Perpetual Chess Linkfest #123, May 16, 2025
Rocking on the Board
Welcome to another edition of The Perpetual Chess Linkfest, a weekly newsletter where we highlight noteworthy news and analysis from the chess internet. Before we get you to this week’s highlights, I wanted to tell you about another special offer from another great chess community. ChessDojo is offering a steep sale for Linkfest readers.
For those not familiar, ChessDojo is a comprehensive learning platform for ambitious improvers. It provides study recommendations, training partners, tournaments, and an active Discord filled with other chess enthusiasts. In conjunction with the launch of ChessDojo 4.0, they are offering a 40% discount on your first month of membership. To take advantage of this special offer, use the code “Ben40” at checkout. (A portion of the revenue would go to support this newsletter).
Here are this week’s chess links:
Chess Improvement
Kevin Lincoln shares an amusing and relatable post about how his results suffered the moment he slacked on his game review regimen, and what he will do to right the ship. “It worked so well that I stopped doing it.” 🤣 (Good Moves)
GM Noel Studer is back with another honest post about what he has learned from his setbacks. He has learned that the answer to building resilience lies in “intentionally, voluntarily exposing yourself to challenge—so you build the belief that you can handle it.” (Next Level Chess)
FM Andy Lee shows a few examples of positions where looking one move deeper alters the course of a game. (Lit & Chess)
Dr. Nick Vazquez highlights an important point, yes, analyzing your games is important, but the better question is “how am I going to retain what I learn? (from the game)” (Chess in Small Doses)
Computers Are Good At Chess
News
New harassment allegations have surfaced against GM Christopher Yoo. QueenRosieMarie reviews what we know so far. (LiChess Blog)
R.I.P.
Legendary Czech-German GM Vlastimil Hort passed away, and Peter Doggers has written a beautiful remembrance of the 6-time Czech Champion. GM Hort once told Doggers, “When I watch the chess here, I forget everything. I forget my illnesses, I forget the rheuma in my knees, I forget everything. For me this is a beautiful world of the pieces who are dancing, who are rocking on the board sometimes and sometimes they are just dancing a waltz.” (Chess.com News)
Tournament/trip reports
My favorite Japan-based chess blogger is back with another tournament report. ‘SheldonofOsaka’ got to play in the Japanese Chess Championship! “However badly you think you're doing, there is someone out there who would give everything just to have half of what you have. Don't be dejected about your shortcomings, be grateful for your achievements.” (Chess.com Blog)
Sam Asaka played a series of strong open tournaments in Europe, and came away with some good practical chess advice. (The Road to Infinity)
The Supernationals is the culmination of a year’s worth of chess work for many kids, and their parents and coaches. JJ Lang shares a few highlights from the recent edition in Orlando, Florida. (Chess Life Online)
Podcast/Videos
This week’s Perpetual Pod is with GM Mauricio Flores Rios. Mauricio’s first book, Chess Structures, is undoubtedly one of the most universally beloved of the 21st century. He just released a follow-up, Chess Imbalances which focuses on, well, imbalances. It’s another impressive book. In addition to chatting with me, Mauricio demo’d a couple of beautiful sacrificial games from the book on the Perpetual Chess YouTube Channel. (The Perpetual Chess Podcast)
Misc.
Why did legendary blindfold simul-givers like Pillsbury and Najdorf often suffer from insomnia? Let NDPatzer explain. (LiChess Blog)
That’s all I’ve got for you this week, have a good weekend!- Ben