4/1/2026 – Head-to-head records between the participants of the Candidates Tournaments provide useful context for each pairing. Drawing on data compiled via Mega Database 2026, the key statistics from past encounters highlight imbalances and trends. While such figures are not decisive, they offer an additional perspective on how rivalries have developed before a tournament that will determine the next challenger for the world title.

4/1/2026 – Two decisive games in round three of the Women's Candidates Tournament saw Bibisara Assaubayeva and Kateryna Lagno move into the lead. Assaubayeva capitalised on tactical complications to defeat Zhu Jiner, who had again obtained a promising position, while Lagno overcame Tan Zhongyi after a wild encounter featuring a number of blunders and tactical shots. Aleksandra Goryachkina pressed throughout but could not convert against Divya Deshmukh, while Vaishali Rameshbabu's game against Anna Muzychuk ended in a controlled draw. | Photo: FIDE / Yoav Nis

4/1/2026 – Two players have already established a clear lead after three rounds of the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov both secured their second wins to move a full point ahead of the field. Caruana defeated Wei Yi following an uncharacteristic pair of errors by the Chinese grandmaster, while Sindarov overcame Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu in a double-edged struggle. | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

3/31/2026 – At the grenke Chess Festival 2026 in Karlsruhe, ChessBase is right in the middle of the action: at the Chess Tigers booth, visitors can get direct help with preparation, training and all questions related to chess. At the same time, the team is creating plenty of content from the world's largest open chess festival, including interviews and shows with guests such as Veronika Exler and Georgios Souleidis, as well as coverage of the new Opening Encyclopaedia 2026. | Photos: Grenke Chess Festival video screenshots

3/31/2026 – In this episode of The Monthly Dragon, Chris Ward takes a close look at the newest Dragadorf developments and shows why these modern Dragon setups are becoming such a practical weapon for Black. Using fresh blitz examples and clear strategic ideas, he explains how early ...h5, flexible piece play and typical Dragadorf plans can leave White struggling to find a convincing setup. A particularly striking highlight is an unexpected knight retreat that turns out to be a powerful positional idea and perfectly captures the fresh creativity in today's Dragon theory. | Photo: John Upham

3/31/2026 – The Reykjavík Open is taking place from 25 to 31 March at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, once again bringing together a large international field for its traditional nine-round Swiss competition. Led by top seed Amin Tabatabaei and featuring a mix of experienced contenders - such as Vasyl Ivanchuk - and young stars, the event continues a tradition that dates back to Mikhail Tal's victory in the inaugural 1964 edition. | Follow the action live starting at 12.30 CET (6.30 ET, 16.00 IST) | Photo: Skáksamband Íslands

3/29/2026 – Tactical analysis is not just exciting, but it is very practical. With ChessBase´26, it is easy to use its findings. In this episode, learn how you can use this ChessBase function to complement your analysis and make it more effective.

3/29/2026 – The Candidates Tournaments opened with a ceremonial evening combining formal addresses, player introductions and cultural performances, setting the stage for the competitions ahead. Held in Cyprus, the event brought together all sixteen contenders from the open and women's sections, alongside officials and guests. With the opening ceremony concluded, attention now turns to the start of play on 29 March, when the race to decide the next challengers begins. | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

3/28/2026 – We are excited to announce an exclusive live lecture with GM Max Dlugy at KCF Academy on March 29. In this session, GM Dlugy will turn his focus to the middlegame, the stage of the game where deep strategic thinking, long-range planning, and precise piece coordination so often determine the outcome.

3/28/2026 – In this episode of Svitlana's Smart Moves, Svitlana continues her Candidates series by presenting one key tactical moment from each player in the Women's Candidates, while Arne tries to solve them along the way. The positions showcase a wide range of attacking and endgame ideas, from classic double-bishop sacrifices to precise defensive resources and beautiful promotion tactics, while also highlighting the strength and fighting spirit of players like Deshmukh, Zhongyi, Vaishali, Goryachkina and Lagno.

3/28/2026 – With the first round of the Candidates Tournament set to begin on Sunday, we are just hours away from the start of one of chess' most demanding events. In a series of videos, GM Daniel King profiles all eight participants, offering a clear and concise overview of their strengths, weaknesses and prospects ahead of the competition!

3/28/2026 – Accurate calculation is the be-all and end-all in chess. That is precisely what Surya Ganguly aims to teach. Young FIDE Master Bahne Fuhrmann of Hamburger SK reviews Ganguly’s video course “Calculation Step by Step – Vol. 1: Foundations.” In his article, he takes a closer look at the tips and techniques proposed by the Indian grandmaster for calculating variations with precision. A course that demands active participation…