Chess News & Tournament Coverage
Analysis, previews, and recaps from the 2026 Candidates Tournament and beyond. No clickbait, just chess.
How to Get to 1000 Chess Rating: A Practical Training Plan
A step-by-step guide to reaching 1000 on Chess.com. Covers the key skills, a daily training routine, and opening recommendations for players rated 600-800.
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How to Get to 1200 Chess Rating: A Practical Training Plan
A realistic training plan for Chess.com players rated 900-1100 who want to reach 1200. Covers tactics, openings, endgames, and the daily habits that actually work.
How to Get to 1500 Chess Rating: A Complete Training Plan
A practical training plan for Chess.com players rated 1200-1400 who want to reach 1500. Covers tactics, positional play, endgames, openings, and daily study routines.
How to Get to 1800 Chess Rating: A Complete Training Plan
A practical training plan to break through to 1800 on Chess.com. Covers calculation, strategy, openings, and the study habits that actually matter at this level.
How to Get to 2000 Chess Rating: A Training Plan for Serious Players
A structured training plan for 1700-1900 rated players looking to break the 2000 barrier. Covers prophylactic thinking, deep calculation, endgame mastery, and the mental side of competitive chess.
Netflix's 'Untold: Chess Mates' Drops April 7 - Everything You Need to Know About the Carlsen-Niemann Documentary
Netflix's documentary on the biggest chess scandal in decades premieres April 7. Here's what the Carlsen vs Niemann film covers and why it matters.
Caruana Beats Wei Yi in 19 Moves: A Candidates Miniature for the Ages
Wei Yi blundered with 17...Ne5?? and Caruana punished instantly. A 19-move win at the Candidates Tournament is almost unheard of - here's what happened and why.
Candidates 2026 Round 4: Sindarov Beats Caruana to Take Sole Lead
Javokhir Sindarov defeated co-leader Fabiano Caruana in the Round 4 clash to grab sole lead at 3.5/4. The 20-year-old Uzbek now has three wins in four rounds. Giri scored his first win, beating Esipenko.
Candidates 2026 Rounds 2-3: Caruana and Sindarov Pull Clear of the Field
After a quiet Round 2 of all draws, Round 3 delivered two knockouts. Caruana crushed Wei Yi in 19 moves and Sindarov sacrificed a piece to beat Praggnanandhaa. Both lead on 2.5/3.
Caruana Beats Nakamura in 80-Move Candidates Opener: What It Means for Both Players
Fabiano Caruana outlasted Hikaru Nakamura in a grueling 80-move endgame. One move changed everything - and may have shifted the entire tournament dynamic.
Candidates 2026 Round 1: Three Decisive Games Shake Up the Field
Caruana beats Nakamura in an 80-move marathon, Praggnanandhaa outprepares Giri, and Sindarov pulls off a dramatic swindle. Round 1 delivered.
Sindarov's Incredible Swindle: How the Candidates' Biggest Underdog Won While 'Sleeping'
Down to 6 minutes against Esipenko's 30, Sindarov thought he was losing. Then he pulled off one of the Candidates' great escapes. Welcome to the world top 10.
Candidates 2026: Everything You Need to Know - Format, Schedule, How to Watch
Complete guide to the 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. Format, schedule, streaming options, and what's at stake for all 8 players.
Who Will Challenge Gukesh? Candidates 2026 Predictions and Odds
Our predictions for all 8 Candidates. Who's the favorite, who's the dark horse, and who might surprise everyone in Cyprus?
The Underdogs: How Sindarov and Bluebaum Earned Their Candidates Spots
Uzbekistan's Sindarov won the World Cup at 19. Germany's Bluebaum qualified without a coach. Two unlikely stories from the 2026 Candidates.
Kasparov Says Classical Chess Died with Magnus - Is He Right?
Garry Kasparov claims the Candidates doesn't matter and classical chess ended with Magnus. We look at whether the 2026 field proves him wrong.
Candidates Tournament 2026: Eight Players, One Shot at the World Championship
The 2026 Candidates Tournament kicks off in Cyprus. Here's your guide to all 8 contenders vying to challenge World Champion Gukesh.