GM Susan Polgar is a World Chess Hall of Famer and former Women’s World Champion. She is also the holder of numerous records, including being the first female “triple crown winner” and the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title by norms and rating. She is also an author, and Chessable author. Her latest book, Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny and the Making of Grandmaster is a candid and fascinating memoir which looks back at her unusual upbringing, her extraordinary playing career, her life as a wife and mom, and her accomplishments as a groundbreaking university coach. As you might expect, this is a fascinating conversation. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.
Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com. Be sure to check out their new offerings here:
https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 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
0:00- Information about the Chess in the Schools chess/poker fundraiser, hosted by GM Robert Hess on May 1, is here:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-2nd-annual-charity-poker-tournament
0:02- What are some of the primary lessons of Susan’s new memoir, Rebel Queen?
15:00- GM Polgar tells the story of her famous win over GM Ljuboimir Ljubojevic in 1987.
See the game here:
https://susanpolgar.com/portfolio-item/susan-polgar-vs-ljubomir-ljubojevic-1987/
18:00- What informed the Polgar philosophy of playing the strongest competition, regardless of gender?
21:00- Patreon mailbag question- Did Susan ever consider raising her own children in the way that her parents raised her and her sisters?
26:00- Susan’s memories of young Levy Rozman and Fabiano Caruana playing at her chess center.
Mentioned: photo of Susan with young Levy:
https://www.facebook.com/susanpolgarchess/photos/this-was-from-a-million-years-ago-who-is-this-young-chess-superstar-who-used-to-/1202844537877913/?_rdr
30:00- Patreon mailbag question:
What still needs to be done to continue to grow women’s chess?
Mentioned:
Chess Tactics for Champions by Susan Polgar
33:00- Patreon mailbag question: “To what extent does Susan think socialization plays a role in the smaller percentage of women playing chess?”
36:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Have the barriers that women in chess face changed over the years?”
39:00- Patreon mailbag question: “ What is Susan’s advice for raising the level of play among the girls at a chess club?”
Mentioned: GM Susan Polgar’s interview with the Botez sisters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EctpBjnCU-8
40:00- Patreon mailbag question: “Does Susan have a favorite Mikhail Tal story?”
Photos of Susan’s first encounter with GM Mikhail Tal here:
https://x.com/SusanPolgar/status/1855363562073620780
48:00- Was Susan Polgar in touch with GM Bobby Fischer in his final years?
51:00- Patreon mailbag question: “What made Susan decide to begin coaching university chess at Texas Tech?”
54:00- What else is Susan working on now that she is retired from coaching university chess?
58:00- Which factor was the biggest contributor to the success of Susan and her sisters?
Here is how to keep up with GM Polgar:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/susanpolgarchess/?hl=en
X:
https://x.com/susanpolgar?lang=en
Order her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Queen-Misogyny-Making-Grandmaster/dp/153875729X
For newer players, you can check out her “Learn Chess the Right Way” Series on Chessable here:
https://www.chessable.com/learn-chess-the-right-way-book-1-must-know-checkmates/course/12192/
If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess?redirect=true
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (