Alex Sorras in ChessWorld

Yesss, we work together on the same scenario with Ernő Rubik and Ru We talked about our perspectives in The Times and The Sunday Times 📰
“Games and puzzles express something at the very core of human nature: play itself has strong evolutionary roots way beyond just for homo sapiens. Problem-solving is closely linked to survival and success in a complex environment. A perfect game or puzzle (like chess and the Rubik’s Cube) brings all these aspects together.”
New year, new challenges, new goals.🙂

Circa 2002
Ian Nepomniachtchi with the gold medal and Magnus finished second in the World Youth Chess Championship (U-12).

🕊️ 𝙄𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙢: 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙃𝙪̈𝙗𝙣𝙚𝙧

It is with profound sadness that we were informed about the passing of Grandmaster Robert Hübner, a towering figure in the world of chess. Known for his exceptional analytical skills and deep understanding of the game, Hübner's contributions to chess have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Born in Germany, Hübner rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, competing at the highest levels and earning respect from peers and fans alike. His dedication to chess was unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.

He was the undisputed number one in German chess for decades. Robert Hübner represented Germany at eleven Chess Olympiads. Twice, in 1972 and 1990, he won gold for the best individual result at his board. Hübner qualified for the Candidates four times, and in July 1981 he was ranked third in the world behind Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi.

Beyond his achievements on the board, Robert Hübner was a scholar and a gentleman, known for his humility and intellectual curiosity. His writings and analyses have enriched the chess community, providing insights that will be cherished for years to come.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, German Chess federation, German Chess Community and all who were touched by his brilliance and kindness. The chess world has lost a true legend, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who admired him. Deutscher Schachbund

Rest in peace, Grandmaster Hübner. Your legacy will never be forgotten.



photo: Ootes

40 Benefits of Learning Chess

1. Improves critical thinking
2. Enhances problem-solving skills
3. Boosts memory
4. Increases focus and concentration
5. Promotes patience and discipline
6. Improves academic performance
7. Teaches goal setting and planning
8. Fosters creativity
9. Builds confidence
10. Encourages resilience
11. Strengthens social skills
12. Relieves stress
13. Develops strategic thinking
14. Enhances time management skills
15. Improves pattern recognition
16. Encourages adaptability
17. Strengthens decision-making under pressure
18. Teaches sportsmanship and respect
19. Cultivates perseverance
20. Provides lifelong enjoyment
21. Promotes logical reasoning
22. Enhances multitasking abilities
23. Improves visualization skills
24. Encourages analytical thinking
25. Helps manage emotions during competition
26. Improves spatial awareness
27. Develops leadership skills
28. Encourages self-reflection and self-improvement
29. Builds a growth mindset
30. Enhances patience in high-pressure situations
31. Promotes teamwork in team-based chess formats
32. Encourages healthy competition
33. Expands cultural understanding through international chess events
34. Stimulates mental flexibility
35. Reduces the risk of cognitive decline in older adults
36. Teaches the value of preparation and foresight
37. Improves decision-making consistency
38. Encourages attention to detail
39. Helps overcome impulsive behavior
40. Enhances the ability to learn from mistakes

We are happy to announce that registration is open for the next Academic Training Course. "Chess in Primary Education"

320 hours, 20-week distance flexible learning program, from 20 January 2025, till 08 June 2025.

More info and registration:
https://edu.europechess.org/2024/11/19/next-course-starts-on-20-january-2025/

The European Women's Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship will take place in Monte-Carlo, Monaco from 9 to 13 January 2025.
The event sets a record prize fund of 46,500 euros!
https://www.europechess.org/european-womens-rapid-blitz-chess-championship-2024-official-regulations/

The ECU Board meeting will take place in Monaco at the same time as the championship, and a special ceremony will mark the opening of the ECU's 40th anniversary celebrations. European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship
Jean Michel Rapaire Cercle d'Echecs de Monte-Carlo

The 24th European Women’s Chess Championship will take place from 30 March to 12 April 2025 in Rhodes, Greece.

European Women's Chess Championship 2025 is a qualification event for the FIDE Women's World Cup, and according to the ECU decision, at least 10 players shall qualify. The total prize fund of the event is 60.000 EUR, with 10.000 EUR reserved for the Winner.

The Championship will be played in 11 rounds, swiss system, with time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes until the end of the game, with 30-second increment for each move starting from move one.

➡️Official invitation: https://www.europechess.org/european-womens-chess-championship-2025-official-invitation/

Already 100 players coming from 15 European federations registered for European Amateur Chess Championship 2024!

The event will be held from 24th August - 1st September at magnificent and famous touristic island of Mali Losinj, 🇭🇷Croatia. The Championship will be played in three rating categories: U1700, U2000, and U2300, with 9 rounds, swiss system, in each tournament.

➡️There are still available spots in the tournament so if you are interested in combining ♟️ and 🌊 this summer, hurry up and book your place! All information & official regulations: https://www.europechess.org/european-amateur-chess-championship-2024-official-regulations/

Chessable European Chess Union and top class trainer Ivan Sokolov present the "Chess Coach Companion":

The Chess Coach Companion: Advanced ECU Syllabus (C) is a self-study course for the intermediate improver. It explores the key areas of strategy, tactics, and endgame play — where you can outsmart the increasingly tougher competition at the 1700 to 2200-level.

Originally designed as a teaching guide for trainers but is the same useful for players.

The Chess Coach Companion pinpoints the areas of chess which — when studied properly — can lead to huge rating dividends for the class A or B player.

The Chessable edition transforms the syllabus to a full-fledged improvement course… with a selection of the material presented in nearly 14 hours of video and 397 MoveTrainer® exercises you can study at your own pace.

World Class trainers coperate to develop the advanced Syllabus.
Ivan Sokolov, Antoaneta Stefanova, Efstratios Grivas, Lasha Janjghava and Adrian Mikhalchishin.
All the details here:
https://www.chessable.com/the-chess-coach-companion-advanced-syllabus/course/246813/