Creating an Opening Tree with LLMs

Han shows how Claude converted Hauk's opening book and combined Lichess frequencies and Stockfish evaluations into a repertoire.

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Episode notes

This week’s returning guest is NM Han Schut. Han is a former corporate executive turned Chessable author and trainer, known for his expertise in the Chess Steps Method and chess technology. Han joins me to reflect on the legacy of his fellow Dutchman, GM Jan Timman, who recently passed away. He shares personal anecdotes and discusses Timman’s impact as a world-class competitor, prolific author, and cultural icon in the Netherlands.

We also explore a fascinating recent project: Han built a custom chess database with the help of the LLM Claude, which handled all of the coding. He explains how players can use LLMs effectively for chess study and recommends other powerful digital tools.

Finally, Han offers evergreen advice on rest, mindset, and accurately assessing your own chess performance. As always, I came away inspired by Han’s wide-ranging knowledge and practical approach to chess.

Thanks to our sponsors, Chessable.com! Check out Han Schut's courses here:

⁠https://www.chessable.com/author/HanSchut/⁠

00:00 Remembering Grandmaster Jan Timman

Mentioned: Read Peter Doggers’ obituary here:

https://www.chess.com/news/view/jan-timman-obituary

Timman-Ribli 1978-

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1142478

12:03 Exploring LLMs in Chess Coding

Check out Han’s video about coding with Claude here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSj69yLmwMg&t=3s

Download the Lichess Puzzle Database Here:

https://database.lichess.org/#puzzles