6/13/2026 – Yağmur Gündüz takes on Fritz 21 and shows that even club-level players around 1200 Elo can have exciting and entertaining games against the engine. Although Yağmur quickly gets into a difficult position and loses several pawns, she keeps fighting actively, finding creative tactical ideas involving forks, pins, and mating threats. The game suddenly turns around as the “Fork Queen” uncorks a series of strong tactical combinations and reaches a winning position. The episode demonstrates perfectly that Fritz 21 is not only enjoyable for grandmasters, but can also provide fun, learning moments, and real excitement for ambitious hobby players.

6/13/2026 – With only a few weeks remaining before the start of the Kasparov Chess Foundations's Friendship Festival 2026 in Radenci, Slovenia, interest from the international chess community continues to grow. Players, trainers, and chess enthusiasts from around the world are preparing for what promises to be one of the most diverse chess festivals of the summer. The event combines top-level competition, educational activities, and unique opportunities to meet some of the most influential figures in chess.

6/13/2026 – ChessBase Magazine looks back on an almost unparalleled success story: since its first issue in 1988, it has been published every two months without interruption. Featuring in-depth opening surveys, profound grandmaster analyses, and demanding tactics and endgame training, it caters equally to ambitious club players and professionals. This undoubtedly places it among the world's leading chess publications. Christian Höthe takes a close look at issue 231.

6/13/2026 – Mukhiddin Madaminov (pictured, left) caught Shamsiddin Vokhidov in the lead after scoring his fourth win of the UzChess Cup, defeating Vidit Gujrathi in Friday's sixth round. Vokhidov split the point with Nodirbek Yakubboev, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov signed a 61-move draw in his game against Hans Niemann to remain half a point behind the leaders. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Ian Nepomniachtchi also scored wins in Tashkent. | Photo: Official website

6/12/2026 – Sam Shankland retained his American Continental Championship title in Oaxtepec, finishing clear first on 9½/11 after conceding only three draws. The US grandmaster secured one of four qualification spots for the 2027 FIDE World Cup, together with Juan Carlos Obregón (Mexico), Sandro Mareco (Argentina) and Alexandr Fier (Brazil). | Photo: Confederation of Chess for Americas

6/12/2026 – What the mouse can do! Following on from the aesthetic aspects covered in the last ChessBase´26 tutorial for beginners, this time we show you how you can use the mouse in different ways. The scroll wheel and mouse buttons can be used in a variety of ways. Here, too, it is a matter of personal preference which settings you choose.