9/22/2026 – Bobby Fischer remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures in chess history. IM John Donaldson, captain of the US team at the Chess Olympiad and the author of numerous books on famous and lesser-known chess personalities, is one of the leading experts on Fischer. He recently published a new book on the 1972 World Champion, "Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer". In the interview, Donaldson talks about his research, previously unknown material and how he views Fischer after years of studying his life and work.
new: Fritz 20
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally. FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before.
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before. FRITZ is more than just a chess engine – it’s a training revolution! Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
The Benko Gambit is back at the very highest level - and it's easy to see why. Black sacrifices a pawn to seize the initiative on the queenside, obtaining long-lasting pressure, active pieces and open files that make life difficult for White.
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The Chess Olympiad is more than just a tournament, it is also a meeting place for the chess world. At the ChessBase booth in Samarkand, we welcomed John Donaldson, captain of the US team and one of the leading experts on Bobby Fischer.
For his latest book, "Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer", Donaldson was able to draw on previously unpublished material collected by Fischer's mother Regina and stored in an attic for decades. Among these documents were games that had been thought lost, as well as revealing letters and telegrams from Fischer's youth.
John Donaldson, Inside the Mind of Bobby Fischer, Revisiting His Writing and Annotations, Siles Press 2025, 402 pages
In the interview, Donaldson reveals what surprised him most during his research, tells the story of the 16-year-old Fischer travelling alone through Europe for months in 1959, and discusses Fischer's relationship with his mother, his withdrawal from tournament chess and the darker sides of his later years.
Towards the end of the interview, the focus shifts to Donaldson's other role in Samarkand. He is captaining the US Olympiad team in person for the 17th time and explains what it takes to build a successful team.
No other World Champion was more infamous both inside and outside the chess world than Bobby Fischer. On this DVD, a team of experts shows you the winning techniques and strategies employed by the 11th World Champion.
Grandmaster Dorian Rogozenco delves into Fischer’s openings, and retraces the development of his repertoire. What variations did Fischer play, and what sources did he use to arm himself against the best Soviet players? Mihail Marin explains Fischer’s particular style and his special strategic talent in annotated games against Spassky, Taimanov and other greats. Karsten Müller is not just a leading international endgame expert, but also a true Fischer connoisseur.
9/21/2026 – In one of the key matches of the Women's Chess Olympiad, defending champions India faced Poland in Sunday's round five. The Indian team went into the match as favourites, but suffered a setback in the end. Aleksandra Maltsevskaya defeated Vaishali on board two to secure victory for the Polish side. | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz / FIDE
9/21/2026 – India, Uzbekistan and Germany emerged from round five with perfect 10/10 match scores after winning their clashes against fellow co-leaders. Germany defeated top seeds United States 2½–1½, with Frederik Svane (pictured) scoring the decisive win over Hans Niemann, while India beat the Netherlands and Uzbekistan swept Hungary 4–0. China and Armenia drew 2–2 and now stand one match point behind the leading group. | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz / FIDE
For a long time the Scotch opening was considered harmless and rarely played. This changed in 1990 when Garry Kasparov successfully employed the Scotch opening in his World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov. But that was 25 years ago. Now, there is no need to panic if you want to play 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 and need a line against the Scotch. On this 60 Minutes renowned and successful coach Adrian Mikhalchishin gives simple practical tips how to neutralize and counter the Scotch.
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
If you're looking for a dynamic alternative to the Slav, Queen's Gambit Declined, or other mainstream systems, the Chigorin Defence offers exactly what modern tournament players need.
Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard.
Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard.
Michael Kotyk presents a complete repertoire after 1.e4 e5, built around creative ideas, surprising move orders, and practical weapons designed to catch your opponents off guard.
“Attack with Qh5!!” – Tactical training with Oliver Reeh, “6…g5 – nothing ventured, nothing …” – Le Quang Liem comments on one of his victories in Biel, “Grischuk’s stroke of genius” – Petra Papp reveals a surprise in the Sicilian Kan Variation, and much
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
While tactics decide the game in concrete moments, strategy guides the entire battle. Understanding how to improve your pieces, create weaknesses, execute maneuvers, and steer the game toward favorable structures is what defines strong players.
€39.90
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