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The Chess World Championship has been running for 140 years and every decade has been genuinely dramatic. Here is the full history from Steinitz in all the way to the upcoming match in Geneva 2026.
For many players, the fear of losing rating, either online or in person, can be enough to through a wrench in your development as a player. Being afraid to play real games due to rating anxiety can be a huge barrier to improvement. How do you overcome that barrier, and what can you do to make sure you are getting the most out of your chess playing time?
Without a doubt, The Queen’s Gambit reached an audience that would not normally seek out chess-related entertainment. In addition, it dropped during a period where many people were looking for something to occupy long hours of COVID-related isolation, as social activities were still restricted for many. Since March 2020, membership in online chess sites had been growing in an unprecedented way. It made sense—here was an activity people could do at home, inexpensively, and it was good exercise for the brain!
Reaching a 2000 chess rating isn't just about memorizing openings or solving chess puzzles. Discover eight practical, often-overlooked training principles such as enhancing mindset and avoiding ‘tilt’ that can help you combine discipline with enjoyment to unlock your full potential at the board.
Chess is a relatively fair game. Each side has the same amount of pieces, the same board to play on, and the only thing really differentiating players is their skill level. That creates a problem for chess players. How do you play a fair game when two players are of vastly different ability? How could a Grandmaster have a fun game against a beginner? Is it even possible? Drawback Chess provides an interesting way to play, even if it's a slightly winding road to get there.
Motivation pays off! College chess is exploding, and you don't have to be a Grandmaster to cash in on your skills. Universities across the country are actively recruiting strategic thinkers, offering everything from partial stipends to coveted full-ride packages. This complete guide breaks down the top scholarship programs, what scouts look for, and how to position your game to fund your degree.
Mastering the language of chess is your first real power move in the game. In part one of this guide, we dive into the essential terminology every player needs to build a rock-solid tactical foundation. Let’s decode the game.
Morphy played a style of chess that was far advanced from a1850s focus on conservative positions and gaining material. Morphy was one of the first to play in the modern style—controlling the center, developing pieces rapidly, and sacrificing material as needed. If his opponent could contend with that, he was also unparalleled at seeing the best move and taking it. Many of his games continue to be studied today for their simplicity and brilliance.
For some, the greatness of a player does not come down to statistics, but to a perfect combination of qualities and abilities.
While summer break should have a good balance of fun and unstructured time, planning some activities can give parents a break or provide childcare for the younger set. There are a lot of options out there, from horse camp to weeks of art and theatre to sports. Chess is a standout option for several reasons, read on to discover them all!
Chess is great for seniors because it is great for everyone. Aside from being a fascinating and complex game, chess is accessible. All you need is a set and another player, or a device and an internet connection.
Mikhail Tal is a legendary attacking chess master whose daring combinations and poetic play reshaped modern chess. Discover his life, vivid game excerpts, and accessible analysis to reveal how Tal’s intuition, risk-taking, and writing influenced generations of players.
