1/28/2025 – The controversy between Freestyle Chess and FIDE is escalating into a major conflict. Both sides have reiterated their positions in various media. The Norwegian NRK quotes Jan Henrric Buettner and FIDE. Emil Sutovsky has responded on X. Behind all this is a large sum of money that FIDE would like to receive. | Photo: sharkolot auf Pixapy

1/28/2025 – Against the popular Semi-Tarrasch (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 c5), 7.Rb1 (with h4!) is currently the absolute fashionable variation and, with a yield of well over 60%, also a promising choice. In the current ChessBase Magazine #223, IM Balász Csonka takes a close look at the variation and summarizes the current state of theory. His article includes an overview text and six annotated games from the period from 2018 (Karjakin-Kramnik from the Candidates Tournament) to 2024. You can view the complete article with all the analyses this week as a free sample from ChessBase Magazine #223 in ChessBase Books format!

1/28/2025 – "All rook endgames are drawn" is a well-known witticisim that is often attributed to Tarrasch or Tartakower. It emphasises the drawish tendencies of rook endings. However, you still have to find the right moves. In the diagram position Black can draw with best play but in the game Black lost. Can you do better?

1/27/2025 – After giving his Bundesliga debut for St. Pauli, Magnus Carlsen travelled on to the ICE Gaming Fair in Barcelona. In an interview, Carlsen commented on the controversy with FIDE, though he did not mention it explicitly. Still, it was an interesting and open interview.

1/27/2025 – Wei Yi and Fabiano Caruana scored victories in round 8 of the Tata Steel Masters, with Wei beating Max Warmerdam and Caruana getting the better of Vincent Keymer. The two winners of the day stand a full point behind co-leaders Gukesh Dommaraju, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Meanwhile, Thai Dai Van Nguyen defeated Lu Miaoyi to become the sole leader in the Challengers section. Monday marks the penultimate rest day for the players. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Jurriaan Hoefsmit

1/27/2025 – The Djerba Chess Festival is steadily securing its place on the international chess scene as an exciting blend of competition, tourism, and cultural experience. Known as the "sweet Djerba" or the "island of dreams," this enchanting destination on Tunisia's southeast coast will host its fifth edition from February 15–23, 2025.

1/27/2025 – Every last Wednesday of the month the ECU Education Commission holds a Discussion Group meeting for chess educators to share experiences and discuss their ideas and knowledge on various topics related to Chess in Education. These meetings allow participants to learn from each other and gain new insights through different perspectives. The next discussion group convenes on Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 pm European time. Registration closes 15 minutes before the start of the event.

1/27/2025 – Over the past 18 months, the "Chess for Protection" programme has transformed lives in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, Kenya, using chess as a tool for empowerment and development. Led by FIDE's Sonja Johnson, the initiative has built sustainable infrastructure, introduced chess to over 2,100 students, and achieved global recognition. From organising youth championships to fostering partnerships with UNHCR, the programme highlights the game's power to inspire resilience and community building among refugees.

1/26/2025 – Herman Grooten is an International Master, a renowned trainer and the author of several highly acclaimed books on chess training and strategy. In episode 214 of his "Understanding before Moving" show Herman looks at the career of Rustam Kasimdzhanov, FIDE World Champion 2004. | Photo: Pascal Simon

1/26/2025 – Today, 26 January 2025, the legendary Icelandic Grandmaster Fridrik Olafsson celebrates his 90th birthday. Heartfelt congratulations to the Chess Coryphaeus! Our author Eduard Frey presents highlights from a remarkable biography.

1/26/2025 – Gukesh Dommaraju, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Nodirbek Abdusattorov lead the Tata Steel Masters after seven rounds, with Gukesh defeating Pentala Harikrishna to join the leading pack. Vladimir Fedoseev also impressed, beating Vincent Keymer to claim sole fourth place. In the Challengers, Thai Dai Van Nguyen caught Erwin l'Ami at the top after defeating Faustino Oro, while 14-year-old Lu Miaoyi continued her strong run with a third victory, defeating Divya Deshmukh. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Jurriaan Hoefsmit

1/25/2025 – The prestigeous Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee is on again, and just in the first couple of days we have been blessed with some instructive tactics! Svitlana has some nice examples prepared for us, either for your watching entertainment, or to actively try to solve them!