Chess isn’t just a game of quick tactics and flashy combinations—it’s also about the quiet, methodical work of positional play. If tactics are the fireworks that light up the board, positional chess is the steady groundwork that ensures the fireworks happen in your favor. Understanding this balance is what separates the good players from the … Read more
Who are the brightest chess prodigies to watch in 2025? I’ve compiled a ranking of 45 young talents, from Faustino Oro to Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, based on their age, Elo rating, and recent performances. Preface I chose to focus on the top 5 players by Elo from each birthyear category (2007 to 2015) based on … Read more
When it comes to chess, there’s more to the game than just capturing queens and shouting “checkmate.” One fascinating number is your Performance Rating (Rp)—a nifty way of saying, “How well did you really play against these opponents?” Let’s explore the three main ways to calculate this magical number, in a fun and simple way! … Read more
When Faustino Oro moved from Argentina to Spain, the parallels with Lionel Messi were hard to ignore. Just like the football legend, Oro made the leap to pursue his dreams on a bigger stage. But instead of football fields, his arena is the chessboard. At just 11 years old, Faustino isn’t merely following in Messi’s … Read more
The king in chess is a paradox. On the one hand, it’s the most important piece on the board—checkmate it, and the game ends. On the other hand, it’s often seen as a fragile monarch, tucked away in a castle of pawns, hiding from the chaos of battle. But here’s the twist: the king isn’t … Read more
Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess player from India, dethroned defending champion Ding Liren on December 12 to become the 2024 World Chess Champion. The match was decided in the final classical game, where Gukesh clinched victory with a score of 7.5-6.5, avoiding the need for a rapid tiebreak. This win makes Gukesh the youngest World … Read more
How did a 13-year-old could beat Magnus Carlsen in 41.2 seconds? Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus has made an impressive mark on the chess world, though, according to his parents, his achievements are more about hard work than natural talent. A Star is Born Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus was just 5 years old when he first learned about … Read more
What is a chess puzzle, and what are its types? This article aims to explain the concept and tricks behind chess puzzles for beginners. Chess puzzles are like the brain’s version of a morning workout. They stretch your thinking, sharpen your instincts, and boost your confidence, all while being surprisingly fun. For beginners, chess puzzles … Read more
Ever wondered why losing your queen feels like losing your favorite snack at a chess party? It’s all about the points, my friend. Chess assigns every piece a value, and these points don’t just reflect how powerful a piece is. They influence strategies, trades, and endgames. Let’s break it down with the kind of flair … Read more
You’ve outplayed your opponent. Their king is limping across the board, their pieces are scattered, and victory feels inevitable. But then—bam! Stalemate. The game ends in a draw, not because you couldn’t win, but because you accidentally let your opponent slip through the back door of chess mishaps. Stalemate is one of the sneakiest problem … Read more