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My First Endgame Study: A Chess Composition Tourney Sponsored by WFCC and ChessBase India

20/11/2024 -

Beneath its deceptively simple facade of a game, chess conceals a rich tapestry of human ingenuity and thought. It is, as Anatoly Karpov succinctly remarked, art, science, and sport all rolled into one. Yet, while the competitive aspect of chess basks in the limelight with its high-stakes, action-packed tournaments and matches, the subtle but no less fascinating endeavour of chess composition, where artistry shines the brightest, languishes in relative obscurity. As a step towards redressing this imbalance, ChessBase India and the World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC) present My First Endgame Study, a beginner-friendly study composing contest designed for chess enthusiasts eager to explore the creative world of chess composition, specifically studies. Details follow.

ChessBase 18 and Mega 2025 are here

ChessBase 18 is an all-new program that helps you manage all your databases as an ambitious player. Mega Database 2025 has 11 million games with over 113,000 games annotated by masters. The cost of ChessBase 18 is Rs.4499/- and the cost of Mega Database 2025 is Rs.6499/- However, if you go for the combo the total amount comes to Rs.8999 (instead of 10,998/-) helping you save Rs. 1999/-.

ChessBase 18 + Mega 2025 Combo

Aaryan Varshney becomes India’s latest International Master, gives credit to his father

20/11/2024 -

One of the most satisfying aspects of the chess world is knowing a player’s journey. Almost every day, we see fresh headlines about young chess players making history. While the older generation inspires the young generation, chess prodigies are now inspiring players of all ages. Aaryan Varshney, a young chess prodigy, recently achieved the International Master title. The hero behind Aaryan’s success is his father, Gaurav Varshney, who was a passionate chess player in his college days. From dreaming about his son becoming a world-class player to actually achieving it, Gaurav supported Aaryan like a parent, a friend, and most importantly, a coach! Read the inspiring story of how Aaryan became an International Master. It’s a story that will surely inspire you to be a part of his success. 

A quick and complete review and overview of ChessBase 18

20/11/2024 -

This exceptionally clear and concise video will show you not only all the features of the newly released ChessBase 18, but demonstrates how they can be used by amateurs and pros alike (not to mention some that are just plain fun). Even the new mobile app is on display in full live action with the database, repertoires and opening stats all available. Check out the details and decide whether you can afford not to have the program. ChessBase 18 and Mega Database 2025 are available now on our shop. Upgrade from previous version is also available. Buy now if you haven't yet. Photo: ChessBase

Tim Grutter wins 2nd Amsterdam Open 2024, Sharan Rao second

20/11/2024 -

Six players - FM Tim Grutter (NED), IM Sharan Rao, FM Midas Ratsma (NED), GM Erik Van den Doel (NED), FM Maurice Schippers (NED) and IM Dagur Ragnarsson (ISL) scored 5/6 at 2nd Amsterdam Open 2024 Group A (>2000). Tim won the tournament, Sharan secured second place and the remaining four were placed third to sixth respectively. The top three prizes in Group A were €2000, €1000 and €750 along with a trophy each. The three-day six-round rating tournament was organized by a six-member tournament committee at Corry Tendeloohuis  in Amsterdam, Netherlands from 1st to 3rd November 2024. The third edition will take place from 24th to 26th October 2025. Photo: Amsterdam Chess Open

World Amateur 2024: Kumaresh secures Silver, Bronze for Sovna Sonali Jena

20/11/2024 -

Tomasz Zebracki (POL) scored 7/9 to win Gold at World Amateur Championship 2024 in Under-2300 Open category. He finished a half point ahead of the competition. CM Kumaresh A, FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig (MGL) and CM Raphael Kracht (GER) scored 6.5/9 each. Kumaresh won Silver and Khishigbat Bronze according to tie-breaks. Anastasiia Osadchuk (UKR) won Under-1700 Women scoring 8/9. Bayart-Uchral Anu (MGL) scored 7/9 to secure Silver. Sovna Sonali Jena edged past Viktoriya Evdokimova on tie-breaks to win Bronze medal scoring 6/9. The total prize fund of the tournament was €15000. The top three prizes in U2300 Open were €2000, €1500 and €1000 along with a trophy and medal each. For U1700 Women, they were €500, €300 and €200 along with a trophy and medal each. Photos: Ippotis Chess Club Rhodes

Record participation at Hanoi Rapid Rating Open Chess Championships 2024

19/11/2024 -

The highest number of participation in a rating tournament in India is witnessed at National School Championship. On an average the participation is anything above 1000 or 1500. However, the Hanoi Open Rapid Championship 2024 witnessed a record participation of nearly 2400 players. There were various starting from Under-5. The other categories were - Under-6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 15 for both Boys and Girls. Apart from that there were advanced groups too where GMs, IMs and WIMs took part from over 1000 chess clubs across Vietnam. Check out the report written by Peter Long. Photo: FM FT IA Peter Long

Vitaliy Bernadskiy victorious at 2nd Marburger Schachtage 2024, Rathanvel second

19/11/2024 -

The top seed GM Vitaliy Bernadskiy (UKR) scored an unbeaten 6/7 to win Marburger Schachtage 2024 A. He finished a half point ahead of the field. Nine players scored 5.5/7 each. IM V S Rathanvel and GM Hagen Poetsch (GER) scored 5.5/7 each to secure second and third place according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the tournament combining both group was >€6100. The top three prizes in Group A were €1000, €750 and €600 each. The four-day seven-round rating tournament was organized by SK Marburg / Thomas Henrich in Marburg, Germany from 24th to 27th October 2024. The third edition will take place from 16th to 19th October 2025. Photo: SK Marburg 1931/72 e.V.

World Cadet Round 3 : Demchenko, Sameh Mohamed & Xin Stella Maintain Lead

18/11/2024 -

The World Cadet Chess Championship in Montesilvano, Italy, entered its third day with some surprising results, particularly in the Under 12 Boys and Girls sections, where top seeds faced unexpected challenges. In the other four categories, the top board players maintained their momentum and secured their third consecutive victories. With three rounds completed, the tournament is gaining intensity as players battle for early leads. Several Indian players, including Aadik Lenin, Sattwik Swain, and Divith Reddy, impressed with strong performances, keeping India's hopes alive. Photo & Report : Niklesh Jain / ChessBase India

Samith Reddy convincingly clinches 1st Varas Chess Festival Below 1800 Rating Tournament 2024

18/11/2024 -

Top seed Samith Reddy I scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win 1st Varas Chess Festival Below 1800 Rating Tournament 2024. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Aravinda B R and Tanish Sahay scored 8/9 each. They secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the festival was ₹1500000, for Below 1800 it was ₹600000. The top three prizes were ₹75000, ₹50000 and ₹40000 along with a trophy each. The three-day Below 1800 rating tournament was organized by Varas Chess Academy at GP Birla Centre, Birla Science Center Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana from 2nd to 4th October 2024. This was Samith's first tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Varas Chess Academy

Magnus Carlsen clinches a double by winning Tata Steel Blitz 2024 with a round to spare, Arjun Erigaisi third

18/11/2024 -

Magnus Carlsen (NOR) scored 13/18 to win Tata Steel Chess India 2024 Blitz. He won the tournament with a round to spare when he defeated Arjun Erigaisi in Round 17. Arjun was in the race for the first place till Round 15. A loss against Vidit Gujrathi in Round 16 derailed his momentum. He lost the next two games and still managed to finish third with 10.5/18. Wesley So (USA) had a fantastic final day scoring an unbeaten 8/9 to finish at second place 11.5/18. The only two draws of the day were against the remaining podium finishers for So. Kateryna Lagno scored 11.5/18 to win the Women Blitz event. R Vaishali became the sole Indian to beat her in Round 11. Valentina Gunina and Aleksandra Goryachkina scored 11/18 and 9.5/18 to finish at second and third place respectively. Photo: IA Vivek Sohani

Sharpen Your Strategic Skills with ChessNeurons - Episode 18

18/11/2024 -

Welcome back to the “Strategic Mastery” series, brought to you by the collaboration of ChessNeurons and ChessBase India. In this episode, Grandmaster Ankit Rajpara will lead you through the next step in your chess journey. Our goal is to deepen your positional and strategic understanding through a series of meticulously crafted puzzles and clear, insightful explanations. In Episode 18, Grandmaster Ankit Rajpara delves into a sophisticated chess concept: Prophylaxis. It means recognizing your opponent's plans and taking steps to prevent them from succeeding. Photo: Ankit Rajpara

Exciting Battles Unfold on Day 2 of the World Cadet 2024

17/11/2024 -

The second day of the World Cadet Chess Championship 2024 at the Congress Center Pala Dean Martin, Montesilvano, Italy, showcased intense competition and some surprising results. With players settling into the tournament environment, the games on Day 2 saw more focus, energy, and tactical brilliance across all categories. From dominating performances by top seeds to unexpected upsets on key boards, the day highlighted the diverse talent present at this prestigious event. Players from over 80 countries are battling it out in this beautifully organized tournament, and as the competition progresses, the stakes and excitement continue to rise. Report & Photo : Niklesh Jain

Dhruva Thota dominates 1st Varas Chess Festival Rapid Rating Open 2024

17/11/2024 -

Dhruva Thota scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win 1st Varas Chess Festival Rapid Rating Open 2024. He finished a half point ahead of the competition. Four players - Pranay Akula, IM Kaustuv Kundu, Varun V and FM Matta Vinay Kumar scored 8/9 each. They secured second to fourth place respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund of the festival was ₹1500000, for Rapid rating it was ₹300000. The top three prizes were ₹30000, ₹20000 and ₹15000 along with a trophy each. The one-day rapid rating open tournament was organized by Varas Chess Academy at GP Birla Centre, Birla Science Center Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana on 20th October 2024. This was Dhruva's third tournament triumph of the year. Photo: Varas Chess Academy

Tata Steel Blitz R1-9: Arjun Erigaisi stuns Carlsen in 20 moves, Praggnanandhaa scores a double hat-trick

16/11/2024 -

Magnus Carlsen (NOR) scored 6.5/9 to gain sole lead on the first day of Blitz at Tata Steel Chess India 2024. However, his invincibility cloak wore off as Arjun Erigaisi crushed him in just 20 moves. R Praggnanandhaa had a rough start by losing the first three games of the day. However, he made a strong comeback by the next six games, scoring a double hat-trick to move sole second place 6/9. Arjun Erigaisi and Daniil Dubov are in pursuit at 5.5/9. They are followed by Vidit Gujrathi at 5/9. In the Women's event, GM Kateryna Lagno has emerged sole leader 7/9. She is followed by GM Valentina Gunina at 6/9 and Aleksandra Goryachkina at 5/9 each respectively. The last nine rounds of Blitz will be played tomorrow, starting from 2 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes

Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton praises Gukesh as one of the smartest and self-aware athletes

16/11/2024 -

The World Championship match is just around the corner and so many discussions have been going on about Ding Liren and Gukesh. The spotlight is on their mindset more than their match. With only 10 days left, everyone is curious to know how both the players are preparing to give their best. A few days ago, we got to know that Paddy Upton who is a well-known coach, speaker, author, podcaster, and professor is helping Gukesh to prepare mentally for the biggest challenge of his career. With so many hats to wear, he has worked with world-class athletes across more than 20 sports. During his conversation with Sagar Shah, Paddy revealed that Gukesh is one of the smartest, intellectual, and self-aware athletes which is very uncommon in young athletes. Read the interview to know more about Paddy’s role and his tips for all of us on how to become our best version. Photo: Gukesh's Instagram

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