Going Pro at 57: `GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational

At 57 years old, Tennessee-based Grandmaster and Author, Alex Fishbein, has built an impressive chess résumé, with 12 state-championship titles across four states and multiple appearances in U.S. Championship events. But until recently, his chess had always been balanced with a demanding finance career. Last year, for the first time since age 24, Alex stepped away from Wall Street to devote himself fully to chess—an experiment that paid off quickly.

Through a rigorous and unconventional study routine—including his unique “post-postmortem” method—Alex pulled off a surprise victory at the 2025 U.S. Senior Invitational, despite entering as the second-lowest rated player. In our conversation, he reflects on:

The training methods that fueled his breakthrough
His advice for caring less about ratings
The outsized role of age and stamina in senior chess
Lessons learned from legends like Korchnoi and Keres

Alex’s story shows the power of playing actively against all comers, staying curious, and embracing new challenges, and he provides inspiration for chess players of all levels. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.

Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link:

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

And you can check out their new offerings here:

https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/

Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below:

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners

02:30- GM Fishbein joins the podcast! We begin by discussing his recent tournaments

Mentioned:

Episode 291 with GM Alex Fishbein:

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2022/8/9/ep-291-gm-alex-fishbein-on-maintaining-a-passion-for-chess-into-ones-50s-plus-great-korchnoi-and-tal-stories

My System Fast Track Book Recap #37 with GM Alex Fishbein

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbsp

Also mentioned: Dan Joelson, IM Stuart Rachels

08:00- What changes did Alex recently make to his training regimen?

Mentioned:

Interview with Nazi Paikidze and GM Yasser Seirawan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQ

15:00- Patreon mailbag question:

How are Alex’s preparation methods different as a professional vs.as an amateur?

Mentioned: Solitaire Chess

More on Solitaire Chess from FM Nate Solon here:

https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/solitaire-chess

25:00- How and why did Alex begin to study the games and annotations of GM Paul Keres?

35:00- What was Alex’s approach to openings in the US Senior Closed? Did he try to surprise his opponents?

Mentioned:

You can play through the games and openings mentioned from the tournament here:

https://www.chess.com/events/2025-us-national=championships-seniors/01/Fishbein_Alexander-Novikov_Igor

38:00- What separates the strength of GM Vladimir Akopian from the rest of the field?

39:00- Why does GM Alex Fishbein think that the three youngest players were the ones to make the playoffs?

Mentioned: Chess is My Life by GM Viktor Korchnoi

40:00- Why ratings are a mirage for the Senior Closed

45:00- Alex’s advice for caring less about one’s rating

Mentioned: Claud Bloodgood:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bloodgood

53:00- Recent chess books Alex has read

Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Phillip Hurtado

55:00- Alex’s training tips for lower-rated players

1:00- Thanks to Alex for joining me again! You can reach him via email at:

Afish at panix.com

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices