In Episode 157, I have the privilege of conversing with Interational Master Christopher Yoo, an American international master and the 2020 U.S. Cadet (U16) Champion. He won that title with an undefeated performance, eclipsing the field by one and a half points. The same year, the 13-year-old finished in fifth place (out of 10) at the U.S. Junior (U21) Championship. Yoo became the youngest American master (at nine years old in 2016) and IM (at 12 years old in 2019) at the time until he was surpassed by IM Abhimanyu Mishra. Last month, he tied for 1st in the Charlotte Chess Center GM Invitational and earned his first Grandmaster norm.
We speak about the time we first met at the Supernationals in Nashville, Tennesee in May, 2017, his recent grandmaster norm, the art of tournament preparation, ideas for building confidence, overcoming obstacles, chess study recommendations, the benefits of blindfold chess, his lessons with our former podcast guest National Master Bruce Pandolfini, calculation skills, book recommenations, live commentary's impact on Chess PR, his goals for GM and beyond, resources for top players, puzzles composition and more.