Zhu Jiner: chess books, university, Candidates | UP #22

Zhu Jiner is currently ranked the #4 woman in the world (May 2026). She was born in Zhejiang, China, and started learning chess at age 4. She earned the Grandmaster title in 2023. In 2025, she tied for 1st in each of the three Women's Grand Prix legs she played in, winning the overall event. Jiner competed in her first Women's Candidates in 2026, winning bronze. She graduated from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 2025. This interview was recorded on Apr 24, 2026. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - How Jiner started learning chess; joining the province team, then national team 5:24 - Training against stronger opponents; reaching the top of women's chess; playing opens vs women's events 8:58 - Training on her own; reading chess books; using engines Mentioned: Dvoretsky's "Endgame Manual", Gelfand's "Decision Making" series 13:31 - Facing discouragements and plateaus; handling defeat 16:05 - Attending university; enjoying academic studies; balancing chess and school 21:15 - Developing a sense of responsibility as a pro player 24:31 - Reviewing the 2026 Candidates: stories, challenges, takeaways 30:28 - Looking ahead to TePe Sigemann; missing the 2025 Grand Swiss 32:35 - Personal goals; traveling and competing abroad; walking 35:54 - Wrapping up; thank you! Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina