In January 2026, KCF Academy is proud to offer members of its community exclusive lectures by World Champions Garry Kasparov, Veselin Topalov, and Antoaneta Stefanova.
Born in 1985, Mateusz Bartel is one of Poland’s leading chess grandmasters, widely admired for his dynamic and creative approach to the game. He has represented Poland in numerous elite international competitions and has won the Polish Chess Championship multiple times. His major achievements also include becoming European Under-18 Champion and earning a gold medal on board at the 2010 Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk.
Off the board, Bartel is a co-founder and longtime editor of MAT, Poland’s premier chess magazine. He is also a highly respected online commentator and a prolific contributor to modern chess theory, with many original ideas influencing contemporary opening and middlegame play.
Lecture Theme: Prophylaxis in Dynamic Positions
In this lecture, GM Bartel will explore prophylaxis in dynamic positions – a sophisticated strategic concept that goes beyond simple defensive play. Prophylaxis involves anticipating the opponent’s plans and subtly preventing them, while simultaneously improving one’s own position and maintaining active play.
Bartel will demonstrate how prophylactic thinking functions in sharp, unbalanced positions, where timing, piece activity, and initiative are critical. The session will highlight:
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How to identify your opponent’s key ideas before they become threats
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When preventive moves strengthen an attack rather than slow it down
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The balance between restraint and aggression in dynamic positions
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Practical techniques for maintaining flexibility while limiting counterplay
Special attention will be given to how prophylactic decisions influence the transition from the opening to the middlegame, and how they help convert initiative into long-term strategic advantages.
KCF Academy subscribers can expect an interactive, in-depth training session featuring high-level analysis, practical examples from top-tier games, and opportunities to engage directly with GM Bartel during the live lecture.
As part of its commitment, KCF Academy is proud to invite African Chess Federations to participate in its training programs and is offering dedicated scholarships to support chess federations and coaches across the continent. By combining legendary instruction with meaningful access, KCF Academy is helping shape the next generation of chess excellence worldwide.
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.
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