The Middlegame

In this episode of the Middle Game podcast, hosts Lula and Emmy celebrate influential women in chess, discussing their contributions and impact on the game.

In this episode of The Middlegame, hosts Lula and Emmy explore the intriguing intersection of celebrity culture and chess. They discuss various celebrities known for their chess skills, the aesthetic appeal of chess, and the performative nature of celebrity involvement in the game. The conversation delves into the ratings of celebrity chess players, the symbolism of chess as a status symbol, and t...

In this episode of the Middlegame Podcast, hosts Lula and Emmy explore the complex relationship between chess as a game of fun and competition. They discuss the societal pressures surrounding chess, the competitive nature of players, and how chess serves as a social activity and a tool for connection.

In this Halloween-themed episode of The Middle Game, hosts Lula and Emmy explore the intriguing world of chess superstitions. They discuss personal experiences, notable superstitions among famous athletes, and the psychological aspects that drive players to adopt rituals.

In this episode, Lula and Emmy share the heartwarming story of how they met and developed their friendship through their shared passion for chess. They recount their initial online interactions, the excitement of meeting in person at the Sitges chess tournament, and the memorable experiences they had together at various chess events. The conversation also touches on their adventures in Cannes, the...

In this episode of The Middlegame, hosts Emmy and Lula discuss the intricacies of choosing a chess coach. They explore the importance of personalized coaching, the journey of finding the right fit, and the qualities that make a good coach. Lula shares her experiences with various coaches, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the coaching relationship. The conversation also touches...

In this episode of the Middlegame Podcast, hosts Lula Robs and Emilia discuss their dream chess tournaments, sharing personal experiences and aspirations. They explore notable tournaments like Tata Steel and the European Women's Chess Championships, emphasizing the unique experiences and challenges associated with each. The conversation also touches on the importance of community in chess, particu...

In this episode of The Middle Game, hosts Lula and Emmy delve into the contentious topic of cheating in chess. They discuss the results of a poll revealing that 20% of respondents admitted to cheating, explore the motivations behind cheating, and compare the differences between online and over-the-board cheating. The conversation also covers methods of cheating in tournaments, the emotional impact...

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Lula and Emmy discuss their recent experiences, including Emmy's new academic pursuits and their thoughts on chess time controls. They delve into the emotional aspects of chess, the mental health challenges faced by top players, and the evolving landscape of chess with new talents like Gukesh and Hikaru. The conversation highlights the importance of human stor...

In this episode, hosts Lula and Emilia return after a break to discuss their personal journeys, including experiences with burnout, self-discovery, and the state of women in chess. They explore the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a virality-driven world, the importance of funding and accessibility in chess, and their hopes for a more inclusive future.

In this episode of The Middlegame, co-hosts Lula and Emilia discuss the new BBC show "Chessmasters: The Endgame", that Lula starred in!  They delve into the importance of chess shows, the impact of celebrities playing chess, and the ongoing issues of gatekeeping within the community, particularly regarding women in chess.  Tune in for your chess gossip of the week!

In this episode of the Middlegame, co-hosts Emilia and Lula discuss the future of classical versus freestyle chess, the influence of Magnus Carlsen, and Emilia's PhD research on FIDE. They also don't forget to recap the Oscars, analyzing the representation of women in film and the importance of critical engagement with media.

In the first-ever episode of The Middlegame by Lula Roberts and Emilia Castelao, we discuss what it's like to go to a chess tournament for the very first time, explore imposter syndrome in the chess world, and predict who will win the Oscars. Follow us at: https://x.com/emiliacastelao https://x.com/lularobs