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World of Chess

History, science and the culture of the royal game.

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Parapsychological Phenomena in Chess: The Case of Zohar and the Korchnoi – Karpov Match

July 14, 2024

One of the most famous cases where parapsychology is mentioned in chess is the match between Viktor Korchnoi and Anatoly Karpov in 1978, known for its controversial events and the involvement of Zohar, a Soviet parapsychologist.

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FIDE Rating list – June 2024

June 4, 2024

FIDE released its latest world ranking list on June 1. The top positions remain unchanged, with Magnus Carlsen leading the open category and Hou Yifan leading the women’s category. However, several notable players lost significant points and dropped in the rankings following the recent open tournaments in Dubai and Sharjah. Notably, Karjakin’s name is absent from the list, seemingly due to inactivity.

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Evolution of Chess Pieces Through History: A Comprehensive Guide

December 28, 2023

In the grand tapestry of board games, none has stood the test of time quite like chess. This comprehensive guide explores the remarkable evolution of chess pieces, offering a window into the rich history of chess and how it has shaped modern gameplay.

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Caruana Secures Top Position in FIDE Circuit

December 25, 2023

At the close of November, Fabiano Caruana impressively maintained his winning streak in 2023. His victory at the 2023 GCT Sinquefield Cup marked his triumph as the FIDE Circuit champion. Since Caruana has already secured a place in the Candidates through the World Cup, the focus now shifts to the intense battle for the second position in the FIDE Circuit, a spot that guarantees entry into the prestigious Candidates tournament.

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Magnus Carlsen and Pep Guardiola

December 14, 2023

In an exciting intersection of sports intellect, Magnus Carlsen, the reigning titan of chess, encountered the football strategist par excellence, Pep Guardiola. Guardiola, whose innovative tactics have steered teams like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City to the pinnacle of success, sat down with Carlsen in a discussion moderated by PUMA to delve into the strategic parallels between the cerebral game of chess and the dynamic world of football.

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Upcoming Updates to Chess Ratings in the New Year

December 10, 2023

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is planning to update its player rating system starting January 1. These changes are designed to recalibrate player rankings, raise the minimum rating level, and modify the starting rating for new players.

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The Mughal Empire: Playing Chess with Live Pieces

December 1, 2023

The Mughal Empire, which thrived in India from the 16th to the 19th century, was a marvel of opulence and culture. Beyond its grand palaces and architectural wonders, it also cultivated a rich tradition of chess. Within the heart of this magnificent empire, chess flourished not merely as a game of strategy but as a symbol of cultural significance. The Mughal courts, graced by illustrious emperors such as Akbar the Great, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, became the epicenters of gran...

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Mongolia Leads in Chess Equality; Denmark Trails Behind

November 29, 2023

In a remarkable achievement, Mongolia has emerged as the leading nation in advancing gender balance in chess, with Denmark, surprisingly, lagging at the opposite end, as disclosed by a recent study.

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Vice President of the Ukrainian Chess Federation, Artem Sachuk, Tragically Falls in Battle

November 28, 2023

Artem Sachuk, serving as Vice President of the Ukrainian Chess Federation, tragically lost his life amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Sunday marked the end of his journey, on what would have been the eve of his 39th birthday. Sachuk is remembered by his spouse and their two offspring.

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Chess World awaits Ding Liren’s 2024 return after health issues

November 7, 2023

The chess community has been buzzing with inquiries about Grandmaster (GM) Ding Liren’s recent withdrawal from prominent chess events. As the reigning world champion, his absence has been notably felt. GM Ding Liren has clarified that health concerns are the reason for stepping back. However, he is optimistic about resuming tournament play in 2024.

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Chess Prodigy Alexandra Botez Clashes with Hans Niemann Over Poker Promotion Ethics

November 6, 2023

Alexandra Botez, along with her sister, has become a global icon in the Chess community. Their popularity has soared with a YouTube channel amassing over 1.4 million subscribers. Their videos are not just popular; they inspire millions who watch and learn from them.

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The Simple Chess Test: Can Humans Tell Good Advice from Bad in AI?

November 3, 2023

Eliezer Yudkowsky shared an experiment on Facebook that might reveal if humans are capable of leveraging AI for their alignment tasks even when the AI’s reliability is questionable. The test involves observing whether individuals can enhance their chess skills with the assistance of experts, despite two-thirds of them providing false guidance.

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The Mysterious Halloween Gambit in Chess

October 31, 2023

Chess is a game filled with intricate strategies, well-studied openings, and tactical fireworks. Among these is a particularly intriguing gambit known to surprise many: The Halloween Gambit. This seemingly “spooky” strategy has bewildered countless opponents, making it a fascinating topic for today’s discussion.

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“The City Of Human Chess” by Chess.com

October 30, 2023

“The City Of Human Chess” received overwhelming acclaim and was titled the Best Mid-Length Documentary at its U.S. premiere in the renowned DOC LA Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival. Now available on MagellanTV, the documentary narrates the unique tradition of a human chess match, inspired by a story from the 15th century, held in the quaint town of Marostica, Italy.

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Study Reveals Parents and Coaches Underestimate Girls’ Chess Potential

October 29, 2023

A recent study highlights that many parents and coaches of young chess players perceive girls as having lesser potential in the game compared to boys. Additionally, individuals who consider brilliance essential for chess success feel that female players might quit due to perceived inability.

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Spotlight on the Legendary Chess Arbiter: Geurt Gijssen

October 20, 2023

Born in 1934, Geurt Gijssen stands as a towering figure in the global chess community. His esteemed reputation as a chess arbiter is highlighted by his role as the chief arbiter for the iconic World Championship match between chess legends Kasparov and Karpov in 1987. With numerous world championships and Chess Olympiads under his belt, he also chaired the FIDE rules commission for two decades.

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Arkady Dvorkovich: Five Years as FIDE’s President

October 10, 2023

It’s been half a decade since Arkady Dvorkovich was chosen as the leader of FIDE, the global governing body for chess. His election in 2018 in Batumi, Georgia, marked the beginning of a new era for the International Chess Federation. He was re-elected in 2022 in Chennai, India, succeeding the long-standing president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. When Dvorkovich took the reins, he presented a vision of reviving FIDE’s dignity and function. His agenda highlighted greater accountability,...

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Iranian GMs Hejazipour and Pourkashiyan in Exile: A Tale of Strength and Resilience

October 6, 2023

Mitra Hejazipour’s game against Atousa Pourkashiyan at the World Team Chess Championship was not just a battle for bronze between France and the US. It was a poignant reflection of their shared journey – two grandmasters from Iran, united by their love for chess and their decision to live in exile.

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FIDE’s 100-Year Anniversary: A Century of Chess Excellence

September 22, 2023

2024 marks a significant milestone for the International Chess Federation (FIDE) as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Established on July 20, 1924, in the heart of Paris, France, FIDE’s journey began with fifteen visionary delegates. These pioneers came together at the Town Hall of the IX Arrondissement of Paris and took the first step towards creating a unified chess community.

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THE MARVELOUS WORLD OF CHESS PRODIGIES

September 12, 2023

Among the vast pool of talented chess players who have graced the board over time, some exceptional individuals stand out as chess prodigies. These young wonders showcase an extraordinary level of skill and understanding at remarkably tender ages. In this article, we explore not only the past but also the current generation of chess prodigies who are leaving an indelible mark on the chess world.

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Establishment of the Berlin Chess Club in 1803: A Step towards Chess Culture

September 5, 2023

In the early 19th century, as chess became increasingly popular, particularly among intellectuals and the upper class, a significant milestone occurred that laid the groundwork for organized chess competitions and culture.

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