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The world’s leading thinkers, politicians and cultural figures interviewed by the BBC

Find out what the world’s leading thinkers, politicians and cultural figures really think, as they talk about their lives for thirty minutes on The Interview.

***The Interview is no longer broadcast on-air but you can listen to our archive below.***

A half hour interview with interesting and prominent people from around the world with a great range of interests and opinions. Each week, one person is put under the spotlight by either Owen Bennett-Jones or Carrie Gracie, the two presenters on The Interview.  

They explore topical issues, personal motivation and interviewee's hopes and fears. The style is informal and conversational, but at times searching and combative when required.

The Interview

The Interview Archive: 17/12/2010 Jeff Sarwer: Jeff Sarwer, Former Child Chess Prodigy

17/12/2010 Jeff Sarwer

17/12/2010 Jeff Sarwer: Jeff Sarwer, Former Child Chess Prodigy

Jeff Sarwer, Former Child Chess Prodigy

BBC World Service - The Interview Archive, Jeff Sarwer, Former Child Chess Prodigy

Child chess prodigy and adult poker player Jeff Sarwer.

Jeff Sarwer was a child world chess champion, until his abusive father stopped him from playing.  His unconventional childhood has marked the rest of his life.

Jeff Sarwer was a child chess champion, playing and winning competitions all over North America along with his sister.  He never went to school, nor lived in a house, but often slept in the car with his father as they travelled the country.  His father taught him discipline, motivation and independence, but it all came at a cost.  Jeff and his sister suffered an abusive childhood, and finally went on the run to escape the authorities who wanted the children to go to foster parents.  Jeff looks back on his childhood with Mike Williams, and his current success as a professional poker player.  That's on The Interview after the news.

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17/12/2010 Jeff Sarwer: Jeff Sarwer, Former Child Chess Prodigy

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