EP 464- IM John Donaldson- Bobby Fischer’s Chess Improvement Advice, the Story Behind His Colossal Rating Leap
Perpetual Chess PodcastShow Notes
What can Bobby Fischer still teach us about chess improvement? In this episode, renowned trainer, author, and historian IM John Donaldson returns to discuss Fischer’s writing, advice, and training methods, as featured in his new book Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer. We explore Fischer’s views on openings, what he said about his own IQ, and what modern players can realistically take from his approach. I was particularly interested to hear John break down how Fischer went from roughly 2100 strength to an elite player in less than two years. After our Fischer deep dive, John shares his memories of a young Daniel Naroditsky and discusses the outlook for the next U.S. Olympiad team, which he has captained 15 times.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! 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
And you can check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/
Check out special offers from Chessdojo, Chessmood and more here:
https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners
Sign up for my free chess newsletter here:
https://benjohnson.substack.com/
0:02- Why was Bobby Fischer writing a chess column for Boys Life magazine? 0:07- Are world class talents like Fischer good people to give chess improvement advice?
0:14- Bobby Fischer’s 4 Chess Improvement Tips
0:17- Why was Fischer confident about his match vs. Spassky despite a losing record?
0:20- How did Fischer respond when he was asked about reportedly having a genius-level IQ?
0:24- The impact of Fischer growing up in New York City
0:43- Patreon mailbag question- Why, after all these years, is there still such a cult-like obsession with Fischer?
1:02:00- John’s memories of GM Daniel Naroditsky, who John knew since Danya’s childhood,
Mentioned: GM Gregory Kaidanov, GM Lev Psakhis
1:13:00- Status of the US Olympiad team
1:19:00- Will John pursue the GM title at age 67?
Thanks, as always, to IM John Donaldson for joining me! Here is where to get Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer.
Amazon:
Chess4Less:
https://chess4less.com/products/pre-order-inside-the-mind-of-bobby-fischer-john-donaldson
Also available in Europe:
https://gazellebookservices.co.uk/products/9781890085285?_pos=1&_sid=e49e3c6fa&_ss=r
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Perpetual Chess Podcast
John Hartmann is the award-winning editor of Chess Life magazine, a longtime book reviewer, and an expert on ChessBase, engines, and chess technology. He joined me shortly after a visit to St. Louis to discuss the ongoing U.S. Chess Championships, the renovations to the St. Louis Chess Club, the latest in chess technology, and his new AI-assisted chess newsletter, First Look Chess. We touched on:
GM Nikita Vitiugov is a former Russian champion who reached a peak ranking of #15 in the world. He has represented both his native Russia and England at the Chess Olympiad and worked on the World Championship team of his boyhood rival, GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. In his excellent new book, Chess Metamorphosis, he candidly reflects on his varied chess experiences.
As a three-time Chess Olympian representing Chile, GM Mauricio Flores Rios, renowned author of Chess Structures, has fond memories of this timeless, biennial tournament. But these days, he is more interested in the instructive quality of the games than in the races for medals.
The Adult Improver series returns to spotlight another guest who has benefited from chess and improved significantly at the game. Chess was recommended to Leah Brown as a healthier outlet for a mind that, in Leah’s words, tends to “torture itself.” Leah began playing tournaments less than two years ago and already has a peak rating of over 1600 USCF. In our conversation, Leah shares the training approach that has helped propel these gains, including:
Jan Henric Buettner is a German entrepreneur, co-founder of Freestyle Chess alongside Magnus Carlsen, and a candidate for FIDE President. In his business career he has worked in technology, venture capital and hospitality.