"BAD FAITH from Hikaru", Candidates HOT TAKES | MVL PODCAST

HIKARU, HANS, Future of US Chess | Awonder Liang PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7 Today I’m joined by a young super-GM Awonder Liang. We talked about his matches against Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann, the 2026 Candidates, and the discontinued Webster chess program. Awonder also shared his thoughts on chess mindset, playing under stress, what it takes to become great, and his own training routine and goals. And of course, we finished with a blitz game you don’t want to miss! Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP 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: mazdrid@gmail.com Awonder's X: https://x.com/awonder676 Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Peter Svidler: https://youtu.be/qVpKE0mTVsI My podcast with Erigaisi: https://youtu.be/3Nvfuk70v6g Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:11 — Match vs Hans Niemann 03:25 — Playing under stress 07:31 — The Chessreps discussion 11:12 — Awonder’s chess mindset 14:50 — Recent troubles in Awonder’s play 17:07 — Did beating Hikaru matter? 20:53 — Confidence in chess 24:42 — Sacrificing everything for chess? 29:01 — How much does Awonder train? 29:52 — What does Awonder train? 33:06 — Do chess books matter? 35:42 — Pattern recognition 38:49 — Plan to become World Champion 41:34 — Awonder’s chess goals 42:56 — Webster chess program discontinued 45:46 — Chess support in the U.S. 50:08 — Candidates 2026 53:06 — Blitz vs Awonder 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! #awonderliang #hikarunakamura #hansniemann #uschess #candidates2026 #chesspodcast #chessinterview #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #cwm

What happens when MAGNUS IS GONE? | Peter Svidler PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7 Today I’m joined by chess legend GM Peter Svidler — World Cup winner, former World No. 4, elite commentator, second, and one of the most fascinating voices in chess. We discuss his career path, the dreams he never fully achieved, and why GYM matters more than most players realize. We also talk about whether Kasparov could still compete with the very best today, and what happens to chess once Magnus is gone. And of course, we finish with a blitz game you don’t want to miss! Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP 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: mazdrid@gmail.com Peter's X: https://x.com/polborta Peter's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/plbrta Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs My podcast with Grischuk: https://youtu.be/EfwA420_1bo My podcast with Boris Gelfand: https://youtu.be/fj5BmOc6Rrk?si=aEkzLvPMmkbdSLZl My podcast with Jan Gustafsson: https://youtu.be/7gV7nxBaoQs My podcast with Erigaisi: https://youtu.be/3Nvfuk70v6g My podcast with Kramnik that got me blocked by him: https://youtu.be/YKzes4eteb4?si=5nUg3RNqeHXnqANK My podcast with Nodirbek: https://youtu.be/IIQ3eguWJdY My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 00:56 — Who is Peter Svidler today? 05:00 — Peter as a Candidates second 05:55 — Why Peter commentates less 08:39 — Does Peter still want 2700? 14:56 — Why Peter doesn’t play online 16:16 — Will Peter become a streamer? 18:48 — Hearthstone and chess 19:29 — How Peter works on chess now 21:22 — Why gym matters so much 24:24 — Can Peter still compete? 31:44 — What about Kasparov? 34:58 — Unexpected doggo 35:14 — Back to Kasparov 36:45 — Pressure against young players 39:36 — Back to the Russian team? 41:19 — Peter never had goals? 47:02 — Chess in Peter’s life 49:17 — Must chess cost everything? 53:54 — How long will Magnus last? 58:53 — Blitz 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! #petersvidler #magnuscarlsen #garrykasparov #futureofchess #chesspodcast #chessinterview #chess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess

NODIRBEK Abdusattorov: Magnus, Gukesh, Candidates | PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7 Today I’m joined by one of the strongest GMs, World No. 4 Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Everyone has been wondering what changed — why is Nodirbek suddenly crushing everyone and winning tournaments? We talked about his training, his mindset, and his plans to fight for the chess crown. We also covered some of the hottest topics in chess right now: what makes Magnus so great, why Gukesh is struggling, and of course the 2026 Candidates tier list. And at the end, we played a blitz game you absolutely have to watch — it won’t disappoint. Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/QYX5VcpTBP 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: mazdrid@gmail.com Nodirbek's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdusattorov_nodirbek_official Nodirbek's X: https://x.com/NodirbekGM Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My podcast with Kramnik that got me blocked by him: https://youtu.be/YKzes4eteb4?si=5nUg3RNqeHXnqANK My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Boris Gelfand: https://youtu.be/fj5BmOc6Rrk?si=aEkzLvPMmkbdSLZl My podcast with Nodirbek’s former coach, Jacob Aagaard: https://youtu.be/VHJejuic5qQ My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:05 — What changed? 04:30 — Last game vs Gukesh 07:22 — Why ambition is harmful 09:04 — Mistakes come from emotions 11:37 — How Magnus handles pressure 13:14 — Magnus: gift or hard work? 13:38 — “I don’t believe in mental coaches” 15:39 — Gukesh’s real problem 17:53 — Gukesh needs to lose the title 19:32 — Do you agree with Kramnik? 21:24 — Bring the crown to Uzbekistan 22:14 — World No. 1 or world champion? 23:24 — Who will surpass Magnus? 27:05 — Nodirbek’s training routine 32:01 — Are you intuitive or technical? 33:44 — Candidates tier list 41:31 — Blitz vs Nodirbek 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! #nodirbekabdusattorov #magnuscarlsen #candidates2026 #gukeshdommaraju #chess #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

"BAD FAITH from Hikaru", Candidates HOT TAKES | MVL PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek Today I’m joined by one of the best chess players in the world — GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. We dive into the biggest topics in chess right now: the 2026 calendar clash, Hikaru’s criticism video, chess as part of esports, the 2026 Olympiad, and more. MVL also explains what went wrong in his attempt to qualify for the Candidates, and together we build a Candidates 2026 tier list — with some very spicy takes. And of course, as always, we finish with a 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: mazdrid@gmail.com MVL's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MVLChess MVL's X: https://x.com/Vachier_Lagrave MVL's website: https://www.mvlchess.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My previous podcast with MVL: https://youtu.be/6sIBWByqqG8 My podcast with Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Magnus’s coach Peter Heine Nielsen: https://youtu.be/bXQAvKUiA7A My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY My podcast with Pragg: https://youtu.be/LYURIPGuMjs My podcast with Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:13 — How have you changed this year? 03:30 — 2026 calendar clash: MVL’s take 08:24 — MVL on Hikaru’s criticism 11:09 — Will organizers find a compromise? 12:59 — Esports World Cup or Sinquefield Cup? 13:53 — Has Vitality changed you? 15:24 — Chess as an esport 18:01 — What went wrong with Candidates? 22:23 — “The most talented player is…” 25:14 — Back to Candidates qualification 26:33 — How to reach next Candidates? 28:09 — Olympiad 2026 29:47 — Candidates 2026 tier list 30:52 — Don’t underrate Bluebaum 32:19 — Esipenko plays incredible chess 33:57 — Sindarov’s great future 35:56 — Wei Yi: “it’s controversial, but…” 37:32 — Hot take on Pragg 41:29 — Anish impressed in 2025 43:09 — Fabi: six Candidates later... 45:37 — Hikaru: his best chance? 49:25 — Last takes on Candidates 51:37 — Blitz vs MVL 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! #maximevachierlagrave #candidates2026 #chess #hikarunakamura #mvl #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm

The TRUTH about FREESTYLE Chess | Jan Buettner PODCAST

Try Chessreps and check out my lines here: https://www.chessreps.com/opening/mustreader-s-milner-barry-gambit-vs-the-french-6sbbek7 Today I’m joined by Jan Henric Buettner — co-founder of Freestyle Chess, one of the boldest projects in the chess world. We talk about why chess, in its current form, may never truly become mainstream, what has to change, and what chess can learn from Formula 1. We also discuss the difference between classical chess and Freestyle Chess, and why Jan believes the future belongs to Freestyle. We dive into the FIDE vs Freestyle conflict and why Hikaru Nakamura, one of the biggest names in chess media, is not part of the project. 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: mazdrid@gmail.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-with-mustreader/id1745521337 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mU5WbBXgDklyN3jm6GMSN All platforms: https://mustreaderchess.mave.digital My podcast with Levon Aronian: https://youtu.be/3EuVAo74L4U My podcast with Fabiano Caruana: https://youtu.be/1LMPYFf1iLo My podcast with Wei Yi: https://youtu.be/TeQ-yS9EWRY My podcast with Anish Giri: https://youtu.be/eFWwfFySx2Q?si=kJmwzyxph6XJ2Jdp My podcast with Erik Allebest: https://youtu.be/1cCrMcUTDj8 And other LEGENDS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAzovIvBvGxzaDCVwmo-ZJDtrilrJLjS Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:16 — Freestyle World Championship 03:14 — “It turned out very differently” 04:30 — How Freestyle Chess began 08:58 — What went wrong with Freestyle? 12:53 — What’s next for Freestyle? 17:48 — Why the Freestyle Tour struggled 21:01 — Chess is not interesting? 24:14 — Freestyle more interesting than classical? 26:43 — Freestyle struggles with funding 29:18 — What Freestyle achieved in 2.5 years 31:35 — Can chess be Formula 1? 35:55 — How to make chess watchable 39:52 — Why not rapid instead of Freestyle? 41:04 — Magnus’s choice 41:27 — Freestyle or rapid: same thing? 44:15 — Chess media is just getting started 45:58 — FIDE vs Freestyle 50:50 — World Championship without Hikaru 53:06 — Gukesh took Hikaru’s place 55:41 — World Championship qualification 57:23 — How can chess become profitable? 01:02:54 — ChessCom — the most successful chess company? 01:04:13 — Jan on his own chess level 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 #magnuscarlsen #freestylechess #fischerandom #chesswithmustreader #mustreaderchess #gregmustreader #cwm