Category Archives: News

New: ChessBase Magazine #229

FIDE World Cup 2025: Analyses by Adams, Bluebaum, Donchenko, Grandelius, Shankland, Wei Yi, Wojtaszek and many more – Marshal Attack: just develop: Robert Ris praises the modern 11…Bb7!? – “Giri’s Gems”: The world-class player looks back at eight games from top tournaments of 2025 – “Hello e-file!”: Oliver Reeh poses numerous training questions on 33 […]

GCL: SG Pipers to face Continental Kings in league’s final

The round-robin phase of the Global Chess League concluded with the finalists confirmed after a closely contested final day. Triveni Continental Kings finished well clear at the top, while Alpine SG Pipers claimed the second finals place on tiebreaks despite losing their last match. Narrow margins elsewhere shaped the final standings, with the Ganges Grandmasters […]

Harold van der Heijden

Fellow students, whether composers or solvers, have appreciated it for years, but it is far less known to the wider chess community: since 1991, there has been a giant database of chess. It is the result of the tireless work of Harold van der Heijden, a Dutch collector of endgames and studies, editor, chess organizer, […]

Top ten women players fighting for the crown in Doha

As the World Rapid and Blitz Championships approach, Doha will host the leading figures of women’s chess alongside the wider elite. From established world champions to Grand Prix winners and fast-time-control specialists, the women’s field reflects both depth and continuity at the top of the game. This article outlines the key contenders arriving in Qatar, […]

My ChessBase 26 Desktop! – Lilit Mkrtchian

We take a unique behind-the-scenes look at how top chess masters organize their digital workspace. Grandmasters and trainers reveal their personal ChessBase 26 setups — from meticulously clean desktops to chaotic databases full of ideas. They show us their board designs, current projects, and discuss their favourite or most-used ChessBase functions, offering fascinating insights into […]

Opening Encyclopaedia: Semi-Open Games

In Part Two of his review of the Opening Encyclopaedia 2025, Nagesh Havanur explores the nuanced world of Semi-Open Games. From the dynamic Sicilian Defence to the “quiet” Caro-Kann, each defence offers distinct challenges and strategies. As our author transitions to Closed Games in his next instalment, he offers much practical advice for the aspiring […]

GCL: Continental Kings lead, Mumba Masters keep up the pace

The Global Chess League moved into the second half of its round-robin phase with a heavier daily schedule and immediate consequences in the standings. Teams began playing twice per day, producing mixed results for those facing the added workload. While Triveni Continental Kings remain in front, Alireza Firouzja’s streak came to an end. With three […]