ChessBase

• Jon Speelman: Creeping, sliding and the ice rink of memory

  In this analytical column, GM Jon Speelman examines the disproportionate power of subtle “creeping” moves in chess. Using examples from games by Alireza Firouzja, Boris Spassky (pictured in 1964) and Garry Kasparov, he shows how small, almost inconspicuous piece shifts can radically alter complex positions. Blending modern encounters with classic material and personal recollections, Speelman explains why these quiet moves are so hard to anticipate and so decisive when they occur. | Photo: P. van Zoest / ANP, via geheugenvannederland.nl

• Eline Roebers wins European Women's Blitz Championship

  The 2025 European Women's Blitz Championship, held on Friday in Monte-Carlo, brought together 127 players for a 13-round Swiss played at a 3+2 time control. The title was decided in dramatic fashion in the final round, where top seed Eline Roebers defeated long-time leader Bella Khotenashvili to secure tournament victory. | Pictured: The start of the crucial Roebers v. Khotenashvili encounter. | Photo: European Chess Union

• Tata Steel Chess India - Live!

  Following the rapid tournaments, the blitz double round-robins start on Saturday in Kolkata. Newly crowned rapid champions Nihal Sarin and Kateryna Lagno look to get a double victory, a feat only achieved in the past by Magnus Carlsen (in 2019 nd 2024). | Follow the action live, with expert commentary starting at 15:00 local time (10:30 CET, 04:30 ET).

• Nihal and Lagno claim Tata Steel India rapid titles outright

  The final day of the rapid tournaments at the Tata Steel Chess India event saw titles decided in both sections. In the open, Nihal Sarin claimed first place after finishing clear of the field, ahead of Viswanathan Anand. The women's tournament also produced an outright winner, with Kateryna Lagno securing victory with a round to spare. Aleksandra Goryachkina finished in sole second place. With the rapid champions crowned, attention now turns to the blitz double round-robin, which follows over the weekend. | Photo: Lennart Ootes

• Friends again: FIDE and Freestyle Chess - An interview with Jan Henric Büttner

  The rift between FIDE and Freestyle Chess seemed final – and then, on Wednesday evening, a press release from both surprised the chess world: in February 2026, the first joint World Championship in Freestyle Chess is set to take place in Weissenhaus, Germany. Sagar Shah of ChessBase India conducted an in-depth interview with Jan Henric Büttner of Freestyle Chess to learn more about this remarkable turnaround.

• World Champion Gukesh plays in Prague Chess Festival

  A reigning world chess champion has not played a serious game in Czechia for exactly 95 years. That is about to change. GM Gukesh Dommaraju, also known as Gukesh D, will take part in the 8th edition of the Prague International Chess Festival. The Indian prodigy has broken numerous modern chess records. The Festival, the most prestigious chess event in central and eastern Europe, will be held from 24 February to 6 March at Hotel Don Giovanni in Prague.

• Tata Steel Chess India: Nihal draws level with Anand at the top

  The second day of the Tata Steel Chess India tournament brought further movement in the standings ahead of the final rapid rounds. In the open section, Vishy Anand remained at the top, now joined by Nihal Sarin after the young Indian's perfect day. The women's event again produced a sole leader, as Kateryna Lagno pulled clear with an undefeated performance, leaving Carissa Yip a half point back. | Photo: Vive Sohani

• ChessBase Mobile – Now with Automatic Updates and Many Improvements

  More convenience, better clarity, greater performance: ChessBase Mobile now comes with numerous improvements for even more efficient work at the chessboard — whether at home or on the go. And best of all, the app updates itself automatically, without requiring an update from the App Store. Just launch it and benefit immediately.

• Christmas week puzzles solutions 3

  In the final sections of our Christmas Puzzle Week we brought you a variety of famous and less well-known puzzles. Among them a mate problem that solves itself – literally. And one that looks deceptively simple, but requires a very subtle strategy to find the win. In no less than 46 moves! Can computers solve it?

• Christmas Puzzles 7 – long and short

  Take a look at this relatively simple position. Can you figure out how White can win? And how many moves it will require to overcome Black's most resolute defence? You won't believe it. To relax we bring you the arguably easiest chess study ever composed, and other entertaining puzzles, many from the out-of-the-box legend Karl Fabel.