7/8/2025 – More than 25,000 people, including stars from the BBC’s chess show Chess Masters: The Endgame, are expected to descend on London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday, July 13, for ChessFest 2025. Last year, the event drew 23,300 people. The UK’s biggest chess event, now in its fifth year, will draw chess enthusiasts from across the country, including many of the country’s top grandmasters, for a free day of fun suitable for every level of player.
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally. FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before.
Winning starts with what you know The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.
This course isn’t just another addition to your chess library—it’s the definitive guide to elevate your endgame play. From fundamental principles to advanced techniques, “Practical Endgames” covers every aspect of endgame strategy.
€39.90
Stars of hit BBC chess show coming to ChessFest
This year’s event is held after a stunning year for English chess. For the first time in decades, the game enjoyed primetime TV coverage as BBC Two’s Chess Masters: The Endgame showcased chess to an audience of millions.
Chess coach and former Traitors contestant Anthony Mathurin will be on hand to give out advice, along with several contestants from the show.
In this dynamic and practical video course, IM Andrew Martin arms you with powerful antidotes to White’s most annoying sidelines. Tired of facing annoying Anti-Sicilian openings? In this dynamic and practical video course, IM Andrew Martin arms you with powerful antidotes to White’s most annoying sidelines. From the ever-popular 2.c3, Nc3 and Bb5 systems, to offbeat gambits, and even bizarre moves like 2.b3 or the oddball 2.Na3, you’ll learn how to confidently crush Anti-Sicilians, and steer the game into your territory.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Early Bb5
Since the last ChessFest, three homegrown players have been awarded the prestigious grandmaster title. They are Ameet Ghasi, Shreyas Royal, who beat the record to become England’s youngest ever, and England’s most recent GM-elect Matthew Wadsworth.
England’s success at chess has shown the game is for all ages. The nation’s crop of talented juniors have been busy continuing their rise up the world rankings. Two of the leading lights in 10-year-old sensation Bodhana Sivanandan, who holds the WFM title, and 11-year-old FIDE Master Supratit Banerjee will be showing their skills at ChessFest.
Recent figures released by Chess.com show 9 million people in the United Kingdom play chess regularly online.
International Master and Chief Executive of Chess in Schools and Communities Malcolm Pein said: "We’re expecting a record turnout. ChessFest just gets bigger and bigger and the fifth edition is on the back of a chess show that was watched by millions. If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly, fun day out in London on July 13th, come to Trafalgar's 64 Squares.”
So why not come on down to Trafalgar Square? Everyone is invited, no need to book – just turn up on Sunday, July 13 for a full day of free chess fun.
You’ll be able to:
Play friendly games of chess with anyone, whether you’re just starting out or are already a keen player
Learn everything from the basics to checkmate in a free chess lesson with a professional tutor
Take on one of England’s top Grandmasters in a simultaneous display
Enjoy playing on giant chess sets
Blitz your moves out in speed chess games in the “Challenge the Chess Master” tent
Watch living chess with actors, replaying famous games of chess on our giant board
Test yourself with Puzzle Rush, pitting your wits against fiendish chess puzzles on ChessKid.com
For a flavour of what to look forward to at ChessFest, you can watch a video of the inaugural ChessFest here:
Please spread the word about ChessFest to your friends, family, school and workmates – we look forward to seeing you there!
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to. In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Invisible moves
Chess in Schools and Communities is a UK-wide charity founded in 2009, whose mission is to improve children’s educational outcomes and social development by introducing them to the game of chess. We run over 1,000 projects in schools, libraries and prisons and a world-class tournament, the London Chess Classic, each December.
XTX Markets is a leading algorithmic trading firm which uses state-of-the-art machine learning technology to produce price forecasts for over 50,000 financial instruments across equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities and crypto. Since 2020, XTX Markets has committed over £250 million to charities and non-profit partners, establishing the firm as a major philanthropic donor in the UK and globally. The firm’s philanthropy focuses on advancing mathematics education and research.
For more information contact:
Leon Watson Chess in Schools & Communities 07786078770
6/30/2025 – FIDE has announced the formation of a task force to evaluate anti-cheating methods proposed by GM Vladimir Kramnik, inviting him to present his approach for official review. However, FIDE has also expressed deep concern over the damaging tone of Kramnik's public statements, particularly their impact on GM David Navara, a respected figure with a long-standing fair play reputation. FIDE urges Kramnik to withdraw his defamation lawsuit against Navara in the interest of community cohesion and integrity.
6/29/2025 – International Chess Day 2025 will be celebrated on 20 July under the theme "Every Move Counts", as FIDE continues its Year of Social Chess. This global initiative highlights the power of chess for inclusion, education and well-being. Celebrations include a 24-hour online blitz tournament, creative chess challenges and inclusive over-the-board events worldwide. Players of all levels are invited to take part and share how chess connects and empowers communities.
King’s Indian fans who choose the Mar del Plata attack (7...Nc6) against White’s classical system (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7.0-0) usually aim for a complex position with mutual attacks on open wings, requiring long-term strategic planning and tactical sharpness in critical moments. Computers often do not know how to handle the arising complex strategic positions, which suits players who like to think on their own instead of memorizing long variations. However, the fashionable Bayonet Attack (9.b4) interferes with Black’s ideas. After Black’s main move 9...Nh5 the positions opens, the lines get forced and computer analysis is important again. But this DVD offers an antidote against White’s Bayonet Attack, namely 9...a5! This move leads to sound positions with very few concrete lines, in which the focus is on strategy not on tactics. Objectively chances are equal but if Black knows what to do things might quickly become dangerous for White.
Whether you‘re a beginner looking for a clear roadmap or an advanced player ready to refine your strategic edge, this comprehensive course will transform the way you think about chess.
Biel Chess Festival 2025 with analyses by Aravindh, Navara, Wojtaszek et al. Opening videos by Blohberger, Engel and Sokolov. Training columns ‘The fortress’, ‘Opening traps , ‘Fundamental Endgame Knowledge’ and much more
If you are looking for a practical, easy-to-learn system to sidestep the main lines and catch your opponent off guard, the Two Knights Variation is your perfect weapon against the French!
In this 60-minute course, IM Andrew Martin introduces you to a flexible and refreshingly simple opening setup - that Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura has used to rack up numerous impressive wins.
ChessBase is re-releasing this timeless classic in the modern ChessBase Media format - complete with brand-new training features. Get ready to rediscover a masterpiece of chess instruction!
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