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Gifting season is nearly here, and you may already be wondering what to get the chess player in your life. At USCF Sales, we pride ourselves on having something for everyone on your chess-playing list. We offer chess sets for every budget and style, plus more ways to make chess even better. Read on to find the most unique gifts for chess lovers!
If chess commentary sometimes sounds like another language, this guide can help. Explore essential terminology for tactical patterns, checkmates, chess pieces, time controls, tournament structures, and historical traditions. Learn the meaning behind terms such as decoy, interference, desperado, back rank mate, opposite-colored bishops, increment, Elo rating, patzer, simul, and brilliancy.
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?
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.
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.
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.
The search for a venue to play live chess took me down several rabbit holes. Using a search engine brought up an assortment of chess academies, clubs, and other gaming places, including an inexplicable listing for Chuck E. Cheese. The listings were somewhat out of date.
Judit Polgár had two chess goals after reaching GM standing. One, she wanted to be ranked in the top ten in the world. Two, she wanted a shot at the world title. She achieved one and got very close to the other.
