Chess Base

• On the 120th birthday of Isaac Kashdan

  Today would have been the 120th birthday of the American chess grandmaster, Isaac Kashdan. In the 1930s, he was widely regarded as one of the world's best players, almost on a par with Alekhine and Capablanca. He later made a name for himself as an author, referee and organiser. | Photo: Alexander Alekhine (left) and Isaac Kashdan playing blitz chess. José Araiza, Arthur Dake, Reuben Fine and Sammy Reshevsky in Pasadena in 1932.

• World Cup: Wei eliminates Arjun, Esipenko and Sindarov also in semis

  The paings of the semifinals at the FIDE World Cup in Goa were set on Wednesday after a tense day of rapid and blitz tiebreaks. Wei Yi, Andrey Esipenko and Javokhir Sindarov joined early qualifier Nodirbek Yakubboev in the final four, with all three earning their spots through hard-fought matches. A couple of comebacks, missed chances and dramatic momentum shifts shaped the day, leaving four players still in the race for three coveted places in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. | Photo: Michal Walusza

• The Mental Game: Why Chess Players Need Sport Psychology

  How often do chess players train their minds the way they train openings? Every chess player has faced moments of doubt, nerves, or overthinking that cost them crucial games. This is where psychology enters the picture. In this article, Saloni Sapale, a WIM and sports psychology consultant, shares her journey from being a competitive player to working with athletes on the mental side of performance. If you have ever wondered why your preparation doesn’t always translate into results, or how to play with clarity under pressure, this piece will resonate deeply. Know how training your mind can...