A Paradise of Rationality

Of course, chess compares favorably with all the things we call "real life," with all the piles of decks of playing cards, silver spoons, nepotism, favoritism, and the disastrous misfortunes that accompany them. Compared to most of human existence which is crazy, unpredictable, and uncontrollable, playing chess (even in a time crunch!) is like a … Continue reading A Paradise of Rationality

Puzzle No. 14: White to Move. Mate in Three

A. Sokolski "Sahmati" 1951 White to move. Mate in three moves. Solution is in Solutions

Chess Legends (2)

From Greek literature, the hypothesis of the creation of chess by Aristotle, the founder of the "Peripatetic School" in Athens, who in the period 343-323 BC was the mentor of Alexander the Great. According to some historical sources, the famous Macedonian king was a very good player of something similar to chess, but the question … Continue reading Chess Legends (2)

Puzzle No.13: White to Move. Draw

Paul Keres Sahmati, 1946 White to move. Draw Solution is in the Solutions

The Beauty of Chess

Why is chess so beautiful? Where does the spell that steals our soul and feeds our mind come from?Sixteen little black and white wooden men move up and down on some colorful squares, living in a wonderland, somewhere on another planet. Watching the game of wooden figures, our thoughts take us to lost civilizations, and … Continue reading The Beauty of Chess

Puzzle No.12: White to Move. White Wins.

Mihail Botvinnik "Sahmati", 1939 White to move. White wins. Solution is in Solutions

Thoughts About Chess

"A great chess player is an artist, a scientist, an engineer, a general, a conqueror" La Burdonnais ."Of all games, chess is the only one that sovereignly escapes the tyranny of chance, the only one in which you owe victory only to your own intelligence. Its movements are mechanical, but its results are only due … Continue reading Thoughts About Chess

Puzzle No.11: White to Move. Mate in Two

Max Euwe, 1936 White to move. Mate in two. Solution is in Solutions

With Sword and Shield Against Trident and Net (2)

The exchanges that lead to the diversification of forces can occur as a result of forced sequences or combinations, but often even by the tacit agreement of the players, each of them counting on obtaining a positional advantage. Such exchanges suggest a comparison with gladiatorial fights: with sword and shield against trident and net… Hulak … Continue reading With Sword and Shield Against Trident and Net (2)