2/1/2026 – In this episode, Svitlana analyzes one of her own intense games from the Canadian University Championships, where she faced a 2400+ tactical rival in a long-awaited revenge match. The game began as a controlled strategic battle out of a Pirc structure, exploded into sharp complications, and transitioned into a wildly double-edged endgame where both players missed wins. Svitlana shows key defensive resources, creative practical decisions under time pressure, and two critical endgame “bluffs” that helped her hold a theoretically difficult position. After six exhausting hours and 113 moves, the roller-coaster fight finally ended in a hard-earned draw packed with lessons from opening to endgame.

2/1/2026 – Young FIDE Master Bahne Fuhrmann of the Hamburger SK has taken a close look at Harshit Raja’s new video course. In his review, he examines the Indian grandmaster’s 1.e4 course and explains why viewers who study the course can confidently open with 1.e4.

2/1/2026 – With one round remaining, the race for first place remains unresolved in both sections of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. In the Masters, Nodirbek Abdusattorov leads alone after defeating Matthias Bluebaum, while Javokhir Sindarov trails by half a point and three others still have outside chances. In the Challengers, Andy Woodward and Aydin Suleymanli share the lead, with Vasyl Ivanchuk close behind. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Lennart Ootes

1/31/2026 – Felix Blohberger set himself two ambitious goals in an interview with Arne Kähler last August: he wanted to reach 10,000 subscribers with his YouTube channel, launched a year and a half ago, and he set the magical 2600 Elo mark as the hurdle he aimed to clear as a player. He recently achieved the first goal and is therefore giving away five copies of his King’s Indian courses, published in December, to his fans. How to get the course—and how things stand with the second goal—see below …

1/31/2026 – Let's go: In part 1 of our new tutorial series, we will show you how to quickly enter and save your own games. Just follow the explanations and screenshots and gradually build up your own database of games.

1/31/2026 – With two rounds left, the race for first place remains closely contested in both sections of the Tata Steel Chess tournament. In the Masters, Javokhir Sindarov caught Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the lead after beating Arjun Erigaisi, while Hans Niemann scored a full point to join Matthias Bluebaum and Jorden van Foreest in the chasing pack. In the Challengers, Andy Woodward won and moved into sole first place after Vasyl Ivanchuk defeated former sole leader Aydin Suleymanli. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Lennart Ootes

1/29/2026 – Today is a rest day in Wijk aan Zee. A good opportunity to revisit some of the finest games played in the tournament’s long history. Robert Ris helps. The popular Dutch IM, author, and trainer has selected and annotated seven outstanding games from Wijk aan Zee. As a gift, for free!

1/29/2026 – ChessBase Magazine Extra is the ideal complement to ChessBase Magazine. Opening videos: Daniel King presents new ideas against the Caro-Kann (3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ exf6 6.Be3) plus ‘Mikhalchishin's Miniatures’ Part III (Najdorf, Petroff, Scotch). New in CBM Extra: ‘Move by Move’ with Robert Ris. ‘Lucky bag’ with 37 analyses by Ganguly, Illingworth and many more. CBM Extra #229 can also be used as a ChessBase Book in a web browser on an iPad, tablet or Mac, etc.!

1/29/2026 – As the Tata Steel Chess tournament approaches its final stretch, the Masters section saw another eventful day: Matthias Bluebaum's second straight win moved him into shared second place, while Gukesh Dommaraju, Vincent Keymer and Aravindh Chithambaram also scored victories. Nodirbek Abdusattorov remains in front after signing a non-trivial draw with Vladimir Fedoseev. In the Challengers, Vasyl Ivanchuk defeated former leader Andy Woodward, allowing Aydin Suleymanli's third consecutive win to carry him into sole first place. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Lennart Ootes

1/28/2026 – Garry Kasparov, one of the most influential figures in chess history, is set to return to KCF Academy on February 1, 2026, for a second live session, offering the academy community a unique chance to learn about the King’s Indian, which has always been a weapon of courage, creativity, and uncompromising play. And no one embodies that spirit better than Kasparov.

1/28/2026 – The Grand Chess Tour will return in 2026 with a full season of classical, rapid and blitz events, a $2 million overall prize fund and the Finals staged in Saint Louis. Featuring a field of leading grandmasters, including world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and recent Tour winner Fabiano Caruana (pictured), the circuit continues its established format of elite tournaments across multiple time controls, with the top performers advancing to a knockout finale. | Photo: Lennart Ootes

1/28/2026 – Many users buy our latest software, but don't spend time learning the advanced features it offers. They use ChessBase´26 just like earlier versions. But the new program has hidden treasures that will enhance your chess preparation and understanding – and boost your rating in the process. GM Iniyan Pa has taken the time to explore the new features and give you an overview of what awaits you.