EPISODE · Oct 26, 2025 · 58 MIN
EP 171 | Nootropics
from Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast · host IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai
Jesse and Sam dive into how legal, common nootropics might boost chess performance by improving focus, stress-resilience, and brain health, and question where the line lies between smart optimization and unfair advantage. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips 00:03 — Why nootropics in chess 02:06 — Common nootropics people already use 06:05 — Sam’s experience with brain supplements 11:36 — How nootropics support brain function 17:19 — Stress, alcohol, and brain decline 20:05 — Different thinking demands in chess 23:48 — Stronger focus boosters 31:50 — Cheating or smart advantage? 48:17 — Key brain-health ingredients 56:30 — Growth of nootropics industry
What this episode covers
Jesse and Sam dive into how legal, common nootropics might boost chess performance by improving focus, stress-resilience, and brain health, and question where the line lies between smart optimization and unfair advantage. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.clubWatch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojoPlay Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojoDonate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.clubTwitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojoDiscord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFwTwitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojoPatreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojoPodcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.comTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips 00:03 — Why nootropics in chess02:06 — Common nootropics people already use06:05 — Sam’s experience with brain supplements11:36 — How nootropics support brain function17:19 — Stress, alcohol, and brain decline20:05 — Different thinking demands in chess23:48 — Stronger focus boosters31:50 — Cheating or smart advantage?48:17 — Key brain-health ingredients56:30 — Growth of nootropics industry
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EP 171 | Nootropics
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