Chess Base

• The Monthly Dragon - How Fashionable Is the Dragon in 2025?

  In this episode, Arne briefly “takes over” the Monthly Dragon and, together with Chris, uses ChessBase 26’s new Opening Report to explore the history and current relevance of major Dragon and Dragadorf setups, checking how fashionable they are today across different rating levels. They showcase the tactics feature on Dragon positions, with Chris solving sharp combinations live and demonstrating how ChessBase automatically extracts tactical exercises from large databases. The show culminates in an instructive 1951 Averbakh Dragon game, where a dynamic pawn sacrifice and queenside pressure...

• Small nations, strong chess: ESNA 2025 in Larnaca

  In Larnaca, Europe’s small chess nations met for the 9th ESNA Team Chess Championship – and delivered a full week of excitement, fierce games, and genuine team spirit. A tournament that shows: greatness isn’t measured on a map, but on the board. | Photos: European Small Nations Chess Association (ESNA)

• FIDE World Cup, Finals - Live!

  The final match of the World Cup sees Wei Yi and Javokhir Sindarov fighting for the title and the $120,000 winner's prize. Meanwhile, Andrey Esipenko and Nodirbek Yakubboev are playing a particularly relevant match for third place, as the winner will get a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. | Follow the action live with expert commentary starting at 10.30 CET (5.30 ET, 15.00 IST)