EP 369- NM Robert Ramirez on the difference between Adult and Youth Chess Students, Chess in Cuba, and Why He Loves the Pirc Defense

This week I am excited to be joined by chess YouTube star and popular Chessable author, NM Robert Ramirez. Robert has a unique story amongst master-level players, as he spent his early years in Cuba and began tournament chess at the relatively late age of 12. As one of the older kids in his chess class in Cuba, Robert felt like he had to “play catch up” from the beginning, and this perspective steered him toward less popular openings like the Pirc defense and the King’s Indian Defense. Robert continued his pursuit of chess when his family emigrated to the U.S. in 2016, and ultimately became a successful chess teacher. With less work and extra free time during the pandemic, Robert launched his YouTube channel. Robert’s channel took a while to catch on, but he now has over 120,000 YouTube subscribers. His Chessable course, which is based on his battle-tested repertoire, has drawn rave reviews. Robert showcases an ability to relate to people and a lucid teaching style that likely contributes to the success of everything that he does. It was a lot of fun hearing his story and his chess advice. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.

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0:00- Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsor, Chessable.com. In addition to NM Robert Ramirez’s course, be sure to check out new ones like FM Dalton Perrine’s The French Simplified. If you use the link below to sign up for Perpeutal Chess it helps to support the pod!

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

0:01- We start with a tournament rundown. What has Robert learned since coming back to OTB a few years ago, and what was different about his approach in a successful recent tournament?

Mentioned: Tournament crosstable here, 6000 Problems de Ajedrez, Lessons with a Grandmaster

15:00- What are the origins of Robert’s YouTube channel?

Mentioned: Robert’s series with Omar, aka Chess von Doom

21:00- What are the secrets to the Pirc defense?

Mentioned: 2 Adult Improvers and one Training Plan

28:00- Does Robert need to switch his openings since he is known for the Pirc and King’s Indian Defense?

30:00- Robert discusses his childhood in Cuba and what it was like coming to the U.S. at age 16 and resuming chess here?

46:00- The differences between adults and kids in chess learning .

Mentioned: Fallow123 on Chess.com

56:00- Robert’s closing chess improvement advice

58:00- Where do Robert’s skills as a presenter come from?

Thanks to Robert for joining the show! Here is how to keep up with him: