Chess Base

• Tata Steel Chess: Four Candidates among Masters' participants

  The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026 takes place in Wijk aan Zee with the youngest Masters field in the event’s history. This preview examines the format, the historically young lineup and the Challengers field, while noting that world champion Gukesh Dommaraju will face four Candidates Tournament's participants: Anish Giri, defending champion Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu (pictured), Javokhir Sindarov and Matthias Bluebaum. | Photo: Tata Steel Chess / Lennart Ootes

• ChessBase tips for beginners - Variations from Reference & Engines

  Anastasia Corotcova explains how to insert variations into your notation using both reference games and engine suggestions. It shows how the Reference tab lists common moves and past games for the current position, allowing you to click or copy them directly into your analysis. Finally, it demonstrates how to add an engine (Kibitzer) and insert its suggested lines to build clear, structured game analysis.

• Christmas Puzzles 7 – long and short

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