ChessBase

• Harold van der Heijden

  Fellow students, whether composers or solvers, have appreciated it for years, but it is far less known to the wider chess community: since 1991, there has been a giant database of chess. It is the result of the tireless work of Harold van der Heijden, a Dutch collector of endgames and studies, editor, chess organizer, and chess composer. Harold has just turned 65, and the well-known chess study composer has written an article celebrating the launch of the latest 100,000 game edition of the database.

• Top ten women players fighting for the crown in Doha

  As the World Rapid and Blitz Championships approach, Doha will host the leading figures of women's chess alongside the wider elite. From established world champions to Grand Prix winners and fast-time-control specialists, the women's field reflects both depth and continuity at the top of the game. This article outlines the key contenders arriving in Qatar, tracing recent results, rivalries and form, and setting the context for how women's chess has developed ahead of one of the season's flagship events. | All photos: FIDE

• Global Chess League - Live!

  The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League returns for its third season from 14 to 23 December, continuing its franchise-based format that combines elite male and female players. Featuring a team structure, the league again brings together established stars and juniors, with the title to be decided through a double round-robin stage followed by a two-match final. | Follow the action live starting at 12.00 CET (6.00 ET, 16.30 IST)

• GCL: Alpine SG Pipers climb to sole second place, as Hou Yifan scores 2/2

  The round-robin phase of the Global Chess League has been decided at the top, with Triveni Continental Kings finishing first and securing a place in the Final with one round to go. The remaining berth in the final match will be determined on Monday, with the Alpine SG Pipers now the frontrunners in this battle - two wins by women's world number one Hou Yifan helped them climb to second place in the standings. | Photo: ChessBase India

• My ChessBase 26 Desktop! - Lilit Mkrtchian

  We take a unique behind-the-scenes look at how top chess masters organize their digital workspace. Grandmasters and trainers reveal their personal ChessBase 26 setups — from meticulously clean desktops to chaotic databases full of ideas. They show us their board designs, current projects, and discuss their favourite or most-used ChessBase functions, offering fascinating insights into how great minds prepare, study, and work with chess every day.

• GCL: Continental Kings widen the gap, get six-point lead

  Day seven of the Global Chess League produced a clearer picture at the top of the table, with the leaders, Triveni Continental Kings, opening a commanding gap over the rest of the field. A heavy defeat for one of the main challengers, upGrad Mumba Masters, reshaped the standings, while several tightly contested matches kept the battle for second place wide open. | Pictured: Continental Kings' Marc'Andria Maurizzi | Photos: Official website

• Russia revokes Vladimir Fedoseev's honorary titles

  Vladimir Fedoseev was one of the first Russian chess players to speak out critically against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He switched to the Slovenian association and never wants to represent Russia again. The Russian Minister of Sport has now stripped him of his Russian honorary titles. | Photo: Lennart Ootes

• Opening Encyclopaedia: Semi-Open Games

  In Part Two of his review of the Opening Encyclopaedia 2025, Nagesh Havanur explores the nuanced world of Semi-Open Games. From the dynamic Sicilian Defence to the "quiet" Caro-Kann, each defence offers distinct challenges and strategies. As our author transitions to Closed Games in his next instalment, he offers much practical advice for the aspiring tournament player.

• GCL: Continental Kings lead, Mumba Masters keep up the pace

  The Global Chess League moved into the second half of its round-robin phase with a heavier daily schedule and immediate consequences in the standings. Teams began playing twice per day, producing mixed results for those facing the added workload. While Triveni Continental Kings remain in front, Alireza Firouzja's streak came to an end. With three days to go in the initial phase, the contest for the second spot in the final gained increased importance. | Pictured: Continental Kings' Vidit Gujrathi | Photos: Official website

• Father of the Modern School

  In his article IM Zoran Petronijević raises some fundamental questions: How relevant is Steinitz’s legacy today, does it still speak to modern chess, or does it belong to a bygone, almost “dinosaur” era? Does the analysis of his creative work possess genuine practical value, or do we study it merely for its historical significance? Equally important is the question: What, in concrete terms, did Steinitz contribute to chess?