Matthias Bluebaum: The Ultimate Underdog of the FIDE Candidates 2026?
As the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 heats up, chess enthusiasts, streamers, and grandmasters alike are buzzing with opinions on the early performances. A recurring theme in these discussions casts Matthias Bluebaum as the tournament's most significant underdog. But does this label truly reflect his caliber?
Boasting an impressive rating near 2700 and the prestigious achievement of consecutive European Championship titles, Bluebaum's chess prowess is undeniable. In a dedicated analysis, chess expert Robert Ris delves into one of Bluebaum's recent masterful victories.
Ris explores the compelling reasons why, despite his strong credentials, the 'underdog' designation might still hold true, and crucially, how this perception could transform into his most potent strategic asset, enabling him to shock the competition.
Fresh materials — Сhess
New Chess Releases: March Edition
The highly anticipated Opening Encyclopedia 2026 has arrived, representing countless hours of meticulous work. This updated annual compendium is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about effective tournament preparation. Alongside this major release, ChessBase authors have contribute
European Championship: Anton and Abasov Lead Ahead of Final Weekend in Katowice
With only two rounds remaining at the European Championship in Katowice, Spain's David Anton and Azerbaijan's Nijat Abasov are currently tied for first place with 7½ points out of 9. They are scheduled to face each other in the tenth round on Saturday. A group of ten players, including Aydin Suleym
Elo Boost - A GM Hike in Cyprus 🇨🇾 | Behind the Scenes - Day 2
The ChessBase team is in Cyprus to provide comprehensive coverage of the Candidates Tournament, offering daily glimpses into one of chess's most significant events. We delve into the ambiance surrounding the world's top chess professionals, assess the tournament venue, and explore the downtime
A Game That Outlasted the Day: The Unpredictability of Chess Endurance
It's crucial to highlight that the record for the longest chess game is purely a matter of chance. Any pre-game pact between competitors, like a deliberate decision to "play the longest game in history today," or any similar arrangement made during play, would invalidate the game and result in
Candidates Round 12: Sindarov Leads, Giri vs. Wei Yi
The Candidates Tournament, a crucial step in the FIDE World Championship qualification, is now in its twelfth round. This prestigious event pits eight of the world's elite chess players against each other in a demanding double round-robin format, spanning fourteen intense rounds of classical c
ChessBase 26: Beginner's Tips Part 10 - Standard vs. Custom Layouts
ChessBase 26 excels in its user-friendly interface, making it effortless to analyze games even with multiple menu windows open simultaneously. Do you tend to stick with the six predefined standard layouts, or do you prefer to craft your own personalized setup? We encourage you to explore all t