EP 185 | Do Kids Ruin Your Chess?

In this episode of Dojo Talks, we explore how having children impacts chess performance, from real examples of world champions to personal experiences as chess dads. With Hikaru Nakamura entering the Candidates as a new father, the question is more relevant than ever. We break down the short-term dip (sleep, focus, hormones) vs long-term recovery—and what it could mean for top players like Magnus Carlsen. 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 00:00 Do Kids Hurt Your Chess? 00:25 Why Hikaru’s new baby matters 02:35 World champions and parenthood 06:13 Naka, Magnus, and motivation 10:26 How kids changed their own chess 17:51 The science: sleep, hormones, and focus 28:54 Can top players avoid the dip? 33:02 Long-term benefits of parenting? 42:50 The dip is real, but varies 51:22 Final verdict on kids and chess