10/1/2026 – Arne Kähler shares impressions from the final moments in Samarkand: the start of the crucial matches Uzbekistan–Ukraine and India–Hungary in the last round, a blitz game against seven-year-old Uzbek talent Mukhammadyusuf Bakhramov, scenes from the press room, a chat with Frederik Svane from Germany and Konstantin Peyrer from Austria, and highlights from the closing ceremony. | Photo: ChessBase

10/1/2026 – The results of the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan brought notable changes to the rankings. Among the big winners are Uzbekistan's Abdusattorov, Sindarov and Yakubboev. Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus has extended his lead over Gukesh in the junior rankings, while Alice Lee of the United States is now the top-ranked female junior.

10/1/2026 – Arne and Karsten show highlights from the Olympiad . In this case it is White to move and draw. | You can watch the Endgame Magic Show on-demand with a ChessBase Premium account.

10/1/2026 – In the video, Nico Zwirs demonstrates an opening experiment by the newly crowned Olympic champion Mukhiddin Madaminov (5.5 out of 7 on board 5): the Sicilian with 2…e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4 Nc6 5.Qe3 Nf6 6.Nc3. And Mihail Marin examines the move 6.Ne5 in the Queen’s Pawn Game (“I didn’t even know this move existed!”) – tested by none other than World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov. In addition, the ‘Lucky bag’ – featuring 41 game analyses by Berg, Ftacnik, Gupta and many others – offers a colourful spectrum of opening ideas, tactical masterpieces and more. Tip: With a subscription, you pay just €9.17 per issue for the CBM Extra (instead of €14.90 for a single issue)!

10/1/2026 – In this Olympiad special of The Underdog, Robert Ris presents seven remarkable upsets from both the Women’s and Open sections, chosen not only for the rating differences but also for the instructive chess behind them. The examples range from spectacular attacking ideas and sudden tactical reversals to missed winning chances and difficult endgames, showing how quickly a game can turn even when the stronger player appears to be completely in control. One particularly dramatic example sees Arjun Erigaisi lose after dominating much of his game, while another features a rating difference of almost 600 points and a winning material advantage that disappears after a major tactical oversight.

9/30/2026 – He has been elected FIDE President. Shortly before the ballot decided it in Samarkand, American Chess Magazine conducted an interview with Timur Turlov, discussing his upbringing and background, the ecosystem of his company Freedom, his involvement in chess and what he would do to enhance its popularity and status in the world. Long, must-read description.

9/27/2026 – Uzbekistan secured their second Chess Olympiad gold by beating Ukraine 2½–1½ in the final round in Samarkand. India took silver after drawing Hungary, while Germany claimed bronze and their first team medal since 2000 after beating the Netherlands. Nodirbek Abdusattorov won individual gold on board one, Frederik Svane repeated his individual success (also gold) from 2024, while Hungary's Gleb Dudin finished with five consecutive wins. | Photo: Nils Rohde / ChessBase

9/27/2026 – The inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards were presented in Samarkand during the 46th Chess Olympiad, recognising achievements across the chess world during the 2024–2026 cycle. Honours went to players, teams, tournaments, federations, creators and social initiatives, with recipients including Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Levon Aronian, India’s Open and Women’s teams and ChessBase India. The remaining Best Chess Player awards will be presented separately at the Olympiad closing ceremony. | Photos: KNZO Photography

9/27/2026 – The Olympiad in Samarkand is such an amazingly large and diverse event, that it is nearly impossible to decide between so many interesting games. Last week we selected an upset from the first round, this week we picked a hidden jewel from the middle of the tournament and next week we will probably focus on the top boards in their fight for the medals. Today's Game of the Week features good old Baduur Jobava, creating fireworks from a French exchange variation against Toivo Keinanen. Merijn's show is available on-demand with a ChessBase Premium Account. You can register a Premium account here.

9/27/2026 – Our database program – used by everyone, from the World Champion to lowly club players – will now be available for Mac users. The new version has been developed from the ground up: modern, built for fast access to what matters. The official release is November 2026. Register now to make sure you don’t miss the launch of a new era in chess study.

9/27/2026 – The 46th edition of the Chess Olympiad is taking place on 16-27 September at the Silk Road EXPO in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. A record 208 teams in the open and 191 in the women's category are fighting for collective and individual medals. | Follow the games live with expert commentary starting at 12.00 CEST (6.00 ET, 15.30 IST) | Pictured: Alexandra Kosteniuk from Switzerland by Michal Walusza / FIDE

9/27/2026 – In the penultimate round, China and Kazakhstan ensured that there will still be plenty at stake on the final day of the Women's Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. China drew with India, while Kazakhstan defeated France 2½–1½. China remain in sole first place, but their lead over Kazakhstan has been reduced to a single point. China have 18/20 match points, while Kazakhstan are on 17. India, Poland and Vietnam (on 16/20) still have a chance to win the event. | Photo: Michal Walusza / FIDE