3/26/2026 – Last week we honored Jan Timman, who passed away a few weeks ago, by studying his brilliant attacking game against Anatoli Karpov. This week at Chessbase we dedicate our shows to the legendary Viktor Kortchnoi, who would have turned 95. Hans Ree wrote that Viktor told him back in the day that he choose Kortchnoi as the right spelling of his name, since it combines something from several languages. Our Game of the Week is his amazing attacking game against Mijo Udovcic. Merijn's show is available on-demand with a ChessBase Premium Account. You can register a Premium account here.

3/26/2026 – The oldest surviving chess book is Lucena's "Repetición de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez" from 1497. One of the few remaining copies is now being auctioned at Sotheby's. Anyone looking to spruce up their chess book collection should seize this opportunity. | Photo: Sotheby's

3/26/2026 – At the Prague International Chess Festival 2026, the popular Hand & Brain format followed right after the main event, bringing together Grandmasters, Challengers, Futures players, celebrities, and sponsors in mixed teams for four entertaining rounds. Among the standout games was the pairing of Divya Deshmukh & Christina Jordan against Bao Anh Angelina Nguyen Doan & Benjamin Gledura. The game seemed firmly in White’s hands before the momentum shifted dramatically, turning into a commanding position for Black. In a remarkable finish, Gledura discovered a brilliant tactical idea that everyone else at the table missed—including his own partner.

3/25/2026 – After twelve rounds of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, SC Viernheim lead the standings with a three-point margin over OSG Baden-Baden, while Schachfreunde Wolfhagen remain within reach in third place. The latest weekend saw Viernheim maintain their perfect record with two further wins, as both Baden-Baden and Wolfhagen dropped points in drawn matches. The title race is set to be shaped by direct encounters at the three final rounds in Berlin. | Pictured: Viernheim's Igor Kovalenko | Photo: Angelika Valkova

3/25/2026 – Oliver Kurmann wants to become a grandmaster – at the age of 41! In an interview with the Swiss Chess Federation, the international master from Switzerland, who competed for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last weekend, talks about his career, training and ambitions - with ChessBase playing a key role. | Pictured: Oliver Kurmann drew his game last weekend in the Chess Bundesliga for Bayern Munich - he faced Georg Meier of SC Viernheim | Photo: Angelika Valkova

3/25/2026 – In the latest episode of his Power Play Show, GM Daniel King dedicated the video to Viktor Korchnoi on what would have been his 95th birthday. | Free for all to watch. All the usual puzzles, games and instruction will be on offer.

3/23/2026 – Two players share the lead after six rounds at the Agzamov Memorial in Tashkent, with top seed Haik Martirosyan (pictured) and 14th seed Artem Uskov both on 5/6. Martirosyan has impressed with a series of wins with the white pieces, while Uskov produced a notable upset against Pouya Idani and now faces the Armenian in a key round-seven encounter. A closely packed chasing group remains within striking distance with three rounds still to play. | Photo: Uzbek Chess Federation

3/22/2026 – In this interview feature, WIM Anzel Laubscher reflects on her career in chess education, law and international development, tracing her journey from early tournaments in South Africa to her work with the FIDE Commission for Chess in Education. She discusses formative life experiences, cultural influences and her advocacy for safeguarding and inclusion in sport, offering personal insights into how chess can shape both learning and social responsibility. | Photos courtesy of WIM Anzel Laubscher

3/22/2026 – The Sicilian has long been one of the most popular openings. It therefore makes perfect sense for White to consider 1.c4. ChessBase author Nico Zwirs takes a look at similar, but reversed structures. His 60 Minutes course is aptly titled “Reversed Sicilian Power.” And since the Sicilian cannot be played without tactics, this new February release also fits the theme perfectly: Oliver Reeh’s new Master Class tactics volume offers exercises for players of all levels, regardless of their opening repertoire. | All photos: ChessBase

3/22/2026 – To mark International Autism Awareness Day, the FIDE Infinite Chess initiative will host the online event "An Atypical Day" on 4 April. The session will feature personal accounts from families and coaches working with children with autism, alongside expert input from specialist Gulzhanar Akhaeva. Designed to promote understanding and inclusion, the talk highlights how chess can support connection, development and community participation.

3/21/2026 – ChessBase Magazine has been a gold standard for structured chess training for decades. From club players to strong tournament competitors, it offers ample material for players of all levels. Lukas Köpl, himself a long-time user of “CBM”, takes a look at the latest issue of ChessBase’s digital magazine and presents his personal highlights.

3/21/2026 – The Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy is delighted to announce an upcoming live lecture by GM Dragan Šolak on March 22, 2026, 17:00 CET. This special session will focus on "The Power of the King," a topic of utmost importance for players looking to elevate their strategic understanding and improve their competitive results. Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from GM Šolak’s extensive experience, gaining invaluable insights into king safety, king activity, and the art of using it as a powerful piece in both the middlegame and the endgame at the highest level.