Episode
#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
2:54:07
Published: Mon Oct 17 2022
Description
Hikaru Nakamura is a chess super grandmaster and is currently the #1 ranked blitz chess player in the world. He is also one of the top chess streamers on Twitch and YouTube. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Mizzen+Main: https://mizzenandmain.com and use code LEX to get $35 off - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex EPISODE LINKS: Hikaru's Twitch: https://twitch.tv/gmhikaru Hikaru's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/GMHikaru Hikaru's Twitter: https://twitter.com/GMHikaru Hikaru's Instagram: https://instagram.com/gmhikaru Hikaru's Website: https://hikarunakamura.com Macauley Peterson's video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=tGXvcQP6VPo PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:59) - A private game vs Magnus Carlsen (14:47) - Chess openings (30:59) - Mental preparation (39:40) - Chess tactics (50:03) - Solving chess (55:43) - Aggression and ego (1:00:28) - Hans Niemann cheating scandal (1:10:21) - How to cheat in chess (1:24:44) - Greatest chess player of all time (1:35:00) - Hikaru's immortal game (1:47:26) - Paul Morphy (1:49:10) - World Chess Championship (1:51:59) - Magnus Carlsen (1:55:33) - Sergey Karjakin (1:58:00) - Beauty of chess (2:04:55) - Day in the life (2:19:34) - Streaming (2:34:13) - Taking risks (2:39:42) - Depression (2:44:31) - Advice for young people (2:51:51) - Love
Chapters
The speaker talks about the complexity of biology, including the hierarchy of computation happening in the human body and the importance of designing test dummies for car safety to represent different shapes and sizes of the population.
00:00 - 03:17 (03:17)
Summary
The speaker talks about the complexity of biology, including the hierarchy of computation happening in the human body and the importance of designing test dummies for car safety to represent different shapes and sizes of the population.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Hikaru Nakamura shares the story of playing a private chess match with Magnus Carlsen and how it affected his future performances.
03:17 - 09:05 (05:47)
Summary
Hikaru Nakamura shares the story of playing a private chess match with Magnus Carlsen and how it affected his future performances.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion about chess strategies and how picking certain lines can affect one's repertoire and the outcome of the game.
09:05 - 14:27 (05:21)
Summary
A discussion about chess strategies and how picking certain lines can affect one's repertoire and the outcome of the game.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Chess grandmaster talks about his experience playing against current world champion, Magnus Carlsen, and how he was able to find success against him using the Berlin defense.
14:27 - 19:44 (05:17)
Summary
Chess grandmaster talks about his experience playing against current world champion, Magnus Carlsen, and how he was able to find success against him using the Berlin defense.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The general approach these days in chess, thanks to computers, is to put pressure on your opponent when you're playing as white, and to try and be solid and make a draw when you're black.
19:44 - 26:21 (06:36)
Summary
The general approach these days in chess, thanks to computers, is to put pressure on your opponent when you're playing as white, and to try and be solid and make a draw when you're black. Even half a pawn advantage can be significant with optimal play, but a computer can help identify the best possible moves to hold the position and not lose the game.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The interviewee talks about playing against Magnus Carlsen during the pandemic and how he has become more confident despite Magnus being able to save positions where he is much worse.
26:21 - 31:06 (04:44)
Summary
The interviewee talks about playing against Magnus Carlsen during the pandemic and how he has become more confident despite Magnus being able to save positions where he is much worse.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how they overcame not being a naturally talented chess player by constantly questioning themselves and trying to figure out what they were missing.
31:06 - 36:39 (05:33)
Summary
The speaker discusses how they overcame not being a naturally talented chess player by constantly questioning themselves and trying to figure out what they were missing. They also discuss the importance of not taking things too seriously and how putting too much pressure on oneself can affect their performance.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses different types of chess tactics and strategies like forks, discovered attacks and more, and how higher-level players memorize pawn patterns and piece placements.
36:39 - 42:58 (06:18)
Summary
The podcast discusses different types of chess tactics and strategies like forks, discovered attacks and more, and how higher-level players memorize pawn patterns and piece placements.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The optimal placement of chess pieces is crucial to win a game.
42:58 - 45:43 (02:45)
Summary
The optimal placement of chess pieces is crucial to win a game. Recognizing when your opponent has pieces in suboptimal positions can also be an advantage.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of computers in chess has led to a game that relies more on pure calculation and less on the human element of analysis and discussion with opponents.
45:43 - 50:32 (04:48)
Summary
The use of computers in chess has led to a game that relies more on pure calculation and less on the human element of analysis and discussion with opponents.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The symmetrical opening of e4, e5, knight f3, knight f6 in chess is likely to end in a draw due to its guaranteed symmetry.
50:32 - 57:42 (07:09)
Summary
The symmetrical opening of e4, e5, knight f3, knight f6 in chess is likely to end in a draw due to its guaranteed symmetry. However, there are end games where the bishop can be more advantageous than the knight.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura discusses the controversy surrounding the allegations of cheating of chess player Hans Nijman.
57:42 - 1:06:36 (08:54)
Summary
Chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura discusses the controversy surrounding the allegations of cheating of chess player Hans Nijman.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of technology is changing the chess landscape and making it easier for players to cheat, causing some players to shy away from the sport altogether.
1:06:36 - 1:13:11 (06:34)
Summary
The use of technology is changing the chess landscape and making it easier for players to cheat, causing some players to shy away from the sport altogether. However, playing against someone who has cheated is not an option for professional chess players like Magnus Carlsen.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The controversy surrounding the online chess community intensified as multiple instances of cheating were reported during online tournaments.
1:13:11 - 1:18:30 (05:18)
Summary
The controversy surrounding the online chess community intensified as multiple instances of cheating were reported during online tournaments. The responsibility for handling the situation is uncertain, as top players may still decide not to play against those accused of cheating, even if official investigations clear them.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how he sometimes relies on his intuition when playing online chess to identify potential winning moves, but still checks with a computer after the game to confirm whether his intuition was correct.
1:18:30 - 1:24:21 (05:51)
Summary
The speaker discusses how he sometimes relies on his intuition when playing online chess to identify potential winning moves, but still checks with a computer after the game to confirm whether his intuition was correct.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A chess coach shares his thoughts on the greatest chess player of all time, citing Magnus Carlsen's current dominance and Kramnik's past risk-taking style.
1:24:20 - 1:30:35 (06:14)
Summary
A chess coach shares his thoughts on the greatest chess player of all time, citing Magnus Carlsen's current dominance and Kramnik's past risk-taking style.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The success of a blitz chess player is determined by their intuition to make the right move under pressure, which is honed through years of experience, rather than the ability to make quick moves.
1:30:35 - 1:35:21 (04:46)
Summary
The success of a blitz chess player is determined by their intuition to make the right move under pressure, which is honed through years of experience, rather than the ability to make quick moves.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses a chess game strategy with the black pieces, focusing on storming the king side and the difficulty for white to play defense.
1:35:21 - 1:39:07 (03:46)
Summary
The speaker discusses a chess game strategy with the black pieces, focusing on storming the king side and the difficulty for white to play defense.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The beauty of sacrificing a piece in chess lies in the strategic value it brings, rather than the material gain it may offer.
1:39:07 - 1:43:16 (04:08)
Summary
The beauty of sacrificing a piece in chess lies in the strategic value it brings, rather than the material gain it may offer. It requires a certain level of cooperation from both players to create this type of game.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast hosts discuss the impact of Paul Morphy on the game of chess and his legacy as a player who was far better than his peers.
1:43:16 - 1:49:47 (06:31)
Summary
The podcast hosts discuss the impact of Paul Morphy on the game of chess and his legacy as a player who was far better than his peers. There is debate about whether he can be considered the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) but he is definitely in the top 10 of players who were far better than their contemporaries.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The proposal suggests delaying the world chess championship challenger match for a month after the Canada's tournament to determine the challenger, allowing more time for players to prepare.
1:49:47 - 1:54:02 (04:14)
Summary
The proposal suggests delaying the world chess championship challenger match for a month after the Canada's tournament to determine the challenger, allowing more time for players to prepare.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker made a surprising comment about being a fan of Adolf, but reassured that it does not reflect in any tensions with Russian players during games.
1:54:02 - 1:58:08 (04:05)
Summary
The speaker made a surprising comment about being a fan of Adolf, but reassured that it does not reflect in any tensions with Russian players during games.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Hikaru Nakamura discusses the cultural significance of chess tournaments and how the game allows for people from various backgrounds to come together and compete.
1:58:08 - 2:05:43 (07:35)
Summary
Hikaru Nakamura discusses the cultural significance of chess tournaments and how the game allows for people from various backgrounds to come together and compete. He also highlights the influence of streaming on the younger generation's perception of the world.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn about the daily routine and mental strategies of a chess grandmaster to maintain focus and perform at the highest level during a game.
2:05:43 - 2:11:54 (06:11)
Summary
Learn about the daily routine and mental strategies of a chess grandmaster to maintain focus and perform at the highest level during a game.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Keeping an open mind while trading stocks is important to avoid becoming too rigid in your convictions and ignoring market changes.
2:11:54 - 2:18:25 (06:30)
Summary
Keeping an open mind while trading stocks is important to avoid becoming too rigid in your convictions and ignoring market changes. Tesla is currently one of the most shorted stocks ever.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learning chess and streaming have taught the person to generalize various skills and help kids take up chess in a serious way, leading them to develop critical thinking skills and become great scientists, while streaming can bring joy to the fans it reaches.
2:18:25 - 2:26:43 (08:18)
Summary
Learning chess and streaming have taught the person to generalize various skills and help kids take up chess in a serious way, leading them to develop critical thinking skills and become great scientists, while streaming can bring joy to the fans it reaches.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Chess Grandmaster Mikhail Tal led a fascinating life that included beating Garry Kasparov in a tournament while he was dying in a hospital, but his excessive drinking ultimately led to his death at a young age.
2:26:43 - 2:31:00 (04:16)
Summary
Chess Grandmaster Mikhail Tal led a fascinating life that included beating Garry Kasparov in a tournament while he was dying in a hospital, but his excessive drinking ultimately led to his death at a young age.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker talks about the differences between investing in startups and investing in material things like clothes, cars, and watches.
2:31:00 - 2:38:46 (07:45)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker talks about the differences between investing in startups and investing in material things like clothes, cars, and watches. He shares his experience of traveling to tournaments with the money his stepfather made, which allowed him to experience different lifestyles.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker mentioned that if he didn't play chess, he would have pursued a career in political science, law, or archaeology.
2:38:46 - 2:44:01 (05:15)
Summary
The speaker mentioned that if he didn't play chess, he would have pursued a career in political science, law, or archaeology. He also expressed his desire to be around other people since he was homeschooled.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the difference between pursuing a hobby, such as music or streaming, and turning it into a full-time career, as well as the challenges that come with it.
2:44:01 - 2:48:49 (04:48)
Summary
The podcast discusses the difference between pursuing a hobby, such as music or streaming, and turning it into a full-time career, as well as the challenges that come with it.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this conversation, the speaker discusses the ups and downs of startups, the parallels between chess and competition, and a sci-fi book he read that involved people traveling in a cylinder.
2:48:49 - 2:53:38 (04:49)
Summary
In this conversation, the speaker discusses the ups and downs of startups, the parallels between chess and competition, and a sci-fi book he read that involved people traveling in a cylinder.
Episode#330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Hikaru Nakamura talks about his journey to becoming a chess Grandmaster, his strategies in games, and plans for the future.
2:53:38 - 2:54:17 (00:38)
Summary
Hikaru Nakamura talks about his journey to becoming a chess Grandmaster, his strategies in games, and plans for the future. The episode ends with a quote from David Bronstein about the nature of chess games.