Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, August 17th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM August Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, July 22nd, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM July Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ and coaches’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to Senna, Alejandro’s student, on winning against Alexandra Botez at the Naroditsky Memorial Tournament! You are rocking!

We did a full review of this game on our YouTube channel. You can check it out in the video below:

Finally, good luck to our Coach Fabian! After getting the International Master title, he is now trying to get the GM norms. He will play the “ITT GM Copa Independencia de Peru” next week. We are rooting for you!

The MM Chess Hub is Live on Chess.com 🖼️

We are slowly growing our MM Chess Academy Club on Chess.com! Here are the steps you need to do to join the club:

• Visit our club page

• Click “Join.”

• Important: In your request message, please include your name and your coach’s name so we can verify your enrollment and get you into the action!

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

On August 19th is the following tournament. You can check this and future tournaments on our MM Lichess Team from July to September. Check them out!

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM July Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here. You can check this and future tournaments on our MM Lichess Team.

Chess News 📰

🐉 Dragon Chilling Claims “Dream” Double Gold in Hong Kong. The Chinese team Dragon Chilling completely dominated the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships in Hong Kong. Captained by Ni Hua and anchored by world champions Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun, they secured gold in both sections, winning 5-1 against Hans Niemann’s Endgame.AI in the blitz finals. Their motto: “Because we are family.”

🎬 Magnus Carlsen’s Games Inspire Political Thriller “The Nation’s Gambit”. A high-stakes Norwegian political thriller is blurring the lines between the chessboard and real-life jeopardy. Based on Johan Høst's bestselling novel, the film centers on a kidnapped Prime Minister and a deadly chess match where every captured piece results in a real-world execution. To ensure total accuracy, chess experts built the movie's climatic games around two of Carlsen's most legendary historical masterpieces: his 2010 King’s Gambit victory and his iconic 2016 World Championship queen sacrifice.

⚖️ FIDE Suspends Russian Chess Federation Over Ukraine Activity. In a historic decision, FIDE has officially suspended the Chess Federation of Russia (CFR) for three years. The ruling follows the CFR’s failure to comply with a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) mandate to halt all chess operations within Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Under the suspension, Russia cannot vote, host FIDE meetings, or enter national team events, though individual youth and adult players can still compete under neutral flags.

⚡ Nihal Sarin Dethrones Firouzja with Unbelievable Bullet Streak! Nihal pulled off the impossible by rattling off a 15-game winning streak to defeat the reigning three-time bullet champion Alireza Firouzja in back-to-back matches.

⚽ Erling Haaland’s $10 Million Assist for “Total Chess”. The intersection of global sports and chess just reached a whole new stratosphere. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, along with his father Alfie and agent Rafaela Pimenta, entered chess as investors through Chess Mates Capital. This partnership paved the way for a massive $10 million investment round, valuing Norway Chess at a whopping $25 million as they launch “Total Chess”—an ambitious 16-year international fast-chess circuit.

💬 Candidates Champ Javokhir Sindarov: “I Started Working Seriously”. In an incredibly candid interview, 20-year-old Uzbek star Javokhir Sindarov admitted that his meteoric rise came down to a drastic lifestyle shift. The upcoming World Championship challenger confessed, “Before, I didn’t work with chess that much.” Last year, he cut back on his favorite video game, Counter-Strike, and began working up to 10 hours a day with his coach, Roman—powering his legendary run to the title match against Gukesh.

🏆 Carlsen Clutches Inaugural ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen conquered the first-ever ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup in Bangkok. He won the finals against Esipenko in the Armageddon match, claiming an $ 8,500 first-place prize.

🍿 Carlsen Stars in Prime Video Documentary & Promo with Cristiano Ronaldo. Prime Video released a documentary diving into the fierce bidding war between elite esports teams (like Team Liquid and Falcons) to sign Magnus Carlsen. Showing his immense crossover appeal, Carlsen also shared the screen with football icon Cristiano Ronaldo in the blockbuster promotional video “Greatness Recognizes Greatness,” demonstrating to millions of sports fans that chess is the ultimate mental esport.

🔴 “Grandmasters” Docuseries Premieres to Packed House at Tribeca. Chess took center stage in Manhattan as Grandmasters, a cinematic new docuseries produced by Boardwalk Pictures, premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Liza Mandelup, the show has been praised as the “Drive to Survive of chess,” chronicling the heavy drama, intense rivalries, and growing power struggle between FIDE and the new Freestyle Chess Grand Slam league.

🎥 61-Hour Guinness World Record Documentary Hits YouTube. The grueling journey of two 1500-rated chess enthusiasts has been immortalized in a new YouTube documentary. The film follows Askild Bryn and Odin Blikra Vea as they endure hallucinations, deep sleep deprivation, and psychological hurdles to play 383 blitz games over 61 continuous hours.

Fun Facts💡

• 🎬 The F1 of Chess: The premiere of the Grandmasters docuseries at Tribeca marks the fourth major chess-themed production of the year, following Netflix’s Queen of Chess (Judit Polgar), Untold: Chess Mates (the Carlsen-Niemann saga), and the upcoming Hollywood feature film Checkmate.

• 📈 Burning Calories by Thinking: Scientists at the Esports World Cup noted that the heart rate of elite grandmasters during high-tension matches can spike to over 160 beats per minute—comparable to the cardiovascular output of marathon runners.

• ⏱️ The 61-Hour Rest: To complete their 61-hour Guinness World Record chess marathon, Askild and Odin were strictly limited to just five minutes of break time per hour, which they had to strategically stack over six hours to earn a single 30-minute power nap.

• 💼 The "Total Chess" Deal: The 16-year agreement signed between Norway Chess and FIDE represents the longest and most commercially significant broadcasting and events rights package in the history of the game.

That’s all, folks!

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ and coaches’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to Yeison’s on an excellent performance in the ITT WRChess. Doing an amazing performance of 2303 in Elo and drawing a game against a Grand Master. Our coaches rock!

The MM Chess Hub is Live on Chess.com 🖼️

We are slowly growing our MM Chess Academy Club on Chess.com!

While our structured lessons and Lichess studies remain our primary training tools, we wanted to create a dedicated “digital clubhouse” where our community can connect 24/7.

Things you can enjoy in the club

1. Student Matchmaking: Find fellow MM Chess students for friendly training matches.

2. The “Game of the Week”: Share your best wins and tournament highlights from our monthly Lichess events.

3. Community Forums: Ask questions about tricky positions and get insights from our coaching team.

4. Exclusive Tournaments: Represent the academy in club-only events and “Vote Chess” matches.

How to Join:

This is a private space reserved specifically for our academy family. To join:

• Visit our club page

• Click “Join.”

• Important: In your request message, please include your name and your coach’s name so we can verify your enrollment and get you into the action!

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 The next 2 tournaments will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

On August 19th is the following tournament. You can check this and future tournaments on our MM Lichess Team from July to September. Check them out!

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM July Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🧠 The Ultimate Mental Marathon: Axel Smith’s 49-Board Blindfold Record.

Swedish Grandmaster and renowned author Axel Smith pushed the absolute limits of human memory by attempting a world-record 49-board blindfold simultaneous exhibition. To keep track of 1,568 pieces for over 24 hours without looking at a single board, Smith built an intricate "memory palace" using historical and creative mental images for every square and opening. Though the technical logistics of the grueling 24+ hour format make it ineligible for an official Guinness World Record entry, Smith completed the monumental task while raising immense awareness for a vital environmental campaign. He finished with 35 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses.

🏆Carlsen Clutches TePe Sigeman in Dramatic Blitz Sudden Death.

The 2026 Tepe Sigeman tournament concluded with a familiar face at the top. Magnus Carlsen took home the trophy after 7 rounds of clinical chess, outlasting a hungry field of young challengers and veteran Grandmasters alike.

You can check Carlsen´s interview after winning in the following video.

⚔️ Lineup Revealed for Naroditsky Memorial.

The inaugural $50,000 Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz tournament in Charlotte, NC, is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster. Super-GMs Fabiano Caruana and history-maker Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus have officially joined a powerhouse field that already features Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, and Hans Niemann.

🌟 Faustino Oro Becomes the 2nd Youngest Grandmaster in History!

At just 12 years old, Argentinian phenomenon Faustino Oro has officially secured his final Grandmaster norm at the Sardinia World Chess Festival. Known globally as the "Messi of Chess," Oro secured the prestigious title with a round to spare. His historic achievement places him second on the all-time youngest Grandmasters list. It is important to note that his dream is to become a World Champion. You can check his interview here

📈 Arjun Erigaisi Storms Back Into the FIDE Top 10.

Following an incredibly bold performance at the TePe Sigeman tournament, India's Arjun Erigaisi has officially surged back into the global elite. Gaining a massive 10 classical rating points to reach a peak of 2761, Arjun jumped to World #8 on the official FIDE June rating list. His unapologetically aggressive, risk-taking style continues to make him one of the most exciting and feared players on the planet.

🌍 Praggnanandhaa Pulls Off the Impossible to Win Norway Chess!

The 2026 Norway Chess super-tournament concluded with a historic, legendary comeback. Trailing tournament leader Wesley So heading into the final stretch, India's Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu unleashed an unbelievable, world-class 4-game classical winning streak—including a brilliant victory over World Champion Gukesh. By defeating Vincent Keymer in the final round, "Pragg" blew past the field to claim the prestigious title in stunning fashion. Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva put on a clinic in the women's section, dominant enough to secure the Norway Chess Women's title with a full round to spare!

🏈 From the Gridiron to the Grid: Mack Hollins Dominates BlitzChamps V.

NFL wide receiver Mack Hollins proved his tactical prowess extends far beyond the football field by winning Chess.com’s BlitzChamps V tournament. After falling short in previous attempts, the Patriots star marched through an elite bracket of chess-loving NFL players, defeating Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in a thrilling Armageddon finale. Hollins took home the title and a proud $30,000 prize for the Free The Feet Foundation.

💼 Wall Street's Best: Jane Street Claims Corporate League Title.

In the high-stakes arena of corporate chess, quantitative trading powerhouse Jane Street has conquered Season 13 of the North American Corporate Chess League. Navigating through a massive field of global companies, Jane Street swept through a competitive playoff bracket before edging out JPMorgan Chase in a tense, nail-biting finale to claim the ultimate corporate bragging rights.

Fun Facts💡

🤯The Deep Thinker: In 1980, Brazilian International Master Francisco Trois set a record by spending 2 hours and 20 minutes calculating before making just a single move (his 7th move!).

🤯WWII Code Breakers: The same pattern-recognition skills that make you great at chess can save the world. During World War II, some of Great Britain's absolute top chess masters—including Harry Golombek and Stuart Milner-Barry—were recruited by the government to join the elite team at Bletchley Park that successfully cracked the infamous Nazi Enigma code.

♔Faustino Oro is nicknamed the “Messi of Chess” because of his speed and Argentinian roots.

🙈 Blindfold Chess was once considered a miracle; now, top GMs like Axel Smith play nearly 50 games at once!

♔Why "Rookies"? Ever wonder why beginners in sports or jobs are called "rookies"? It actually stems from chess. Because Rooks are typically the last pieces to enter the action in a game, the term was adopted to describe those who are new to the field.

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, May 20th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM June Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, May 20th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM May Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to Konrad! Yeison’s student. On his participation in the Kumbaya Chess Tournament! You rock, Konrad

Additionally, congrats to Elliot! Yeison’s student won 6 out of 7 games in the U.S. “National Elementary School Chess Championship.” Getting the 6th place in the K-6 U600 section. That was an outstanding result! Congratulations!

The MM Chess Hub is Live on Chess.com 🖼️

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our official MM Chess Academy Club on Chess.com!

While our structured lessons and Lichess studies remain our primary training tools, we wanted to create a dedicated “digital clubhouse” where our community can connect 24/7.

What’s waiting for you inside?

1. Student Matchmaking: Find fellow MM Chess students for friendly training matches.

2. The “Game of the Week”: Share your best wins and tournament highlights from our monthly Lichess events.

3. Community Forums: Ask questions about tricky positions and get insights from our coaching team.

4. Exclusive Tournaments: Represent the academy in club-only events and “Vote Chess” matches.

How to Join:

This is a private space reserved specifically for our academy family. To join:

• Visit our club page

• Click “Join.”

• Important: In your request message, please include your name and your coach’s name so we can verify your enrollment and get you into the action!

We can’t wait to see you on the leaderboards.

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 20th, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM May Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Future Tournaments: The dates of our monthly tournaments can be found on our MM Lichess Team from May to September. Check them out!

Chess News 📰

🏆Candidates 2026: Sindarov and Vaishali Crowned!

The road to the World Championship is set! Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov dominated the Open section, finishing a full point ahead of the field to earn his challenge against Gukesh D.

In the Women’s section, R Vaishali staged a historic comeback, winning five games in a row to clinch the title. She will now face her brother’s teammate, Ju Wenjun, for the World Championship crown.

If you want to learn the takeaways from the tournament from the winner Sindarov, check out this interview

🏆Tepe Sigeman: Magnus Carlsen Dominates.

The 2026 Tepe Sigeman tournament concluded with a familiar face at the top. Magnus Carlsen took home the trophy after 7 rounds of clinical chess, outlasting a hungry field of young challengers and veteran Grandmasters alike.

Carlsen’s performance was a lesson in pressure. He didn’t just win games; he slowly squeezed his opponents until they collapsed under the weight of his precision. Even in “equal” looking endgames, Magnus found resources that others missed.

⚡Niemann Dominates in Poland.

Hans Niemann claimed victory at the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz in Poland, finishing ahead of a world-class field. His aggressive style and speed proved too much for the competition in the fast-paced formats.

🏆The "Messi of Chess" Makes History: Faustino Oro is a GM at 12!

The chess world is in shock as 12-year-old Faustino Oro has officially become the 2nd youngest Grandmaster in history. By securing his final norm, the Argentinian phenom has surpassed the marks of almost every legendary player in history, trailing only Abhimanyu Mishra’s all-time record.

Watching “Fausti” play is a masterclass in intuition and speed. The last game that secured the norm was a draw against 2 times Candidates’ winner Ian Nepomniachtchi. Check this video of Fausti’s interview after getting the last norm.

🎙️ "Chess Cast" Hits Spotify: The Ultimate Behind-the-Scenes!

If you’ve ever wanted to be a fly on the wall during a Super-GM training session, your new favorite podcast has arrived. Chess Cast has officially dropped on Spotify, and it is a must-listen for anyone serious about the game.

This isn’t just dry analysis—it’s “juicy” chess culture. The premiere episodes dive into everything from the psychological warfare of the Candidates to the secret opening prep top players use to surprise their rivals. It features raw, unfiltered interviews with world-class talent, sharing stories you won’t hear during a live broadcast.

👑 Carlsen Wins the Chess.com Open Playoffs

Magnus Carlsen continues his reign, winning the 2026 Chess.com Open Playoffs. Despite fierce competition from the world’s top digital players, Carlsen’s endgame precision secured him another major title.

🧠 49 Games, Zero Vision: Axel Smith’s Blindfold World Record

Grandmaster Axel Smith just completed a staggering 49-board blindfold simul. Playing for over 20 hours without looking at a single board, he finished with 34 wins, 11 draws, and only 4 losses.

Fun Facts💡

♔Faustino Oro is nicknamed the “Messi of Chess” because of his speed and Argentinian roots.

🤯Magnus Carlsen once played 10 people simultaneously while standing with his back to the boards (blindfolded) and won every game.

👶The youngest Grandmaster ever is American Abhimanyu Mishra, who earned the title at 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days.

🙈 Blindfold Chess was once considered a miracle; now, top GMs like Axel Smith play nearly 50 games at once!

🥊Chess is one of the few sports where a 12-year-old can legitimately sit down and beat the best adults in the world

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, March 18th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM April Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

My Story 🖼️

This week I am playing a National Chess Championship, wish me good luck!

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 15th, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great tournament to play before going on vacation, and a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM April Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🏆 Vincent Keymer’s Freestyle Breakthrough

The German star has just claimed victory at the Grenke Freestyle Chess Open, delivering one of the most composed performances of his career. In a format where preparation means little and pure understanding decides everything, Keymer rose above the chaos to finish on top against an elite field.

Now firmly establishing himself among the world’s best, he not only secured the title but also earned qualification for the 2027 FIDE Freestyle World Championship—joining names like Magnus Carlsen in the process.

♟️ Javokhir Sindarov Takes Control of the Candidates

The Uzbek prodigy is setting the pace at the Candidates Tournament, leading the field with an impressive 7 points and creating early separation from the rest. In a competition defined by tension and razor-thin margins, Sindarov has combined sharp calculation with fearless play to seize the initiative.

Trailing behind, Anish Giri sits on 5.5 points, still within reach but already under pressure to close the gap before it’s too late.

🔥 Fabiano Caruana vs Hikaru Nakamura: Rivalry Strikes Back

The Candidates Tournament has already delivered fireworks between two of its biggest contenders. Fabiano Caruana drew first blood in round one, outplaying Hikaru Nakamura with a clean and controlled performance.

But the story didn’t end there. In round eight, Nakamura answered back—this time turning the tables with precision and resilience to even the score in their head-to-head clash.

One win each. No advantage held.

🎬 Netflix Drops Explosive Carlsen–Niemann Documentary

Netflix has officially released Untold: Chess Mates, a deep dive into the controversy between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann—one of the most talked-about scandals in modern chess. The documentary premiered on April 7 and revisits the controversy that began at the 2022 Sinquefield Cup.

The film explores Carlsen’s shocking withdrawal after losing to Niemann, the cheating allegations that followed, and the storm of speculation that took over both the chess world and the internet. While Niemann admitted to past online cheating, no definitive proof ever confirmed wrongdoing over the board

🥊 Chess.com Launches Wild Chessboxing Feature

Online chess just got a chaotic twist. Chess.com has introduced a new “chessboxing” feature that lets players literally punch their opponents—all from the comfort of their screens.

With a simple command, users can now throw virtual punches mid-game, turning frustration into action after blunders or missed tactics. The feature is currently available on web, blending traditional chess with the energy of a combat sport in a completely unexpected way.

Fun Facts💡

🏆Checkmate with Tomato? There is a very popular way of saying checkmate in Spanish for kids, “Jaque Mate con Tomate“, which means Checkmate with Tomato.

♔The Bishop was initially an Elephant. This comes from the Indian game of chaturanga

🤯There is a Fischer Prize for $64000. The Fischer Memorial Prize is a $64,000 bonus offered at the U.S. Chess Championship for any player who achieves a perfect score. This honors Bobby Fischer’s historic 11-0 finish in the 1963/64 championship

📴Fischer’s Mom sent an ad to the Brookly Eagle , looking for chess opponents for her son. This was never published because the editorial staff could not decide under what category to place it.

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, March 18th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM March Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to Charlie! Alejandro’s student. On getting 6th place in the Greater Chicago K-6 Chess Championship! You rock Charlie!

Additionally, Senna, Alejandro’s student, won a closed tournament with 3 out of 3 points.

She recently received a picture with her trophy. Thank you for sharing it with us! And congrats on this victory!

My story 🖼️

The book I’ve enjoyed the most is “Bobby Fischer: His Life and Games” by Pablo Moran. It’s a vivid biography of the American World Champion who made history by toppling the USSR's traditional dominance. Fischer holds many records, but perhaps the most stunning was his 1963-1964 US Championship win with a perfect 11/11 score.

What I loved the most when I was a kid was the story behind each game analyzed in the book. Moran gives each game a soul with titles like 'The Sicilian, His First Love' or 'Easier Said Than Done.' I still use these stories in my classes today because they turn abstract concepts into memories.

Recently, I’ve been wondering: Wouldn’t it be incredible if every student had a book that told the story of their own chess journey?… A place to capture their own favorite chess moments.

Stay tuned, big announcement in April’s newsletter.

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 18th, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great tournament to play before going on vacation, and a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM March Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🏆Faustino Oro’s Historic Climb. The 12-year-old “Messi of Chess,” Faustino Oro, has officially broken into the Top 5 of the Chess.com Blitz leaderboard. As he prepares for his final Grandmaster norm, he is now playing in the Aeroflot Open, where he is looking for his 3rd norm in Russia. Take a look at this video where he takes down the Chess Legend Levon Aronian.

🏆 Antipov’s Stunning Finish in St. Louis. Mikhail Antipov claimed the 2026 Saint Louis Masters title with a brilliant 7.5/9 score. By winning his final four games, he leapfrogged rating favorite Fabiano Caruana to take the $25,000 top prize.

🤖 Test Your Wits Against the Queen. You can now play against the official Judit Polgar bot on Chess.com! Whether you want a friendly game or a master-level challenge, these bots allow students to experience Judit’s legendary aggressive style firsthand, making her "power of voice" accessible to every player.

♟️ Carlsen is the Freestyle King. Magnus Carlsen has added yet another trophy to his collection, winning the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship. By defeating Caruana in a thrilling final, Carlsen proved his mastery of "Chess960", showing his immense creativity and raw intuition.

🎬 Netflix Premieres "Queen of Chess" Documentary. Directed by Oscar-nominee Rory Kennedy, this new documentary (now streaming!) follows the incredible 13-year saga of Judit Polgár. From her family's unique "genius experiment" to becoming the youngest Grandmaster ever at 15 and challenging Garry Kasparov, the film captures her mission to prove that greatness has no gender. It’s a powerful story of resolve that shows what’s possible when we challenge the world's assumptions. You can check the trailer here!

⚔️ Heavyweight Clash: Caruana vs. Nakamura. The pairings for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament are out, and fans won’t have to wait long for fireworks—Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura are set to face off in Round 1. With a spot in the World Championship match on the line, this opening battle sets the stage for a high-stakes tournament in Cyprus.

🎬 Netflix to Reveal the "Untold" Scandal. Mark your calendars for April 7, 2026: Netflix is releasing Untold: Chess Mates, a documentary diving into the explosive Carlsen-Niemann controversy. This film promises to go behind the scenes of the scandal that shook the chess world.

Fun Facts💡

🏆Checkmate with Tomato? There is a very popular way of saying checkmate in Spanish for kids, “Jaque Mate con Tomate“, which means Checkmate with Tomato.

♔The Bishop was initially an Elephant. This comes from the Indian game of chaturanga

🤯There is a Fischer Prize for $64000. The Fischer Memorial Prize is a $64,000 bonus offered at the U.S. Chess Championship for any player who achieves a perfect score. This honors Bobby Fischer’s historic 11-0 finish in the 1963/64 championship

📴Fischer’s Mom sent an ad to the Brookly Eagle , looking for chess opponents for her son. This was never published because the editorial staff could not decide under what category to place it.

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today Wednesday, February 18th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM February Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to our Coach Fabian on winning the III Sampa Chess Open in Brazil, with 7.5 out of 9 points. And for a great result in Brazil Chess Series - Floripa 2026 where he earned a total of 14 rating points

“You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win”

My story 🖼️

This time, I wanted to further congratulate Fabian on his latest success by sharing a photo from our 2010 chess trip to Brazil. Looking at it now, the potential in that room was staggering—at least ten of the kids in that frame went on to earn international titles.

But chess gave us more than just trophies; it taught us how to navigate the world. We learned how to handle rivals, build friendships, and bridge the gap between older and younger teammates. One memory I treasure most isn't a win over the board, but a team event where I advised a teammate struggling through a losing streak. Seeing him turn it around after our talk was incredibly rewarding. That was the day I truly discovered the power of my own voice.

Chess News 📰

🏆The Queen of Chess: Judit Polgar at Sundance. Judit Polgar’s impact on the game is being celebrated on a global stage at the Sundance Film Festival. This documentary isn’t just about her legendary career; it’s about breaking barriers and the “power of voice” in a male-dominated field. Seeing her story reach a mainstream audience highlights how chess can inspire people far beyond the chess community. Check this video when she beat the Top 1 Magnus Carlsen.

🏆 The Abdusattorov Wins 2026 Tata Steel Chess. Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov has won the 2026 Tata Steel Masters with a score of 9/13. After finishing in the top three for the last three years, he secured clear first place by defeating Arjun Erigaisi in the final round, finishing the tournament half a point ahead of Javokhir Sindarov.

🌟Chess Kenya: Changing Lives and Giving Hope. In Kenya, chess is proving to be a powerful tool for social transformation. By focusing on giving young girls hope and a sense of agency, this initiative mirrors the idea that chess helps us “navigate the world.” It’s inspiring to see the game move beyond the competitive arena to become a lifeline, teaching resilience and strategy to those who need it most.

💥Announcing Judit vs. The World 2026. The “Judit vs. The World” event is a unique celebration of the community, allowing players everywhere to test their wits against the greatest female player of all time. The game starts on February 6th.

😮GothamChess Breaks New Ground with “GothamSong”. Levy Rozman shows the “power of speech” with his “GothamSong”—or in this case, artistic expression—to grow the game. By blending chess culture with entertainment, he is reaching a new generation and showing that the skills we learn at the board can be applied to any creative endeavor.

🥇Ray Robson Wins 2026 Chess.com Puzzles Championship. While some play underwater, Ray Robson operates at a speed that feels equally superhuman. By defending his title in the Puzzles Championship, Robson showcased the incredible mental agility required to see through chaos in seconds.

Fun Facts💡

🏆The first international chess tournament was held in London in 1851. It was organized to coincide with the Great Exhibition, a massive industrial technology showcase. This connection highlights how chess was seen as a significant intellectual pursuit of the time, worthy of being presented alongside cutting-edge innovations.

♔The word checkmate comes from the persian phrase “Shah Mat” which translates to “the king is dead”.

🤯In 2016, Timur Gareyev set the current world record by playing 48 blindfold games simultaneously in Las Vegas. This is an awe-inspiring modern-day feat. What made it even more unique was that he did it while riding an exercise bike, which showed a great deal of mental and physical stamina.

📴In the late 19th century, before widespread telephone communication, chess matches were played via telegraph! Imagine the suspense of waiting for each move to be transmitted across vast distances.

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament on Wednesday, January 28th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM January Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Let’s welcome the newest MM students: Tahbar

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to Rapha!, Yeison´s student, who tied in 14th place in the 4th grade National Championship with 5 points out of 7. Getting an increase in rating from 1536 to 1617 and getting an outstanding victory against an opponent rated 1935. Huge victory Raphi!

“You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win”

My story 🖼️

Chess has given me a great toolkit that has helped me tackle various challenges in my life. Now, with 2026 beginning and the creation of a new Vision Board for my own goals, I’m reminded of how chess first helped me tackle a major challenge earlier in my life.

During my university years, I took part in an entrepreneurship bootcamp run by the social responsibility program. We studied a tool called a Life Map—similar to a Vision Board—designed to help people visualize their future. Our challenge was to take this tool and teach it to others.

I decided to "go big." I reached out to a college preparatory program for high schoolers and, with the help of a teacher and program partners, introduced the Life Map to entire classrooms. By the end of the project, I had reached over 200 students. This culminated in an invitation to organize and host a TED-style event where local business leaders shared their journeys with the students. (Check out the photo below!)

Looking back, I realize that chess was the foundation that helped me during this experience:

• Handling the Pressure: The tension of speaking to a crowd felt remarkably like the tension of a high-stakes tournament. (Though, I’ll admit, nothing quite compares to the nerves I felt during the game that earned me my FIDE Master title!)

• Resilience: The commitment required to organize such a large event was built in my early years, learning to keep going even after a painful loss on the board.

• Confidence: Chess has helped me to trust my decisions and control complex situations under pressure. It fostered the self-belief I needed to face tough situations head-on.

I am incredibly grateful for the lessons I learned over the board and how those experiences have shaped my life.

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 28th, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great tournament to play before going on vacation, and a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM January Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🏆 The King of Speed Reigns Supreme — Magnus Carlsen Conquers the Rapid & Blitz World Championships

The chess world once again bows to its most dominant force. In December 2025, Magnus Carlsen reaffirmed his legendary status by capturing both the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz World Championships, delivering one of the most commanding performances of the modern era.

In an arena where every second matters and the smallest inaccuracy is punished without mercy, Carlsen showcased complete mastery. Surgical precision in Rapid, raw instinct and boundless creativity in Blitz — the Norwegian grandmaster ruled both formats with an authority that reminded the world why he is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time.

♟️ Assaubayeva Triumphs Over Muzychuk in Women’s World Blitz Final

In a thrilling climax to the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Blitz Championship, Grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva emerged victorious, defeating two-time champion Anna Muzychuk 2.5–1.5 in the final match to claim the title. The Kazakh star reinforced her dominance in fast chess, adding another world crown to her impressive resume.

With relentless tactical pressure and nerves of steel in the decisive games, Assaubayeva proved she was the superior force under blitz conditions, capturing the championship and solidifying her place among the elite of women’s chess.

🏛️ FIDE Lifts Sanctions on Russia — A New Chapter in International Chess

In a move that has electrified and divided the chess world, the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) voted in December 2025 to lift the sanctions that had barred Russian and Belarusian teams from official competition following the 2022 conflict in Ukraine. The decision restores full eligibility to national teams and allows them to compete once again under their own flags after years of restrictions.

The announcement has sparked strong reactions across the global chess community — with some celebrating the reintegration of historic chess powers, and others warning it sends a controversial message amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Critics argue the timing and process of the vote raise questions about governance and solidarity within the sport.

💰 Naroditsky Memorial Fund Hits $1 Million Milestone

In a remarkable show of support from the global chess community, the Naroditsky Memorial and Fellowship Fund has surpassed $1 million raised in its mission to honor the late GM Daniel Naroditsky’s legacy. The fund, launched by the Charlotte Chess Center and the Naroditsky family after his tragic passing in 2025, aims to raise $4 million to support both an annual elite blitz & rapid event and a fellowship for promising young players.

This major fundraising milestone — achieved through thousands of donations from fans, grandmasters, and chess organizations alike — underscores the deep impact Naroditsky had on players of all levels. Organizers are now actively working to secure a venue in Charlotte for the inaugural events that will carry his passion for teaching and competition forward.

Fun Facts💡

📴 Codebreaking: During WWII, chess masters like those in Poland helped break the Enigma code.

🤯Any Chess position you can imagine with 7 pieces or fewer is solved, which means the result of the game is known for sure. There is still a long way to get to the 32 pieces

🤯 During a small period of time, there were 2 World Champions. FIDE had some problems, and it was created another organization of chess. At the end, those 2 parts joined, and that was the start of the World Cup.

♔Did you know the tricky “en passant” move isn’t just a quirky rule, but a brilliant invention from the 15th century? It was added to chess to speed up the game and prevent sneaky pawns from using their two-square initial move to unfairly bypass an enemy pawn’s attack. It means “in passing” – ensuring fairness and keeping the tactical fireworks going! Pretty cool, right?

That’s all, folks!

Let’s welcome the newest MM students: David,

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to Wellington!, Yeison´s student, who won 8th place in the 6-8 grade unrated session 2025 Elite Chess Grade Championship tournament

“You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win”

My story 🖼️

The memory of earning my FIDE Master (FM) title in Poços de Caldas, Brasil, is one I’ll never forget. But when I look back at that decisive moment, I don’t think about complex opening theory or endgames—I think about singing.

It was the last day of the tournament, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. My roommate, Jaime, and I both had decisive games ahead of us, with an FM title on the line for each of us (me in the Under 16 section, Jaime in the Under 18). The pressure was intense, filling our small hotel room with nervous energy.

Instead of furiously reviewing lines, we chose a different path to calm our minds. We just started singing! We were loud, we were silly, and we completely broke the tension. Having that moment of pure fun before shifting into focus mode was absolutely crucial.

This philosophy of enjoying the journey wasn’t just reserved for the last morning. Midway through the competition, we took a break with our team and visited a beautiful local spot with amazing gardens.

This picture, taken during that free morning, is a reminder that success isn’t just about the board. It’s about finding the balance and loving the experiences that come with the journey.

And the singing? It worked wonders. We both won our games! We walked away with two new FM titles and a shared lesson: Enjoy the process. Success isn’t just about the final grind; it’s about finding ways to stay light, relieve the pressure, and love every step along the way.

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 3rd, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament! This is a great tournament to play before going on vacation, and a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM December Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🏆 A New Prodigy Ascends — Sindarov Rewrites Chess History!

The global chess world is in awe as Javokhir Sindarov has officially carved his name into history, capturing the FIDE World Cup and becoming the youngest champion ever to lift the coveted trophy.

In a tournament defined by nerve-shredding knockouts, razor-sharp preparation, and elite opposition from every corner of the chess world, Sindarov displayed a rare blend of composure, tactical clarity, and fearless ambition far beyond his years. Move after move, match after match, the young grandmaster dismantled established stars, proving that this triumph was no accident — it was a statement.

♟️ The Stage Is Set — The 2026 Candidates Tournament Lineup Is Complete!

The chess world turns its focus to the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, as the eight players qualified to fight for the world championship challenge are officially confirmed: Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Hikaru Nakamura, Matthias Bluebaum, Praggnanandhaa R, Andrey Esipenko, Javokhir Sindarov, and Wei Yi.

A clash of generations and styles now lies ahead, where proven contenders meet fearless new forces in the most unforgiving tournament in chess. With no room for mistakes and every game carrying historic weight, only one will survive this battlefield and earn the right to challenge for the world crown.

🥇 Leon Luke Mendonca Triumphs at Ganja Open 2025 — Clears Field with Unbeaten Score

With steely nerves and sharp calculation, Leon Luke Mendonca secured first place at the Ganja Open 2025 (Group A), finishing with an unbeaten 7/9, a half-point ahead of his nearest rivals. Behind him, Zhao Jun (CHN), Ilia Iljiushenok (FID) and Khazar Babazada (AZE) each scored 6.5/9 and were placed second to fourth respectively on tiebreaks. Mendonca drew against two of them — Iljiushenok in Round 6 and Zhao Jun in Round 9 — underlining how solid and resilient his performance was.

His win at Ganja — achieved shortly after a recent tournament exit — highlights how ready and battle-hardened the young grandmaster is, and likely marks another milestone in a very promising career.

🏁 When Speed Meets Strategy — F1 Drivers Play Chess in Las Vegas!

During the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, the worlds of high-speed motorsport and deep-think strategy collided in a surprising and delightful crossover. At the Chess.com booth, grandmasters and fans alike got the chance to face off — not just with fellow chess players, but with stars of Formula 1 themselves. Drivers such as Pierre Gasly (Alpine) stepped up to the board to play a friendly game against top players, turning the paddock into an unlikely but memorable chess arena.

Fun Facts💡

📴 The worst simultaneous exhibition in chess is considered to be International Master Robert Wade‘s 1951 performance where he lost 20 games and drew 10 against 30 Russian school children aged 14 and under.

🤯There are thousands of chess variations currently in existence. While an exact number is impossible to calculate because new ones can be invented at any time, catalogues have listed over 1,600 to 2,000

♔Did you know the tricky “en passant” move isn’t just a quirky rule, but a brilliant invention from the 15th century? It was added to chess to speed up the game and prevent sneaky pawns from using their two-square initial move to unfairly bypass an enemy pawn’s attack. It means “in passing” – ensuring fairness and keeping the tactical fireworks going! Pretty cool, right?

🤯 Chess has one of the oldest printed books: One of the oldest books ever printed was “The Game and Playe of the Chesse” by William Caxton, published around 147

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, November 12th, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM November Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Let’s welcome the newest MM students: Charlie and Hajar

Students and Coaches Success🏆

Every month, we highlight some of our students’ successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

Congratulations to these amazing siblings, Rapha and Rory, Yeison’s students. Rapha got 3rd place in the King section (the highest rated), in the Right Move Event, scoring 3 out of 4 points and reaching an impressive rating of 1492 USCF! Rory also did a great job scoring 2.5 points out of 4 in the Queen’s section of the same event, increasing her rating by over 120 points, reaching a rating of 967 USCF.

My story 🖼️

This month, our founder is busy with his new baby, so I will share part of my story instead. I started playing chess when I was 8 years old, and since my mom found a club nearby, I started attending chess classes.

I loved playing tournaments, and yes, I am the little guy on the left with the cap. It has been a long journey, but those beginnings were fun and very enriching. Looking back at that little guy with a cap, I’m reminded that every long journey, including the one we’re on as a company, starts with a single, passionate move. Thanks Mom, for signing me up for those classes.

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 In this Newsletter will be announcing the following 2 tournaments! This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 12th, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament!

Additionally, December’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 3rd, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). This is a great tournament to play before going on vacation, and a great opportunity to test your skills against the other students.

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM November Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🕊️ Shock Feels the Chess Board — Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29, Sending the Game into Mourning: In a somber development that has sent ripples through the global chess community, 29-year-old American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky passed away on October 19, 2025. His death was confirmed by the Charlotte Chess Center, where he had served as Grandmaster-in-Residence, and his family asked for privacy during this profoundly difficult time.

We remember Daniel Naroditsky not just for his moves, but for his voice, his generosity, his accessible approach to chess, and the millions he inspired. His legacy will ripple—through games, streams, lessons, and lives.

🔥 Vladimir Kramnik Under Formal Investigation by FIDE After Public Accusations Against Late GM Daniel Naroditsky.

In a seismic moment for the chess world, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced that it is formally referring the conduct of former world champion Vladimir Kramnik to its Ethics & Disciplinary Commission. The move comes in the aftermath of the sudden death of 29-year-old American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, whose online presence and chess commentary made him a leading figure in the new generation of the sport.

🏆 The 2025 FIDE World Cup Kicks Off in Goa — A New Chapter for Global Chess Begins!

The chess world is alive with excitement as the 2025 FIDE World Cup officially launched on November 1 in Goa, India, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year.

With 206 players from around the world competing in a grueling knockout format, and three golden tickets to the 2026 Candidates Tournament up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will a new name rise to chess immortality?

🥇 Hikaru Nakamura Triumphs at the 2025 Comet Open — Undisputed King of the Blitz Arena

Hikaru Nakamura once again proved why he reigns supreme in online chess, capturing the 2025 Comet Open title with a flawless display of speed, accuracy, and composure.

⭐ Ukraine Clinches Gold at the 2025 European Team Chess Championship — A Bold Statement of Resilience

In a stunning show of strength and solidarity, Ukraine captured the gold medal at the 2025 European Team Chess Championship, outpacing chess powerhouses such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Serbia. The Ukrainian squad — led by GM Kirill Shevchenko, GM Andrei Volokitin, GM Yuriy Kuzubov, GM Igor Kovalenko, and GM Alexander Moiseenko — delivered consistent performances across all boards, finishing with an impressive 15 match points and 21.5 board points to secure the continental crown.

Fun Facts💡

📴 There are more possible iterations of a game of chess than there are atoms in the known universe.

🏆Did you know that there is a chess record for playing against the most number of opponents under water?! That incredible feat was achieved by Michal Mazurkiewicz! against 16 players, and with over 700 dives

🤯Knight’s tour: The number of possible ways to complete a knight’s tour (a sequence of moves that visits every square on the board exactly once) is over 122 million.

♔Did you know the tricky “en passant” move isn’t just a quirky rule, but a brilliant invention from the 15th century? It was added to chess to speed up the game and prevent sneaky pawns from using their two-square initial move to unfairly bypass an enemy pawn’s attack. It means “in passing” – ensuring fairness and keeping the tactical fireworks going! Pretty cool, right?

🤯 Chess has one of the oldest printed books: One of the oldest books ever printed was “The Game and Playe of the Chesse” by William Caxton, published around 147

That’s all, folks!

Things are warming up…We will have our monthly tournament today, Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7 pm EST (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT). It is free for enrolled MM Students, and $5 for unenrolled students.

• The monthly tournament typically has 15-30 students, both kids & adults. The Zoom for the tournament is here.

• Join the MM Team and press into MM October Arena. Press the green JOIN.

• Yeison (our other head coach) will be online 10 minutes before (6:50 pm EST) to help with technical difficulties (If you need additional help, you may watch the 1-minute video below).

Let’s welcome the newest MM students: Priya and Grant

Students and Coaches Success🏆

This month, our head coach met Eduardo Iturrizaga, the first Grand Master from Venezuela. They played in the same tournament with 2 other amazing coaches, David and Jess.

Every month, we highlight some of our students' successes. Proud of something chess-related? Send me photos!

My story 🖼️

No, Karen. I can’t take your phone call on a Sunday — I have to babysit parent!

Monthly Tournaments♟️

📅 This month’s tournament will take place on Wednesday, the 22nd, at 7:00 pm EST (6:00 pm CT, 5:00 pm MT, 4:00 pm PT). Most of the players will be rated from 500-1800. Both kids & adults are allowed to play the tournament!

To Play: Reply to this email or press the big green button here. If you haven’t already, you must join the MM team and press the “MM October Arena.” The Zoom for the tournament is here.

Chess News 📰

🔥 Abhimanyu Mishra Becomes Youngest Player Ever to Defeat a World Champion! Chess history witnessed a generational shift as 16-year-old American prodigy Abhimanyu Mishra etched his name into the record books, becoming the youngest player in history to topple a reigning or former World Champion.

The victory sent shockwaves through the chess world — not just as a personal triumph, but as a symbol of the rising youth movement challenging the game’s established elite.

🔥Duolingo now plays chess! Duolingo has officially expanded its educational offerings beyond languages, math, and music with the launch of Duolingo Chess. The new course is designed to take complete beginners from the fundamentals to a solid intermediate level using the app’s signature gamified, bite-sized lesson format.

🏆 Tashkent Triumph! Anish Giri Wins the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss and Secures Candidates Spot! Chess fireworks erupted in Uzbekistan as Dutch star Anish Giri delivered a masterclass performance to capture the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss crown! With the tournament packed with elite hopefuls vying for a golden ticket to the Candidates, Giri rose above the chaos with trademark precision and ice-cool nerves.

In the decisive final stretch, Giri outpaced his closest rivals, sealing clear first place and punching his long-awaited return ticket to the Candidates Tournament — the ultimate battleground for the world championship crown.

👶 Checkmate, Parenthood: Magnus Carlsen Welcomes First Child. Chess icon GM Magnus Carlsen and his wife, Ella Victoria Carlsen, have welcomed their first child, born on September 27, 2025. The joyful news was shared by Ella Victoria on social media, with a blue heart accompanying the newborn, suggesting a baby boy. Carlsen, the five-time World Champion and current world number one, takes a brief break from his successful tournament year to embrace his new role as a father.

🌟 Is Faustino Oro the Next Chess Prodigy? Wins Legends & Prodigies and Earns First GM Norm. Chess history was written as Argentine wonderkid Faustino Oro stunned the field at the Legends & Prodigies tournament, clinching the title and capturing his very first Grandmaster norm!

The final rounds brought the crowd to the edge of their seats as Oro coolly sealed the deal, etching his name into the record books as one of the youngest ever to achieve such a milestone.

♟️ FIDE Introduces 400-Point Rating Gap Rule. A major shift in competitive chess rating is underway after FIDE announced an amendment to its regulations, effective October 1. For players rated 2650 Elo and above, the long-standing 400-point limit on rating differences—used for calculation of rating change—has been removed.

This change means elite Grandmasters now face zero gain for winning against significantly lower-rated players, but will incur severe rating losses for a draw or defeat. The amendment, widely seen as a response to GM Hikaru Nakamura’s strategy of accumulating games for entering the candidates, is intended to safeguard the integrity of the rating system at the highest level.

However, the move has sparked concern among other GMs, who warn that the increased risk could cause top players to avoid open tournaments entirely. This would deprive amateur and rising talents of crucial experience against the world’s best, potentially weakening the entire chess ecosystem.

Fun Facts💡

📴In the late 19th century, before widespread telephone communication, chess matches were played via telegraph! Imagine the suspense of waiting for each move to be transmitted across vast distances.

♔Did you know the tricky “en passant” move isn’t just a quirky rule, but a brilliant invention from the 15th century? It was added to chess to speed up the game and prevent sneaky pawns from using their two-square initial move to unfairly bypass an enemy pawn’s attack. It means “in passing” – ensuring fairness and keeping the tactical fireworks going! Pretty cool, right?

🏆Did you know that there is a chess record for playing against the most number of opponents under water?! That incredible feat was achieved by Michal Mazurkiewicz! against 16 players, and with over 700 dives

🤯In 2016, Timur Gareyev set the current world record by playing 48 blindfold games simultaneously in Las Vegas. This is an awe-inspiring modern-day feat. What made it even more unique was that he did it while riding an exercise bike, which showed a great deal of mental and physical stamina.

That’s all, folks!