BROADCASTS.com

This week\u2019s guest is the highly productive and popular author and teacher, IM Cyrus Lakdawala. Cyrus has recently published his 40th (!) book, Opening Repertoire 1. d4 2. c4., and already has more books in the works. In addition to publishing multiple books per year, Cyrus also teaches chess for about 20 hours a week, plays in two tournaments per month, \xa0and even manages to meditate, exercise and read very regularly. In our conversation, Cyrus reveals how he accomplishes so much, talks some chess improvement, and tells some fun stories. Read on for details, links and timestamps.\n\n0:00- Intro. We being by discussing Cyrus latest book, Opening Repertoire 1. d4 2. c4. Cyrus \xa0tells the story of how he decided it was time to try a spicier opening repertoire, after decades of playing "like a chicken.\u201d The results he attained with this experiment pleasantly surprised him.\n\nMentioned in this segment - IM Dionisio Aldama, IM Tony Saidy, IM Keaton Kiewra\n\n12:00- Cyrus discusses the philosophy behind his unique, very personal writing style. We also discuss Cyrus\u2019 writing routine, and how he reacts to critics.\n\nMentioned in this segment - John Hartmann, ChessBase interview with Davide Nastasio \n\n21:00- What is Cyrus\u2019 opinion of the rise of engine use in chess study and chess spectacting? How does he use engines in his own game analysis and writing?\n\n25:30- Cyrus answers a question from a Patreon supporter of the podcast asking him to compare his book Opening Repertoire\u2026 c6: Playing the Caro-Kann and Semi-Slav as Black to the book A Complete Repertoire for Black Using Solid Systems by Jovanka Houska and James Vigus. This leads \xa0to a broader discussion about how one should choose repertoires and opening books.\n\n34:00 - We discuss Cyrus\u2019 award winning book, \xa0Chess for Hawks. The premise of the book is that everyone is predisposed toward risky or safe chess, and should tailor her game accordingly. Cyrus also discusses what happens when he clashes against his most frequent opponent, IM Dionisio Aldama, who is a \u201chawk\u201d to Cyrus\u2019 \u201cdove.\u201d\n\n45:00- Cyrus answers a question from another listener about how an under 2000 player should improve at endgames. Aside from his own endgame book, Cyrus recommends studying the games of Rubinstein, Capablanca and Magnus Carlsen. Also mentioned: Timman\u2019s Titans, Kasparov\u2019s Great Predecessors.\n\n52:00-\xa0IM Lakdawala tells the story of how he met former World Champion, GM Boris Spassky a couple times, and shares his impressions of him. Also mentioned- GMs Tony Miles and Kasparov.\n\n58:00- Cyrus shares some stories from his teenage years in Montreal, were he earned spending money by playing speed chess for money.\n\n1:01- After five decades immersed in it, does Cyrus ever feel burnt out on chess? \xa0\n\n1:04-\xa0Cyrus discusses the benefits and drawbacks of being autistic.\n\n1:14- Goodbye and contact info! You can keep up with Cyrus via Facebook.\n\nTo help support the podcast, go here. \n\nSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices