Notes from the desk.
Short essays on training, tactics and chess culture — written around the board you play on.
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.
FIDE’s shorter classical proposal: when is a long think worth it?
FIDE’s 12 October explanation separates proposed time controls from current rules. Try a two-position exercise to make your next long think more useful.
October's Rating Movers: Turn the Headlines into a Training Habit
The October FIDE list highlighted strong Olympiad performances. Use the news to build a small, repeatable review habit of your own.
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.
New editions Tuesday and Friday. Retrospectives show their archive date and actual publication date.