Exploring the Mikenas Defense: A Surprise Weapon in Chess

Chess players love finding hidden tricks to catch opponents off guard. One such tricky opening is the Mikenas Defense (also called the Bogoljubov–Mikenas Defense or Queen’s Knight Defense). Starting with 1.d4 Nc6, this rare opening is perfect for players who enjoy creative, offbeat strategies. Let’s break down what makes it unique. What Is the Mikenas Defense? After 1.d4, Black … Read more

Saragossa Opening: A Simple Guide to Chess’s Hidden Gem

Chess openings set the tone for the entire game. While most players use popular openings like the Ruy Lopez or Sicilian Defense, the Saragossa Opening (1. c3) is a quiet but clever choice. This article breaks down its history, ideas, and why it’s worth trying. Where It Came From The Saragossa Opening got its start in 1919 … Read more

The Andy Woodward Cheating Rumor: What Really Happened?

In March 2025, the chess world was rocked by an unprecedented blitz match between 14-year-old American grandmaster Andy Woodward and veteran GM Daniel Naroditsky. The result? A shocking 15-0 sweep in favor of Woodward. But within 24 hours, whispers of cheating emerged, fueled by cryptic accusations from a high-profile chess figure. So, what really happened? Let’s break … Read more

Zwischenzug: The Sneaky Tactic That Turns the Tables

A man on a chess board pointing at Zwischenzug

Chess is full of surprises, and few are as satisfying as the zwischenzug. This German word (pronounced tsvish-en-tsook) translates to “intermediate move,” but in chess, it means so much more. A zwischenzug is a sly, tactical move that interrupts the flow of the game, catches your opponent off guard, and turns a seemingly ordinary situation … Read more

Checkmate: The Best Ending in Chess

A white king standing on the chess board, a blacking lying on it

Checkmate. The word itself is like a mic drop in chess. It’s not just a move—it’s a statement. A declaration of victory. A proclamation that your king is safe and their king is not. Checkmate is where the game ends, the crowd roars (even if it’s just your cat), and you get to sit back … Read more

Freestyle Chess aka Chess960 – The Future of Chess?

Freestyle chess board

Discover Freestyle Chess, a thrilling new take on chess backed by Magnus Carlsen, blending strategy and unpredictability to reshape the future of the game. There is a football tournament in Spain called the Kings League, founded by former center-back Gerard Piqué and famous streamer Ibai Llanos in late 2022. To date, the tournament has raised … Read more

Lu Miaoyi: A Young Chess Prodigy Lighting Up the Board in 2025

Lu Miaoyi - A Young Chess Prodigy Lighting Up the Board in 2025

Lu Miaoyi is not your everyday teenager. Born in February 2010, this Chinese chess star is already an International Master (IM) with a peak FIDE rating of 2449. At just 15 years old, she ranks as the No. 2 junior girl in the world—only behind Divya Deshmukh—and is the reigning Chinese women’s national champion. Her … Read more

Can a King Kill a King in Chess?

a chess board with white king kicking black king

It’s a question every beginner has asked at some point. You’re playing a game, and the opposing king is just sitting there, one square away. You’ve got your own king nearby, ready to deliver the final blow. Then someone says, “You can’t do that.” Wait. Why not? Let’s clear this up: No, a king cannot … Read more