"I was pushed to the edge" — David Navara vs Kramnik | Podcast

What this episode covers

My referral link to ChessCom: https://go.chess.com/mustreader Nepo's course on the King’s Gambit: http://go.chess.com/nepokingsgambit Anish Giri’s course on the French Defence: http://go.chess.com/girisfrenchdefense Sam Shankland’s Chess Calculation WorkBook: http://go.chess.com/shanklandsworkbook This is one of the most heartbreaking conversations I've ever recorded. GM David Navara — one of Czech Republic's greatest players — opens up about the darkest year of his life. After being included in Kramnik's controversial statistics, David faced accusations from Kramnik's fans, fell into depression and even had thoughts of ending his own life. Despite his appeals, FIDE remained silent, adding to his suffering. We discuss the full story, Kramnik's dangerous methods, and how to make these statistics safer. Plus: David's chaotic lifestyle, online chess addiction, and how he stays competitive at 40. I hope this episode helps everyone understand the real human cost of careless accusations. Traditional blitz game included! Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mustreader My DISCORD server: https://discord.gg/bXZN36xb My X: https://x.com/mustreader My channel with podcast highlights: https://www.youtube.com/@CwMClips My chess.com club: https://go.chess.com/MustreaderClub Collabs: [email protected] Links to what's discussed in the podcast: David's blog post: https://www.chess.com/blog/FormerProdigy/because-we-care David's interview on ChessBase India: https://youtu.be/TAzHz-pKX9k?si=nK5JEc6w5CCoQn_1 David's books: My Chess World: https://amzn.to/3ZYYoLP Lessons on Uncompromising Play: https://amzn.to/3I8RBsV The Secret Ingredient: To Winning at Chess: https://amzn.to/4lGk5J3 My podcast with Kramnik that got me blocked by him: https://youtu.be/YKzes4eteb4?si=5nUg3RNqeHXnqANK Many thanks to my Patreon supporter: Sarterus 00:00 — Intro 01:22 — Kramnik threatens to sue David! 12:15 — "I considered committing suicide" 22:07 — Why Kramnik’s methods are WRONG 27:46 — What if David played Kramnik? 31:03 — Old legends vs young talents 34:32 — From world #13 to fighting for top 60 36:06 — What David does to stay competitive 38:35 — Online chess: mixture of 4 things 41:48 — Are chess books important? 45:10 — David’s chaotic online lifestyle 46:24 — What religion means to David 49:38 — The Moiseenko incident 52:14 — Blitz! "I was pushed to the edge" — David Navara vs Kramnik | Podcast david navara david navara chess david navara vs vladimir kramnik navara vs kramnik kramnik accuses navara kramnik's accusation david navara david navara chess gm david navara navara kramnik lawsuit vladimir kramnik controversy czech chess grandmaster fide statement navara life of a chess professional chess podcast 2025 chess interview 2025 chess cheating debate titled tuesday analysis because we care blog mustreader greg mustreader mustreader chess cwm My name is Greg Mustreader, I am a Candidate Master in chess, an entrepreneur and host of several podcasts.  On the Chess with Mustreader channel, I interview top chess players, play against chess AIs, analyze the most interesting chess games and combinations of today and of the past, as well as show you my path in chess and the way I work on my chess improvement (including recaps from the tournaments I play).  I live in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel the world extensively (been to 50 countries). I'm 31 years old, I have a girlfriend, three dogs and four cats. I speak English, Russian, German, and a bit of French and Chinese. Don't forget to subscribe! #davidnavara #vladimirkramnik #chess