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# Best Chess Podcasts | TPA

# The Best Chess Podcasts for Strategy & Improvement in 2026

Last updated: March 2026

Elevate your chess game, one episode at a time. Whether you're a casual player looking to learn opening theory or a seasoned tournament competitor seeking advanced strategic insights, the world of chess podcasts has something for you. The Podcast App brings them all together in one free, easy-to-use player.

## Features for the Modern Chess Player

### Master Your Opening Game

Find podcasts dedicated to breaking down popular chess openings like the Sicilian Defense or the Queen's Gambit. Learn the key principles and variations to play your first 10 moves with confidence.

### Learn from the Legends

Listen to grandmasters and international masters as they analyze famous games, share their thought processes, and offer invaluable advice for improving your own play.

## Best Chess Podcasts

Our editors' picks — best chess podcasts. Listen free in The Podcast App.

Listen to all 4 of these free in The Podcast App — with limited offline listening, no app-inserted ads, and optional AI summaries.

1. ![Perpetual Chess Podcast cover art](https://thepodcastapp.dev/og/podcasts/1185023674.jpg)
2. ![C-Squared Podcast cover art](https://thepodcastapp.dev/og/podcasts/1644274335.jpg)
3. ![New In Chess Podcast cover art](https://thepodcastapp.dev/og/podcasts/1725180336.jpg)
4. ![Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast cover art](https://thepodcastapp.dev/og/podcasts/1558906432.jpg)

### Listen to all 4 in one place

Free core listening with no app-inserted ads, limited offline listening, and optional AI summaries from Podcast Brain — all in The Podcast App.

## Sources and further reading

- [Perpetual Chess Podcast (official site)](https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/) Official home of Ben Johnson's Perpetual Chess Podcast (rank 1).
- [Perpetual Chess Podcast — About Ben Johnson](https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/about-ben-johnson) Official about page for host/NM Ben Johnson.
- [C-Squared Podcast (official site)](https://c2pod.com/) Official site for Fabiano Caruana & Cristian Chirila's C-Squared (rank 2).
- [New In Chess Podcast (official page)](https://www.newinchess.com/podcast) Official podcast page from publisher New In Chess (rank 3).
- [Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast (official page)](https://www.chessdojo.club/podcast) Official ChessDojo podcast page for Dojo Talks (rank 4).
- [ChessDojo Training Program](https://www.chessdojo.club/) Official home of ChessDojo, the network behind Dojo Talks.
- [New In Chess](https://www.newinchess.com/) Respected chess magazine and book publisher; parent of the NIC podcast.
- [Chess — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess) Encyclopedic overview of the game the genre covers.
- [FIDE — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIDE) Reference on the international chess governing body.
- [World Chess Championship — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Chess_Championship) Background on the events these podcasts discuss.
- [Fabiano Caruana — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabiano_Caruana) Biography of super-GM and C-Squared co-host.
- [Magnus Carlsen — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_Carlsen) Reference on a central figure in modern chess coverage.
- [Chess.com — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess.com) Reference on the world's largest chess platform.
- [FIDE — International Chess Federation](https://www.fide.com/) Official governing body for international chess competition.
- [Chess.com](https://www.chess.com/) Largest online chess site; hub of the audience for these shows.
- [Lichess](https://lichess.org/) Major free, open-source online chess platform.
- [US Chess Federation](https://new.uschess.org/) National governing body for chess in the United States.
- [ChessBase News](https://en.chessbase.com/) Leading chess news and database site; strong topic authority.
- [Chessable](https://www.chessable.com/) Popular science-based chess learning platform, relevant to improver shows.
- [Chess Goes Podcasting — Chess.com](https://www.chess.com/article/view/chess-goes-podcasting-listen-to-your-favorites) Chess.com editorial round-up of the chess-podcast genre.
- [The Podcast Academy (Ambies)](https://www.thepodcastacademy.com/) Industry body behind the Ambie Awards for podcasting.
- [Edison Research](https://www.edisonresearch.com/) Leading US audio/podcast audience research firm
- [Podnews](https://podnews.net/) Daily global podcast-industry news of record
- [Apple Podcasts](https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/) Apple's official podcasts app/platform homepage
- [Spotify](https://www.spotify.com/) Spotify homepage (podcasts + music listening)

## Your Questions, Answered

### Is The Podcast App free to use for listening to chess podcasts?

Yes, The Podcast App is free for core listening, including core player features such as access to your podcast subscriptions of chess podcasts. There are no app-inserted ads to interrupt your learning.

### Can I download episodes to listen offline?

Absolutely. Download your favorite chess podcast episodes and listen to them anywhere, even without an internet connection. Perfect for your commute or when you're on the go.

### Does the app work on both iOS and Android?

Yes, The Podcast App is available for both iOS and Android devices, so you can enjoy your favorite chess content on any smartphone or tablet.

### What are the best chess podcasts in 2026?

Four stand out. Perpetual Chess with Ben Johnson is the interview and improvement hub; C-Squared, co-hosted by super-grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, gives an elite insider's view; the New In Chess podcast brings the magazine's authority and top-player guests; and ChessDojo's Dojo Talks focuses on training and getting better. All four are active and available in The Podcast App with free core listening and no app-inserted ads.

### What are the best chess podcasts for improving your game?

For structured improvement, start with Perpetual Chess — Ben Johnson's 'Adult Improver' interviews and book recommendations are a roadmap for adult learners — then add ChessDojo's Dojo Talks, run by titled coaches who dissect study methods and rating plateaus. Use variable-speed playback to slow down analysis and offline downloads to review lessons anywhere. Both stream free for core listening in The Podcast App.

### Are there chess podcasts hosted by grandmasters?

Yes. C-Squared is co-hosted by American super-grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, a former World Championship challenger, with GM Cristian Chirila. ChessDojo's Dojo Talks features GM Jesse Kraai alongside International Masters David Pruess and Kostya Kavutskiy. The New In Chess podcast regularly interviews elite grandmasters like Anish Giri and Boris Gelfand. Follow any of them in The Podcast App to hear the game explained by people who play it at the highest level.

### What's the best app for chess podcasts?

Every show on this page is available in The Podcast App, with free core listening, offline downloads for study on the go, and no app-inserted ads. Variable-speed playback helps you slow down move-by-move analysis, and following your favorite shows means new-episode alerts whenever a tournament recap, coaching interview, or championship preview drops.

## Master Your Game: A Deep Dive into the World of Chess Podcasts

For chess enthusiasts aiming to sharpen their strategic thinking and elevate their play, podcasts offer an invaluable resource. Beyond the board, these audio programs provide a unique opportunity to learn from grandmasters, analyze classic games, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the chess world. Whether you are a beginner grappling with opening principles or an experienced player seeking nuanced insights into endgame theory, the right podcast can serve as your personal coach, offering perspectives and lessons that are both engaging and profoundly impactful. Immersing yourself in expert discussions helps cultivate a deeper understanding of positional play, tactical motifs, and psychological warfare inherent in every match.

When selecting a chess podcast, consider content that aligns with your current skill level and learning objectives. Look for shows featuring experienced commentators who break down complex scenarios into digestible segments, or those that interview top players, revealing their thought processes and preparation strategies. Podcasts that offer game analysis, historical context, or even discussions on the mental aspects of chess can significantly enhance your learning journey. The goal is to find audio content that not only entertains but also challenges your understanding and encourages you to think critically about your own game, fostering continuous improvement.

The Podcast App transforms your listening experience, making it easier than ever to integrate these powerful learning tools into your routine. With features like Brain AI, you can ask specific questions across eligible transcript-backed listening history, instantly retrieving insights on a particular opening, a famous player\\'s strategy, or a complex tactical puzzle discussed in an episode. This revolutionary capability allows for targeted learning, ensuring you get the most out of every minute. Furthermore, the listening experience without app-inserted ads means uninterrupted focus on your chess education, while variable speed playback lets you absorb information at your optimal pace, whether you need to slow down for intricate analysis or speed up through familiar concepts.

Beyond the intelligent learning tools, The Podcast App ensures your chess study is always accessible and convenient. Enjoy offline downloads, perfect for reviewing crucial lessons during commutes or in areas without internet access. The seamless interface, available at no cost, supports both iOS and Android devices, ensuring that your journey to chess mastery is always within reach. With The Podcast App, you gain more than just a player; you gain a strategic partner dedicated to enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of the game, helping you move from aspiring enthusiast to formidable opponent.

### New in 2026

Chess podcasting in 2026 rode the sport's ongoing boom and a fast-moving title picture. Gukesh Dommaraju, who became the youngest undisputed World Champion in 2024 at eighteen, prepared to defend his crown in a November-to-December 2026 match against Javokhir Sindarov, who won the Candidates in Cyprus with a record 10 out of 14 — the youngest championship pairing in history. The shows tracked every twist: C-Squared, hosted by super-grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, and the New In Chess podcast dissected the Candidates and cheating debates from the inside, while ChessDojo's Dojo Talks and Ben Johnson's Perpetual Chess kept the focus on how ordinary players improve. The trend that defined the year was elite, titled hosts — not just fans — running the most-followed shows.

## Related Pages

## Ready to Deepen Your Chess Knowledge?

Stop searching and start listening. The Podcast App is your ultimate companion for exploring the rich world of chess content. Download the free app today and take your game to the next level.

## Continue with closely related guides.

Use these pages to compare nearby features, listening routines, and app-switching paths.

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