Masters: Three draws

In the Masters Triathlon at the Biel Chess Festival, the grandmasters all drew their games for a second day in a row, as thy waited in vain for a mistake from their opponents. This was particularly true of today's top match, in which Levon Aronian, the former world number two, faced Le Quang Liem, the three-time Biel champion. With the draw, which saw their game end after about an hour, they remain tied at the top of the table. With a 6½-point lead over fifth place, their chances of qualifying for the final stage of the tournament next week - where they are likely to face each other once again - look excellent.

The Bulletproof 1.b3 Repertoire

This compact course is designed specifically for practical play. Instead of overwhelming you with endless theory, it focuses on the critical lines, typical plans, and recurring tactical ideas.
Looking for an opening that gets your opponents thinking on move one? Grandmaster Andy Woodward has relied on 1.b3 for years in blitz and bullet, using it to defeat strong masters and grandmasters who underestimated its hidden venom. While many players dismiss the opening as harmless, they often find themselves caught in unfamiliar positions, tactical traps, and uncomfortable middlegames. This compact course is designed specifically for practical play. Instead of overwhelming you with endless theory, it focuses on the critical lines, typical plans, and recurring tactical ideas that matter most when the clock is ticking.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: King's Indian Setup

Aydin Suleymanli also remains in a strong position. He drew for the fourth time in a row and, thanks to the 6 points he earned in the rapid section of the tournament, remains in third place. A strong performance from the Azerbaijani, who stepped in at short notice just before the tournament to replace Nodirbek Yakubboev, and was therefore unable to prepare for the tournament as thoroughly as his five opponents. For his opponent in round four, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, the situation is less clear: currently in fourth place, he is separated from fifth place by just half a point.

The two players who are currently not qualified, Jose Martinez and Matthias Bluebaum, were also unable to make up any ground in their head-to-head match. Saturday's fifth round offers another chance to gain 4 points. But perhaps they - particularly "Jospem", who has built up a reputation online as an outstanding blitz player - are already looking forward to the blitz chess event, in which the "triathletes" will be competing on Sunday and where a maximum of 10 points are up for grabs.

Aydin Suleymanli v. Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus | Photo: Biel Chess Festival

Jose Martinez v. Matthias Bluebaum | Photo: Biel Chess Festival

Round four results

Current standings

All classical games - Masters

Generations Challenge: Finek scores again

Who can stop Vaclav Finek? Well, not Vaishali Rameshbabu: the Indian player, who finished third in the Biel Challengers in 2024, continues to struggle this year and proved prone to errors against the young Czech star, who continues to play strongly. Finek won his second classical game played with white and, together with the draws achieved with black, remains unbeaten across all games – both classical and rapid. The 16-year-old player, who currently holds the title of International Master (IM), now has 19 points in the standings and, provided he does not lose, can secure his place in the final stage as early as Saturday after his game against Carissa Yip - i.e. before the blitz chess section.

Mastering Calculation - Think Clearly, Calculate Precisely, Improve Consistently

Chess is a concrete game. There is no way around training your calculation skills. Improve your visualization, pattern recognition and learn calculation techniques such as reciprocal thinking with this course.
Calculation is at the heart of practical chess. Every chess concept builds on proper calculation technique. Therefore, all chess players should continuosly train the fundamental techniques, concepts and patterns this course will present. The goal isn't only to teach you to calculate, but to give you the tools and insights to keep improving long after the final lesson.
Free sample video: Introduction

Free sample video: Quiet Moves

Yip drew with Xiao Tong in a very evenly matched game. Xiao therefore remains in third place, whilst Yip stays in fifth.

The remaining game of the Generations Challenge, between Marco Materia and Alexandra Kosteniuk, lasted over five and a half hours. Materia had already played for over five hours on Thursday before his opponent congratulated him on his victory - and in round four it also looked at times as though the same would happen. However, Kosteniuk defended tenaciously and managed to offset the slight advantages Materia had gained, simplifying into an even endgame that ended in a draw. Kosteniuk thus remains 3 points behind Xiao.

Vaclav Finek defeated Vaishali Rameshbabu | Photo: Biel Chess Festival

Round four results

Current standings

All classical games - Generations Challenge

MTO: Acs draws but remains sole leader

Against GM Gopal G.N., the leader of the Masters Open Tournament, GM Peter Acs, failed to secure the maximum number of points for the first time and drew the game. Nevertheless, the Hungarian remains the sole leader on 4½ points, half a point ahead of eleven players who each have 4 points. Among them is IM Fabian Bänziger, currently the top-ranked Swiss player.

How to Avoid Mistakes and Boost Your Winning Rate

Doesn’t every chess game get decided by mistakes? Absolutely. But most players never truly comprehend that they are making the same kind of mistakes over and over again.

Gopal G.N. was the first player to hold Peter Acs to a draw in this year's Masters Open Tournament | Photo: Biel Chess Festival

Current standings - MTO

...94 players

All available games - MTO

Triathlons: Masters and Generations Challenge

Understanding Material Imbalances

This DVD focuses on several types of material imbalances, such as Rook vs 2 Pieces, Queen vs 2 Rooks, and Queen vs Pieces.

Schedule