The Journal
Notes from the desk.
Short essays on training, tactics and chess culture — written around the board you play on.
Latest edition
Training
No. 37
FIDE’s rapid and blitz fee waiver: what it means for your next event
27 October 2026 · Training
FIDE’s rapid and blitz fee waiver: what it means for your next event
FIDE has extended its rapid and blitz rating-fee waiver through 2027. Separate that federation charge from tournament entry costs, then prepare for one manageable first event.
3 min read · Read the edition →
Archive
Culture
No. 29
Uzbekistan and China Take Gold: A Team-Chess Lesson from Samarkand
Uzbekistan and China Take Gold: A Team-Chess Lesson from Samarkand
Uzbekistan and China topped the Olympiad. Try a simple review exercise that turns an individual game into a shared learning session.
Retrospective · 28 September 2026 · Culture · 3 min
Culture
No. 28
Poland's Olympiad Gold and the Work of Welcoming Every Player
Poland's Olympiad Gold and the Work of Welcoming Every Player
Poland won gold in Samarkand. Our practical challenge: make your next chess session easier for another person to join and enjoy.
Retrospective · 18 September 2026 · Culture · 2 min
New editions Tuesday and Friday. Retrospectives show their archive date and actual publication date.