Christmas Puzzles 2013 – the prizes

3/10/2014 – Our 2013 Christmas puzzle contest ended with a flood of entries, submitted by readers from around the globe. They were all vying for the valuable prizes: programs signed with a personal dedication by the participants of the strongest tournament in chess history. We bring you a small sample of letters and the names of the three lucky winners. Are you amongst them?

Who will win the 2014 Candidates? (Part 1/2)

3/10/2014 – The 2014 Candidates tournament is just around the corner, and while chess fans all over wait with bated breath, everyone has a favorite. The Russian media asked players and chess pros for their opinions on the Candidates tournament, and who their favorites were. Among those quizzed were Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and several more. Read what they think before placing your bets.

Ivory Tower – the movie

3/10/2014 – It is a Canadian feature film and the directorial debut of Adam Traynor, a musician from the German based hip-hop group Puppetmastaz. The film was co-written in 2010 by Canadian pianist and rapper Chilly Gonzales, who also plays a lead, and revolves around a sibling rivalry between two brothers as they compete for a woman during a game of chess. Watch the trailer.

Yes2Chess ... with Felix Magath

3/10/2014 – Two weeks ago, as part of the "Yes2Chess" scholastic chess initiative, patron Felix Magath attended a discussion panel evening at a prominent location in Hamburg. Representatives from the fields of sports, education, politics and business talked about the further development of chess in schools in Hamburg. Afterwards, Felix Magath explained why he had chosen not to go to Hamburger SV.

Carlsen keeps smashing

3/9/2014 – The reigning World Champion continues annihilating competition the rapid events in Brazil. First he won a four-player knockout event, where he did concede a single draw (that qualified him to the final) and he was in trouble in just one game. At the end of the day he took the tournament, no questions asked. The open has started, and he is 5/5 but he is not alone.

"Sunny" Reykjavik

3/8/2014 – The sun finally came out for one day in Reykjavik. A nice respite from the cold and harsh weather that has been terrorizing the players. Over the board leaders have emerged: L'ami, Amin Bassem and Van Kampen are all tied for first with 5.5/6. However there are still four rounds left and anything can happen. Overview of the last three rounds.

2014 Euro-Ch: Motylev seizes lead at midway point

3/8/2014 – By now, six rounds out of eleven have been played, the midway point has been reached with a rest day for Sunday. The rankings have shown non-stop swings and changes, and not one player has been able to keep the lead for more than a round. Still, the leading group can now be pointed out as the clear tournament favorites, with Alexander Motylev the sole leader. Report, pictures, and games.

2014 Candidates - Players, event and schedules

3/7/2014 – The time is approaching, and we are on the threshold of a new Candidates tournament. The last one qualified Magnus Carlsen for a shot at the world title, and we know what happened after that. A fresh lineup, with new players and old, promises exciting battles, and we bring you a preview of the players, the tournament, and the schedules for Playchess GM commentary.

Caxias do Sul: Carlsen in form in Brazil

3/7/2014 – Actually the World Champion was stopped: by GM Gilberto Milos, 50, Elo 2583, six times Brazilian Champion, who got the only draw conceded Magnus Carlsen in the six game of the four-player double round robin. Carlsen, who had spent the morning playing blindfold against blind players, scored 5.5/6 in the semifinal stage. Big illustrated report with pictures from the Brazilian venue.