Perpetual Chess Podcast

GM Mihail Marin is a prolific and popular author, trainer, and 3-time Romanian national champion. He has made numerous contributions to the chess canon but is probably best known for the book Learn from the Legends, published in 2005, which received high praise from GM Daniel Naroditsky, IM Jeremy Silman, and many others. In 2025, its much-anticipated sequel, Learn from the Legends 2: Chess Heroes at Their Best has finally been released. GM Marin joined me to discuss:

The different format chosen for this sequel compared to the original

Things to know about each of the players featured in Mihail's new book: GMs Stein, Keres, Bronstein, Portisch, and Polugaevsky

His own rise up the chess ranks

Why chess was a uniquely appealing profession in Communist Romania

GM Marin has accumulated a litany of stories from a life among the world's top players, and it is always a pleasure to speak with him! Timestamps of topics discussed are below."

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

Prior Interview- Episode 316 https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2023/2/7/ep-316-gm-mihail-marin-the-renowned-author-and-trainer-on-learning-from-larsen-tal-polgar-and-other-legends

0:00- What was Mihail Marins approach to chess improvement as an up and coming player? Mentioned: Karpov-Unzicker 1975 https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1067846

Also mentioned: GM Florin Gheorghiu, GM Mihai Suba . Psakhis-Marin 2000

17:00- Mihail shares a little bit about each player covered in Learn from the Legends 2, including Stein, Polugaevsky, Bronstein, Keres and Portisch Mentioned: Korchnoi-Portisch Candidates Match 1983 https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chess.pl?tid=93347

Also mentioned: Bronsteins The Sorcerers Apprentice Keres-Benko 1962 (adjourned on move 41) https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1072970 GM Jan Timmans Curacao 1962: The Battle That Shook the Chess World https://www.amazon.com/Curacao-1962-Battle-Minds-Shook/dp/9056911392

34:00- In the modern chess age is it still possible to have a distinct chess style?

Mentioned: Spassky Fischer, game 8, move 15: https://lichess.org/study/FeAwvrlI/nNPKlIqp

Spassky-Polgar 1993- https://www.365chess.com/game.php?gid=1762744

45:00- Is Mihail following the Freestyle Chess Tour?

53:00- Is Mihail following the Womens World Championship?

54:00- How is Mihail preparing for his imminent tournament? Mentioned: Dorfmans The Method in Chess Petr Izmailov: From Chess Champion of Russia to Enemy of the People https://chess.co.uk/products/petr-izmailov-from-chess-champion-of-russia-to-enemy-of-the-people-nikolai-izmailov

58:00- GM Marin discusses his next projects: a Chessable course, and a forthcoming book about his chess hero, GM VIktor Korchnoi Mentioned:

1:08:00- Mihails recommended European chess tournaments Alicante chess tournament 2025: https://chessnews.info/ix-international-chess-open-easter-2025/ Seville: https://www.modern-chess.com/tournaments?id=1450

1:10:00- Thanks to Mihail for joining me again! Here is how to keep up with him: Learn From the Legends 2: https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Legends-2-Mihail-Marin/dp/1784832162 Forward Chess: https://forwardchess.com/product/learn-from-the-legends2-chess-heroes-at-their-best Watch here for his forthcoming Chessable course: https://www.chessable.com/author/MihailMarin/

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess/

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GM Susan Polgar is a World Chess Hall of Famer and former Women’s World Champion. She is also the holder of numerous records, including being the first female  “triple crown winner” and the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title by norms and rating. She is also an author, and Chessable author. Her latest book,  Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny and the Making of Grandmaster is a candid and fascinating memoir which looks back at her unusual upbringing, her extraordinary playing career, her life as a wife and mom, and her accomplishments as a groundbreaking university coach. As you might expect, this is a fascinating conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/  If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:00- Information about the Chess in the Schools chess/poker fundraiser, hosted by GM Robert Hess on May 1, is here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-2nd-annual-charity-poker-tournament

0:02- What are some of the primary lessons of Susan’s new memoir, Rebel Queen? 

15:00- GM Polgar tells the story of her famous win over GM Ljuboimir Ljubojevic in 1987. 

See the game here: https://susanpolgar.com/portfolio-item/susan-polgar-vs-ljubomir-ljubojevic-1987/

18:00- What informed the Polgar philosophy of playing the strongest competition, regardless of gender?

21:00- Patreon mailbag question- Did Susan ever consider raising her own children in the way that her parents raised her and her sisters? 

26:00- Susan’s memories of young Levy Rozman and Fabiano Caruana playing at her chess center.  Mentioned: photo of Susan with young Levy: https://www.facebook.com/susanpolgarchess/photos/this-was-from-a-million-years-ago-who-is-this-young-chess-superstar-who-used-to-/1202844537877913/?_rdr

30:00- Patreon mailbag question: What still needs to be done to continue to grow women’s chess? Mentioned: Chess Tactics for Champions by Susan Polgar 

33:00- Patreon mailbag question: “To what extent does Susan think socialization plays a role in the smaller percentage of women playing chess?” 

36:00- Patreon mailbag question:  “Have the barriers that women in chess face changed over the years?”

39:00- Patreon mailbag question: “ What is Susan’s advice for raising the level of play among the girls at a chess club?” Mentioned: GM Susan Polgar’s interview with the Botez sisters  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EctpBjnCU-8

40:00-  Patreon mailbag question: “Does Susan have a favorite Mikhail Tal story?” Photos of Susan’s first encounter with GM Mikhail Tal here: https://x.com/SusanPolgar/status/1855363562073620780

48:00- Was Susan Polgar in touch with GM Bobby Fischer in his final years? 

51:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What made Susan decide to begin coaching university chess at Texas Tech?”

54:00- What else is Susan working on now that she is retired from coaching university chess? 

58:00- Which factor was the biggest contributor to the success of Susan and her sisters?

Thanks to GM Polgar for a fascinating interview! Here is how to keep up with her:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanpolgarchess/?hl=en X: https://x.com/susanpolgar?lang=en Order her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Queen-Misogyny-Making-Grandmaster/dp/153875729X

For newer players, you can check out her “Learn Chess the Right Way” Series on Chessable here: https://www.chessable.com/learn-chess-the-right-way-book-1-must-know-checkmates/course/12192/

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess?redirect=true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Adult Improver series returns to Perpetual Chess to welcome Omar Mills (aka ChessvonDoom) to the podcast. Omar fell in love with chess during the pandemic and has learned some unexpected lessons through the thousands of games he has played in subsequent years. He learned that chess improvement and maintaining a disciplined study routine  is much harder than he ever could have guessed, but that you can learn a lot about yourself through the game nonetheless. In a new Chessable course, Chess Destiny: Lessons from an Adult Improver and his Coach, Omar collaborates with popular YouTuber NM Robert Ramirez to share some of these unexpected chess and life lessons. These lessons include:

What does Omar call “the rule of three?” 

What has playing the bass taught Omar about chess improvement?

What one piece of advice would he give his “new to chess” self of 5 years ago? 

Plus lots  more, its always insightful and entertaining to hear from Omar! 

Adult Improver Series webpage: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75Uoqz2BoRt2IiTCeOfuky?si=2a3f9cee77b948f1 Adult Improver Series Spotify playlist: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/adultimprover



0:00- Information about the Chess in the Schools chess/poker fundraiser, hosted by GM Robert Hess on May 1, is here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-2nd-annual-charity-poker-tournament

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:02- What is the story behind Omar, an average club player,  making a Chessable course?  Mentioned: NM Robert Ramirez, Bruna Tuzi, NM Ian Harris, IM Miodrag Peruvunic (Milo the Butcher)  You can hear Omar on How to Chess, Season 2, Episode 4- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4x3gO38SDRut2lJZdCLPeh?si=53a28262690c4297

0:15- What is “the rule of three”? 

0:21- What has playing the bass taught Omar about playing chess/ Mentioned: Victor Wooten 

43:00- What is Omar’s daily chess routine?  Mentioned: Kamryn Hellman, Nick Visel 

48:00- NM Robert Ramirez’s recommended study plan  YouTube series with Omar, Roberto and NM Robert Ramirez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soFjWrTVYKU

52:00- What would Omar tell his new to chess self, from a few years ago? 

53:00- Does Omar have any tournaments on this horizon?

55:00- Thanks to Omar of joining me! Here is how to keep up with him:

Twitter/X: https://x.com/ChessVonDoom?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/member/chessvondoom His Chessable Course: https://www.chessable.com/chess-destiny-lessons-from-an-adult-improver-and-his-coach/course/266890/

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IM Danny Rensch is a former child prodigy turned Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, the largest chess website in the world. Danny rejoined me 8 years after his first visit to the podcast (Episode 18) to discuss all that is new with Chess.com. Inevitably, this means a detailed discussion of online cheat detection, and whether Chess.com thinks that their increased deterrence methods are working. But there is a lot more to discuss including:

What goes into decisions of choosing commentators for an event?

Lessons learned from some P.R. missteps related to the closing of Chess24, and changes to the Chessable product offerings. 

Upcoming TV shows and documentaries related to chess. Why are so many of these shows related to cheating?

Danny’s forthcoming memoir about growing up in a cult

It is always fun to get a glimpse behind the curtain at the world’s biggest chess company, and you are sure to learn something about “chess business” in this conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. 

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:00- We discuss cheat detection. Is publicly disclosing cheaters deterring other from potential cheaters? What about their new proprietary browser, Proctor? 

The two interviews/videos we reference are here: Greg Mustreader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4fGt3MbF0I State of Chess.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lQ47SuBLU8&t=8428s

15:00- Is OTB cheating as common as online cheating? 

21:00- What was the story behind future GM Alireza Firouzja’s account being erroneously closed due to fair play some years ago? Mentioned: GM Lenier Dominguez 

28:00- We briefly discuss Danny’s forthcoming memoir, Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Squares-Chess-Saved-Life/dp/1541703286

31:00- How can the chess world move away from predominantly cheating-based mainstream coverage? Mentioned:  Netflix documentary: https://www.chess.com/news/view/netflix-unveils-carlsen-niemann-documentary-for-2025 Forthcoming Movie: https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64565309/ BBC’s Chess Masters: The Endgame: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028x4d

37:00- Are there too many professional chess tournaments with too little differentiation between events?  Mentioned: Coachchamps Improver Challenge: https://www.chess.com/news/view/announcing-coachchamps-2025 Also mentioned: Caitlin Clark, Judit Polgar

48:00- How does Chess.com decide which commentators to feature in which events? Mentioned: GM Daniel Naroditsky, GM Robert Hess

51:00- What lessons were learned from backlash against the Chess24 closure and recent changes to access to Short and Sweet courses on Chessable? Mentioned: Info on Chessable’s 2025 changes to Chessable Short and Sweet Access: https://www.chessable.com/blog/new-year-big-changes-to-chessable-pro/

1:00:00- What 2025 events is Danny excited for? Mentioned: Pogchamps https://www.chess.com/news/view/announcing-pogchamps-6-field Speed Chess Championships, ESports World Cup 

1:03:00- Is Chess.com still thinking of becoming publicly traded at some point? Would Danny retire in the near future? 

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess



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GM Noël Studer is a two time Swiss National Champion turned blogger, course creator and chess trainer. Noël is also a regular guest on the podcast, and as an avid reader of his blog, I always have plenty of questions for him. This particular interview tackles questions like the following:

What has training for a marathon taught Noël about chess?

Do Grandmasters like Noël make it sound easier than it is to “fix blunders?” 

What are the traits of Noël’s most successful students? 

We also discuss an update to one of Noël’s courses, his next projects, and why we both are a bit disillusioned with professional chess. There is always a lot to learn from GM Studer! 

Check out Noël’s updated course on studying chess the right way here (https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0) Use the code perpetual20 to receive a 20% discount. By using that link, you'll also support Perpetual Chess. https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0

Noël’s prior appearances were on the podcast were Episodes 248, 312 and 374  https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Dtd4jQXwwJkfwOegqrGad?si=11a29a76268249b8 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0asMZuJZhbp6EnNUyUvzo4?si=9cc4a0c08d7b48e8 https://open.spotify.com/episode/39O0qNPy5mCDxSf96byIES?si=7a1e8a1e12bc4102

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! Be sure to check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ And if you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

01:00- Chess Lessons from training for a marathon (From article From Thinking to Doing) Dr. Nick Vasquez’s post, Too Many Choices: https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/what-do-we-mean-improvement

13:00- Why does Noël call blundering “the leaking roof issue”? The leaking roof issue

Steps method playlist from Chess Steps trainer NM Han Schut: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHJ-t45Y-c5SN7u7YSd-gj0vpyCgXv7lM

21:00- Do people overemphasize the importance of accuracy scores? https://nextlevelchess.com/accuracy-score/

25:00- In his professional days, what was Noël’s approach to checking engines immediately after games? 

28:00- Why do CEO’s have a hard time improving at chess?  https://nextlevelchess.com/study-chess-in-a-smarter-way/

35:00- Which posts of Noël’ got the most feedback? 

37:00- What is “the chess improvement equation?”  https://nextlevelchess.com/improvement-score/

40:00- What other recent interests and daily practices has Noël implemented? 

42:00-  Noël’ discusses his relaunched course, The Simplified Chess Improvement System https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0

49::00- Noël’s next projects

52:00- Does Noël still follow professional chess closely? 

Thanks to Noël for coming on! You can email him at Noël at nextlevelchess.blog

Check out his courses. Remember to use perpetual20 for 20% off on either course. All in one beginner course (up to 1200 chesscom): https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=bc4be0 His re-launched improvement system (previously Next Level Training): https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=bc4be0

Subscribe to his newsletter here: https://nextlevelchess.com/

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