Audible Chess

This episode we hear about how the medieval world invested chess with its own social, cultural and spiritual meaning. Sign up for the free newsletter to receive the resources for this episode: https://audiblechess.substack.com/

This episode is about an eight-year-old boy who was so good at chess that everyone thought he was possessed by the devil. It's the story of Jose Raul Capablanca. Sign up for the free newsletter to receive all the resources for this episode: https://audiblechess.substack.com/

This episode we hear about fortunes lost and won, and a man playing a game of chess with the threat of execution if he loses. It's the story of Ossip Berstein. As I announce in this episode, all of the resources contained in these show notes will now be located in the newsletter. You can subscribe to it here: https://audiblechess.substack.com/welcome This episode we're studying the first 24 moves of Bernstein vs. Miguel Najdorf, Montevideo, Uruguay (1954). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1101326 Resources: Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHA8GPEC7T0 Opening study (Old Indian Defense): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9gfA9GTE9g

This episode we hear about a mysterious match that took place on the Internet Chess Club. We're studying the game between Nigel Short (username: Ural) and (possibly?) Bobby Fischer. Before you listen, study the first 24 moves of the following game: (30) Guest2563 - Ural (2439) [A03] ICC, 04.03.2001. The annotation can be found here: https://en.chessbase.com/portals/4/files/games/iccf1.htm Resources: Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B9p2PrsKWY Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/mv0vz5/solving_the_fischer_chess_games_in_2001_gm_nigel/ Support the show: Sign up for the newsletter: https://audiblechess.substack.com/welcome Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/davidzok Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/audiblechess --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode we hear about the man who said that pawns were “the soul of chess.” It's an episode on Philidor. We're studying Philidor vs. an unknown player (France, 1790). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1075428 Resources: Game analysis (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QVGEqB6kcI&t=78s Opening study (King's Gambit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmiBGuSwUrw&t=61s Support the show: Become an official Patron: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess Want to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode is about a chess game transformed into fiction. We’re studying Steinitz vs. Chigorin, Havana (1892). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1036356 Resources: Video analysis (not great, but best I could find!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-xVHGQxXhg&list=PL7mW9aR2QDf-Wbhud-dwYRp6CSYpdRD9V&index=16 Opening study (Spanish Opening, Morphy Defense): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1tFgq8el-E Support the show: Become an official Patron: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess Make a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok Want to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode we hear about a young man who in just six months’ time went from losing regularly at his local club to being, some say, the best chess player in his country. It’s the story of Akiba Rubinstein. We’re studying Rubinstein vs. Gersh Rotlewi, Lodz (1907). You can check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1119679 Resources: Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtItayItxb8 Opening study (Tarrasch Defense): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esjT83wWr78 Article on Rubinstein’s later years: https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/rubinstein1.html Support the show: Become an official Patron: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess Make a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.com Consider leaving a review on your chosen podcast platform Want to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode we hear about a man with a distinctly psychological approach to the game. It’s the story of Emanuel Lasker. We’re studying Lasker vs Vasja Pirc, Moscow (1935). Before you listen, you can check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1272440 Resources: Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dnzBQ0K8RE Opening study (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp5N_d3JS6Y Support the show: Become an official Patron: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess Make a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.com Want to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode we hear about the life of Louis Charles Mahe De La Bourdonnais and his famous match in London, 1834. Before you listen, you can check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1001165 Resources: Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJnCgTC5VDc Opening study (Sicilian): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM4e7g2RukI Le Palamede: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Palam%C3%A8de George Walker: https://www.chess.com/blog/batgirl/walker-on-mdonnell-and-labourdonnais Support the show: Become an official Patron: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess Make a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.com Consider leaving a review on your chosen podcast platform Want to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode we’re in Moscow for the 1984 World Chess Championship. The game we’re studying is Anatoly Karpov vs Viktor Korchnoi, Moscow (1974). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1067858 Resources: Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu4pZfhH7Fk Opening study (Sicilian Dragon): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxWOwXVd8iM Review of “Chess is My Life”: https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/karpov.html Support the show: Become an official Patron: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess Make a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.com Consider leaving a review on your chosen podcast platform Want to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/audiblechess/message

This episode we hear about an amazing display of blindfold chess.The game we’re studying is Pillsbury vs Winawer, Budapest (1896). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1002579Resources:Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPqVrJq6GwOpening study (Semi-Slav Defense): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXffjL9fLAwPillsbury #1: https://en.chessbase.com/post/henry-nelson-pillsbury-enormous-talent-and-an-early-deathPillsbury #2: https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/pillsbury.htmlThe Ajeeb: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AjeebThe 30-word list: https://userpages.monmouth.com/~colonel/chess/pillsbury.html Support the show:Become an official Patron of the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechessMake a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzokHead to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.comConsider leaving a review on your chosen podcast platformWant to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.audiblechess.com/support)

This episode we're in 16th-century Spain, where a nobleman is imprisoned and awaiting execution. The game is Ruy Lopez vs Giovanni Leonardo (1560). It's one that Lopez played during his Italian travels. Before you listen, check out the full annotation here:https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1251893Training Resources:Game analysis (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MD-z26RpagKing's Gambit (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmiBGuSwUrw&t=59sArticle on George Walker: http://www.edochess.ca/batgirl/Walker.htmlSupport the show:Become an official Patron of the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/audiblechessMake a one-time contribution: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzokHead to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.comConsider leaving a review on your chosen podcast platformWant to get in touch or offer feedback? You can reach me at contact[at]audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.audiblechess.com/support)

It was October 1935 and Alexander Alekhine was on his way to Amsterdam to defend his World Champion title. To avoid a serious challenge he’d chosen a relatively easy opponent for the match, a man named Max Euwe. Euwe was actually an amateur player, so to Alekhine, he seemed like a safe choice. But as it turned out, he wasn’t. The game we're studying this time is actually Max Euwe vs. Bobby Fischer, New York (1957). I think it's a better game for visualization training than any of the Euwe vs. Alekhine games. Before you listen, check out the full annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044436Training Resources:Game analysis (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wno-k1IrZDY&t=176sQueen's Gambit Declined (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2F8inwFmk0Article on Euwe: https://en.chessbase.com/post/the-gentleman-boxer-world-che-championBook: Chess Words of Wisdom by Mike Henebry Calls to Action:Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.comIf you like the podcast, consider leaving a reviewFind out other ways you can support the show: www.audiblechess.com/supportWant to offer feedback? Send an email to contact[at]audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.audiblechess.com/support)

By the 1920s, the modern and more scientific approach to chess that began with Wilhelm Steinitz had been around for over half a century. It seemed that the core principles of the game had been discovered. Then one man arrived and challenged everything. This is the story of Aron Nimzowitsch. The game this time is Nimzowitsch vs. Sämisch, Copenhagen (1923). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here:https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1102400 Training Resources:Game analysis (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH0vNsVdEsMOpening study (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jt3AypZ59c&t=523sArticle on zugzwang: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZugzwangBook: My System by Aron Nimzowitsch (affiliate link)Book: Dynamic Chess by RN Coles (affiliate link)Calls to Action:Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.comIf you like the podcast, consider leaving a reviewFind out other ways you can support the show: www.audiblechess.com/supportWant to offer feedback? Send an email to contact[at]audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok)

He was a rising star in Russian chess, but after the First World War he fled the country to settle in France. Not long after, he found himself at the top of the chess world as the fourth World Chess Champion. But then, during the Occupation of France in 1940, the Nazis made him an offer that, most of the evidence suggests, he accepted. This is the story of Alexander Alekhine.The game is Alekhine vs. Lasker, Zurich (1934). Before you listen, check out the full annotation here:https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1007985 Episode Resources:Game analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMq53rdrY8MOpening study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMy65JeSShwArticle on Alekhine’s death: https://en.chessbase.com/post/alekhine-s-death-an-unresolved-mystery-Book: Alexander Alekhine: Master of Attack by Maxim Chetverik and Alexander Der Raetsky (affiliate link)Book: Chess Words of Wisdom: The Principles, Methods and Essential Knowledge of Chess by Mike Henebry (affiliate link)Calls to Action:Head to the website and sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.comIf you like the podcast, please leave a review!Find out other ways you can support the show: www.audiblechess.com/supportWant to get in touch? Send an email to contact[at]audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok)

A nine-year-old boy shows his father and uncle where they went wrong in their recent game. The remarkable thing? Nobody had ever taught him how to play chess.The game this time is Morphy vs. Duke Karl and Count Isouard (1858). You can find the annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1233404Episode Resources:Book: Paul Morphy: Pride and Sorrow of Chess by David Lawson (affiliate link)Book: The Oxford Companion to Chess by David Hooper and Kenneth Whyld (affiliate link) Calls to Action:Like the show? Please leave a review!Find out other ways you can support the show: www.audiblechess.com/supportIf you want to stay in the loop and receive extra chess resources, sign up for the newsletter at the top of the website: www.audiblechess.comWant to offer feedback? I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to contact[at]audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok)

An Italian boy, raised in poverty, leaves home with little education but the one he gave himself over the chessboard. Just a few years later, he’s playing chess in the palaces of kings and queens.The game this time is Greco (with the black pieces) against an unknown player (1620). Study the game using the GIF on AudibleChess.com or go here to analyze at your own pace: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1271130 Episode Resources:Article: Smothered Mate Training: Smothered MateBook: On the Origin of Good Moves: A Skeptic's Guide to Getting Better at Chess by Willy Hendriks (affiliate link)Book: A Short History of Chess by HJR Murray (affiliate link)Calls to Action:Sign up for the newsletter: www.audiblechess.com/newsletterFind out how you can support the show: www.audiblechess.com/supportI’m in the process of adding a review section to the website. If you want to offer your feedback, send me an email at contact@audiblechess.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess)

“You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5, and the path leading out is only wide enough for one.” - Mikhail Tal, The Life and Games of Mikhail TalDescription: This episode is Tal vs. Botvinnik, Moscow (1960). Study the game with the GIF on AudibleChess.com or click here to analyze at your own pace. Resources:Article: Tal’s CareerBook: The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal (affiliate link)Book: Attack with Tal (affiliate link)Training: King’s Indian Defence Tips for New Listeners:Study the game first, then listen to the audio and see how well you can visualize the moves. If you find the exercise too difficult, try looking at the board every two moves, and as your confidence grows, every three moves, then every four, and so on. Over time, your board vision will grow. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/audiblechess)

It's part two of Fischer vs. Berliner (New York, 1960) from Chernev's classic book, The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played. We cover moves 19-36. Alekhine Defense. Fischer demonstrates the power of the passed pawn. Study the game, then listen to the audio and see how well you can visualize the moves without looking at the board. Game Annotation: GIF: www.audiblechess.com Full Game Annotation: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044112I hope the podcast helps improve your chess. It's just a one-man show, so if you enjoy it please consider making a contribution through Patreon: www.patreon.com/audiblechessSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

"The pawns are the soul of chess." -PhilidorThis episode is part one of Fischer vs. Berliner (moves 1-18), from Chernev's classic book, The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played. (Find it on the 64-Square Bookshelf.) Alekhine Defense. Fischer demonstrates the power of the passed pawn. Before listening, head to the Audible Chess website and check out the .gif viewer to quickly familiarize yourself with the game.Calls to action: ● Offer your ideas/feedback. Currently looking for feedback on whether longer games should be split into two episodes? Or covered in one episode, even if that makes the publishing schedule more infrequent? Send your thoughts to contact@audiblechess.com. ● If you’re in the position to donate, you can do so through Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee. Any support is much appreciated! I hope the show helps improve your chess. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

UPDATE! A few more changes for this episode. The biggest change is that you'll need to go to www.audiblechess.com to study the “starting position” before listening to the episode. On the website you’ll also find some updated material (updated as of today!) on how the podcast works and how to get the most out of it, which everyone should read! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

UPDATE: The new website is live! Check it out: www.audiblechess.com. And while you’re there, sign up for the newsletter.This episode we study Capablanca vs. Tartakower (moves 26-36). Please note the change in moves for this episode. Rather than doing the full game, we’re focusing just on moves 26-36. Study the position closely before you listen. Understand its major themes, its imbalances, its battles over key squares. Once you're ready, listen to the audio and try to visualize the moves. Study again and listen again, as much as you need to. This episode includes quiz questions, so take your time (hit pause if you need to) and find out just how well you’re visualizing the board. You'll find the game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1102104.Youtube Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC-qTmIStJEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmeizKk2ugFor more info and resources and to sign up for the newsletter, go to www.audiblechess.com. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

This episode we finish Nigel Short vs Jan Timman (moves 21-34), but only after a couple exciting announcements: a name change for the podcast and a new website in the works!Study the game, then listen and see how well you can visualise the moves "blindfold". This episode includes quizzes throughout, so take your time (hit pause if you need to) and find out just how well you’re visualizing the board. You'll find the complete game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1124533.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

This episode we cover the first 20 moves of Nigel Short vs Jan Timman, otherwise known as “A Long Walk off a Short Peer”. Study the game, then listen and see how well you can visualise the moves "blindfold". This episode includes a few mini quizzes throughout, so take your time (hit pause if you need to) and find out just how well you’re visualizing the board. You'll find the complete game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1124533.If you'd like to choose a game for us to listen to, or if you have an idea you think would make this podcast better, send me an email: blindfoldchesspodcast@gmail.com. If you find what I’m doing useful, consider supporting the show: buymeacoff.ee/dzok I hope it helps improve your chess!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

This episode is Nakamura's immortal game, otherwise known as "Casino Royale". Study the game, then listen and see how well you can visualise the moves "blindfold". This episode also includes a few mini quizzes throughout, so take your time (hit pause if you need to) and find out just how well you’re visualizing the board. You'll find the complete game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1477101. Be sure to check out one of the video commentaries before you listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEdGAZYwu-8 and/or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lloZHrSPJOI. If you'd like to choose a game for us to listen to, or if you have an idea you think would make this podcast better, send me an email: blindfoldchesspodcast@gmail.com. If you find what I’m doing useful, consider supporting the show: buymeacoff.ee/dzok I hope it helps improve your chess!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

This episode we cover the entirety of the Ukranian Immortal. Study the game, then listen and see how well you can visualise the moves "blindfold". You'll find the complete game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1269834. Be sure to check out one of the video commentaries before you listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B7GEfQEk1Qand/or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jvsM0Yaujs. If you'd like to choose a game for us to listen to, or if you have an idea you think would make this podcast better, send me an email: blindfoldchesspodcast@gmail.com. If you find what I’m doing useful, consider supporting the show: buymeacoff.ee/dzok I hope it helps improve your chess!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok )

This episode we finish Nezhmetdinov vs Chernikov. Study the game, then listen and see how well you can visualise the moves "blindfold". You'll find the complete game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1260278. Be sure to check out one of the video commentaries before you listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G90SVhxKeig and/or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9IOLiSjdC0. If you'd like to choose a game for us to listen to, or if you have an idea you think would make this podcast better, send me an email: blindfoldchesspodcast@gmail.com. If you find what I’m doing useful, consider supporting the show: buymeacoff.ee/dzok I hope it helps improve your chess! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok)

This episode we do the first 16 moves of Nezhmetdinov vs Chernikov, a game with a brilliant queen sacrifice. Study the game, then listen and see how well you can visualise the moves "blindfold". You'll find the complete game annotation here: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1260278. Be sure to check out one of the video commentaries before you listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G90SVhxKeig and/or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9IOLiSjdC0. If you'd like to choose a game for us to listen to, or if you have an idea you think would make this podcast better, send me an email: blindfoldchesspodcast@gmail.com. If you find what I’m doing useful, consider supporting the show: buymeacoff.ee/dzok I hope it helps improve your chess!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dzok)