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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 in which 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 Ii enjoyed chatting with her. Timestamps of topics discussed can be found below.
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 while 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 does Anna-Maja manage to combine studying with streaming chess?
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:
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