logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2022
1h 23m

Episode 248: Checkmate, Grasshopper

Tamler Sommers & David Pizarro
About this episode

In this podcast we examine a recent argument for the view that chess is not, in fact, a game. We discuss the Grasshopper’s claim that all games must have a prelusory goal, as well as Skepticus’ objection to the giant Grasshopper concerning chess. We then turn to a broader analysis of the Suitsian account of games. Does the existence of illusory checkmates offer Grasshopper an avenue for replying to Skepticus? Should we bite the bullet and agree that chess is not a game? What is a lusory attitude? Is Tamler losing his mind? Why is David so giddy?

Plus – how should Arthur C. Clarke’s novel "2001: A Space Odyssey" affect our understanding of Kubrick’s movie? And a little more on Kanye.

Sponsored By:

Support Very Bad Wizards

Links:

Up next
Jul 1
Episode 311: The Way to Dusty Death (Shakespeare's "Macbeth")
David and Tamler screw their courage to the sticking place and talk about their first Shakespeare play – The Tragedy of Macbeth. Plus we select 16 topics for our first VBW topic tournament suggested and voted by our beloved Patreon patrons. 
1h 26m
Jun 10
Episode 310: Bayes, Brains, and Buddhists
David and Tamler try to wrap their heads around the predictive processing theory of the mind and brain function and talk about a paper that applies the framework to meditation practices. But first a new Psychological Science article expresses skepticism about the existence of peo ... Show More
1h 14m
May 27
Episode 309: Dissolving Into the One
David and Tamler heed the call to journey into the realm of Joseph Campbell. What are the unifying elements shared by myths and religions across time and culture? Does myth give us a portal into the hidden cosmic forces of the universe? Can it take us into depths of our unconscio ... Show More
1h 23m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
Podcast Crossover: NM Ben Johnson on His New Book: Perpetual Chess Improvement
Not many chess resources are aimed directly at helping the adult improver. But the superb new book by well-known chess podcast host, Ben Johnson, does exactly that. Released this fall, it’s called Perpetual Chess Improvement. The book covers a broad range of topics for not only b ... Show More
1h 7m
Aug 2022
Ditching Bad Chess Habits & Follower Q&As with Daniel Lona
032 Another chess journey update from your favorite podcast host! Every few months, I serve up a solo show that offers my latest insights and struggles, all from my hard-working path toward improvement.No matter your rating, you’ll find some snackable morsels of chess wisdom (eve ... Show More
33m 35s
Feb 2022
Overcoming Psychological Barriers in Chess with IM Yuriy Krykun
003 Sure, chess is a game of logic.  But it’s also a game of emotions -  both on and off the board. Often, the negative emotions that join us on our chess journey can get the best of us. This episode is designed to help you reduce their harmful impact on your game and enjoyment o ... Show More
42m 24s
Nov 2018
Why are Russians so good at Chess?
Will and Mango go deep into their chess cave to determine: what's the most dangerous styles of chess, why did the game move from the battlefield to the royal court, and if a billion people to play chess, can that stop an alien invasion? Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/ ... Show More
36m 42s
Oct 2022
Teaching Openings & The Perils of Engine Game Analysis w/ IM Christof Sielecki
040 Few people today are creating as many highly praised chess courses as IM Christof Sielecki. Since the start of this podcast, I’ve looked forward to one day having him as a guest on the show. Now he’s here! His story may resonate with other adult improvers... It wasn’t until a ... Show More
1h 18m
Jan 2024
The Adult Improver Chess Life with Sam Canciobello
 078 Dedicating three years of your life to chess as an adult is huge.  Especially when it includes OTB classical tournaments and running a chess YouTube channel.  That’s been the story of Sam Canciobello. Inspired by the Queen’s Gambit, her passion for chess - now in its fourth ... Show More
1h 2m
Dec 2022
Fighting Back From Losing Positions With NM Jeremy Kane
046 When you’re in bad position or down material, it’s easy to lose hope. We’ve all been there. But today’s guest, NM Jeremy Kane, explains how and why you should usually keep fighting. His book, The Next To Last Mistake, teaches folks specific strategies needed to hold a draw or ... Show More
45m 48s
Jan 2023
GM Ben Finegold - Streaming, Comedy, & Improvement Advice
048 Few Grandmasters are as entertaining as Ben Finegold. His blend of humor, truth-telling, and exceptional chess skill are rare in the streaming world. Ben hails from Detroit, Michigan. Raised in a chess family, he ultimately tied as the highest-rated American-born player in th ... Show More
1h 7m
Dec 2022
An Adult Improver Tale of Chess, Goals, & Rock & Roll with Amy Shaw
047 Many chess players fall into a trap. They get too obsessed with chess and their progress. Stress and worry can replace joy and discovery. But not for this week’s guest. Fellow adult improver, Amy Shaw, has found a great balance between striving for consistent improvement and ... Show More
1h 4m
Apr 2023
Powerful Improvement Advice with IM David Pruess
054 This episode features one of the three "senseis" of Chess Dojo, IM David Pruess, for a deep dive on a variety of chess topics. Whether it’s discussing if the latest World Championship is worthy of our time, or what he still wanted to contribute to chess after decades of being ... Show More
1h 12m