Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo 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 Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

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. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo 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?

They break down each player's chances in the 2026 Candidates and compare those picks to betting odds. Discussion ranges from underrated outsiders and rising young stars to veterans with stamina and life distractions. They explain rating effects over 14 rounds, debate volatility and expected scores, and tease a fantasy contest where listeners can predict the final standings.

They debate how becoming a parent affects chess performance, from short-term sleep and hormone hits to long-term recovery. Real examples include top players and personal chess-dad anecdotes. Science topics cover sleep loss, testosterone shifts, and cognitive effects. They also discuss ways to mitigate declines and whether parenthood can ultimately boost motivation and resilience.

FM James Canty III, chessboxing world champion, coach, and content creator pursuing IM/GM norms. He recounts winning in Serbia and the clash of boxing and chess. Training routines, breathwork, and nootropics come up. He also discusses balancing streaming, coaching, family, and future plans in chessboxing.

A spirited debate about whether draw offers should be eliminated from chess. They trace the rule's 19th-century origins and its ritual role. Conversation turns to why elite players agree quick draws, and how tournament culture, incentives, and formats shape fighting chess. A controversial Blitz incident and practical compromise ideas round out the discussion.

Felix Blohberger, an Austrian grandmaster, coach, and content creator, talks about life as a modern chess professional. He covers balancing playing, coaching, and content creation. He also discusses training routines, opening preparation, tournament economics, and building sustainable chess income.

They review the Netflix documentary Queen of Chess and debate what the film gets right and what it leaves out. Conversation digs into the Polgar family experiment, training methods, and what made Judit rise to the top. They compare her results to other greats, recall famous controversies, and question why her breakthrough did not spark a larger surge in top female players.

IM John Donaldson, International Master, chess historian and author who curates Fischer’s writings. He discusses Fischer’s enduring instructional games, the King’s Indian Attack nuances, Fischer’s obsession with analytical accuracy, the origins and character of “the Rat” opening, and how regular tournament play sharpens study. Short, vivid conversations about technique, history, and practical improvement.

Zach (TheChessNerd), online player and content creator, weighs in on modern chess training tools. They rank Puzzle Rush, blitz, longer online play, e-boards, blindfold training, bots and AI tutors. Short takes include debates on speed tactics, visualization work, spaced repetition and the pros and cons of bullet and engine analysis.