EP 185 | Do Kids Ruin Your Chess?

EP 185 | Do Kids Ruin Your Chess?

From Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast by IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai

March 19, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 188

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of having children on chess performance, featuring insights from world champions and personal experiences.

In this episode of Dojo Talks, we explore how having children impacts chess performance, from real examples of world champions to personal experiences as chess dads. With Hikaru Nakamura entering the Candidates as a new father, the question is more relevant than ever. We break down the short-term dip (sleep, focus, hormones) vs long-term recovery—and what it could mean for top players like Magnus Carlsen. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.clubWatch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojoPlay Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojoDonate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.clubTwitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojoDiscord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFwTwitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojoPatreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojoFacebook…

People in this episode

Hosts: IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai

Topics covered

  • chess performance
  • parenthood
  • world champions
  • Hikaru Nakamura
  • Magnus Carlsen
  • chess dads
  • impact of children

Keywords

  • chess
  • parenthood
  • Hikaru Nakamura
  • Magnus Carlsen
  • performance
  • world champions
  • chess dads

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