A Note from James:

"Over a billion people play chess. Even if you’re not into it, think about this: two armies on a board, going to war. It’s the game of kings, and back in the day, kings played chess to strategize without any bloodshed. Although, if you’ve ever lost a chess game, you might feel like someone just wiped you off the board. I’ve been there—sitting for hours, putting your whole brain into it, and then losing. It feels like death. People cry. I’ve cried.

But here’s the thing: it’s also the safest way to practice losing and bouncing back in life. That’s why chess is part of our culture—from TV shows like The Queen’s Gambit to the background of every smart character in movies. Chess has helped me in ways I can’t even measure. It got me into college, helped me land jobs, and taught me how to deal with failure.

In this episode, I sat down with Peter Doggers, an incredible chess journalist and author of The Chess Revolution. We talked about how chess is taking the world by storm, why it matters so much today, and what makes it more than just a game. If you play chess, know someone who does, or even just want to understand the cultural and intellectual explosion of chess right now, this conversation is for you. Let’s get into it."

Episode Description:

Chess isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural revolution. In this episode, James talks with Peter Doggers, chess journalist and author of The Chess Revolution, about the global chess boom, AI’s role in shaping modern chess, and why the game has captivated everyone from kids to CEOs. They discuss everything from the addictive nature of chess to its impact on careers, mental resilience, and even Hollywood. Whether you’re a grandmaster or a beginner, this conversation uncovers why chess is more relevant than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

How The Queen’s Gambit and the pandemic reignited global interest in chess.
The role of AI in transforming the way chess is played and understood.
Why losing in chess feels so personal—and what it teaches about resilience.
The ongoing battle against cheating in chess and the challenges of AI-driven deception.
How chess can boost your career and cultural standing.

Timestamped Chapters:

[01:30] The cultural explosion of chess.
[03:08] The addictive nature of the game.
[05:47] Meeting Peter Doggers: From journalist to chess master.
[10:20] AI and the future of chess.
[17:28] The drama and history of chess rivalries.
[22:15] Why chess players keep coming back for more.
[30:50] Can adults still improve at chess?
[40:47] The impact of streamers on chess popularity.

Additional Resources:

Peter Doggers' book: The Chess Revolution: Understanding the Power of an Ancient Game in the Digital Age
Peter Doggers' Web Site

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Inside the Global Chess Revolution with Peter Doggers

The James Altucher Show