Live lecture: Power of the King

by Kasparov Chess Foundation
3/21/2026 – The Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy is delighted to announce an upcoming live lecture by GM Dragan Šolak on March 22, 2026, 17:00 CET. This special session will focus on "The Power of the King," a topic of utmost importance for players looking to elevate their strategic understanding and improve their competitive results. Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from GM Šolak’s extensive experience, gaining invaluable insights into king safety, king activity, and the art of using it as a powerful piece in both the middlegame and the endgame at the highest level.

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. 

GM Dragan Šolak [photo by Andreas Kontokanis] is a highly respected figure in the chess world, known for his deep strategic understanding and impressive tournament achievements. He earned the grandmaster title in 2001 and established himself as a formidable competitor, representing Serbia in three Chess Olympiads.

In 2011, Dragan made a significant life and career transition when he moved to Turkey. Since joining the Turkish Chess Federation, he has become a Turkish Champion and has represented his new home in three Olympiads as a key member of the national team.

Beyond his playing career, IGM Dragan Šolak is recognized as one of the most brilliant trainers of the new generation. He has mentored a group of promising young talents who are now emerging as serious contenders on the world stage, and most notably, the rising star Ediz Gürel. His chess academy and series of tournaments have become a cornerstone of the Turkish chess scene, drawing widespread popularity and fostering growth across the country.

His expertise spans from classic openings to endgame mastery, making his lectures essential for players at all levels. Don’t miss this chance to work on one of the most fascinating parts of the game with one of the best.

March 22, 17:00 CET - Live at KCF Academy.
JOIN us any time at www.kcfacademy.org

JOIN us any time at www.kcfacademy.org

Embark on a complete chess training journey with KCF Academy, guided by an elite team of international Grandmasters and various guest stars, along with Garry Kasparov: Fabiano Caruana, Veselin Topalov, Levon Aronian, Peter Svidler, and many other surprise star guests. The 2026 season is the most comprehensive yet, featuring weekly workshops, four progressive training levels, and a dedicated Expert Group designed for advanced players (2200+ FIDE or Level 4 graduates).

As a member of the KCF Academy, you’ll join a global chess community, train with some of the best minds in the game, and gain exclusive benefits for our flagship in-person event - the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival in Slovenia (June 25 - July 5, 2026), where students, trainers, and chess enthusiasts from around the world come together.

Join special Saturday Academy lessons, designed for four skill levels and built on the legendary Botvinnik School training system. Unlike many modern programs, this approach preserves the timeless, systematic teaching of classical chess principles.

The Botvinnik School shaped nearly all the great champions of the 20th century, including Karpov, Kasparov, Yusupov, Beliavsky, Shirov, and many other grandmasters. Now, you can train in that same world-class tradition and meet chess stars online!

Visit www.kcfacademy.org for more details.


The vision of the Kasparov Chess Foundation is primarily to use the many benefits of chess to help children worldwide. KCF does this through a variety of different programs, which you can find at KasparovChessFoundation.org
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