Best Places in the World for Chess Lovers

The finest and brightest chess players in the world now have “meccas” in specific locales. The vibrant chess scenes in cities including Havana, Queensland, Reykjavik, London, Tromso, and others inspire and test the new generations of top chess masters. Let’s examine each city and discover what gets it so chess-friendly:

Reykjavik

Six of Iceland’s eight grandmaster-level players reside in the country’s capital, which is not unexpected given that the capital area is home to 60% of all Icelanders. It’s also true that 1 in 20,000 people in Iceland, a country with a tiny population, is a grandmaster chess player! Those are some striking numbers. Boris Spassky or Bobby Fischer, one of the most celebrated chess matches in history, took place in Reykjavik, permanently marking the city’s position in chess legacy.

London

For many years, the capital of European chess culture has indeed been London. In actuality, the first official, international chess competition took place in London in 1851, which is where the whole thing got its start. Adolf Anderssen, a German player, earned that specific competition. London has now hosted seven additional chess world championships, next to only Moscow.

New York

Marshall’s Chess Club is located in New York, and several grandmasters and prominent players, like Magnus Carlsen as well as Bobby Fischer, had played there. It is the center of chess culture in America. The historic chess match involving Garry Kasparov with Deep Blue, the machine that would change the game by defeating him in his own game, took place in New York.

Abu Dhabi

It should not be surprising to find Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, on this list because chess is a significant cultural phenomenon there. Since its officials view the game as a crucial component of Arab culture, the UAE has concentrated its efforts in past years to increase interest in chess. Numerous tournaments are held there, and they even constructed the largest chess club on the planet (based on building size).

Havana

Although Havana might not come to mind when considering chess-friendly locations, it is rather high up the list. In the 1920s Cuban chess grandmaster José Ral Capablanca attracted the nation’s interest in the sport through his triumphs in competitions. The yearly Capablanca Legacy Tournament, which draws tens of thousands of participants and fans each year, is even held in his honor in the region. It was the highest-paid competition on the circuit for so many years!

Chess-Themed Pokies in Australian Online Casinos

There is numerous excellent and well-known chess game available online, and some of them have even gained notoriety as being better and more powerful than the world’s top chess masters. If you enjoy a good challenge and some of these well-known chess games, we’ve put a list together that you might find handy. It contains all the top-rated and well-known chess games, and they are unquestionably some of the ones you ought to at least play once. Even though games are already well-known, we have included a chess-themed live casino that you may play by visiting reputable Australian online casinos.

Chess is more than just the pieces, more than simply winning or losing, and most definitely more than just a leisurely game. It has been demonstrated to improve IQ and creativity. In addition to enhancing memory and focus, playing chess has been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease as well as other degenerative brain illnesses, according to research. Chess-related logic is particularly helpful in developing kids’ minds to their fullest potential. To promote chess as a medium for therapy, Australia’s Chess Federation has been working with people dealing with problem gambling and their therapists. The purpose of this program is to “improve gambling habit, side hobby for preventing relapse, higher level thinking abilities, higher reading, and and create self-confidence” using the chess match as a medium.

How to Find the Right Online Casino for Your Chess Craving?

There are a couple of considerations you should make before selecting a right gambling site to play chess online for real money in the variety of Australian online casinos. The protection of the casino must be considered first; generally speaking, the more well-known the casino, the safer it is. In addition to internet casinos, playing casino games via mobile devices is also very common. 

I consider the online casino’s game choices as well to determine whether you enjoy what it has to offer. This needs to go into conjunction with the ways you may buy for and retrieve your real cash winnings and the gaming promotions the casino is providing.

Practice Your Chess Skills

For chess players who reside in isolated places with few other players to compete against, online chess clubs are a godsend. Chess players may now communicate with one another in real-time online thanks to technological improvements. It’s up to you whether you play games with distant friends or random strangers! You may utilize several websites, such as Internet Chess Club, Chess.com, ChessCube, and others, to find a person to play against. Here is a brief comparison of how each site differs from the others.

Here’s how you may practice your chess games for free without needing to pay any money. You may start by claiming this $25 no cash prize and using it to play several live casinos, like online poker, that is based on chess.

Listed below are the top free chess games available online that you might play to hone your skills:

• ChessCube
• ICC
• Chess.com
• Liches
• FICS

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Can chess help with the development of a child

If you’re looking for ways to keep your child’s brain sharp, then look no further than the game of chess! Not only is chess a fun and challenging game to play, but it also has multiple benefits when it comes to child development. From cognitive skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, to emotional skills like patience and sportsmanship, chess has something to offer for children of all ages. Plus, learning to play chess is a great way to bond with your child and encourage their love of learning. So, if you want to help your child succeed both on and off the board, then why not give chess a try?

How to teach a child to play chess

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging game to play with your child, look no further than chess! Not only is chess a great way to bond with your little one, but it’s also an excellent tool for teaching them valuable life skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategy. But how do you get started? First things first, make sure your child has a good understanding of the game’s basic rules and objectives. From there, focus on teaching them different chess strategies and tactics one at a time, using clear and concise explanations. With a bit of patience and practice, your child will be well on their way to becoming a chess master in no time!

How much time should I devote to chess to become a strong player

Chess is a game that requires not only intelligence but also dedication and perseverance. To become a strong player, you need to put in a substantial amount of time and effort. It’s not just about playing matches but also practicing regularly. Imagine being able to anticipate your opponent’s every move and swiftly coming up with an unbeatable strategy. That’s what being a strong chess player is all about. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of chess, set aside a few hours each day to practice and before you know it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with! Trust us, the time you invest in honing your chess skills will be well worth it.

Where best to learn to play chess

If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the exciting world of chess, there’s no better place to learn than at a chess club! These clubs are hubs for chess enthusiasts of all levels, whether it’s complete beginners or seasoned veterans. You’ll be sure to find a group of like-minded individuals who are just as eager as you to sharpen their skills and have some fun along the way. And who knows, you may even find a mentor or coach to guide you on your chess journey! Plus, chess clubs often have tournaments and events that offer great opportunities to put your newfound skills to the test. So, what are you waiting for? Join a local chess club and prepare to be blown away by the thrill of the game!

How to choose your first chessboard

Choosing your first chessboard can be a thrilling experience filled with limitless possibilities! It’s a chance to explore your passion for the game and fully immerse yourself in the world of chess. The excitement of choosing your first chessboard is something that should not be taken lightly. You want to make sure that you’re investing in a board that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to you. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect board. But don’t worry, with a little research and consideration, you’ll find the one that suits you best. Whether you prefer a traditional wooden board or a modern design, your first chessboard will set you on the path to many hours of strategic play and enjoyment. So, go ahead and indulge in the excitement of selecting your first chessboard – the possibilities are truly endless!

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What equipment is necessary to open the chess club

Are you ready to unleash your inner chess master? Then it’s time to open up your very own chess club! But before you can host epic battles of wits and strategy, you’re going to need some equipment. Of course, you’ll need plenty of chess sets – the more the merrier! But you’ll also want to invest in some chess clocks, to ensure that matches stay on track and don’t stretch on for hours. Don’t forget to grab a few score cards and score pads, too – they’ll come in handy for tracking wins and losses. Once you’ve stocked up on these essentials, you’ll be all set to challenge fellow chess enthusiasts to some epic games!

Where to look for good chess teachers if you are going to teach visitors

Are you excited to teach chess to visitors, but not sure where to find good chess teachers? Look no further! There are plenty of resources out there to help you find experienced and enthusiastic chess instructors. Local chess clubs and associations are a great place to start, as they often have a network of trained teachers who can guide you on your chess teaching journey. Additionally, online chess communities and forums can provide valuable insights and connections to skilled chess players who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. With just a little bit of research and a lot of passion, you’ll be teaching visitors how to master the game of chess in no time. Let’s make chess accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

Is it possible to organize a chess club in the basement

Have you ever heard of the saying “Think outside the box?” Well, why not think “inside the basement?” With a little creativity, dedication, and passion for the game of chess, it is absolutely possible to organize a chess club in the basement. Imagine being able to gather with fellow chess enthusiasts, surrounded by the comfort and privacy of your own home, to engage in this game of strategy and intellect. The possibilities are endless – from organizing tournaments to honing your skills through friendly matches, the chess club in your basement could be the start of something truly special. So, let’s put those chess pieces into motion and get to organizing!

High-quality spot lighting is extremely important for the chess club

Attention all chess enthusiasts! Are you looking to take your game to the next level? Look no further than high-quality spot lighting! It may seem like a small factor, but trust us, it can make all the difference in enhancing your gameplay. Clear and bright lighting ensures that each and every move is executed with precision and accuracy. Say goodbye to straining your eyes and hello to focused, strategic play. After all, a true chess master knows that every detail counts. Upgrade your chess experience with the power of excellent spot lighting.

If you plan to conduct chess tournaments your club must have additional space for spectators

If you’re planning on hosting a thrilling tournament at your club, it’s essential that you have ample space for spectators to watch and cheer on their favorite players. With the addition of more space, your club can attract an even larger audience and become a hub for chess enthusiasts of all levels. There’s nothing quite like the electric energy of a competitive game, and with the right space, you can make sure that everyone can witness the excitement firsthand. So get ready to up the ante and take your club to the next level with plenty of space for spectators!

Good noise insulation is extremely important for the chess club room

Picture this: a group of chess enthusiasts huddled around the board, plotting their next moves with laser-like focus. Suddenly, the peace is shattered by the sounds of rowdy students running down the hallway outside. The chess players look up, distracted, as their concentration falters. But what if the walls of their chess club room were fortified with top-notch noise insulation? They would be able to play in peace, undisturbed by the outside world. To a serious chess player, this is no small matter. Noise insulation is the key to creating a distraction-free environment that allows players to immerse themselves in the game. It’s the difference between a mediocre chess experience and one that’s truly exceptional. Let’s make sure the chess club room has the best insulation possible – the chess players will thank us for it!

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The opponent does not walk in a losing position

The situation is familiar to anyone who has played online chess. One such case happened to me a week ago on Lichess. I managed to get the material and positional advantage. The opponent stopped moving his pieces – absolute inaction on his part.

Fortunately, the game had a twenty-minute time control. I did not have to wait long. Having poured the coffee, I went back to the computer and saw that my opponent had made a move and that my time was gradually running out. There was a risk that my opponent would come back to the game three to five seconds before it was over and make his move. If I had stepped away from the computer, this trick could have worked. The bully would have received undeserved rating points. But that didn’t happen.

The opponent disappears in the game without time control

This kind of behavior by opponents is one of the main reasons I have given up on games with no time limit. Often online players are asked to agree to lenient time control terms. The argument is that they need to think about every move. In reality, the game turns into an absentee battle – as soon as the opponent makes the first mistake, the frequency of his actions on the board is reduced to one per hour.

Use of computer cues

This phenomenon is characteristic of most chess servers I’ve ever played on. Some sites use special algorithms to calculate cheaters. Unfortunately, the imperfection of the software does not allow to rid the Internet of dishonest players by 100%. Thousands of people continue to resort to the help of artificial intelligence.

I managed to talk to several cheaters. I asked them about why they use chess engines during games with real opponents online. The answers were always similar: people talked about getting tired of losing, increasing their interest in the game, and developing their own skills. This allows us to conclude that weak players, who are not confident in their skills of playing the game, take the path of cheating.

Using Engines to Worsen the Position

This type of cheating is a bit more complicated than the previous one. Dishonest players resort to chess software cues when making position errors or losing a material advantage. More than once I’ve seen my opponent begin to play at Grandmaster level after losing a piece and bring the game to victory. The analysis, carried out by me after the game, showed: the first moves of the game had no correlation with the proposals of chess programs. After losing a piece the coincidence with variants of moves from known engines became one hundred percent.

Such actions are always obvious, because the level of play of a chess player with a rating of 2000 points suddenly rises up to super grandmasters with 3000 rating points. This suggests that the opponent is using Stockfish or Komodo engines.

A stronger chess player makes moves for the player

A chess player with an Elo rating of 1200 invites an experienced friend to play online duels. Cheating of this kind is more difficult to recognize. You face an opponent who has almost never beaten you, but there is nothing you can do about the quality of his actions.

I believe that using such schemes is contrary to the spirit of fair competition. If you want to play against an opponent with a rating of 1200, he should confront you. Meeting a chess player of a higher level will lead beginners to invariable defeat.

Insulting your opponent during an online game

The flow of negativity in text chat, there is no comment. You can only advise to turn off the chat during the game, so as not to be distracted. In the future, it is wise to block such passionate opponents.

Asking to “cancel a move” and denying your request

Canceling a move is a controversial element of online chess. You allow your opponent to correct a mistake, and he rejects your request for a similar service a few moves later with the words: “Sorry, this is chess. The best man wins!”. You can let your opponents cancel moves in really interesting games. But don’t expect the same courtesy in return.

Constant offers of draws in the worst position

This often happens when your opponent has made gross mistakes or rapidly deteriorating his position. In a game at the classical board, an offer of a draw from an opponent in a hopeless situation can be perceived as a joke. In online games, requests from the losing opponent may be pouring in every second. The cheater is counting on you to accidentally accept his offer and not be able to bring the game to victory.

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Victory Series: Bobby Fischer

In the qualifying cycle, which ended with a brilliant win against Boris Spassky, the eleventh world chess champion Bobby Fischer won 20 games in a row, and all his opponents were incredibly powerful. The series began in 1970, when at the finish of the qualifying tournament in Palma de Mallorca the American had beaten his rivals in seven games in a row.

In the final game Oscar Panno conceded defeat without holding a game, so some experts do not take it into account in the record, recording not 20, but 19 victories. In 1971 in a candidates’ match for the world crown Fischer soundly defeated (6-0) Mark Taimanov and Bent Larsen. A victorious game against Tigran Petrosian followed, but Fischer was defeated in his second meeting with this Grandmaster, ending his unique winning streak. After that, Bobby Fischer convincingly won the match against Tigran Petrosian, then took on Spassky and won the world chess crown.

Worth mentioning:

• Fischer’s 11 consecutive victories at the U.S. championships from 1963-1964.
• The achievement of grandmaster Fabiano Caruano, who won 7 times in a row during the 2014 Sinkfield Cup tournament.

A winless streak: Mikhail Tal

Mikhail Tal became world-famous for his aggressive creative style, which allowed him to win a match in the 1960 World Championship over Mikhail Botvinnik. The triumph then made Grandmaster the youngest world champion – he was 23 years old. This record had stood for a long time, and only Garry Kasparov, who defeated Anatoly Karpov at the age of 22 in 1985, managed to break it.

The development of Mikhail Tal’s chess career was hindered by constant health problems, which affected the Grandmaster’s form. Because of this, many people do not know that he owns a unique record – 95 games without losses, which no other player has managed to beat.

Worth mentioning:

• Once again Mikhail Tal, who was able to go without losses in a row for as many as 85 games.
• World Champion Jose Raoul Capablanca, 63 games without a loss from 1916 to 1924.

World Championships: Emanuel Lasker

Emanuel Lasker won the title of second world champion in 1894, defeating Wilhelm Steinitz. Lasker managed to hold the chess crown until 1921, when he faced Jose-Raul Capablanca and eventually lost the match. After that, Lasker still participated in chess tournaments at various levels with varying success until 1935.

Some believe that the Grandmaster held the chess crown for a long time, due to the outbreak of World War I, which prevented him from competing against a number of dangerous opponents. But even leaving aside those years when there were no tournaments, Lasker was a chess king longer than any other grandmaster.

Worth mentioning:

• Garry Kasparov – 15 years of championships from 1985 to 2000.
• Mikhail Botvinnik – 13 years of championship with intervals.

Highest ranking: Magnus Carlsen

The grandmaster achieved this figure on the FIDE ranking list in May 2014. If we take unofficial statistics, Magnus Carlsen had a dynamic rating of 2889 points. Many experts keep saying that rating inflation has rendered this achievement meaningless, but analysis shows that the level of grandmasters grows year after year. In the whole world history only 12 people could cross the mark of 2800 points, and Magnus is the only chess player who could get close to the 2900 mark.

Worth mentioning:

• Garry Kasparov – 2,851 points in June 1999.
• Fabiano Caruana – 2,844 points in October 2014.

Young Grandmaster: Sergey Karjakin

Karjakin is the only chess player who was able to become a Grandmaster at such a young age. At that time he was only 12 years and 7 months old. Sergey gained his early experience of high-level chess tournaments during the FIDE World Chess Crown match between Ponomariov and Ivanchuk. At that time Karjakin was the second of the first grandmaster.

In 2016 Sergey himself took part in the duel for the world crown against Magnus Carlsen. Twelve games were played, in which each of the grandmasters won six victories. The winner was determined in quick games (tie-break), in which Magnus Carlsen was better.

Worth mentioning:

• Bobby Fischer – became grandmaster at 15 years and 6 months.
• Judit Polgar – became grandmaster at 15 years and 4 months.

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The older the chess player, the stronger he is

A common misconception based on the assumption that older players have significant experience. A few decades ago such statements were logical. But now, in the age of digital technology, the title of Grandmaster goes to thirteen-year-old boys and girls. Age has ceased to determine the strength of chess players.

The modern reality is that even a ten-year-old child can get an Elo rating of 2200. A young player with such a potential will be stronger than 99% of other chess players in the world. It should not be forgotten that there are seventy-year-old grandmasters. At a certain age, men and women lose the ability to think quickly, and the quality of play gradually decreases. But the fading of the chess skills of established masters becomes noticeable only against the background of their younger colleagues.

For this reason the number of years played should not be regarded as an indicator of strength or weakness of a chess player. The average age of top ten on the FIDE rating list is 30 years, and the world champion title is won by Grandmasters at the age of 24-25.

Grandmaster can calculate everything

Many novice players and chess fans believe that Grandmasters can “see” a game 25-30 moves ahead. This statement is true for simple positions with a limited number of pieces on the board, usually in the endgame. But it should be understood that even the world’s strongest players cannot predict the course of the game in such a distant perspective.

Magnus Carlsen claims that he can see the position 15-20 moves ahead. This can probably be considered the maximum for the depth of human thinking during a chess game. The problem with predicting more moves is the considerable variability of the opponent’s actions. Each move opens up several alternatives for players, but only one of them is implemented in the game.

Chess is only a mental exercise

Most people believe that chess players do not need intensive physical training. The public is surprised that the world’s leading players regularly visit the hall and work on a personal program designed by a certified trainer. The strongest Grandmasters practice strength training, swimming, running and cycling.

Why? The answer to this question was given half a century ago by Bobby Fischer: “A chess player’s body should be in excellent shape. The work of the mind is inseparable from the work of the body. Loss of physical form leads to poorer playing results…”.

Fischer is right: it is impossible to maintain concentration during a long game of chess without proper physical preparation. Lack of concentration will lead to mistakes and loss.

World champions play harder than machines

More than two decades ago, man was no longer the strongest chess player in the world. In 1997, the computer program Deep Blue defeated the reigning world champion Garry Kasparov in a match of several games. Since then, neural networks have only gotten stronger. The best programs can play at the level of 3350 Elo points.

The rating of the world’s best chess player Magnus Carlsen exceeds 2,850 points. A difference of 500 Elo points means that the artificial intelligence can win 95% of the time.

Winning at chess depends on luck

People who have never played chess are convinced that the lucky chess player wins the game. Such statements diminish the role of Grandmasters’ skill, turning them into amateurs of dominoes or “Monopoly”. Luck can play some role only in the games of beginners who are learning the rules of moving pieces and the basics of openings. At a higher level, the influence of chance on the outcome of the game is zero. It is not for nothing they say that only the strongest are lucky.

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