EP 382- WIM Anna-Maja Kazarian: Why she is All-in on OTB Chess. WGM Title Pursuit, Study Recs + "Shoegate" Reflections

This week I am excited to be joined by the popular chess streamer , YouTuber, commentator, and champion player, WIM Anna-Maja Kazarian . Anna-Maja joined me from her home in the Netherlands after concluding a busy few months of competitive chess. Although she had her share of setbacks, these tournaments were largely successful, as Anna-Maja recently earned her first WGM Norm! Our conversation gave Anna-Maja the chance to reflect on the recent lessons she has learned as well as her goals both as a chess player and content creator. As she told me, Anna graduated from university somewhat recently and feels that this gives her an opportunity to devote all of her energy to chess improvement. She reflected on what aspects of the game she needs to work on, and also shared recommendations and advice for listeners. Last, and possibly least, we reflected on “Shoegate” the bizarre scandal where Anna-Maja somewhat unexpectedly made global headlines for her choice of footwear during the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz tournament. I am excited to see Anna-Maja’s continued norm pursuit and really enjoyed chatting with her. Timestamps of topics discussed can be found 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 02:00- What is the status of Anna-Maja’s quest to earn the WGM title? Mentioned: Anna-Maja’s The Chess Experience Podcast Interview Anna-Maja’s game recap of earning her norm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVm2KeXwzds 09:00- Is it challenging for Anna-Maja to focus on her tournament games when she is streaming them? Mentioned: Episode 326 with Dina Belenkaya 18:00- What is Anna-Maja’s approach to openings? 20:00- Does Anna-Maja have a study plan? What books is she studying? Mentioned: Zurich 1953, 100 Endgames You Must Know, Van Perlov’s Endgame Tactics, GM Jacob Aagaard’s Attacking Manual, The Steps Method 25:00- What are Anna-Maja’s upcoming tournaments? Mentioned: Sharjah Masters 26:00-Anna discusses her professional plans after finishing university last year. 27:00- How is it received when Anna-Maja studies chess on stream? Mentioned: StudyTime Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/studytme 33:00- What are Anna-Maja’s reflections on “shoegate”? Mentioned: NY Times- “ Chess Federation Fines Player over her Sports Shoes ” 40:00- What other tournaments does Anna-Maja have coming up? 44:00- Anna-Maja describes her work with the Chessqueens Foundation 49:00- What are Anna-Maja’s favorite open tournaments? Does she do a lot of socialzing during rounds? 52:00- Is Anna-Maja working with a coach? 55:00 Anna-Maja’s closing thoughts. Mentioned: Alliance E-Sports Thanks to Anna-Maja for joining me! Here is how to keep up with her: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amkazarian/ Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/annamaja YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKOoBA2bTAVj_MaPHzMSdg X/Twitter- https://twitter.com/AMKazarian?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices