News – RealityCheck

Carlsen loses to Nakamura in Armageddon

June 4, 2024

Hikaru Nakamura closed in on tournament leader Magnus Carlsen by winning an Armageddon thriller on time, reducing the gap to just half a point behind Carlsen.

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.

Norway Chess 2024: Carlsen Takes Lead at End of Round 6

June 3, 2024

Norway Chess 2024: Carlsen Takes Lead at End of Round 6 June 3, 2024 Chess Tournaments,News The 2024 Norway Chess tournament has witnessed a dramatic shift in the standings as World Number One Magnus Carlsen surged to the top of the table at the end of Round 6. Carlsen now leads with 12 points, following […]

Levon Aronian Triumphs at 2024 American Cup

March 21, 2024

On Wednesday, during the 2024 American Cup, Grandmaster Levon Aronian clinched his first-ever championship title in the event. Embracing a strategy he describes as “adventurous chess,” Aronian emerged victorious over Grandmaster Wesley So in the climactic rapid game, notably achieving his win with the black pieces.

Young Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Shines at European Chess Championships in Zagreb

December 27, 2023

Young chess enthusiast Bodhana Sivanandan has become a sensation beyond England’s borders. At just eight years old, she participated in the European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Zagreb, where she achieved remarkable success, securing the title of best female participant in the blitz category with an impressive score of 8½ points out of 13.

Abhimanyu Puranik Triumphs in Sitges Tournament, Young Prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus Achieves Chess Milestone

December 26, 2023

At the Chessable Sunway Sitges Chess Festival 2023, India’s Grandmaster Abhimanyu Puranik showcased remarkable skill, winning his last four matches to secure the top spot with a score of 8.5 out of 10. The competition was fierce, with four contestants tying for second place. The United States’ Grandmaster Brandon Jacobson emerged as the runner-up after a tie-breaking playoff against Grandmaster Volodar Murzin. The young talent, 12-year-old Turkish International Master Yagiz K...

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.

Carlsen Clinches Third Consecutive Victory at CCT Finals 2023

December 17, 2023

Magnus Carlsen, the Grandmaster, triumphed for the third time at the Champions Chess Tour Finals of 2023, clinching victory over Wesley So with a score of 2.5-1.5 on Saturday. Carlsen reflected on the tour’s trajectory, culminating in a pivotal game where he outmaneuvered So’s renowned defensive play.

Magnus Carlsen Fined by FIDE After Sinquefield Cup Withdrawal

December 16, 2023

The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission has made a decision regarding Magnus Carlsen’s exit from the Sinquefield Cup after his match with Hans Niemann in September 2022. The verdict is that Carlsen must pay a fine of €10,000 due to his exit without a valid reason.

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.

Chennai Masters 2023: India’s Premier Classical Chess Event

December 12, 2023

As we approach the year’s end, the chess community in India is buzzing with excitement for the Chennai Masters 2023, scheduled from December 15 to 21. This event, a collaborative effort by ChessBase India, MGD1, NODWIN Gaming, and the Tamil Nadu Government, marks a historic moment as India’s first-ever classical super tournament.

GM Leinier Dominguez Joins Sitges Chess Festival Eyeing Candidates Tournament Spot

December 11, 2023

Grandmaster Leinier Dominguez has journeyed to Spain to partake in the Chessable Sunway Sitges Chess Festival. His aim? To secure a place in the prestigious Candidates tournament. Dominguez, a Cuban-American chess maestro, has recently confirmed his entry into this open competition in Sitges, a scenic town near Barcelona. His arrival adds a spark to the festival’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

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.

Carlsen, Lazavik, Abdusattorov, Firouzja, Caruana, Nakamura, and So at the 2023 Champions Chess Tour Finals

December 9, 2023

The chess world is abuzz with anticipation as eight of its most formidable titans prepare to converge in Toronto for the eagerly awaited conclusion of the 2023 Champions Chess Tour Finals. This event promises to be a spectacular showcase of intellectual might and strategic mastery.

Fabiano Caruana Clinches the 2023 Sinquefield Cup Title

December 2, 2023

Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana triumphed at the Sinquefield Cup, capping off his successful year with a decisive victory on Thursday. Facing Grandmaster Richard Rapport in the final round, Caruana showcased a masterful blend of strategic insight and dynamic play to dismantle his adversary’s defenses.

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.

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.

Youth Chess Masters Triumph in Montesilvano: A Global Showcase of Strategy and Skill

November 27, 2023

The Youth World Chess Champions have been named in Montesilvano, Italy, following a thrilling series of eleven rounds in the categories for under 14, 16, and 18, both open and girls. The ceremony featured distinguished guests such as Ottavio De Martinis, Montesilvano’s Mayor, Lukasz Turlej from FIDE, and Luigi Maggi, head of the Italian Chess Federation, who honored the new world champions and the top players.

Unbeaten Streaks for Poland and Germany; Norway Struggles Despite Carlsen’s Efforts

November 14, 2023

In the European Team Chess Championship 2023 in Budva, Poland and Germany have achieved perfect results after three rounds in the Open division. They have won all their matches and are preparing for a critical match against each other. World-renowned chess player, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, drew one game and won another but couldn’t prevent his team, Norway, from losing their matches.

Champions Celebrated at Global Amateur Chess Tournament 2023

November 13, 2023

The International Amateurs Chess Tournament of 2023 has drawn to a close, leaving behind a trail of memorable moments and remarkable achievements. This prestigious event, held under the auspices of the Omani Chess Committee alongside the International Chess Federation, was hosted in the bustling city of Muscat, Oman. From the 2nd to the 11th of November, the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex’s main sports hall in Bawshar became a melting pot of strategic brilliance and internation...

Triumph in Berkeley: WGM Anjelina Belakovskaia Crowned 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Chess Champion

November 12, 2023

US Chess has a new champion, and it is WGM Anjelina Belakovskaia. She won the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Championship with a score of 4½/5. Winning the tournament did not come without its share of drama, as a heart-stopping final round provided all the excitement one would expect from a national championship.

Samarkand Shines as Host of the 2023 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships

November 11, 2023

In a significant development for the international chess community, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is set to host the esteemed 2023 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships from December 26 to 30. This announcement marks a blend of ancient history and modern chess prowess, as the world’s leading chess players will converge in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth to vie for the prestigious world champion titles in both Open and Women’s categories.

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.

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.

Top Chess Masters to Compete in Saint Louis: Grand Chess Tour Finale Announced

November 5, 2023

SAINT LOUIS – The excitement is building in the international chess community as the final two events of the 2023 Grand Chess Tour approach. The city of Saint Louis is preparing to welcome the world’s elite chess players for the decisive Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz and Sinquefield Cup tournaments. These competitions will not only feature thrilling games but also determine the overall winner of the tour. Currently leading the standings is Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, closely fol...

Asian Para Games 2023: „A Tale of Triumph and Team Spirit“

November 2, 2023

At the prestigious Asian Para Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, China, the Vietnamese chess team showcased outstanding talent and strategy, resulting in a commendable haul of medals.

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.

FIDE Grand Swiss 2023 and Women’s Grand Swiss

October 31, 2023

In the beautiful setting of the Villa Marina in Douglas, Isle of Man, chess enthusiasts and professionals will gather from October 23 to November 6 for two of the most awaited chess tournaments: The FIDE Grand Swiss and FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2023.

“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.

2023 FIDE World Senior Championship Begins in Terrasini with Michael Adams, Jhon Nunn, and Nona Gaprindashvili

October 29, 2023

Hosted by FIDE, the Italian Chess Federation, UniChess, and Accademia Scacchistica Monrealese, 271 players from 53 countries are competing for the World Senior Champion title in Open 50+, Open 65+, and Women categories

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.

2023 U.S. Championships Highlights: Victories for Fabiano Caruana and Carissa Yip

October 27, 2023

In the 2023 U.S. Chess Championships, GM Fabiano Caruana clinched the title by defeating GM Abhimanyu Mishra, securing his second consecutive national win with a score of 8/11. In the Women’s division, IM Carissa Yip won the championship despite a suspenseful final round, earning her second national title.

Exciting Developments in Women's Chess: A Comprehensive Look at the 2024 Women's Grand Prix Series

October 24, 2023

Recently, FIDE announced a series of significant modifications to the Women's Grand Prix series for the 2024-25 cycle. These changes not only reflect the evolving dynamics of the game but also recognize the rising talent and competitiveness among female players.

The Spanish Championship 2023: Iturrizaga and Khademalsharieh Rise to the Occasion

October 24, 2023

The world of chess witnessed a grand spectacle in the Spanish Championship of 2023, where two outstanding players, GM Eduardo Iturrizaga and IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, took center stage, each clinching their respective titles with exceptional performances.

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.

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,...

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.

Clash of Titans in Durrës (Magnus Carlsen vs. Vishy Anand) : European Club Cup 2023 Durrës, Albania

September 26, 2023

Get ready, chess enthusiasts! From 30 September to 7 October, the sandy beaches of Durrës, Albania will resonate with the echoes of moving pieces. Norwegian sensation Magnus Carlsen will represent his club, Offerspill. Meanwhile, the Romanian super team, Superchess, boasts a spectacular average rating, thanks in part to legends like Vishy Anand and Richard Rapport.

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.