Daughter talks of Tal’s final moments
“He was waiting to see us one last time…”

Mikhail Tal! While many argue over who was the greatest chess player of all time, none … Read the rest
“He was waiting to see us one last time…”
Mikhail Tal! While many argue over who was the greatest chess player of all time, none … Read the rest
The Igor Ivanov I knew
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the death of Igor Ivanov, who died of cancer at the relatively young age
Joaquim Durão: Legend of Portuguese Chess
by GM Juan Bellon
Joaquim Durão would have turned 90 years this past October 25. In a heartfelt and … Read the rest
July 29, 1938
Nikolai Krylenko’s trial was short and sweet. All of 20 minutes. He was then quickly led off and shot. The judge was … Read the rest
The Charismatic Miguel Quinteros
The first time I saw Miguel Angel Quinteros he resembled more a playboy than a chess player. Tall, debonair and with … Read the rest
Inspiration vs Technique
RUDOLF NUREYEV (1938-1993) Defected from the Ballet Kirov in 1961. Nureyev, considered the most accomplished dancer of his generation, partnered with English … Read the rest
132 Anniversary of his death
I almost forgot, but fortunately I saw Stuart Conquest’s twitter posting today. So, please allow me to present what is … Read the rest
Bobby Fischer in South America (1960)
Kasparov in 2011:
Cheating, Faster time controls & Elitism
It was the spring of 2011. Kasparov had just finished a rapid visit to the playing … Read the rest
Yakov Estrin
Most young players today have probably never heard of Yakov Estrin or perhaps they might have accidentally seen an old opening monograph with … Read the rest
Loses 5 to 2
I recently came across this game below between 24-year old Emanuel Lasker and 22-year old Nellie Showalter. It was played … Read the rest
No Way to Treat a Lady
“Choose your lady wisely. She represents you.” Moosa Rahat Emanuel Lasker may have had a reputation for … Read the rest
Spassky turns 83 years old today!
From the November 1968 ChessReview magazine, which I suppose correctly sums up the then prevailing attitude of 50-ish year old chess playing males towards women … Read the rest
Captain William Davies Evans
He was born more than 200 years ago but is not forgotten. Captain Evans, Welsh-born, gave us chessplayers the ‘Evans … Read the rest