Chess with Mustreader

Try Chessreps and check out the gambit against the French: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7

Today my guest is one of the world’s top players and a 2026 Candidates participant — Anish Giri! We cover all the hottest topics: how Anish is preparing for the Candidates, who he thinks are the main favorites, why the Candidates matter so much for Hikaru, Fabi’s road to the world title, and a few spicy thoughts about Magnus. We also talk chess improvement, whether Freestyle could replace classical, and what it takes to win the Candidates. As always, we finish with a blitz game — followed by Anish’s post-game review. Don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader
My X: https://x.com/mustreader
My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub
Collabs: [email protected]
Anish's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnishGiriOfficial
Anish's X: https://x.com/anishgiri
Anish’s project — Chess Monitor: https://www.chessmonitor.com

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro
01:08 — Candidates qualification — surprised?
02:34 — Why 2025 clicked
06:08 — “I almost quit chess”
08:57 — What went wrong in your classical chess?
12:19 — Did the WC dream bring you back?
17:22 — Fabi and online chess
19:42 — The most important tournaments
21:44 — Anish on the WC cycle
24:22 — Are Candidates bigger than the WC match?
25:28 — Are Candidates everything for Hikaru?
27:38 — Who’s most motivated to win Candidates?
29:57 — What score wins the Candidates?
32:05 — Candidates strategy: solid or sharp?
34:50 — Anish reacts to Magnus’s Candidates tier list
39:52 — Anish’s Candidates tier list
45:17 — Who are Anish’s seconds for Candidates?
45:59 — Best way to improve in chess
49:28 — How Anish adjusts his prep
52:04 — Everyone hides prep for Candidates
54:21 — Why Anish skipped Freestyle events
01:00:24 — Could Freestyle eclipse classical?
01:05:16 — Anish’s new project
01:10:44 — A must-have chess app
01:17:41 — How players trained before apps
01:18:41 — Why Anish believes in the project
01:24:51 — Blitz vs Anish
01:30:22 — Game review with Anish

"I almost QUIT CHESS" | Anish Giri PODCAST
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My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#chess #anishgiri #candidates2026 #magnuscarlsen #hikarunakamura #fabianocaruana #worldchampionship #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

2025 has been a wild year in chess: huge events, big drama, and an insane level of play. So I sat down with GM Felix Blohberger — Austrian Champion, commentator, and content creator — to recap the year and look ahead to 2026. We talk about the dominance of the young generation, the biggest trends in modern chess, and the key events of 2025 — including the World Cup, the Grand Swiss, and the 2026 Candidates. Felix shares his thoughts on the top Candidates favorites and whether Gukesh will keep his crown. As always, we finish with a blitz game — featuring my favorite King’s Gambit. Happy New Year, and enjoy!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader
My X: https://x.com/mustreader
Collabs: [email protected]
Felix's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@febloh

Felix's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixblohberger/

Felix's X: https://x.com/gmblohberger

Links to what's discussed in the podcast:

Felix’s course — King’s Indian: A Complete Repertoire for Black: https://shop.chessbase.com/en/products/blohberger_kings_indian_repertoire_vol1_and_2?ref=RF5-TYB55LUOVF

Rook endgames series (start here): https://youtu.be/EEESoSw164w?si=zULJ6Ur3_ianQCWi

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro

01:29 — What this episode is about

02:08 — Felix’s breakout results: what changed?

04:41 — What separates a GM from a super-GM?

08:28 — Why the new generation dominates

13:06 — Are endgames more important now?

14:03 — Deep prep or broad repertoire?

18:46 — Top GMs are so flexible in openings

20:32 — How many openings do you need as Black?

21:52 — And as White?

22:25 — Mind games in the opening

23:23 — Will 2026 be a draw-fest?

24:57 — Faster formats reduce draws

27:00 — The Candidates lineup surprises

28:42 — Is the rating system broken?

30:20 — Bluebaum: a surprise?

31:30 — Esipenko: the most underrated?

32:14 — Sindarov: the dark horse?

33:13 — Wei Yi: potential world champ?

34:40 — The "Chinese style" in chess

35:42 — Fabi and Giri?

37:32 — Is Hikaru even trying to peak?

40:54 — Isn’t Pragg the best choice?

43:02 — Alireza, Keymer, Abdusattorov, Arjun
45:50 — Will Gukesh lose the title?

49:44 — Name this segment in the comments!

50:34 — Does Felix even like bullet?

51:14 — Secret accounts for openings?

52:28 — Does online blitz help your chess?

53:58 — Blitz vs Felix Blohberger

PREDICTIONS for CHESS in 2026 | GM Felix Blohberger | PODCAST

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My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#felixblohberger #chess #chesspodcast #chessnews #candidates2026 #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Today my guest is the chess legend Boris Gelfand — a six-time Candidates participant, winner of the 2009 World Cup, and the 2012 World Championship challenger. We talk about modern chess, the young generation, Magnus Carlsen, and the upcoming 2026 Candidates. Boris also shares how he trains his students and what every chess player must understand about decision-making. Plus stories from his prime years training with Kasparov, and a traditional blitz game at the end!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader
My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb
My X: https://x.com/mustreader
My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips
My referral link to chess.com: https://go.chess.com/mustreader
My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub
Collabs: [email protected]

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro
01:13 — What’s happening with modern chess?
04:04 — Modern chess: playing style
06:52 — Boris’s opening repertoire
07:55 — Dubov on World Cup 2025
10:14 — Boris’s goals in chess nowadays
12:22 — Whom does Boris coach?
13:54 — Boris’s training methodology
17:46 — What every chess player MUST understand
19:30 — Two types of chess thinking
22:11 — Solver vs thinker in chess
24:26 — How long will Magnus stay No. 1?
25:32 — Gukesh, Pragg or Arjun?
27:35 — Boris on Fabi’s talent
29:18 — Can Fabi win the Candidates?
30:31 — Is the Candidates system broken?
35:51 — Boris’s prime years
37:03 — "At 40, I worked at least 8 hours a day.”
39:56 — A story about engines
41:34 — THIS is how to use engines
43:33 — Boris still works on chess all day
46:42 — Don’t be a slave to engines
49:39 — Boris on Kasparov
53:59 — Advice for young players
54:33 — Israel Chess Federation scandal
59:52 — Blitz vs Boris Gelfand

Boris GELFAND: training with KASPAROV, battling MAGNUS | Podcast
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My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#borisgelfand #garrykasparov #magnuscarlsen #chess #chessimprovement #chesstraining #chesscoaching #chesspodcast #candidates2026 #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Peter’s course on Chess Structures: http://go.chess.com/chessstructures My referral link to chess.com: https://go.chess.com/mustreader

Today my guest is Peter Heine Nielsen, the legendary coach who worked behind the scenes for both Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen during their World Championship reigns. We talk about what life inside Team Magnus really looks like, how Magnus’s preparation has changed since he left the World Championship cycle, and whether he plans to return to the fight for the World Title. We also dive into many exciting chess topics: what Peter really thinks about Gukesh, the impact of engines on modern chess, and what the future of chess formats (including Chess960/Freestyle) might look like. Toward the end we also talk about politics in chess — bans on Russian players and the criteria for excluding federations from international events. We close the episode with a fascinating blitz game – don’t miss it!

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader
My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb
My X: https://x.com/mustreader
My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips
My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub
Collabs: [email protected]
Peter's X: https://x.com/PHChess

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro
01:34 — From Anand to Magnus: all achieved?
04:29 — Have engines replaced chess coaches?
07:08 — Using Vishy’s secrets against him?
12:36 — How big is Team Magnus?
15:54 — Magnus’s training after the World Championship
19:40 — Does Magnus have Chess960 preparation?
23:47 — How Peter trains Magnus
30:39 — Dubov’s ideas for the World Championship
31:53 — Does Peter miss World Championship camps?
35:35 — How strong is Gukesh really?
38:27 — Will anyone dominate like Magnus?
40:20 — How neural networks changed chess
44:21 — Is classical chess basically dead?
51:57 — Will rapid replace classical chess?
55:00 — Do we need a “Total Chess Champion” title?
58:19 — Will Magnus return to the world title?
01:03:44 — Should Russians be banned from international events?
01:06:53 — Russian team at the World Women’s Team Championship
01:13:32 — What criteria should ban a country?
01:19:17 — Should innocent players be punished?
01:30:52 — Blitz game vs Peter Heine Nielsen

MAGNUS’S COACH on GUKESH, POLITICS and the FUTURE of CHESS | Peter Heine Nielsen
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greg mustreader
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My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.
Don't forget to subscribe!

#peterheinenielsen #magnuscarlsen #vishyanand #gukeshdommaraju #peterheinenielsen #chesscoach #classicalchess #chess960 #chess #chesspodcast #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

Volen's Alien Gambit course: https://go.chess.com/aliengambit Referral link to chess.com: https://go.chess.com/mustreader
Volen’s email for sponsorships: [email protected]

If you’ve ever wanted to play totally crazy chess and still win, this conversation with Volen "Witty Alien" Dyulgerov is for you. He explains how he created the Alien and Martian Gambits, why they keep scoring against strong opposition even after “refutations”, and what romantic, sacrificial chess can give to amateur players. We also talk about the dark side of content creation: 30-hour streams, migraines, burnout, and the emotional farewell video where he almost quit chess forever. The episode ends with a gambit tier list and a must-watch Alien Gambit blitz game – don’t miss it!

Support Greg on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader
Greg's DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb
Greg's X: https://x.com/mustreader
Greg's channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips
Greg's chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub
Collab with Greg: [email protected]
Volen's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Witty_AlienClips
Volen's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/witty_alien

Videos mentioned in this episode:
https://youtu.be/08x2sL7RWjw?si=tXDLVOGfYQwSvHGF
https://youtu.be/hCEDjGVPRl4?si=N5ZUHJtJmYekBV4h
https://youtube.com/shorts/wdlKuGOvtI8?si=F7XdRK_wF048o5KV

Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus

00:00 — Intro
1:12 — How Alien Gambit was born
5:56 — What is the Martian Gambit?
7:30 — Witty’s Favorite Chess Gambits
9:45 — How to Play the King’s Gambit?
11:42 — Why You SHOULD Play Romantic Chess
16:44 — Volen’s Farewell Video
25:34 — Witty Streamed 30 HOURS – WHAT?
31:03 — Why Witty’s Family Doesn’t Support Him
32:47 — Content Creation Is Not Easy
35:15 — Does Witty Want to Become a GM?
37:16 — New Gambits From Witty?
37:57 — Tier List for Chess Gambits
49:00 — Mustreader vs Witty Alien: blitz!
59:23 — Something special for the viewers

He CREATED the CRAZIEST CHESS GAMBIT | Witty Alien PODCAST
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My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.

On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).

I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 32 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese.

Don't forget to subscribe!

#witty_alien #chess #chessimprovement #chessopenings #gambit #aliengambit #romanticchess #chessstreamer #chesspodcast #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm