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Candidates Round 3: Caruana and Sindarov Lead, Assaubayeva and Lagno Share Top Spot
Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov moved into the lead in the Open section after key victories in round three, while Bibisara Assaubayeva and Kateryna Lagno took shared first place in the Women’s event. The round featured sharp opening ideas, a miniature win, and strategically balanced draws.
Lichess’s Watchful Knights Surprise
Lichess introduced a playful April Fools feature that places autonomous knight cursors on the board to “protect” players. Behind the joke lies a clear message about privacy, open-source values, and a donation-funded chess platform.
Lichess Knights Guard Your Privacy
Lichess has introduced autonomous knight guardians that appear during games and puzzles as a playful privacy-focused feature. The update highlights the platform’s commitment to user safety, open-source values, and a donation-funded model.
Monthly Dragon: New Ideas in the Dragadorf
Chris Ward examines the latest Dragadorf ideas and explains why modern Dragon structures are becoming a highly practical choice for Black. Using fresh blitz examples, he highlights the value of an early ...h5, flexible piece play and clear attacking plans.
A New Era in Coaching: National Occupational Standards Open for Public Consultation
Türkiye has launched a major standardization process for coaching through cooperation between the Vocational Qualifications Authority and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Draft standards covering Levels 3 to 7 are now being opened to institutions and the public before the final framework is enacted.
Vahap Sanal Finishes in the Top 5 at the Reykjavik Open
Turkish grandmaster Vahap Sanal secured a top-five finish at the 2026 Reykjavik Open with 7 points. Emre Can and Mustafa Yilmaz also delivered solid performances in the strong international field.
Caruana and Sindarov break away early at Cap St Georges
Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov took early control of the tournament with statement wins in round three. In the women’s event, Kateryna Lagno and Bibisara Assaubayeva moved into shared first place after fighting victories.
Caruana and Sindarov take early control in the Candidates
Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov moved into the lead after round three of the FIDE Candidates with key victories over Wei Yi and Praggnanandhaa. In the Women’s Candidates, Kateryna Lagno and Bibisara Assaubayeva climbed to the top after decisive wins.
FIDE Launches Global Chess Teacher Preparation Course for Women
FIDE’s Women’s Commission and Educational Commission have launched a global online teacher preparation course designed specifically for women. The initiative aims to strengthen women’s role in chess education, visibility, and long-term participation in the game.
Gumularz and Kiolbasa Crowned 2026 Polish Chess Champions
GM Szymon Gumularz and IM Oliwia Kiolbasa won their first Polish national titles in Warsaw. Gumularz dominated the open event, while Kiolbasa sealed the women’s crown with a final-round victory.
Candidates Round 3: Early Tension in the Title Race
Round three of the Candidates marks an important early test in the race for the world title. With eight elite players battling in a double round-robin, every half-point already carries major weight.
Strong Showing by Turkish Grandmasters at the Reykjavik Open
The 2026 Reykjavik Open concluded in Iceland with 422 players competing over nine rounds. Turkish grandmasters Vahap Sanal, Mustafa Yilmaz, and Emre Can delivered solid performances, with Sanal finishing ninth.
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Fritz 20 and Powerbook 2026: A Modern Chess Training Bundle
Fritz 20 and Fritz Powerbook 2026 combine practical training tools with a data-driven opening reference. The package is designed to make preparation more realistic, interactive and tailored to each player's needs.
Women's Candidates Round 2: Lagno and Vaishali Escape as Chances Go Begging
All four games in round two of the Women's Candidates ended in draws, but the scorecards hid intense struggles. Zhu Jiner and Divya Deshmukh both reached promising positions, yet missed their chances to score full points.
Candidates Round 2 Ends in Four Draws, Leaders Unchanged
All four games in round two of the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus ended in draws, leaving Fabiano Caruana, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Javokhir Sindarov tied for first. The round highlighted deep opening preparation and highly balanced struggles across all boards.
Candidates Round 2: Eight Draws in a Calm Day
Round two of the 2026 FIDE Candidates ended with draws across both sections, but the Women's event was far more dramatic. Kateryna Lagno and Vaishali Rameshbabu survived difficult moments against Zhu Jiner and Divya Deshmukh.
Carlsen Returns to Defend His EWC Chess Title in 2026
Chess will return to the Esports World Cup in 2026 after a successful debut, with Magnus Carlsen back as defending champion. Qualification spots will be determined through the Chess.com Open Championship, the Champions Chess Tour standings and a Last Chance Qualifier.
2026 FIDE Candidates Round 2: Eight Draws, Two Missed Chances
Round 2 of the 2026 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates produced eight hard-fought draws, leaving both standings unchanged. In the women’s event, Divya Deshmukh and Zhu Jiner missed notable chances to take the lead.
FIDE Candidates Round 2: Draws Hold the Race Tight
All eight games in round two of the 2026 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates ended in draws. Fabiano Caruana, R Praggnanandhaa and Javokhir Sindarov remain among the leaders, while missed tactical chances kept the women’s event completely level.
Candidates Round 2: Early Tests on the Road to the World Title
The Candidates Tournaments are the final and most demanding qualifying stage of the FIDE World Championship cycle. In round two, the spotlight falls on key classical clashes as the world's elite fight for a title shot.