Borislav Ivanov – The False Prince Of Bulgaria 

Cheating is probably one of the biggest world chess problems. That means unfair play by participants. In most cases, it’s computer-assisted cues. However, today we’ll talk about the story of another cheater who became famous in the early 2010s. His name is Borislav Ivanov. Technologies are developing very fast: now everyone has access to the…

Cheating in Chess

In early September, the Sinquefield Cup grand chess tournament took place in Saint Louis. The high point of the competition was a sensational development that occurred in the 3d stage. Hans Niemann, a rating outsider, confidently won against the World Champion Magnus Carlsen. After such an unexpected defeat, the Norwegian player resigned from the tournament…

Chess Prodigies – Future Champions

Throughout history, there have been many young chess prodigies slated to become world champions. However, they haven’t always been able to accomplish that life goal. In some cases, the child decided to explore educational and professional prospects (Samuel Reshevsky). It’s also common for a chess player to start struggling upon entering the elite level. This…

Chess in the Arts – Examples

From time to time, chess in the arts appears in history. Classical paintings showcase different periods of their development. The rules and the appearance of chess pieces have been changing in the course of centuries. After all, it’s one of the oldest games on Earth. Occasionally, the pieces occupy deliberate, rather than random, spaces on…

Chess in Literature

Throughout history, works of fiction reflected numerous important events. Writers recreated the reality that surrounded them with quills and ink. Chess has always been widely popular with renowned authors of different eras. The vast world of 64 squares serves as a great metaphor for the characters’ relationships. Sometimes, it also parallels ongoing historical events. In…

Best Chess Books

A systematic approach to chess and the underlying logic behind it isn’t a particularly popular subject. However, those willing to delve deep into combinations and strategies could always use some assistance. Nothing beats practicing with a good teacher and reading specialized literature to develop the necessary skills. This article aims to highlight 7 best chess…

How to play chess: the starting guide

When it comes to tabletop games, there are numerous activities that come to mind. However, learning how to play chess is among the most popular topics on the web nowadays. The game has been serving as entertainment and a brain exercise for centuries.  Oftentimes, we learn chess in our childhood. But for many people, it’s…

Chess in Movies: A Game of Shadows

Ever come across scenes in films and series where characters play chess? Typically, they serve merely as set pieces or means of extending the running time. However, sometimes, chess in movies and television has a deeper meaning than one might think. 2011’s Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a shining example. The climax of…

Chess Online Over the Internet

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected all aspects of life. Chess is no exception. 10 years ago, it was hard to imagine millions of people playing chess online. And yet, it’s exactly the way things are today. The leading platforms, such as Lichess, Chess.com, and Chess 24 were quick to catch on. The number of…

Records in chess. The game length

Every kind of sport, obviously, has its own unique and unmatched achievements. Chess is no exception. For example, there are fixed results of tournaments, various ratings, victories, losses, and so on. In this review, we will talk about the game length records in chess.  The most lengthy tournament game In 1989, Ivan Nikolić played with…