49The Chess Cognition PodcastIM Andras Toth - 17 Essential Chess Questions Every Player Must AskIn this episode, I'm joined by the legendary chess coach Andras Toth for a deep dive into improving your chess thinking process. We discuss the key questions you should ask during a game to sharpen your decision-making. Andras and I cover essential topics like identifying threats, calculation techniques, and positional decisions.
This episode is especially valuable for beginner and casual players who are still developing their thought processes in chess. These essential questions serve as a guide, helping you navigate the complexities of our royal game. With consistent practice, these questions will become second nature, allowing you to focus...2024-09-091h 19The Chess Cognition PodcastFM Nate Solon - Is Blitz Chess Good for Improvement? In this episode, we explore the age-old debate: Is Blitz chess good for improvement? Joining me is FIDE Master Nate Solon, a chess coach and Chessable author, to discuss Blitz chess's benefits and potential drawbacks.
We discuss how Blitz can be a powerful tool for developing chess intuition, sharpening opening repertoire, and quickly identifying recurring mistakes through high-volume play. Nate highlights the advantages of quick feedback loops and how Blitz can be an integral part of a balanced training regimen.
However, we also delve into the opposing viewpoint: the risks of Blitz creating bad habits...2024-08-301h 05
Perpetual Chess PodcastEP 394- GM Jacob Aagaard- The Story Behind the Big Chess Publishing Merger, plus his Latest Thoughts on Rating Deflation, the World Championship Cycle, Chess Improvement, & moreAs the co-founder of Quality Chess Books and Killer Chess Training.com, GM Jacob Aagaard is always a busy man. This year, the award-winning author and trainer has been even busier. It was recently announced that his company, Quality Chess Books is acquiring two of the biggest chess publishers (New in Chess Books and Everyman Chess) from Chess.com. Jacob joined me to tell me the story behind these acquisitions, as well as the decision of his co-founder, GM John Shaw to retire. Jacob is always insightful and opinionated about professional chess, so we also got the opportunity to...2024-08-061h 40
The Gallant FewThe Morning News - McLean Deal Off & Cantwell Getting Sold via Insta!Colin & Scott discuss the car crash on Instagram from Cantwell's agent, Rangers can't agree terms with Kenny McLean & Kabadayi staying in Germany!To donate to Scott's Just Giving:https://www.justgiving.com/page/scott-young-1713804838598 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-0431 minThe Gallant FewThe Morning News - McLean Deal Off & Cantwell Getting Sold via Insta!Colin & Scott discuss the car crash on Instagram from Cantwell's agent, Rangers can't agree terms with Kenny McLean & Kabadayi staying in Germany!To donate to Scott's Just Giving:https://www.justgiving.com/page/scott-young-1713804838598 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-0431 min
Perpetual Chess PodcastEP.350- CM Can Kabadayi: A self-taught Candidate Master and Cognitive Scientist on Calculation, The Chess Aging Curve and his Favorite Chess BooksCan Kabadayi is a cognitive scientist, a self-taught Candidate Master, and a popular and prolific Chessable author. Given his academic background, Can is especially interested in the challenges of adult chess improvement, and devotes his chess work to helping adult learners. In our conversation, we discuss the origins of Can’s interests in chess and cognitive science, his Chessable courses, his OTB plans, and notable research related to chess and cognitive science. Can is an avid bibliophile and also shares plenty of book recommendations. All in all, there is lots to learn from this conversation, as there is f...2023-10-031h 02Perpetual Chess PodcastEP 345- WFM Maaike Keetman on The Best Open Tournaments in Europe, The Chess Steps Method & Chessable's Create Your Own Course ContestThis week our guest is WFM Maaike Keetman. Maaike is a 2016 Dutch Chess Olimpian and youth champion, who is also a Chessable author and member of its content creation team. Maaike joined me shortly after competing in a big open tournament in Europe, The Czech Open. Maaike reflected on her own performance and also highlighted what anyone considering playing in this tournament in future years could expect. Following that, we discuss the September 1 launch of Chessable’s ‘Create Your Own Course’ contest. This contest is a unique opportunity for community members to share their passion for chess, and to potent...2023-08-2957 min