3/24/2026 – The new Opening Encyclopaedia 2026 offers comprehensive and easy access to modern opening theory, helping players build, expand, and refine their repertoire with clarity and confidence. With 1,586 in-depth articles, over 40,000 games, and 100 expert video lessons from leading grandmasters, it combines cutting-edge ideas with practical explanations and annotated examples. Designed for players of all levels, it is an essential all-in-one resource to stay up to date with the latest trends and gain a decisive edge in the opening.

3/24/2026 – Double check the check: Rook endings have a large drawish tendency, but Black's last check was a fatal mistake: White to move and win.

3/24/2026 – The great tradition of chess cafés seemed to be something of the past, but now Sven Rehders, together with several other chess activists, is attempting to revive cafés and restaurants as meeting places for chess enthusiasts. And it is working. A smart app is helping to make it happen.

3/23/2026 – With a few days remaining before the FIDE Candidates Tournaments 2026 begin, preparations are intensifying for the decisive contests that will determine the next challengers for the world titles. Sixteen elite players will gather alongside their teams, while organisers plan fan activities, side events and expert commentary to enhance the spectator experience. The festival atmosphere surrounding the tournament reflects growing anticipation for one of the most demanding events in the chess calendar. | Image: FIDE

3/23/2026 – A month ago Valery Golubenko played what may well have been one of the longest chess games ever seen, measured by number of moves, under the rather restrictive conditions of modern chess life. At move 88, with queen and b-pawn against queen, Golubenko's opponent held for 37 moves, until he missed an only move, and it was theoretically a mate in 47.

3/23/2026 – I will discuss in this week's episode the latest ideas in the Marshall Gambit of the Slav. Recently some very important games have been played in this sharp opening, which once again proves that it's an excellent opening to play for a win from the very start. A few weeks ago, I played a pretty cool game against Croatian GM Ivan Zaja and managed to win with Black in only 23 moves.

3/20/2026 – Bruno Parma passed away on 6 February this year. Born in Ljubljana, he was one of Slovenia's strongest chess players. Parma competed in eight Chess Olympiads for Yugoslavia, winning four silver medals and two bronze medals with the team. | Photo: Dutch National Archive

3/20/2026 – After the Prague International Chess Festival, the top players didn't want to stop playing, so they set up three boards for 6-player bughouse. World Champion Gukesh, Keymer, Maghsoodloo, and Ganguly were joined by rising "futures" stars Clio Alessi and Lilian Schirmbeck to create absolute chaos. Keymer was basically overpowered the entire game, while Ganguly held on with everything he had. The highlight? A ridiculous loophole battery where they sacrificed 10 knights and bishops in a row. Finally, no engines, no prep. Just pure fun between some of the best chess players in the world.

3/20/2026 – A few weeks ago Jan Timman passed away at the age of 74. In the Netherlands Timman has always been immensely popular, a true icon of chess. His positive nature and adventurous style has inspired many chess players and will continue to do so. At his peak he reached number two in the world rankings, behind Karpov, ahead of the young Kasparov. Today we will look at his fantastic attacking game against Karpov, with whom he had countless interesting encounters. Merijn's show is available on-demand with a ChessBase Premium Account. You can register a Premium account here.

3/20/2026 – In the diagram position, Black initiated the hunt for the white king ... with a bishop move! I'm very curious to see your suggestions!

3/20/2026 – Football star Erling Haaland has become a strategic investor in Norway Chess and its new Total Chess World Championship Tour. The planned circuit will feature four tournaments each season across fast classical, rapid and blitz formats, aiming to crown a combined world champion. A pilot event is scheduled for autumn 2026, with the full tour expected to launch in 2027. | Photo: FIDE

3/19/2026 – In the latest episode of the English Chess Federation's Talented Tuesdays podcast, GM Matthew Sadler reflects on a formative game from his junior years that helped shape his chess identity. Discussing the challenges of finding a personal style, studying openings in the pre-digital era and balancing competitive chess with professional life, Sadler touches on his later work as an author. | Photo: Matthew Sadler's website