Chess by the Numbers

Tai Pruce-Zimmerman (@chessnumbers), also known as "Chess by the Numbers", has been running a chess blog for many years. Fueled by statistical analysis and intense attention to trends in the chess world, he has reported about everything from the rise of chess prodigies to probabilities of tournament results. His work has also fueled a lot of the discussion that I've had about certain storylines in top-flight chess.

With the World Chess Championship just days away and with a certain teenager capturing headlines Internationally for his dramatic climb to the top of the chess world, I thought it would be a great time to bring Chess by the Numbers on my show to talk Alireza, Magnus, and statistics. We got into a lot of interesting side discussions about rating inflation and many different sports. This episode really got me excited for the future of chess, and I hope it gets you pumped too!

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We talked about...

Move over, Magnus! The Alireza effect is in full swing. We do a deep dive into Alireza Firouzja's phenomenal 2021, pondering Alireza as prodigy, as elite player, and as possible heir to the throne.

Tai talks about following Firouzja's journey since February 2015 (on his "Prodigy Watch" feature of his chess blog) and how beating Magnus Carlsen's record of youngest 2800 feels like "full circle"

A beginner's guide to rating inflation, the 2800 club, and on Magnus Carlsen's "plateau" at 2850 elo

A little World Chess Championship talk -- for more, see Tai's episode with the Perpetual Chess Podcast, released recently

Could Firouzja be the first player to take the #2 spot from Magnus in the classical ratings list? And where did this massive step forward come from?

The current and future projects from Chess By The Numbers, including the return of Prodigy Watch to his blog. Plus, two "amateur statisticians" talk about the tools Tai uses for his work

Classical vs. rapid chess, from a spectator point of view. Plus, my suggestions to make classical chess more fun to watch

As always, another edition of Aimchess Instant Insights

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Thanks again to Tai Pruce-Zimmerman for coming on the podcast -- hope to have you back!