With the FIDE Candidates now in the rearview mirror, 7-time Brazilian Champion and Chess.com “Game of the Day” columnist GM Rafael Leitão joins me to help break it all down. We discuss:

Sindarov’s incredible performance and the training methods that helped him ascend to the top
Vaishali’s strong finish and her chances against Ju Wenjun
Rafael’s take on opening trends, and which players might be most disappointed with their performance

GM Leitão also shares his thoughts on the Judit Polgar documentary on Netflix, along with his story of getting to play Judit.

Thanks to Rafael for sharing his insights. I’m excited to see the two new World Championship challengers fight for the title later this year.

00:00 Introduction to the Candidates Tournament

02:04 Training Methods and Classical Chess Education

Mentioned: IM Roman Vidonyik interview with Charlize van Zyl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc

04:50 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates

07:43 Analysis of Player Performances

10:56 Sindarov's Unique Play Style

13:51 Reflections on Historical Performances

16:54 Opening Trends in High-Level Chess

19:52 The Future of Chess Openings

EP 479 – GM Rafael Leitão on Sindarov’s Historic Candidates Win, His Training Methods & What Comes Next