Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

GM Kraai is joined by Dojoer Vlad Ghita to discuss the new ChessDojo Rating Converter. They break down the differences between Chess.com, Lichess, USCF, and FIDE ratings.

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00:00 Why a Rating Converter
05:11 New Table Overview
09:39 FIDE Compression
15:50 Online vs OTB
20:28 Lichess vs Chess.com
29:21 Global Rating Issues
38:53 Update Frequency
58:21 Future Predictions

Jesse, David, and Kostya discuss the recent Netflix documentary on the story behind Magnus, Hans, and Chess.com.

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Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

00:00 The Magnus–Hans Story Revisited
02:36 Take Take’s Shock Move vs Chess.com
03:28 Netflix Doc: First Impressions
09:38 Who Looks Worst in the Documentary?
12:32 The Hans Ban Timeline Explained
17:33 Why the Doc Feels Formulaic
22:51 Magnus vs Chess.com – What Really Happened
45:56 Take Take, Lichess & the Future of Chess Platforms

The Dojo (GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, IM Kostya Kavutskiy) recap the 2026 FIDE Candidates, including the historic run the young Javokhir Sindarov. They look back at their original predictions to see who came closest, who surprised, and who disappointed.  

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00:00 Sindarov wins the Candidates
02:05 Is this a new generation of chess?
07:02 The turning point vs Fabi
12:33 Who disappointed (Fabi, Naka, Prague)
17:19 Biggest winners (Sindarov, Giri, others)
28:23 Predictions, future outlook, and world title implications

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At the halfway mark of the 2026 Candidates, one storyline has taken over: Sindarov is dominating the field. But is this a historic breakthrough—or just a heater that the rest of the players will adjust to?

We break down his incredible run, from elite opening prep to relentless time pressure and confident decision-making. Is anyone capable of catching him? Or is it already over?

We also dive into Fabi’s quietly strong performance, the psychology of players falling out of contention, and what to expect in the second half of the tournament.

Drama, collapse potential, and one big question: is this inevitability… or just the beginning?

00:00 Candidates Midway Overview
00:21 The Sindarov Story
01:44 How He’s Winning (Openings & Clock Pressure)
04:09 Best Games So Far
06:39 Opponents Start Adjusting?
10:32 Risky Style & Confidence Boost
12:49 Can Anyone Catch Him?
13:57 Fabi’s Chances
23:14 Motivation & Tournament Psychology
27:50 Problems with Candidates Format

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Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
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In this Dojo Talks episode, we explore blitz chess with NM Jeremy Kane—what it takes to improve, how time management and openings matter, and whether blitz actually helps your classical game.

Featuring insights from his work at Chess.com, plus real lessons from blitz rating climbs and practical training advice.

If you want to get better at blitz (and understand its limits), this one’s for you.

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Want to support the channel?
Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo
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Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo

Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you.

Website: https://chessdojo.club
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo
Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo
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Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

00:00 What Makes Someone Good at Blitz
00:40 Jeremy Kane’s Blitz Journey
03:00 Climbing from 2400 to 2800+
06:00 Blitz Quests & Rating Volatility
09:15 Using the Clock as a Weapon
13:30 Openings and Simplifying for Blitz
18:00 Does Blitz Improve Classical Chess?