Welcome to 2025, a rare “square year” (45×45), and a time for both reflection and prediction. Chess fans enter the new year with excitement after a historic 2024, crowned by Gukesh’s ascension as World Champion, marking India’s growing dominance in chess. Meanwhile, Ian Nepomniachtchi’s dazzling …Ne3+!! in the World Blitz final against Magnus Carlsen provided […]
Monthly Archives: January 2025
“ChessBase have truly outdone themselves with the new CB18,” say strong GM Iniyan Panneerselvam. “It makes life so much easier for players and coaches alike, thanks to its fantastic new features! We all know how precious time is; and CB18 is designed to save you a ton of time when you need it most.” Today […]
Arne Kähler and Johannes Fischer start 2025 with a review of 2024. They recall the highlights of the past year, talk about the Chess Olympiad, various world championships, Freestyle Chess, the future number 1, the successes of India and consider who the male (Carlsen, Gukesh or Erigaisi) and female (Tan Zhongyi, Ju Wenjun, Divya Deshmukh […]
One of our viewers’ favourite themes in Svitlana’s Smart Moves is the openings. This is probably due to the way Svitlana can splendidly explain the ideas, patterns, basics, and key points to consider in an opening. In this episode, the Canadian WIM tackles the Benko Gambit, an opening that Magnus Carlsen enjoyed for several years.
With his new video course “Modern Classics” Dorian Rogozenco, former German national coach and renowned chess theoretician, takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of chess games that have made history. | Photos: Nils Rohde
The famous classic Thomas-Alekhine is a strategical masterpiece. It has served as a lesson on how to play against weak white pawns on c3 and d4. Ever since Nimzovitsch has dealt with it in his famous work “My System” it has been popular with trainers and students alike. But did White really use all defensive […]
In the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, chess is transforming lives through the Girls Club “Chess for Protection” initiative, launched by FIDE and UNHCR in 2021. Targeting young refugee girls, the programme combines chess lessons with life skills, fostering confidence, mental well-being, and hope in a safe environment. With over 250 participants annually across three […]
Egyptian GM Bassem Amin emerged victorious in the 52nd Rilton Cup, held from 27 December to 5 January in Stockholm, Sweden. The prestigious tournament, established in 1971 thanks to the visionary support of Dr Tore Rilton, attracted 115 players from 35 countries this year. Despite an early upset loss, Amin showcased his resilience by winning […]
There are many clear advantages of using the latest ChessBase 18. It dramatically improves your level of chess study and preparation. Ask Indian grandmaster Pa.Iniyan, who sent us an in-depth three-part review of his experience with the program. You would do well to follow what he says carefully – and use our software to increase […]
Robert Hübner died on 5 January 2025 after a long and serious illness. For decades after the war Robert Hübner was the best German chess player, with countless successes in individual and team competitions. In addition to his career as a tournament player, Hübner gained great importance as a profound chess historian and incorruptible analyst. […]