8/3/2025 – The Modern Defence (1…g6) offers Black a dynamic and strategically rich alternative to mainstream openings, avoiding early theory battles while targeting White’s centre with long-term pressure. Grandmaster Daniel Fernandez guides you through its complex ideas and practical applications, ideal for players seeking unbalanced positions and full-point ambitions. Master the subtleties of 1…g6 and energize your repertoire with this bold and flexible weapon.

8/3/2025 – ChessBase 18 offers a wide range of technical features and training tools. To get the most out of them, it helps to know where to look. In this tutorial, we show you how just a few clicks can enhance your ChessBase experience. Explore the "View" menu across different sections of the program to design your own personalized ChessBase environment. Take a look and try it out — because in the end, it’s all a matter of personal preference...

8/2/2025 – Michael Kotyk, a young chess trainer from Hamburg, has taken a close look at David Navara’s new course. The Czech grandmaster, who has been among the world’s elite for many years, offers deep insights into how chess players can make their thinking processes more effective. Players often misjudge what needs to be calculated and what does not. Kotyk explains how David Navara approaches this subject.

8/2/2025 – After 52.Nf5 (diagram) Black has a way to win, but must protect his own king from damage. So proceed with caution!

8/2/2025 – Magnus Carlsen won the first-ever chess tournament held at the Esports World Cup, defeating Alireza Firouzja with two consecutive 3–1 set wins in the Grand Final. The Norwegian performed convincingly throughout the four-day event, displaying consistent control and clock management in every stage. Earlier on the final day, Hikaru Nakamura edged Arjun Erigaisi 3½–2½ to secure third place. The tournament featured a fast-paced, no-increment format. | Photos: Esports World Cup

8/1/2025 – In this episode, the focus is on typical errors made in Sicilian Dragon games, illustrated through instructive examples from recent tournaments. Chris covers common move-order mistakes, thematic tactics like the exchange sacrifice on c3, and a brilliant underdog win by a 2033-rated player over a 2369-rated opponent using precise Dragon play. The discussion also touches on repertoire-building advice, the importance of playing openings that suit your style, and an amusing anecdote about meeting the young "Vietnamese Dragon" prodigy at the Biel Chess Festival. | Photo: John Upham

8/1/2025 – In the latest episode of the Power Play Show, GM Daniel King examines the final of the Women's World Cup between Divya Deshmukh and Humpy Koneru. In the positions attached, the challenge is to find the best defensive moves. | Watch Power Play on-demand with a ChessBase Premium account. All the usual puzzles, games and instruction will be on offer.

8/1/2025 – While there were few changes in the absolute world rankings, there was a lot of movement in the women's rankings. Magnus Carlsen remains the world's best player. Hou Yifan lost many Elo points, but remains the top-ranked female player. Best junior is Praggnanandhaa, closely ahead of World Champion Gukesh, best female junior is the Winner of the Women's World Cup in Batumi, Divya Deshmukh.

8/1/2025 – The Esports World Cup began on Tuesday, 29 July. Sixteen of the world's best players competed in blitz chess (10+0) for prestige and a prize fund of $1.5 million. Alireza Firouzja and Magnus Carlsen will face each other in the final, while Hikaru Nakamura will take on Arjun Erigaisi in the match for third place. Follow the games live with commentary. | The final starts at 15.00 CEST (9.00 ET, 8.30 IST).

8/1/2025 – Kavutskiy shares how he balances his pursuit of the Grandmaster title with his work as a content creator, coach, and co-founder of ChessDojo. Though his creative and educational work often limits his tournament prep, he remains deeply motivated by a love for the game and a desire to improve. In the interview, he reflects on chess as a tool for personal growth, his admiration for the King’s Indian Defense, and his belief that freestyle chess could shape the game’s future.

8/1/2025 – The third day of the 2025 Esports World Cup chess tournament featured both the quarterfinals and semifinals, with Magnus Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja advancing to the Grand Final. In the semis, Carlsen edged out Hikaru Nakamura in a tightly contested match that went to Armageddon, while Firouzja defeated Arjun Erigaisi 4–1. Nakamura and Arjun will meet in the third-place playoff. | Photos: Esports World Cup

8/1/2025 – The best way to play a good (and successful) game is to start with a strong opening. Svitlana Dimchenko demonstrates how to succeed with the versatile King’s Indian Attack—a dangerous weapon that’s easy to learn. For those who want more, there’s ChessBase Magazine—the best and most comprehensive digital chess magazine, featuring analyses by top players. Get it at a special price during this week’s Summer Special (July 28 to August 3)!