Winning starts with what you know
The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.
Petr Boleslav, the chief organizer of the Prague Chess Festival, told Johannes Fischer in an interview conducted last year:
I like chess and all the things that are linked to chess: literature, film, art, sport and much more. And since chess fascinates me but I’m not a strong player myself, I became an organizer.
Attack like a Super Grandmaster
In this Fritztrainer: “Attack like a Super GM†with Gukesh we touch upon all aspects of his play, with special emphasis on how you can become a better attacking player.
This statement encapsulates the spirit of the festival, which took a page from the Tata Steel Tournaments organizers by focusing on inviting a varied lineup, mixing young and experienced players in a number of closed tournaments. Creating a friendly atmosphere is also what makes it a success.
Among the ten players invited to participate in the Masters this year is living legend Boris Gelfand. In a short interview from April, the Israeli had this to say about the festival:
I really like the atmosphere of this festival. Strong, interesting field, friendly people around. Great guests. Amazing city. I am happy to be invited!
Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam playing the first move in Boris Gelfand vs Jan-Krzysztof Duda in the inaugural edition of the Festival (2019)
The ever-friendly David Navara, who is also the highest-rated player from Czechia and has been invited to all five editions of the festival, is also appreciative of the organizers:
In comparison to other international chess tournaments, what is the reputation of the Prague International Chess Festival among chess players?
The Prague International Chess Festival has an excellent atmosphere. (Which is the case at some other tournaments, but not all). In the main closed tournament, it’s interesting that usually about half of the players represent Novy Bor. We are colleagues and friends.
Is there any player you would like to play against on home ground?
Such people are plenty, I generally enjoy playing chess.
How does the home atmosphere affect you? Do you feel more pressure compared to tournaments abroad?
I usually don’t feel much pressure. Of course, it’s a little different in Prague (and in the Czech Republic in general) because as a home player, I have more friends, acquaintances, and fans.
How do you feel about the interesting concept of the festival, where besides you, the participants of the Masters tournament, other players from various tournaments, including young chess players, are playing in the main hall?
This is a great idea. For young players, it’s an opportunity to get a close look at grandmaster tournaments, and for the audience, this diversity is advantageous.
In line with this philosophy, the organizers put together a number of side events, including a solving competition and a series of peculiar open tournaments in different variants — chess960, Basque chess, bughouse, thematic, rapid and blitz.
Calculation Training for 1400-1600 players
Mastering these tactical motifs is essential to deepen your understanding of the game and become a better player. After all, you neither want to overlook the given chances by your opponent, nor blunder yourself!
All these take place in parallel to the three main events: the Masters, the Challengers and the Futures. This year, the Futures will count with Peter Leko as the tournament ambassador. The former World Championship challenger has prepared a simultaneous exhibition and a lecture for the young players.
David Navara
Middlegame Secrets Vol.1 + Vol.2
Let us learn together how to find the best spot for the queen in the early middlegame, how to navigate this piece around the board, how to time the queen attack, how to decide whether to exchange it or not, and much more!
