Welcome to Rooked: The Cheaters' Gambit. Join hosts Jess and Ryan as they unravel the ongoing chess cheating scandal (among other chess controversies). Elon Musk tweets - and then deletes - a joke (?) about cheating in chess via anal beads. Suddenly, the game of chess is thrown into the spotlight again, two years after the well-received debut of The Queen's Gambit Netflix series (we have no affiliation, but, like, the SEO is cool for us...and it was a pretty good show, in our opinions). But what the anal bead headlines are missing is the complicated web of accusations, slander, lies, cheating, and overall drama that is casting a shadow on the once noble game of chess. We're looking for answers - and the truth - as this true crime continues to unfold in the manner of a truly modern whodunnit, where the clues are hidden in the holes of a chessboard, the deepest of Internet rabbit holes...and maybe some other holes, too. Visit our website at rookedpodcast.xyz to learn more about the show, access transcripts, and discover some neato Easter eggs.
Podcast
12 episodes
2024-07-16
Episode 10: The History
Sometimes to figure out where you’re going, you have to look at where you’ve already been - so, here’s a brief history of ALL OF CHESS. Not really, but at least the parts that we think are interesting: who we think chess’ mommy is, the dictator lovin’ FIDE president who was abducted by aliens in yellow space suits, and where the Hawk Tuah girl fits into all this. If you’ve forgotten everything you learned in history class about the Russian revolution, you’ll love this one. Or maybe you’ll hate it - either way, have a listen and yell at us on some form of social media through our handle @rookedpod Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess. If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts. Check out the Women in Chess Foundation and support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb. Music by Lorna Gilfedder. Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography. Resources The Grandmaster: Magnus Carlsen and the Match That Made Chess Great Again By Brin-Jonathan Butler The Immortal Game: A History of Chess; Or How 32 Carved Pieces On a Board Illuminated Our Understanding of War, Art, Science, and the Human Brain by David Shenk Hawk Tuah About FIDE E.T. The Extra Terrestrial "E.T. phone home" scene Star Wars Main Theme Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! Biden and Trump argue over age and golf swings during 2024 presidential debate TRC Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation
2024-06-13
Episode 9: The Lawsuit
We’re back with our regularly scheduled scandal, this time examining the legal implications of the Hans Niemann-Magnus Carlsen Sinquefield Cup anal beads cheating affair (say that 10 times fast). A half a billion dollar lawsuit, the Sherman antitrust act, tort law, jurisdictional requests for dismissal…this one has a lot of legal jargon. But we take you through all the twists and turns with not one, but TWO law professors to get to the bottom of exactly what happened (heh heh), speculate about NDAs, and talk about what this lawsuit means for the future of chess. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault and the #MeToo movement. Take care. Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess. If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts. Support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb. Music by Lorna Gilfedder. Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography. Resources Witness to Yesterday podcast The Social Network A24 Chess movie announcement Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers - Islands In the Stream Hans Niemann - original complaint October 20, 2022 Niemann v. Carlsen - dismissal June 27, 2024 Parks and Rec - funny jail scene La La Land - I'm Always Gonna Love You Slander - Miriam Webster More about Anti-SLAPP laws VINTAGE POP TARTS COMMERCIAL - MID 1960's I WAS A WORLDCHAMPION WHEN YOU WERE DOING PIPI IN YOUR PAMPERS Magnus Carlsen vs Naroditsy on Twitch Piers Morgan vs Hans Niemann (And His Lawyer) | The Full Interview More on Criminal Justice in Indigenous Canada
2024-05-07
Episode 8: The Misogyny - A More Inclusive Future (Part 2)
Last episode, we took a deep dive into the open secret in chess of rampant sexism, misogyny, and abuse of women. This time we continue that conversation, and look at the ways that the chess community is fighting back to create not just better equality, but better chess. We talk with chessfeels hosts Julia Rios and JJ Lang, Women in Chess Foundation founder Emilia Castelao, streamer and chess player Lile Koridze, commentator and WIM Fiona Steil-Aontoni about what needs to change to finally bring the game we all love into the 21st century. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses acts of assault, sexual assault, and abuse, including abuse of minors. The end credits also include brief mention of suicide prevention. Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess. If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts. Check out the Women in Chess Foundation and support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb. Music by Lorna Gildfedder. Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography. Resources Rare Interview - Bobby Fischer On Women Bobby Fischer answers the same question about women in chess 10 years apart. Kasparov Interviews by Edward Winter Addressing Sexism in Chess: A Guide to Making Chess More Inclusive Ju Wenjun denied seat at 2023 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship "Chess has not been that kind to women," says GM Magnus Carlsen: The Queen's Gambit Susan Polgar Facts and Myths About Women in Chess, Dr David Smerdon (GM) Anna Cramling tells Levy Rozman that opponents were sending her sexual messages after her Games The Experiences Of Women In Chess FIDE introduces ground-breaking Gender Equality in Chess Index (GECI) – 2023 Rankings unveiled Jen Shahade tweet: “Very insightful from the great Pia Cramling on this topic” [video] Jordan’s Principle
2024-07-16
Episode 10: The History
Sometimes to figure out where you’re going, you have to look at where you’ve already been - so, here’s a brief history of ALL OF CHESS. Not really, but at least the parts that we think are interesting: who we think chess’ mommy is, the dictator lovin’ FIDE president who was abducted by aliens in yellow space suits, and where the Hawk Tuah girl fits into all this. If you’ve forgotten everything you learned in history class about the Russian revolution, you’ll love this one. Or maybe you’ll hate it - either way, have a listen and yell at us on some form of social media through our handle @rookedpod Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess. If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts. Check out the Women in Chess Foundation and support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb. Music by Lorna Gilfedder. Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography. Resources The Grandmaster: Magnus Carlsen and the Match That Made Chess Great Again By Brin-Jonathan Butler The Immortal Game: A History of Chess; Or How 32 Carved Pieces On a Board Illuminated Our Understanding of War, Art, Science, and the Human Brain by David Shenk Hawk Tuah About FIDE E.T. The Extra Terrestrial "E.T. phone home" scene Star Wars Main Theme Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! Biden and Trump argue over age and golf swings during 2024 presidential debate TRC Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation
2024-06-13
Episode 9: The Lawsuit
We’re back with our regularly scheduled scandal, this time examining the legal implications of the Hans Niemann-Magnus Carlsen Sinquefield Cup anal beads cheating affair (say that 10 times fast). A half a billion dollar lawsuit, the Sherman antitrust act, tort law, jurisdictional requests for dismissal…this one has a lot of legal jargon. But we take you through all the twists and turns with not one, but TWO law professors to get to the bottom of exactly what happened (heh heh), speculate about NDAs, and talk about what this lawsuit means for the future of chess. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault and the #MeToo movement. Take care. Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess. If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts. Support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb. Music by Lorna Gilfedder. Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography. Resources Witness to Yesterday podcast The Social Network A24 Chess movie announcement Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers - Islands In the Stream Hans Niemann - original complaint October 20, 2022 Niemann v. Carlsen - dismissal June 27, 2024 Parks and Rec - funny jail scene La La Land - I'm Always Gonna Love You Slander - Miriam Webster More about Anti-SLAPP laws VINTAGE POP TARTS COMMERCIAL - MID 1960's I WAS A WORLDCHAMPION WHEN YOU WERE DOING PIPI IN YOUR PAMPERS Magnus Carlsen vs Naroditsy on Twitch Piers Morgan vs Hans Niemann (And His Lawyer) | The Full Interview More on Criminal Justice in Indigenous Canada
2024-05-07
Episode 8: The Misogyny - A More Inclusive Future (Part 2)
Last episode, we took a deep dive into the open secret in chess of rampant sexism, misogyny, and abuse of women. This time we continue that conversation, and look at the ways that the chess community is fighting back to create not just better equality, but better chess. We talk with chessfeels hosts Julia Rios and JJ Lang, Women in Chess Foundation founder Emilia Castelao, streamer and chess player Lile Koridze, commentator and WIM Fiona Steil-Aontoni about what needs to change to finally bring the game we all love into the 21st century. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses acts of assault, sexual assault, and abuse, including abuse of minors. The end credits also include brief mention of suicide prevention. Hosted by good producer / bad chess player Jess Schmidt and first-time podcaster / good chess player Ryan Webb, this series explores the events leading up to and following the Sinquefield Cup cheating scandal and tries to unravel the truth of what really happened - or, failing that, what the heck these events could mean to chess. If you’d like to read a time-coded transcript of this or any other episodes, visit rookedpodcast.xyz/transcripts. Check out the Women in Chess Foundation and support us on Patreon to access monthly bonus content: www.patreon.com/rooked Written, hosted, edited, and produced by Jess Schmidt and Ryan Webb. Music by Lorna Gildfedder. Marketing by Bailey Simone Photography. Resources Rare Interview - Bobby Fischer On Women Bobby Fischer answers the same question about women in chess 10 years apart. Kasparov Interviews by Edward Winter Addressing Sexism in Chess: A Guide to Making Chess More Inclusive Ju Wenjun denied seat at 2023 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship "Chess has not been that kind to women," says GM Magnus Carlsen: The Queen's Gambit Susan Polgar Facts and Myths About Women in Chess, Dr David Smerdon (GM) Anna Cramling tells Levy Rozman that opponents were sending her sexual messages after her Games The Experiences Of Women In Chess FIDE introduces ground-breaking Gender Equality in Chess Index (GECI) – 2023 Rankings unveiled Jen Shahade tweet: “Very insightful from the great Pia Cramling on this topic” [video] Jordan’s Principle