12/21/2025 – We take a unique behind-the-scenes look at how top chess masters organize their digital workspace. Grandmasters and trainers reveal their personal ChessBase 26 setups — from meticulously clean desktops to chaotic databases full of ideas. They show us their board designs, current projects, and discuss their favourite or most-used ChessBase functions, offering fascinating insights into how great minds prepare, study, and work with chess every day.

12/21/2025 – Day seven of the Global Chess League produced a clearer picture at the top of the table, with the leaders, Triveni Continental Kings, opening a commanding gap over the rest of the field. A heavy defeat for one of the main challengers, upGrad Mumba Masters, reshaped the standings, while several tightly contested matches kept the battle for second place wide open. | Pictured: Continental Kings' Marc'Andria Maurizzi | Photos: Official website

12/20/2025 – Vladimir Fedoseev was one of the first Russian chess players to speak out critically against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He switched to the Slovenian association and never wants to represent Russia again. The Russian Minister of Sport has now stripped him of his Russian honorary titles. | Photo: Lennart Ootes

12/20/2025 – In Part Two of his review of the Opening Encyclopaedia 2025, Nagesh Havanur explores the nuanced world of Semi-Open Games. From the dynamic Sicilian Defence to the "quiet" Caro-Kann, each defence offers distinct challenges and strategies. As our author transitions to Closed Games in his next instalment, he offers much practical advice for the aspiring tournament player.

12/20/2025 – The Global Chess League moved into the second half of its round-robin phase with a heavier daily schedule and immediate consequences in the standings. Teams began playing twice per day, producing mixed results for those facing the added workload. While Triveni Continental Kings remain in front, Alireza Firouzja's streak came to an end. With three days to go in the initial phase, the contest for the second spot in the final gained increased importance. | Pictured: Continental Kings' Vidit Gujrathi | Photos: Official website

12/19/2025 – Alongside the established elite, the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha will feature a remarkable group of rising talents from around the world. Teenagers and even younger players will compete on equal terms with the game's biggest names, many already boasting grandmaster titles and major international results. This article highlights the most promising young contenders in both the Open and Women's events, offering a snapshot of the next generation set to test itself on the world stage in Qatar.

12/16/2025 – Last week, Vlastimil Hort found his final resting place at Prague's Vyšehrad National Cemetery. It was "Vlasti's" wish to be buried in his hometown. His family, friends and companions gave him a final send-off – with a glass of champagne, for a special reason.

12/16/2025 – High tension in Buenos Aires: with his draw against Julio Granda Zuniga, Faustino Oro stayed in contention both for the tournament victory and for the second grandmaster norm that is so important to him. A lot would have to go his way to win the tournament, but the norm is firmly in his own hands: a draw in the final round would be enough. First place is still shared, yet after Alexei Shirov’s fighting win against the former co-leader Ivan Cheparinov, Shirov and Aryan Tari have the best chances to win the tournament. | Photo: Faustino Oro at the World Cup 2025 | Photo: Michal Walusza

12/16/2025 – Crushing checks: Often the rook belongs behind the passed pawn, but sometimes other methods have priority: The deep: White to move and win.

12/16/2025 – This week we are having a look at a spectacular miniature played in the Greek Championships. The game Nikolaidis-Alexakis featured the Benko gambit in which Black opted for the modern treatment with 5...e6. Black even got the chance of sacrificing a knight on move 10, how often do you see that happening still in grandmaster play?? | Fast & Furious is available on-demand with a ChessBase Premium Account. You can register a Premium account here.

12/16/2025 – The Clash of Generations II featured a six game match between 34-year-old former number two of the world Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and 14-year old super talent Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. The result was amazing: Erdogmus hardly experienced any problems at all, comfortably drew five of the games and even won one! This remarkable fifth game of the match is our Game of the Week, it saw the suprising use of the Ruy Lopez exchange variation and turned into a positional masterpiece. | Merijn's show is available on-demand with a ChessBase Premium Account. You can register a Premium account here.

12/16/2025 – In the diagram position Black has two possibilities to protect the f7-pawn: 21...0-0 and 21...Rf8 (game continuation). Would you have a moment to refute both?