OMG She's-Crushing-his-Hand Chess Photo Trivia: Name the Super GMs
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
We are sure you can name the two super Grandmasters in this photo. Can you? Do you know which tournament was this?
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Labels: chess photo trivia
Understanding Chess Mastery: Jennifer Shahade at TEDxBaltimore Video
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Jennifer Shahade is a former US women's chess champion, author, poker player and commentator. Her books aim to bring more women and girls into chess. She is the editor of the US Chess Federation website, a board member of the World Chess Hall of Fame and the co-founder of 9Queens.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
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Labels: Chess video, Jennifer Shahade, tedx talks
Reykjavik Chess Open 50th Anniversary: 50% Discount for Groups, 1997-and-later born
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
The chess wave is sweeping the planet. Catching on the wave is another exciting chess tournament - the Reykjavik Chess Open will be held March 4-12th in the beautiful beautiful Harpa concert hall by the Reykjavik harbour.
This is going to be the 50th edition of the Reykjavik Chess Open and will include several parallel chess fun events including a photo-op and book signing by former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov.
The tournament will be played over 10-rounds of Swiss system. Top seeded players include GM Arkadij Naiditsch, GM Li Chao B, GM Ferenc Berkes, GM Richard Rapport, GM Amin Bassem, and GM Erwin L’Ami. Top prizes are 5.000€ / 2.000€ / 1.250€ / 800€ / 600€ etc. There are also prizes for best women, juniors and elo categories.
Players born 1997 and later get 50% discount. Special discounts for groups (5 players or more). Groups, please contact us at reykjavikopenchess2014@gmail.com.
Statistics
(Reykjavik Open I to XVI)
Most tournaments: Helgi Olafsson(15), Throstur Thorhallsson(15) and Hannes Hlifar Stefansson(15)
Most tournaments – foreign players: Tiger Hillarp Persson Sweden (9), Nick DeFirmian USA (7), Heikki Westerinen FIN (7), Ivan Sokolov NED (6), Jan Ehlvest (6)
Most games: Helgi Olafsson (158), Throstur Thorhallsson (141), Hannes Hlifar Stefansson (137)
Nationality: Iceland (182), USA(60), Germany(59), Sweden(41), Norway(34), England(34)
Labels: reykjavik chess open 2014
Chess Ratings: Carlsen at record 2881, Kosteniuk No. 1 on Russian Women's List
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014 Hello everyone,World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen leads the FIDE chess ratings list released for March 1, 2014. But, that's not the news. The news is that Magnus Carlsen is now at a record high of 2881 elo. His previous record stood at 2872.
Here is World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's rating progress chart!
Also, Armenia's Levon Aronian continues to be in second place with 2830 elo. He is 51 points behinds Magnus Carlsen now and is followed by Vladimir Kramnik (2787) and Veselin Topalov (2785).
In the women's chess ratings list, Judit Polgar of Hungary (2693) remains at number 1 ahead of reigning Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan (2629) of China. India's Koneru Humpy is at number 3 followed by Anna Muzychuk of Slovenia. In fifth place is Zhao Xue followed by Nana Dzagnidze of Georgia and Kateryna Lagno.
Read FIDE website for the complete lists of top-100 and other chess ratings statistics.
Of the top 10, in last month, Magnus earned 9 points, Aronian 4 points, Caruana 2 points and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 13 points. Hikaru Nakamura lost 4 points to slip to the seventh place and Anand lost three points to be in the eighth place.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: fide chess rating list 2014 march
Which City Chess Tournament is the Strongest? Moscow in March!
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Which city chess tournament is the strongest in the world? It's got to be Moscow. The semifinals and finals of the Moscow Chess Championships will be held in March, at the Central House of Chess. The semifinal tournament will be held from 8 to 18, final - 22 to March 30.
Semifinal game days will be Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, March 18). Games start at 18.00. The event will be held in the Swiss system of 7 rounds with a time control of 90 minutes for all games and 30 seconds increment per move starting from move one.
Chess players with FIDE rating on March 1, 2014 of 2350 and above will be able to proceed directly to the final. Players with lower ratings must qualify through the semifinals.
I suppose this is one chess tournament everyone keeps an eye on despite the event not figuring in any international chess calendar. Stay tuned with Chess Blog. Meanwhile, the official Moscow Chess Federation website: MoscowChess.
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Labels: moscow chess tournament
Funny Vine Chess Video - Six Seconds!
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Twitter had recently launched a new video service - Vine. Basically, Vine is a mobile service that allows you to record and share looping videos that are up to six seconds long. Twitter stated, "Like Tweets, the brevity of videos on Vine (6 seconds or less) inspires creativity. Now that you can easily capture motion and sound, we look forward to seeing what you create."
Here's a funny chess Vine we found on YouTube! Enjoy.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: Chess video, funny vine
Cool Chess Gal wins FIDE Zonal: Identify
Chess Inspired Short Fashion Film Video - Watch It!
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
IMMORTAL GAME is a short fashion film inspired by the famous 1851 chess game of the same name. A young woman transforms into chess pieces, compliments of a mysterious man in white who is watching her. As in the game, she must sacrifice herself in order to win.
Designs: CLIFFLEE
Starring: DANIELLE ORDOÑEZ
Directed by: AMBER MOELTER & LUIS BARRETO CARRILLO
Director of Photography: SANTIAGO QUICENO
Additional Photography: ALEJANDRO ANDRADE
Music by: TOM MARSH
Remix by: BLUEKIM & ALEX JOCKEY
Shot in CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
Produced by NOIR TRIBE MEDIA
Labels: Chess video, fashion film
Sweet-Smile Chess Gal: Who's She?
Tromso Chess Olympiad 2014 Volunteers Invited: Have you Registered?
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Just 155 days are left for the sure-to-be exciting Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway from August 1-14, 2014.
The organisers are still accepting volunteer registrations for the Chess Olympiad 2014 in Norway via the official website. The volunteers will be a fundamental part of the organization of the games. All people off all ages are welcome to register.
At this point, the registration form only requires name, email and telephone number. You can also leave some comments when you register. Please send us comments along with information about any specific skills you believe would be relevant – like language skills, catering, experience from similar events etc.
Please register here
In due time the organisers will open the application for the Chess Olympiad. The application will also contain the different working areas and some bullet points of what they imply. All who register now, will be given first priority in the application process in terms of their priority list.
If you have any question please contact the organizer on:Kjersti.vikor@tromso2014.no.
As you know, Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk is also an ambassador for the Chess Olympiad 2014 in Norway. Here's her message:
“From the start I’ve been supporting the 2014 Chess Olympiad in Tromsø, and I’m counting the days to come and participate in this great event, which promises to be a truly historic event, uniting the best chess players in the world with an increasingly knowledgeable base of chess fans in Norway. See you soon in Tromsø!"
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, tromso chess olympiad 2014
FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship in Singapore April 25 - May 4
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014 Hello everyone,
The Singapore Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation (FIDE) are hosting the FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships 2014 in Singapore from 25 April 2014 to 04 May 2014.
The Championships shall be governed by the General Regulations for FIDE Competitions (approved in 2011) and the Rules of the FIDE World Amateur Championships (approved in 2011).
The player must not have a published FIDE Rating of 2000 or greater for at least 2 years prior to 01 January 2014. They must not hold any title above CM (WCM). The World Amateur Championship is open to players registered by their Federation.
The World Amateur Women’s Championship shall be held as a separate section if there are at least ten players from at least two continents. If not, the Women players will compete in the Open.
The top 3 players from each Continental Amateur Championship preceding this edition are qualified
with personal rights and their places cannot be substituted.3.
ENTRY FEES and REGISTRATION FEESThe entry fee for the first two nominees of each National Federation is FREE. The entry fee for additional players shall be 30 euro each and which is payable to the Organizing Committee. All (first 2 nominees, Continental Qualifiers & Additional) players and accompanying persons shall pay a registration fee of 100 euros each to the Organizing Committee.Entry forms must be sent from the National Federations of the players and returned to the Organizing Committee no later than Tuesday, 25 February 2014.Detailed RegulationsFrom Alexandra Kosteniuk'swww.chessblog.comAlso see her personal chess blog at www.chessqueen.comDon't miss Chess Queen™YouTube Channel
Labels: singapore chess, world amateur chess 2014
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen Launches Chess App 'Play Magnus' - Name Says it All!
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Congratulations to World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen on the launch of his special chess app Play Magnus. Here's the video from the official Magnus Carlsen YouTube channel introducing the app.
The World Chess Champion writes:
"I spent some time over the past few months creating something to give back to the chess community. As many of you know, I want to help the chess community spread the game we love to more people around the world, with a special focus on young people. The Play Magnus app is my first step in helping make that happen. If you'd like to give it a try - it's free after all - download it from the app store: http://appstore.com/playmagnus. Thanks for your support!"
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Labels: Chess video, play magnus, world chess champion magnus carlsen
World Chess Championship Candidates 2014 Website Live Now
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
The official website for the FIDE World Chess Championship Candidates 2014 is now live. The next big chess event - we're all waiting for - will be hosted in the Ugra Chess Academy building in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.
The official website states, "The unique three-level building without sharp corners styled as a chess piece has been built for two years in the capital of Ugra upon the project of the famous Dutch architect Erick Van Egeraat."
The games will be held in the tournament hall on the first floor. The hall can be transformed and changed in size due to the innovative construction, regulated walls and folding spectator stand. Over the late years a number of international congresses and forums took place in the hall, regional and Russian tournaments are constantly held here.
In September 2010 the General Assembly and the 81st FIDE Congress as a part of the 39th World Chess Olympiad took place in the Academy. In April 2011 Internal Paralympic Committee Forum as a part of IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing World Championships 2011 was held in the Academy. In September 2011 the Academy hosted World Chess Cup. The Chess Tournament as a part of III All-Russian Summer Universiade 2012 took place in summer 2012. In autumn 2012 FIDE World Women’s Chess Championship was held in the Academy. Moreover a lot of tournaments of regional, national and international level for chess players of all age categories take place in the Academy.
Meanwhile, once again, the pairings and schedule. Be there!
Round 1
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
Round 2
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
Round 3
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
Round 4
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
Round 5
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
Round 6
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
Round 7
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
Round 8
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
Round 9
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
Round 10
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
Round 11
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
Round 12
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
Round 13
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
1 GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS - GM Aronian Levon ARM 7
2 GM Karjakin Sergey RUS - GM Anand Viswanathan IND 6
3 GM Svidler Peter RUS - GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE 5
4 GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS - GM Topalov Veselin BUL 8
Round 14
SNo. Name FED Res. Name FED SNo.
7 GM Aronian Levon ARM - GM Karjakin Sergey RUS 2
6 GM Anand Viswanathan IND - GM Svidler Peter RUS 3
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar AZE - GM Kramnik Vladimir RUS 4
8 GM Topalov Veselin BUL - GM Andreikin Dmitry RUS 1
The exact schedule of the event (venue Khanty-Mansiysk): 11 March: Arrivals
12 March: Opening Ceremony & Players Meeting
13-15 March: Rounds 1-3
16 March: Free day
17-19 March: Rounds 4-6
20 March: Free day
21-23 March: Rounds 7-9
24 March: Free day
25-27 March: Rounds 10-12
28 March: Free day
29-30 March: Rounds 13-14
31 March: Tiebreaks / Closing ceremony
1 April: Departures
Labels: khanty-mansiysk chess, world chess championship 2014 candidates
3 Things Never to Say to a Woman Chess Player on a Dinner Date
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
 |
| Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman, 1990 |
It's one of those chess etiquette things you seldom get around to discussing. Here's a fun take on the 3 things never to say to a woman chess player, particularly if she plays strong! ;)
1- I am looking for a mate
For heavens, that's the worst you could ever get. She will henceforth always be on her guard watching out for all the possible "pins, forks and assorted tactics" you could use to swindle her - on and off the board. Try wording that sentence differently if you must say it.
2- You're pretty
Let's be clear, beauty and intelligence do go together. Strong women chess players are 'pretty' much aware of their strengths and praising them straight to their face won't cut much ice. They are good looking and know it. It's best that you have already gone through some of her games and can say 'That was a beautiful combination'! Consider also reading our interesting discussion Psychology: Are Beauty and IQ related?
3- What is your opinion on the Berlin after Magnus Carlsen used it at the world chess championship or any such chess-related question!
True! Strong women chess players have so many things to talk about other than chess. The last thing they want to do is be a chess tutor on a dinner date. They are multi-faceted earthlings without a nerdy image. 12th Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk is a model, indulges in photography, creative writing, cooking and even tries karaoke singing from time to time apart from being a travel buff writing hotel reviews for a Russian site. She's also an ambassador for Sports and Peace. Former US Women's Chess Champion Jennifer Shahade and Former French Women's Chess Champion Almira Skripchenko are top-notch poker players. Reigning Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan is at university and already considering exploring life apart from chess instead of defending her title this year! Be ready to talk about any subject - from astronomy to dolphins - with a chess player. She would be up to the challenge.
We hope these tips will stand you in good stead. Keep us updated with your chess adventures. ;)
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Labels: julia roberts, pretty woman, richard gere, woman chess player
Chess Arbiters' Awards 2014: FIDE Invites Nominations
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
The FIDE Arbiters’ Commission had introduced the 2014 Arbiters’ Awards and is inviting nominations from various federations. The Awards are referring to the long service of Arbiters as officials in FIDE major events (Long Service Meritorious Awards).
The requirements for an Arbiter to be awarded are:
(a) to have obtained the IA title before 1979 (35 years of service as IA).
(b) to have worked at least for three (3) times as official in FIDE major events (Olympiads, World Championships, World Cups).
Federations and individuals are kindly requested to send to the FIDE Arbiters’ Commission (Chairman Takis Nikolopoulos: takisnik@yahoo.com and Secretary Dirk De Ridder: FIDE_dirkderidder@skynet.be) their proposals for Arbiters who fulfill the above criteria, until 10 May 2014.
Takis Nikolopoulos
Chairman
FIDE Arbiters’ Commission
http://arbiters.fide.com/
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Labels: chess arbiter awards 2014, fide awards
Yerevan to Host European Chess Championship 2014
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
The Armenian Chess Federation under the auspices of the European Chess Union is organizing the 2014 European Individual Chess Championship – Tigran Petrosian Memorial on 2-15th March 2014.
The Championship will be held at the Yerevan Business Centre in Armenian capitol.
The European Individual Chess Championship is open to all players representing Chess Federations which comprise the European Chess Union (FIDE zones 1.1 to 1.10) regardless of their title or rating. There is also no limit in the number of participants per federation; however applications have to be sent by the national federations only.
The European Individual Championship 2014 is a qualification event for the next World Cup. According to FIDE regulations and the decision of the ECU Board, 23 players will qualify.
The championship will be organized in 11-round Swiss system in accordance with the ECU Tournament Rules and FIDE Laws of Chess.
The rate of play will be 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move, starting from move one.
The ECU Rule related to dress code – Chapter B Article 13 – will be applied at this competition.
The prize fund of 160,000 EUR will be distributed to 25 regular and 15 special (performance minus rating) prizes. Top prizes are EUR 20 000, 16 000, 14 000, 12 000, 10 000 etc.
Entry form, sent by the organizers, should be filled in and resent to the e-mail or fax of the Armenian Chess Federation not later than January 15, 2014, only by the national federations. This date is the registration deadline. After that, federations will not be able to register or modify any registrations. After this date all the registrations have to be confirmed by the ECU.
In accordance with the ECU regulations, GM, IM, FM (as well as WGM, WIM, WFM) are required to pay a fee in the amount of 65 €/person, while other players are obliged to make the payment of 130 €/person for the fee.
Participants can obtain all necessary information through Armenian Chess Federation
E-mail: armchess@arminco.com
Fax: (374) 10570758
Address:50, Khandjian Str.,0025, Yerevan, Armenia
Official website
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Labels: armenia chess, european individual chess championship 2014, tigran petrosian chess memorial
French Blitz, Rapid Chess Championships March 1-2 in Paris
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
The French Blitz Chess Championship will be held on 1st March in three playing sections - AS (elo 2000+), Accession (elo 1600-1999) and Avenir (U1600).
The tournament format is 9-round Swiss with the time control 5 min + 2 sec. Top prize in main section is 600 EUR and the entry fee is 15 EUR. Already 233 players are signed across three sections. Top rated is GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
The French Rapid Chess Championship will be held on 2nd March in three playing sections - AS (elo 2000+), Accession (elo 1600-1999) and Avenir (U1600). The tournament format is 9-round Swiss with the time control 12 min + 5 sec. Top prize in main section is 1200 EUR and the entry fee is 30 EUR. Already 205 players are signed across three sections. The playing venue for both events is Complexe Sportif Louis Lumiere in Paris. -- FIDE
Official website
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All one needs to help you advance to club and advanced level.
Contains the perfect combination of educational and entertainment tools to go beyond the basics of chess: Interactive chess teaching programs, DVD-video instruction, and complete powerful chess playing program. 6 disks providing an incredible value.
Labels: french blitz chess 2014, french rapid chess 2014
Fun Chess-in-the-Pool Photo Trivia: Name the 3 GMs
Hrant Melkumyan wins Casino Graz Chess Open 2014
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
FIDE chess tournament news update is that Armenian Grandmaster Hrant Melkumyan has won the 1st International Chess Open Casino Graz which took place February 14-21 at the Casino Graz and Joanneum Quarter in Graz, Austria. Melkumyan concluded the Open A with 7,5 points from nine rounds, a full point ahead of the other players. IM Rajpara Ankit from India, who drew Melkumyan in the final round, earned a Grandmaster norm. The Open B had 57 participants rated under 2000 elo. Austrian players Anton Neubauer and Franz Kerschenbauer shared the first place with 7,0/9 points each.
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Labels: casino graz chess open, hrant melkumyan
Photo Chess History Trivia: Identify the Players
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
A quick check of how much chess history do you know! Identify the chess players in this old photo. Click photo to cross-check your answer.
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Labels: chess history photo trivia
5 Chess Things to Do this Weekend
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
May chess fulfill you this weekend. It's a cold February and you just might want to stay home. Here are five chess things to do to keep the fire going in your heart:
1 - Find a romantic chess partner! When you do find one, you will automatically know what to do ;)
2 - Wonder who is going to win the Candidates Chess tournament in Khanty-Mansiysk beginning this March 13. Then try to evaluate his chances of success versus World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen - the highest-rated human ever on the planet - in the world title match later this year.
3 - Do some chess shopping at our brand new, most affordable yet strong chess training stuff website: www.chesskingtraining.com. You will finds lots of amazing discounts there.
4 - Spend hours solving chess puzzles at the Chess King puzzles page. There are some brilliant tactics in the library at Chess King which are sure to give you endless joy and improve your rating as well.
5 - Imagine hosting the Women's World Chess Championship 2014 and going on a dinner date with the winner.
Now that you should keep you busy. Have fun with chess and share it with us.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
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at www.chessqueen.com
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Labels: chess software, chess training, chess weekend
New Commercial Video with Chess and Viswanathan Anand
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Continuing our series on commercials from around the world featuring chess, here's one with former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand sent to us by www.indianchessnews.com. The kid in the advert tells Anand that while Anand has to remember only chess, he has to remember history, physics, maths and what not! The follow-up is with Anand talking about the memory-booster drink Complan. Enjoy.
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Labels: chess commercial, Chess video, Viswanathan Anand, world chess champion
Mediterranean Flower Chess Tournament in Rijeka March 2
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Mediterranean Flower Chess Tournament 2014 in Rijeka for Women Players (along with open tournament)
The Mediterranean Flower Chess Tournament - 14th edition - will feature a special closed event with women chess players: Cristina Adela Foisor (reigning Romania women's chess champion), Adriana Nikolova, Iva Videnova, Mirjana Medic, Anna Berke, Ivona Purgar, Ksenija Novak, Sara Jaćimović, Tamara Ljikar and Lora Kukić. The 10-players round robin event is organised by the Chess Club Draga.
There will also be an open tournament along with the closed event for women chess players from March 2-8 at the Rijeka Chess Club, Croatia. Official website.
Labels: mediterranean flower chess 2014, rijeka chess club
2nd Stein am Rhein Open Chess from 28th Feb in Switzerland
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
Some chess tournament announcements via FIDE: The 2nd Stein am Rhein Open Chess Tournament will take place from 28th February to 2nd March at Hotel Grenzstein, Öhningerstr. 73, 8260 Stein am Rhein, in Switzerland.
The 2nd Stein am Rhein Open will be played in 5 rounds, and held in one of the most beautiful regions Europe’s during the wonderful winter season. The tournament is registered with FIDE-ELO/SUI/GER/AUT for the international and national ratings.
Top prizes are CHF 800, 600, 400, 300.
Official website
Speaking of chess in Switzerland... Have you read this?
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Labels: stein am rhein chess, switzerland chess
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