The oldest surviving chess book is Lucena’s “Repetición de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez” from 1497. One of the few remaining copies is now being auctioned at Sotheby’s. Anyone looking to spruce up their chess book collection should seize this opportunity. | Photo: Sotheby’s
Monthly Archives: March 2026
At the Prague International Chess Festival 2026, the popular Hand & Brain format followed right after the main event, bringing together Grandmasters, Challengers, Futures players, celebrities, and sponsors in mixed teams for four entertaining rounds. Among the standout games was the pairing of Divya Deshmukh & Christina Jordan against Bao Anh Angelina Nguyen Doan & […]
After twelve rounds of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, SC Viernheim lead the standings with a three-point margin over OSG Baden-Baden, while Schachfreunde Wolfhagen remain within reach in third place. The latest weekend saw Viernheim maintain their perfect record with two further wins, as both Baden-Baden and Wolfhagen dropped points in drawn matches. The title race […]
The Reykjavík Open is taking place from 25 to 31 March at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, once again bringing together a large international field for its traditional nine-round Swiss competition. Led by top seed Amin Tabatabaei and featuring a mix of experienced contenders – such as Vasyl Ivanchuk – and young stars, […]
Oliver Kurmann wants to become a grandmaster – at the age of 41! In an interview with the Swiss Chess Federation, the international master from Switzerland, who competed for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last weekend, talks about his career, training and ambitions – with ChessBase playing a key role. | Pictured: Oliver Kurmann drew […]
A classical match between Hans Niemann and Awonder Liang will take place in Paris from 10 to 15 April, as the US grandmasters contest a 12-game showdown at the Blitz Society. Played at a 60+30 time control with two games per day, the encounter combines sporting stakes with a charitable pledge from the loser. Both […]
Across Latin America, chess leaders and public institutions are prioritising education initiatives over elite tournaments, aiming to expand the game’s social impact and long-term growth. A memorandum signed in San José by government bodies, FIDE and regional organisers sets the stage for pilot school programmes in Costa Rica. The article explores the strategy behind this […]
The new Opening Encyclopaedia 2026 offers comprehensive and easy access to modern opening theory, helping players build, expand, and refine their repertoire with clarity and confidence. With 1,586 in-depth articles, over 40,000 games, and 100 expert video lessons from leading grandmasters, it combines cutting-edge ideas with practical explanations and annotated examples. Designed for players of […]
International Master Tania Sachdev visited RP Goenka School in Kolkata for what turned out to be a truly memorable interaction. What stood out wasn’t just the questions – but the confidence, clarity and leadership shown by children as young as eight. In this heartwarming account, Tania reflects on young minds, the role of sport and […]
The great tradition of chess cafés seemed to be something of the past, but now Sven Rehders, together with several other chess activists, is attempting to revive cafés and restaurants as meeting places for chess enthusiasts. And it is working. A smart app is helping to make it happen.