1/8/2025 – The WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess Grand Slam starts on 7 February, with 10 participants competing, 9 of whom have already been determined. The tenth will be determined in a play-in. After a Swiss system tournament, 16 players competed against each other in a knockout format. Four of them are still in the running: Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vladimir Fedoseev, Yu Yangyi and Javokhir Sindarov. These four will compete today in the semi-finals and finals to determine who will take part in the Grand Slam. Starting at 17.00 CET (11.00 ET, 9.30 pm IST), live and with commentary.

1/8/2025 – "ChessBase have truly outdone themselves with the new CB18," say strong GM Iniyan Panneerselvam. "It makes life so much easier for players and coaches alike, thanks to its fantastic new features! We all know how precious time is; and CB18 is designed to save you a ton of time when you need it most." Today he describes how the software works with Mega Database 2025. and which additionsl bonus features it provides.

1/8/2025 – Arne Kähler and Johannes Fischer start 2025 with a review of 2024. They recall the highlights of the past year, talk about the Chess Olympiad, various world championships, Freestyle Chess, the future number 1, the successes of India and consider who the male (Carlsen, Gukesh or Erigaisi) and female (Tan Zhongyi, Ju Wenjun, Divya Deshmukh or Humpy Koneru) players of the year are. And they ask which games were particularly impressive in 2024.

1/8/2025 – One of our viewers’ favourite themes in Svitlana’s Smart Moves is the openings. This is probably due to the way Svitlana can splendidly explain the ideas, patterns, basics, and key points to consider in an opening. In this episode, the Canadian WIM tackles the Benko Gambit, an opening that Magnus Carlsen enjoyed for several years.

1/7/2025 – With his new video course "Modern Classics" Dorian Rogozenco, former German national coach and renowned chess theoretician, takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of chess games that have made history. | Photos: Nils Rohde

1/7/2025 – The famous classic Thomas-Alekhine is a strategical masterpiece. It has served as a lesson on how to play against weak white pawns on c3 and d4. Ever since Nimzowitsch has dealt with it in his famous work "My System" it has been popular with trainers and students alike. But did White really use all defensive options? This has not been debated enough in the past. Can you do this important job?

1/7/2025 – In the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, chess is transforming lives through the Girls Club "Chess for Protection" initiative, launched by FIDE and UNHCR in 2021. Targeting young refugee girls, the programme combines chess lessons with life skills, fostering confidence, mental well-being, and hope in a safe environment. With over 250 participants annually across three schools, the initiative empowers these girls through training with world-class educators, a book club and workshops led by inspiring figures.

1/7/2025 – If two rooks fight against a queen, coordination and harmony are crucial. In the diagram position the rooks have to fight against the queen and two passed pawns. But Black can draw the game. How?

1/6/2025 – Egyptian GM Bassem Amin emerged victorious in the 52nd Rilton Cup, held from 27 December to 5 January in Stockholm, Sweden. The prestigious tournament, established in 1971 thanks to the visionary support of Dr Tore Rilton, attracted 115 players from 35 countries this year. Despite an early upset loss, Amin showcased his resilience by winning six consecutive games and secured the title with 7½ points. | Photo: Lars OA Hedlund

1/6/2025 – Merijn van Delft starts the year with a provocation. In his first Game of the Week show of 2025, he presents a rapid game, in which White played 1.a4 against Hikaru Nakamura, the current world number 3. Despite his dubious opening, White won the game - in which his a-pawn made a remarkable career. | Merijn's show is available on-demand with a ChessBase Premium Account. You can register a Premium account here.

1/6/2025 – There are many clear advantages of using the latest ChessBase 18. It dramatically improves your level of chess study and preparation. Ask Indian grandmaster Pa.Iniyan, who sent us an in-depth three-part review of his experience with the program. You would do well to follow what he says carefully – and use our software to increase your performance and rating. | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy

1/5/2025 – GM S L Narayanan scored an unbeaten 7/9 to win the main section of the Groningen Chess Festival 2024. The top seed finished a half point ahead of the competition. Four players collected 6½ points: GM Thomas Beerdsen, IM Nick Maatman, IM Manish Anto Cristiano and IM Theo Stijve. The 9-round Swiss open was organised in Gronigen, Netherlands from 21 to 30 December 2024. | Photo: Harry Gielen