Chess: The Difference Between the Genders explores why men and women often perform differently in competitive chess, examining social, cultural, and structural factors rather than innate ability. The post looks at participation rates, access to training, stereotype threat, and tournament environments, and highlights initiatives boosting female representation.
Chess teachers and parents everywhere were searching for the “next” Bobby Fischer, hoping to find a prodigy who would follow in the famous grandmaster’s footsteps. One of these hopefuls was Josh Waitzkin, a young phenom who was active in chess from 1982 to 1999. You may know his name from the book and movie, “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” which chronicled his early years in chess. There are a lot more chapters to Waitzkin’s life, however, and they are no less interesting.
I spent some time over the past few weeks researching advice specific to older chess players, and I came up with some interesting tips. How to learn chess most effectively can look slightly different as we age.
This deep dive uncovers how playing chess trains memory, boosts focus, and enhances critical thinking. With insights from published research and studies, you’ll see why chess remains one of the most proven ways to keep your brain active and adaptable.
Being confident enough to play online with actual humans is a big step toward my goal of playing in a tournament. Even though I’m not winning, I’m no longer losing in a handful of moves like I did the last time I downloaded Lichess.org. That said, my goal of attending a local chess group meeting or signing up for a tournament is still months away.
National Chess Day is the second Saturday of October each year. It is a day to recognize the accomplishments of Americans in the highest levels of chess, as well as the enjoyment and challenge experienced by all who play.
Jacques of London launched the Staunton chess set in 1849. The actual designer is up for some debate, as the introduction of the design involved three men: Nathaniel Cooke, John Jacques, and Howard Staunton. Nathaniel Cooke, a publisher by trade, filed the patent. The premier sports equipment manufacturer Jacques of London made the sets. Howard Staunton signed the sets and promoted them.
Want more chess players at your chess club? Here's how to encourage more people to leverage your club for chess development and to participate in chess matches and other events.
Welcome to the beginning of my personal chess journey. My name is Rebecka Ratcliffe. While I've been on the periphery of chess for about a decade, I have never considered myself a competent player.
I’ve never been embarrassed about being a novice, but I did feel like I was missing out on something great. This series is my honest, light-hearted attempt at becoming the chess player I may or may not be destined to be.
FIDE strives to unite chess players according to its motto, “Gens Una Sumus,” which translates as “We Are One Family.” International Chess Day embodies this hope that chess will be a tool of international understanding and bring people together.
Think you know chess puzzles? Think again! In this guide, we detail the many genres of chess puzzle and how they can improve your game. Whether it’s opening problems, endgame problems, or a juicy retrograde analysis. Here we’ll give you a fun puzzle to solve in every category.
Chess clubs can be focused on children or adults, or open to all ages. They can be informal gatherings for casual play, or highly organized meetings with regularly-scheduled sanctioned tournaments. Metropolitan areas may have many options to choose from, and technology has opened up access to online clubs for everyone. No matter what your chess goals are, there’s a club out there for you.