Eric Rosen: classical chess, streaming, looking back | UP #19 Underpromoted 2026-04-06 | Eric Rosen is a professional chess streamer and content creator. He grew up in the state of Illinois and currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He is married to fellow international master and chess professional Irene Sukandar.This interview was recorded on Mar 18, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro; Eric "unretiring" from classical chess; what Eric enjoys most about classical6:35 - Eric is not going for the GM title11:02 - Discovering the love of chess through traps & gambits13:53 - Does "streaming" chess impact Eric's classical chess?16:17 - Ad break: Eric enjoys Underpromoted!17:21 - Watching the next generation grow up: reflections on personal career development22:52 - What is streaming like, inside Eric's mind?27:00 - Landmark moments for Eric as a content creator29:30 - Future project ideas, opening course, books37:43 - Throwback to a chess documentary ft. high schooler Eric39:41 - How do you measure success in streaming? What brings satisfaction?45:28 - Married life49:26 - Reflections on the support that Eric's parents provided51:08 - Eric's upcoming schedule; thanks & goodbye!Mentioned:13:32 - youtu.be/GfBY_VZBGhk?si=w2MgPavGtCRJxPDo17:39 - uschess.org/index.php/April/Eric-Rosen-on-Final-IM-Norm-Keys-to-Success.html17:52 - uschess.org/index.php/June/Bartell-Rosen-on-Chicago-Norm-Hunting.html27:10 - youtu.be/eFc8vmIkr9k?si=d5UgGI5dJhVfcDNb27:33 - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVWaFpMwtaGjcbaQEMd2sJGJTTcaAnnaB&si=GB437TDqnz19sW1136:11 - new.uschess.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/cl_08-2020_rosen.pdf37:46 - vimeo.com/ondemand/chessstate/109357452Thumbnail photo credit: Eric Rosen
King & Pawn 101 | Study #5 Underpromoted 2026-05-14 | White to play and win.By Alexey Selesniev, 1920.ChessMood article covering some king & pawn basics: chessmood.com/blog/theoretical-king-and-pawn-endgameslichess.org/editor/1k2N2b/2p4P/2p2p2/2P2P2/8/5K2/8/8_w_-_-_0_1?color=white
Zhu Jiner: chess books, university, Candidates | UP #22 Underpromoted 2026-05-08 | Zhu Jiner is currently ranked the #4 woman in the world (May 2026). She was born in Zhejiang, China, and started learning chess at age 4. She earned the Grandmaster title in 2023. In 2025, she tied for 1st in each of the three Women's Grand Prix legs she played in, winning the overall event. Jiner competed in her first Women's Candidates in 2026, winning bronze. She graduated from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 2025.This interview was recorded on Apr 24, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:36 - How Jiner started learning chess; joining the province team, then national team5:24 - Training against stronger opponents; reaching the top of women's chess; playing opens vs women's events8:58 - Training on her own; reading chess books; using enginesMentioned: Dvoretsky's "Endgame Manual", Gelfand's "Decision Making" series13:31 - Facing discouragements and plateaus; handling defeat16:05 - Attending university; enjoying academic studies; balancing chess and school21:15 - Developing a sense of responsibility as a pro player24:31 - Reviewing the 2026 Candidates: stories, challenges, takeaways30:28 - Looking ahead to TePe Sigemann; missing the 2025 Grand Swiss32:35 - Personal goals; traveling and competing abroad; walking35:54 - Wrapping up; thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Pulling up the turnip | Study #4 Underpromoted 2026-05-07 | White to play and win.By S. Gruber, 1932.lichess.org/editor/4N2q/3B3p/5p1p/7k/4K2p/7P/8/8_w_-_-_0_1?color=white
Jetsam | Study #3 Underpromoted 2026-05-06 | White to play and draw.By G. Bogdassarjanz, 1937.lichess.org/editor/5kb1/5p1P/4p1P1/4pP2/4P1PK/8/r7/8_w_-_-_0_1?color=white
Sir Lancelot | Study #2 Underpromoted 2026-04-30 | White to play and win.By A. O. Herbstmann, 1935.lichess.org/editor/8/8/5P1P/4P3/3p1q2/3bn2K/3k1N2/7Q_w_-_-_0_1?color=white
Teodora Injac: joys, burdens, & questions of a young chess player | UP #21 Underpromoted 2026-04-29 | Teodora Injac is the top-ranked woman player in Serbia and #39 in the world (Apr 2026). instagram.com/teodorainjacGames from the 2025 European Women's ChampionshipTeodora's favorite: lichess.org/broadcast/25th-european-womens-chess-championship-2025/round-4/f2N7rxZ6/OKx2NPzVTeodora's tactics: lichess.org/broadcast/25th-european-womens-chess-championship-2025/round-8/jGnDcYrv/3J9G3B5JThis interview was recorded on Apr 27, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro; how Teodora started chess; her parents' support for her7:09 - When did she start working seriously on chess? Getting a coach; teenage years9:41 - Going through school; deciding about university; making career decisions13:43 - Being a pro player; struggling with motivation; other interests in life21:39 - Serbia's sports culture; lack of support for chessMentioned: youtu.be/wZLGtektR8E26:08 - Life outside of chess; the peculiarities of chess; 30:56 - Teodora's peaceful temperament and chess style35:39 - What Teodora enjoys and is grateful to chess for41:10 - Girls in chess; pros and cons of open tournaments45:52 - Thinking about coaching in the future48:53 - Her experience doing commentary55:00 - Visiting New York City with her dad in 202459:49 - Interests and hobbies1:03:47 - Why do chess players like walking so much?1:05:26 - Teodora's cat; upcoming events and future outlook; thanks and goodbye!
My dear Watson | Study #1 Underpromoted 2026-04-27 | White to play and win.By A. P. Gulyaev, 1940.Board editor: lichess.org/editor/4KBkr/7p/6PP/4P3/8/3P1p2/8/8_w_-_-_0_1?color=white
Dinara Wagner: childhood, life decisions, dating, immigrating | UP #20 Underpromoted 2026-04-09 | Dinara Wagner is the top-ranked woman player in Germany and #33 in the world (Apr 2026). Growing up in Kalmykia, she learned to play chess from her grandfather. In 2023, she earned the international master title. Most recently, she qualified for the FIDE/Freestyle Women's World Championship via the Grenke Freestyle Open. Alongside her chess career, she studies economics; she completed her undergraduate at HSE University in Moscow and is currently enrolled as a master's student at Heidelberg University. Dinara now lives in Germany and plays for the German Chess Federation. She is married to Dennis Wagner.This interview was recorded on Mar 5, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro; growing up; her first Scholar's Mate3:37 - Other childhood interests: gymnastics, drawing, music5:33 - How Dinara's dad convinced her not to quit chess; family support9:07 - Using her prize money to buy gifts for family10:27 - How does a 10-year-old train in chess?13:00 - Being a torchbearer for the Sochi Olympics youtu.be/UbCQcBwGFac?si=MAN_eEwXL2_fjqYC&t=10915:55 - Choosing to attend university; pressures of going pro20:39 - Stigma for professional chess players; balancing chess & education26:32 - Meeting Dennis; dating; Covid & long distance29:37 - Deciding to move to Germany; getting married young34:02 - Immigrating; learning German; missing home foods39:46 - Current chess career; going pro; changing federations44:31 - Motivation and discipline in training46:56 - What it's like to receive sponsorship49:31 - Being married to a chess player; favorite TV shows, games; thanks & goodbye!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Wei Yi reviews Game 3 | Candidates 2026 Underpromoted 2026-04-02 | This was streamed on Mar. 31, 2026, hosted by CHESS贝蕾 and Chess Discovery.CHESS贝蕾youtube.com/@CHESS贝蕾space.bilibili.com/3546811503479506instagram.com/selinaxie0622Chess Discoveryyoutube.com/@huanqiuchessspace.bilibili.com/1260146562Timestamps:0:00 - Game 2 analysis; opening choice4:48 - Black's choices after 14. Qb5+8:09 - Wei Yi's calculations, engine lines, after 16. g411:47 - The losing blunder and possible alternatives16:56 - Analysis concludes; Wei Yi answers questions from fans19:31 - Does chess have doping tests?23:30 - Can Grandmasters calculate up to 20, 30 moves?25:08 - What does Wei Yi do on his rest days?26:27 - When your opponent is low on time, is it better to go for speed or accuracy?29:10 - Questions about Wei Yi's routine in Cyprus, the post-game interviews, getting over defeats33:42 - Could Carlsen drawn an engine in a classical game?34:47 - How many blindfold games can Wei Yi play simultaneously?35:57 - Wrapping up: thanks & goodbyeThumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Wei Yi reviews Game 2 | Candidates 2026 Underpromoted 2026-04-01 | This was streamed on Mar. 30, 2026, hosted by CHESS贝蕾 and Chess Discovery.CHESS贝蕾youtube.com/@CHESS贝蕾space.bilibili.com/3546811503479506instagram.com/selinaxie0622Chess Discoveryyoutube.com/@huanqiuchessspace.bilibili.com/1260146562Timestamps:0:00 - Game 2 analysis; opening choice4:31 - Black gets the initiative after 10. O-O?!9:46 - Critical moment11:05 - How does White equalize after 17... Raf7?20:28 - Simplifying the position; endgame considerations23:00 - Entering the endgame24:49 - What was Wei Yi analyzing with Pragg after the game?27:11 - Game strategies and time trouble29:10 - Is Wei Yi satisfied with today's game?31:12 - Questions about Candidates tournament strategy34:09 - What was Bluebaum drinking yesterday?35:47 - What was Wei Yi looking around at? What do players do when away from the board?38:34 - Who is Wei Yi's chess idol?40:14 - Does Wei Yi naturally have a calm mood?42:56 - Has Wei Yi heard about the #GreatBluebaumSweep?Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Wei Yi reviews Game 1 | Candidates 2026 Underpromoted 2026-03-31 | This was streamed on Mar. 29, 2026, hosted by CHESS贝蕾 and Chess Discovery.CHESS贝蕾youtube.com/@CHESS贝蕾space.bilibili.com/3546811503479506instagram.com/selinaxie0622Chess Discoveryyoutube.com/@huanqiuchessspace.bilibili.com/1260146562Timestamps:0:00 - Game 1 analysis; opening choices2:24 - Black's choices after 10. Bb5; move order subtleties7:31 - Side question: how are Wei Yi's nerves for his first Candidates?8:23 - Resuming game analysis; a critical moment after 16... Rc813:07 - Second critical moment, after 21. gxf315:44 - What does Wei Yi discuss during post-game analyses?17:27 - How is Wei Yi's time management?18:49 - What was the most stressful moment of Game 1?23:11 - Which player is Wei Yi most looking forward to playing?24:14 - What's Wei Yi's goal for the Candidates?Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Who will win the Womens Candidates? ft. Jovanka Houska | UP #18 Underpromoted 2026-03-23 | This episode was recorded on Mar. 18, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:38 - Tournament format; Jovanka's experience in the old knockout format5:08 - Overview of players; past Candidates7:37 - Time control [CORRECTION: 90 min for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 min for the rest of the game with a 30 sec increment starting from move 1.]10:21 - Who is Jovanka rooting for?12:11 - Zhu Jiner17:11 - Humpy Koneru22:34 - Tan Zhongyi28:50 - Aleksandra Goryachkina34:14 - Bibisara Assaubayeva42:42 - Kateryna Lagno46:17 - Divya Deshmukh50:34 - Vaishali Rameshbabu54:15 - Wrapping upCredits & links:1:49 - Photo credit: Frans Peeters (CC BY-SA 2.0 , cropped from original)5:41 - Photo credit: Tatarstan.ru (CC BY 4.0)13:29 - Interview link: englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Chess-Moves-June-2022-Lan-Yao.pdf13:56 - Interview link: zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/490996544Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Song Yuxin: chess career & recent achievements | UP #16 Underpromoted 2026-02-26 | Song Yuxin is an international master and professional chess player from Beijing, China. Currently #24 in the women's world rankings (Feb 2026), she achieved major rating gains and professional milestones in 2025.This interview was recorded on Feb 9, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:10 - Chess beginnings, family, school6:29 - Tournament routines, National Team, opens12:37 - Recent milestones, mindset, 2025 World Cup, elite-level chess17:51 - Life, music, & thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
John Bartholomew: thoughts on the chess world, chess players, & his own journey | UP #15 Underpromoted 2026-02-20 | John Bartholomew is a chess educator and International Master from Minnesota, US. He's best known for his instructional YouTube channel and for co-founding Chessable. Currently, he's working on Chessiverse, a recent start-up, where he's released his new Scandinavian course. John also serves on the board of the Minnesota State Chess Association, and continues teaching and content creation.John's links3... Qa5 Scandinavian course: chessiverse.com/courses/scandiYoutube channel youtube.com/@JohnBartholomewChessChessable courses: chessable.com/author/John_BartholomewPersonal website: johnbartholomewchess.comChess.com: chess.com/member/fins0905Lichess: lichess.org/@/FinsThis interview was recorded on Feb 4, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:16 - John breaks down his chess journey and career5:50 - Curiosity and immersion: John's takeaways as a chess learner9:44 - Looking to the future, serving his local chess community12:50 - Hoping for greater cooperation in the chess world16:07 - Starting a career in chess today vs. when John started18:44 - Changes in chess: openings, engines, tournaments23:41 - Engines and amateur improvers25:52 - Modern chess: rating fixation30:37 - Modern chess: amateurs with opening expertise and fearlessness35:41 - Other games: Counter-Strike, Age of Empires, Yahtzee, Stratego38:39 - Content creators that John enjoys; Felix Blohberger, Daniel Naroditsky41:41 - John's childhood and having a supportive family44:04 - Stressful periods in John's life; dealing with perfectionism49:41 - Memorable viewer interactions; a funny story; seeing viewers' life developments54:23 - The Age of Discovery; favorite books, movies, music57:44 - Signing off and thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: Wolfgang Jekel
Awonder Liang: economics, enjoying chess, 2700-level skills | UP #14 Underpromoted 2026-02-09 | Awonder Liang is a chess grandmaster, currently ranked #24 in the world (Feb 2026). Growing up in Wisconsin, he broke various American records as a chess prodigy. In 2025, he graduated from the University of Chicago, where he studied economics and applied math.This interview was recorded on Jan 26, 2026.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:20 - How much sacrifice does elite chess require?5:38 - How to improve as a 2700-level player9:21 - Economic and statistical concepts in pro chess13:04 - Decisionmaking, Hikaru's skills, game strategy in chess22:26 - Awonder's Substack post: streaks in chess, random walks, probability29:21 - Playing against weaker opponents, tournament opportunities34:58 - Awonder's chess style, fearlessness in chess37:54 - Missed opportunities at university, future hopes40:04 - Using engines effectively in chess44:02 - Awonder's enjoyment of chess over time48:14 - Outlook for 202649:33 - Thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Gu Xiaobing: chess career, Jiangsu province, growing Chinas chess | UP #13 Underpromoted 2026-01-10 | This interview was recorded on Dec. 11, 2025.Corrections:1:48 - Shen Yang is from Jiangsu province, but not the city of Xinghua 8:41 - Gu won 4th at the World Junior (not Youth)Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:15 - Chess beginnings, hometown environment, impactful people in her life7:30 - Most memorable victories and disappointments10:18 - Joining the national team, traveling for events12:09 - Starting her own chess club, promoting chess at home13:38 - Kids in China learning chess today19:03 - Growing chess in China, Gu's generation of chess players25:11 - Working as a press officer, commentator29:19 - Challenges for Chinese players to develop abroad32:07 - A few tidbits on some Chinese players33:26 - Thank you!
Xu Xiangyu: chess career, national team captain, World Cup | UP #12 Underpromoted 2025-12-14 | This interview was recorded on Nov. 29, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:35 - Xu's chess beginnings: family, opportunities, training11:48 - Discouragements13:32 - Becoming a GM and professional, learning from Wang Yue and Li Chao16:12 - Pandemic impact and missed opportunities18:29 - University19:56 - Growth of chess in China, national goals for chess24:01 - Being captain of the national team and a second27:14 - China's training and team structure at the national level21:00 - China's province teams, financial support for players34:04 - World Cup: how Chinese players prepared37:28 - World Cup (cont'd): eliminations, tiebreaks41:01- World Cup (cont'd): cooking, support from back home, returning home44:03 - World Cup (cont'd): anecdotes, the enthusiasm of India's chess fans48:26 - Supporting Tan Zhongyi as the 2025 Women's Challenger49:22 - Thank you!
Ben Johnson: Perpetual Chess, knockout formats, writing projects, chess drama | UP #11 Underpromoted 2025-12-08 | This interview was recorded on Nov. 3, 2025.Perpetual Chess: perpetualchesspod.comPatreon: patreon.com/perpetualchessLink-fest: benjohnson.substack.comTimestamps0:00 - Intro1:10 - Ben's observations after 9 years of Perpetual Chess3:49 - Defining qualities of Perpetual Chess6:17 - How the podcast has developed since Ben's original vision8:44 - Issues with the "adult improver" term10:44 - How Ben decides what topics to cover14:13 - Favorite tournaments and what Ben would change about professional events21:00 - Ben's chess wishlist22:22 - Ben's editorial voice and writing26:44 - Parallels between athlete interviews and pro chess interviews28:05 - The Perpetual Chess audience and community building32:00 - Potential writing projects35:18 - Last questions, wrapping up, thank you!
John Foley: strategy games, educational benefits, teaching philosophies | UP #10 Underpromoted 2025-12-05 | This interview was recorded on Oct. 31, 2025 (used Zoom due to a technical issue).Mentioned in the interview:ChessPlus: chessplus.net21 Strategy Games for the Classroom: chessplus.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/21StrategyGamesManualFinal27June2022.pdfLogiqboard: logiqboard.comTimestamps0:00 - Intro, John's work and background2:41 - What is a game? What is a strategy game?7:24 - Why are games educational for kids?10:50 - Chess's shortcomings as an educational tool20:03 - Making games a standard part of educaction30:09 - What makes a strategy game good for education?42:08 - John's career path49:57 - Developing educational games59:19 - Closing thoughts: a helpful website and games of imperfect information1:03:58 - Thank you!
Alua Nurman: blitz, music, emotions, travel | UP #9 Underpromoted 2025-11-26 | This interview was recorded on Nov. 19, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:44 - Competing at tournaments, blitz chess4:12 - Learning chess, first big win, training8:58 - Support from her community10:22 - New York, books, Stranger Things14:12 - Music, art, and how they connect to chess19:33 - Alua's Instagram20:46 - Upcoming chess plans, aspirations
Eline Roebers: past progress, current plans, future possibilities | UP #8 Underpromoted 2025-11-17 | This interview was recorded on Nov. 11, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:41 - Finishing school and doing chess full-time2:55 - Eline's chess mentors, friends6:40 - Loving chess and wanting to go pro12:26 - Recent progress and near-term goals18:49 - Handling disappointments23:32 - Game review #1: Roebers - Naiditsch (Hoogeveen 2025)36:07 - Game review #2: Shirov - Roebers (Hoogeveen 2025)43:49 - University, World Rapid & Blitz47:48 - Eline quashes me in three check, thank you, and good luck![Event "Round 5: Roebers, Eline - Naiditsch, Arkadij"][GameURL "lichess.org/broadcast/hoogeveen-2025--kroongroep/round-5/Z0sOk033/luB2BCEg"]1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3 a6 8. Ne2 Be7 9. c3 b5 10. a3 c4 11. g4 h5 12. gxh5 Rxh5 13. Ng3 Rh8 14. Ng5 Nf8 15. h4 f6 16. Nf3 Qb6 17. h5 Bd7 18. Bh3 O-O-O 19. Qe2 g6 20. exf6 Bxf6 21. Ne5 Bh4 22. Bf2 Bxg3 23. Bxg3 Nxe5 24. dxe5 d4 25. Bh4 Re8 26. Bf2 Qb7 27. Rg1 Rxh5 28. Bg2 Bc6 29. Bxc6 Qxc6 30. Bxd4 Rh4 31. Qe3 Re7 32. O-O-O Rf7 33. Rgf1 Rh2 34. Ba7 Nd7 35. Rg1 Rg2 36. Rh1 g5 37. Rh8+ Kb7 38. Rd6 gxf4 39. Qd4 f3 40. Rxc6 1-0[Event "Round 6: Shirov, Alexei - Roebers, Eline"][GameURL "lichess.org/broadcast/hoogeveen-2025--kroongroep/round-6/7Mo14yXC/CrVe4sEE"]1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. Ngf3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nc6 6. Bb5 Bd7 7. Nxc6 bxc6 8. Bd3 Bd6 9. Qe2 Ne7 10. Nf3 Ng6 11. e5 Bc7 12. O-O f6 13. Bxg6+ hxg6 14. Re1 g5 15. h3 Kf7 16. c4 Qg8 17. Qc2 Qh7 18. Qxh7 Rxh7 19. Bxg5 fxg5 20. Nxg5+ Kg6 21. Nxh7 Kxh7 22. Rac1 Rb8 23. b3 d4 24. c5 Ba5 25. Red1 Bc3 26. Rxc3 dxc3 27. Rc1 Rb4 28. f3 Rd4 29. Rxc3 Be8 30. a3 Kg6 31. Kf2 Kf5 32. Re3 Rd2+ 33. Kg3 Rd5 34. b4 Rxe5 35. Rc3 Rd5 36. Rc4 Kf6 37. h4 e5 38. Rc3 Rd4 39. Re3 Bg6 40. Rc3 a6 41. Rc1 Rd3 42. a4 Rd4 43. h5 Bf5 44. Rh1 Kg5 45. Re1 e4 46. Kf2 Rxb4 47. g4 Bh7 48. Rd1 Kf4 49. Rd7 Rb2+ 0-1Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Irina Bulmaga: old blog posts, professional growth, contentment | UP #7 Underpromoted 2025-08-26 | This interview was recorded on August 18, 2025.Irina's social media:Blog: irinabulmaga.blogspot.comX: https://x.com/IrinaBulmagaInstagram: instagram.com/iribulmagaTimestamps0:00 - Intro1:25 - Handling ups, downs, and pressure as a young talent vs professional6:59 - Does chess = life?9:53 - Staying positive, and Irina's chess friends14:07 - Being a professional chess player23:32 - Irina's current chess level and mindset25:02 - Working with a chess coach and sports psychologist33:13 - Finding satisfaction in chess35:24 - Game Review (PGN & link below)41:31 - Favorite music and a rock and roll story45:02 - Thank you[Event "Round 9: Hamdouchi, Hicham - Bulmaga, Irina"]lichess.org/broadcast/purtichju-open-2024/round-9/GYOnzyK2/eXOKyNBk#01. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 9. Nc3 Be7 10. Bf4 Nh4 11. Rad1+ Ke8 12. Nd4 Nf5 13. Nce2 Nxd4 14. Nxd4 Be6 15. Nxe6 fxe6 16. Be3 a5 17. f4 g6 18. Kf2 Rd8 19. Rxd8+ Bxd8 20. Kf3 Be7 21. Rd1 h5 22. g3 b6 23. h3 Rh7 24. Kg2 Rh8 25. a4 Rh7 26. b3 Rh8 27. c4 Bc5 28. Bxc5 bxc5 29. Kf3 Ke7 30. Rd3 Rh7 31. Kg2 Rh8 32. g4 hxg4 33. hxg4 Rh4 34. Rg3 Kf7 35. Rd3 Ke7 36. Rh3 Rxh3 37. Kxh3 Kf8 38. Kh4 Kf7 39. Kg5 Kg7 40. f5 gxf5 41. gxf5 exf5 42. Kxf5 Kf7 43. e6+ Ke7 44. Ke5 Ke8 45. Kf6 Kf8 46. e7+ Ke8 47. Ke6 1/2-1/2Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Lu Shanglei: recent tournaments, career decisions | UP #6 Underpromoted 2025-07-19 | This interview was recorded on May 3, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:43 - Teaching and learning chess4:06 - Choosing between college and chess5:43 - Recent tournaments, fatherhood, and career decisions18:13 - Reviewing a satisfying endgame from a recent open36:56 - Thank youGame link: lichess.org/broadcast/ix-open-semana-santa-san-vicente-del-raspeig-costa-blanca-2025--grupo-a/ronda-6/uc7rQJBz/FWZSw1OA#1Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina#chess #interview
Jovanka Houska: commentating, personal projects, improving the chess world | UP #5 Underpromoted 2025-05-02 | This interview was recorded on March 29, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:54 - Chess' recent transformation as entertainment and social activity 7:03 - Areas for further change in the chess world10:24 - Jovanka's past chess projects15:33 - Why don't we interview more chess players?20:16 - Stories we want to learn about21:26 - Jovanka's chess childhood24:04 - The chess world's #1 area for improvement32:40 - Social media and managing negativity38:31 - Jovanka's career trajectory and future projects47:40 - Managing emotions after losing51:52 - Being a famous chess person53:37 - Thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Kevin Goh: organizers, Singaporean chess, internet squabbles | UP #4 Underpromoted 2025-04-21 | This interview was recorded on Feb. 27, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:58 - Chess' potential as sport, entertainment, and tool3:09 - Is chess a sport?5:54 - Making chess accessible to non-experts10:02 - Leading a chess federation: strategy, reputation, collaboration18:47 - Dealing with negative social media24:36 - Evaluating criticisms of FIDE30:39 - Where does chess need more money?37:56 - Developing good people, not just good chess players 42:26 - The importance of being able to make friends44:48 - Transitioning from the business world to a chess federation49:27 - Kevin's podcast idea52:30 - Thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Chris Bird: being an arbiter, working with GMs, helping out amateurs | UP #3 Underpromoted 2025-03-04 | This interview was recorded on Feb. 25, 2025.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:43 - Chris' path to organizing chess and being an arbiter7:13 - How arbiters watch chess9:42 - The satisfaction of helping others12:50 - The difference between working elite and amateur events16:09 - Being friendly but fair21:04 - Events on Chris' arbiter bucket list25:03 - The top arbiters' community29:01 - How many full-time arbiters are there?31:24 - The difference between arbiters in and outside the US38:55 - Making judgment calls and being a good arbiter46:50 - Case study from the 2024 World Rapid & Blitz(youtu.be/DM7Du8vpQHI?si=BBJ-yhSFe2jYccIk&t=540)50:07 - The future of chess: online and over-the-board56:30 - Misc: favorite openings, football, & Arizona1:02:25 - Thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Bu Xiangzhi: youngest GM record, rating points, mindset | UP #2 Underpromoted 2025-02-14 | This interview was recorded on Dec. 13, 2024.Wch U14 1998, Round 11 (5:37)Ferenc - Bu1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 c5 3. Nc3 cxd4 4. Qxd4 Nc6 5. Qh4 Qa5 6. O-O-O d6 7. e4 Bd7 8. f4 Rb8 9. Bc4 Qc5 10. Bd3 b5 11. Bxf6 gxf6 12. Nge2 a5 13. Kb1 Nb4 14. Nc1 a4 15. a3 Na6 16. N3a2 Rg8 17. g3 h5 18. f5 b4 19. Bxa6 bxa3 20. b3 axb3 21. cxb3 Ba4 22. Qf4 Bxb3 23. Ka1 Bh6 24. Qf3 Bxd1 25. Rxd1 Qc2 26. Nd3 Be3 27. Qxe3 Qxd1+ 28. Qc1 Qxc1+ 29. Naxc1 h4 30. Ne2 hxg3 31. hxg3 Rh8 32. Ka2 Rh2 33. Nf4 Rh1 34. Nc3 Rc1 35. Nfe2 Rc2+ 36. Ka1 Rb3 37. Nd5 a2 38. g4 Rb1# 0-1Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:40 - Early years of training and accomplishments4:56 - World Youth Chess Championships 6:44 - Breaking the record for youngest grandmaster9:49 - Personal chess goals, then and now11:33 - Important moments16:36 - Pressure and fear of losing19:14 - Motivation for young players22:48 - Traveling and making friends through chess25:52 - Exercise 27:16 - Bu's current goals when competing29:25 - Attitude towards rating points31:43 - Training the next generation34:40 - Chess training, before and after computers38:44 - Misc: Bu's son, alternative careers, & chess in movies45:47 - Thank you!Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina
Wei Yi: childhood, training, university, China | UP #1 Underpromoted 2025-01-14 | This interview was recorded on Dec 5, 2024.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:35 - Training away from home at age 75:30 - Li Chengzhi Cup: China's top tournament for juniors8:53 - Pros and cons of attending college12:42 - Pivotal moments in Wei's chess trajectory18:33 - Goals outside of chess20:02 - Obstacles for young talents and professionals in China26:12 - Chess' lack of popularity in China28:07 - Favorite opponents, and the importance of post-mortems31:39 - Wei's response to losses32:30 - Preferred time controls34:41 - Impact of engines on chess37:21 - Fischer Random chess38:43 - Traveling to tournaments, alone and with friends41:02 - For fun: books & movies, music, Hearthstone, visiting the U.S.44:58 - Thanks, and see you next time!Thumbnail photo credit: Frans Peeters
