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Jovanka Houska: Inside the High-Stakes World of Chess Commentary

July 22, 2025 NHaselton Uncategorized

World ChessTue, July 22, 2025 8:40amURL:
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What does it take to translate chess a silent, cerebral game into something thrilling for a global audience?

We sat down with International Master and six-time British Women’s Champion Jovanka Houska during the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship in London. She shares her journey from introverted player to full-time chess commentator, and reveals what really goes on inside the commentary booth.

From the stress of blitz rounds to the pressure of live broadcasting, Jovanka reflects on how chess media is evolving — and what the future holds in a world where machines and speed rule the board.

🔹 What is blitz chess like from behind the scenes?
🔹 How do you speak chess without scaring away newcomers?
🔹 And why is commentary one of the most intense jobs in the game today?

Jovanka Houska – Andreas Kontokanis, CC BY 2.0, image extracted from another file
Jovanka Houska – Egil Arne, CC BY-SA 3.0
Jovanka Houska – GFHund, CC BY 3.0
Jovanka Houska – Stefan 64, CC BY-SA 4.0
Video excerpt courtesy of The International Chess Federation (FIDE), “20250707 Jovanka Interview 4”, retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Eor1YVZG8&t=37s
Video excerpt courtesy of 64 squares, “2013 Candidates tournament was INSANEEEEE”, retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuPC45hd-rM

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