Author: NM Jesse Cohen

We are thrilled to see Alice Lee’s recent accomplishments in chess. Her achievement of becoming the third youngest female international master in history is a testament to her dedication and hard work. We are proud to have Alice as a member of our school, and we look forward to seeing her continued success in the years to come.

Alice’s story is an inspiration to all young chess players. She started playing chess at a young age, and she quickly showed a natural talent for the game. She has worked hard to improve her skills, and she has received excellent coaching from GM Dmitry Gurevich.

Alice’s recent success is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to great things. We are excited to see what she accomplishes in the future.

In addition to Alice’s accomplishments, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the other great things happening at Summit School of Chess.

• We have recently expanded our curriculum to include more advanced topics, such as endgame studies and opening theory.
• We have also added a new coaching staff, which includes several grandmasters and international masters.
• We are currently offering a summer camp for students of all ages.

We invite you to learn more about Summit School of Chess and to sign up for one of our upcoming classes or camps. We are confident that you will be impressed with our program and our staff.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

The Summit School of Chess Team

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1. COMPLICATE & CREATE ROOM FOR MISTAKES If you’re losing, and you and your opponent continue to make normal moves, you’ll eventually lose. Your only chance to save a losing game is if your opponent makes a mistake. So complicate the position. “Help” the opponent to go wrong.

2. AVOID EXCHANGES More pieces = more chance for the opponent to go wrong. It also means having the chance to use your pieces to target the opponent’s King. One exception: In losing endgames, trade pawns. Because many endgames are drawn once you remove the pawns.

3. MAKE ADJUSTMENTS When losing, some ‘normal rules’ don’t apply. Like you can’t fight for open lines, exploit weaknesses if it means trading more pieces. Instead, you often have to do the opposite and forget some common chess principles. Make those adjustments to your game.

4. TARGET THE KING If your attack succeeds, you win no matter the material count. If you expose the enemy King, your chances of making a draw by perpetual checks increase. Attacking could make the opponent nervous and cause them to blunder. So go after the King!

5. SACRIFICE FEARLESSLY If you had a 3m debt and it becomes 3.1m, would you feel much difference? Mostly not. Similarly, if you’re a Queen down, do you think twice about sacrificing a pawn? Not really, right? You have nothing to lose so you can sacrifice fearlessly.

6. MAKE YOUR PIECES HAPPY The happier our pieces, the more headache the opponent will have. Dealing with just 1 active piece is far easier than dealing with 5 active. And in which direction should we activate our pieces? Towards the opponent’s king!

7. MAKE PRACTICAL DECISIONS Look for the PRACTICAL best moves! They may/may not be the objective best but they’ll give your opponent all the chances to go wrong. And in SLP mode, it’s always good to encourage the opponent to make a mistake.

8. CREATE TRAPS Usually, playing for traps isn’t a good idea. But when lost, it’s an absolute must-have weapon. If you see a nice trap, and there is even a 10% chance the opponent can fall in, think about it. And if it doesn’t damage your position too much – just go for it!

9. STALEMATE Most stalemates happen in the endgames. But sometimes they can happen even in the middlegames. GM Robert Hovhannisyan has made a name for himself, saving lost positions with stalemates. Below is one. Robert makes a miracle happen: 1.g3! Qg3 2.Qh5!!

10. DIRTY TRICKS AND LAST CHANCES Put on your shameless masks! The tricks are dirty but ethical. Every top player uses them. Even though they don’t work always, saving 1-5% of lost positions with them can be worth a lot long-term. EXAMPLE 1…Qd3+??! 2.Kg2?? (2.Qxd3 wins) Qxh7.

11. PSYCHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS When losing, most get upset, giving the winning side a big psychological edge. Instead, a skilled defender of lost positions puts themselves in a mental state of joy and fun. This subtle shift makes a big difference to the quality of the moves.

If you are interested in learning more about Summit School of Chess, please visit our website at https://summitschoolofchess.com/.

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Winning and losing is just a part of the game. There are valuable lessons that all children can learn with either result. Therefore, it is up to the parents and coaches to motivate them to learn and do the right things. Here are some of my suggestions to the parents and coaches of young players: 1. Control yourself I realize that parents and coaches are disappointed when their youngsters do not win. But that is when they need you the most. Screaming, yelling, and hitting will not help and it can backfire. The children can get intimidated and may not be able to play at their full strength. In addition, they may start to hate chess or hate competing. 2. Stay strong, give support and encouragement When your youngsters win, that’s great. Congratulate them. However, when they lose, give them even more support and encouragement. That’s when they need you the most. That is when their psyche is most vulnerable and when they need reassurance that you still love and support them. 3. Make it fun and motivating Young children usually have difficulty focusing and concentrating for a long period of time. Therefore, you should take one game at a time and avoid discussing future games or opponents. Teach them to focus and concentrate on each move and each game, and when that game is over then focus and concentrate on the next game. 4. Rating does not matter Too many parents and coaches are preoccupied with ratings. It’s just a number. Ratings are unimportant at such a young age and they tend to be skewed depending on where the youngsters live. Additionally, many children play chess on the Internet and can improve in between tournaments, so their over the board rating may not reflect this. Teach the youngsters to play the positions and not the opponents. Do not let your youngsters overestimate or underestimate their opponents. 5. Follow the principles of chess:   Teach your children to follow the basic principles of chess: a) Control the Center! b) Develop Your Pieces as Soon as Possible! c) Castle as Soon as Possible! d) Keep Your Pieces Protected! e) Have Fun! Win with Grace and Lose with Dignity! 6. Do not dwell on the past Every youngster will have bad games here and there. If you want to go over the game quickly to learn from the mistakes, that is fine. But do not be so preoccupied with the loss. The players need to move on and focus on the next game. Help your youngsters relax and concentrate in subsequent rounds. It will not help getting angry and upset over a bad loss. Otherwise, it can affect the next few games. 7. Don’t play too quickly Teach your children to use their time properly in all phases of the game. Too many children move at the speed of their opponents. Don’t! Play at your own pace. Even when they have a winning position, they should still take their time and be very careful of traps and counter-attacks. As the saying goes, it isn’t over until it’s over. Therefore, every move in every position is important. 8. Conserve energy I understand that this is tough to do. However, try to help your children conserve their energy. Many children want to run around and play actively. That is OK but not 15-30 minutes before the round. They should take a walk, get some fresh air, concentrate, and get their minds ready for the next battle.

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If you are interested in learning more about Summit School of Chess, please visit our website at https://summitschoolofchess.com/.

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Hikaru Nakamura is the new champion of Norway Chess! The American grandmaster won the tournament with a round to spare, after defeating Fabiano Caruana in a thrilling final-round game.

Nakamura’s victory is a historic one. He is the first American to win Norway Chess since Paul Morphy in 1851. It is also Nakamura’s third straight tournament victory, following his wins at the American Cup and the Chessable Masters.

Nakamura’s performance in Norway Chess was simply outstanding. He scored 8.5/9 points, including three wins and six draws. He also had a positive score against the world’s top players, defeating Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Alireza Firouzja.

Nakamura’s win is a major boost for American chess. He is now the clear number two player in the United States, behind only Fabiano Caruana. Nakamura’s success is also a sign of the strength of American chess at the moment. There are a number of young American players who are on the rise, and Nakamura’s victory will only help to inspire them.

Nakamura is a true champion, and his win at Norway Chess is a testament to his skill and dedication. He is a role model for chess players of all ages, and his success is a great source of pride for the United States.

What’s Next for Nakamura?

Nakamura is now the clear favorite to win the Candidates Tournament, which will be held later this year. The Candidates Tournament is a round-robin tournament that determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship. Nakamura will face some tough competition in the Candidates Tournament, including Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Ding Liren. However, Nakamura is in good form, and he will be confident of winning the tournament and challenging for the world title.

Nakamura is also scheduled to play in the Grand Chess Tour, which is a series of six super-tournaments held throughout the year. The Grand Chess Tour is a great opportunity for Nakamura to earn money and points, and he will be looking to win as many tournaments as possible.

Nakamura is in the midst of a great run of form, and he is one of the best chess players in the world. He is a true champion, and he will be looking to continue his success in the years to come.

If you are interested in learning more about Summit School of Chess, please visit our website at https://summitschoolofchess.com/.

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Ukrainian grandmaster Vadim Malakhatko passed away suddenly on Monday, June 6, 2023, at the age of 46. He suffered a heart attack while playing in a rapid tournament in Kyiv.

Malakhatko was born in Kyiv in 1977 and began playing chess at the age of six. He quickly showed great talent for the game, and by the age of 19, he had already won the Ukrainian U20 championship. He went on to become a grandmaster in 1999, and over the course of his career, he won numerous tournaments around the world.

Malakhatko was also a passionate organizer of chess tournaments. He was the driving force behind the Kyiv Spring Festivals, which have become one of the most popular chess events in Ukraine. He also organized several grandmaster norm tournaments, and it was largely thanks to his efforts that chess life in Kyiv continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to his playing and organizing skills, Malakhatko was also a gifted coach. He worked with many young players, including Yan Domin, who won the Ukrainian U14 Championship just two weeks before Malakhatko’s death.

Malakhatko was a true champion on and off the chessboard. He was a kind and generous man who always put others before himself. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire chess community.

Rest in peace, Vadim.

Introduction: Chess history is filled with remarkable players who have left a lasting impact on the game. One such player is Magnus Carlsen, who, for over a decade, dominated the chess world as the undisputed champion. However, in a surprising turn of events, Carlsen announced in 2022 that he would not be defending his title, citing a lack of motivation. In this blog, we delve into Magnus Carlsen’s journey from a young prodigy to a renowned chess superstar and explore the factors that led to his decision.

The Early Years: Magnus Carlsen’s chess journey began at the age of 8 when he developed a keen interest in the game. Motivated by the desire to beat his older sister, he quickly immersed himself in chess, dedicating hours each night to playing and improving his skills. Carlsen’s natural talent was evident from a young age, and he rapidly surpassed his peers, becoming Norway’s best chess player.

Rise to Stardom: Carlsen’s breakthrough on the international stage came when he became a Grandmaster at the age of 13. He caught the attention of the chess world with his strategic brilliance, earning the nickname “Mozart of chess.” With each passing year, Carlsen’s prowess continued to grow, and in 2010, at the age of 19, he became the youngest world No. 1, breaking records set by legends of the game.

Challenges and Successes: Carlsen’s journey to the top was not without hurdles. He faced criticism for his training methods, which were perceived as less intense compared to some of his peers. Despite the doubts, Carlsen consistently demonstrated his dominance in tournaments and defended his title successfully in several world championships. His unique playing style, characterized by flexibility and unpredictability, made him a force to be reckoned with on the chessboard.

Quest for Motivation: Over time, Carlsen’s passion for chess began to wane. Despite his remarkable achievements, he confessed to a lack of motivation and a feeling that there was not much more to gain from the game. Winning four world championships and achieving immense success, Carlsen felt content with his accomplishments. His decision to not defend his title was driven by a desire to explore new avenues and find fulfillment beyond the chessboard.

The Influence of External Factors: Carlsen’s journey was not limited to his performance on the chessboard. He became a genuine celebrity, expanding his reach beyond the chess community. His involvement in various ventures, such as co-founding the company “Play Magnus,” further diversified his interests. These external pursuits, coupled with the pressure of expectations, may have contributed to his waning motivation.

The Niemann Controversy: In 2021, Carlsen faced a highly unusual situation when he accused a fellow player, Hans Niemann, of cheating during a tournament. This incident, along with the subsequent discovery of Niemann’s alleged involvement in cheating, added to Carlsen’s frustration and disillusionment with the game. It likely further solidified his decision to step back from defending his title.

Conclusion: Magnus Carlsen’s journey from a young chess prodigy to the world’s best player and subsequent decision to not defend his title highlights the complexities of a champion’s mindset. The combination of immense success, personal motivations, external pressures, and controversies can shape a player’s relationship with the game. Carlsen’s story serves as a reminder that even the greatest chess players may reach a point where they seek new challenges and redefine their path.

At the Summit School of Chess, we believe in nurturing the passion and potential of chess players at all levels. We understand the importance of motivation and personal growth in the pursuit of chess excellence. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, our dedicated coaches and comprehensive programs are designed to inspire and empower you on your chess journey.

Sources: The Guardian, CNN, New Yorker, Wall Street Journal

Magnus Carlsen is considered by many to be the greatest chess player of all time. He has held the world championship title since 2013, and has never been defeated in a world championship match. However, in 2022, he announced that he would not be defending his title.

There are a number of reasons why Carlsen may have decided to step away from the world championship. One possibility is that he simply lost motivation. After winning the title five times, he may have felt that there was nothing left to prove. Another possibility is that he was concerned about the increasing commercialization of chess. In recent years, the game has become increasingly popular, and there has been a growing focus on prize money and sponsorships. This may have made the game less enjoyable for Carlsen, who has always been more interested in the game itself than in the financial rewards.

Whatever the reasons for Carlsen’s decision, it is a significant loss for the world of chess. He was a truly great champion, and his absence will be felt for many years to come. However, his legacy will live on. He has inspired a new generation of chess players, and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.

What can we learn from Magnus Carlsen’s story?

Magnus Carlsen is a remarkable individual, and his story can teach us a lot about chess and about life. Here are a few things we can learn from him:

• Hard work and dedication are essential to success. Carlsen started playing chess at a young age, and he dedicated himself to the game from a very early age. He worked hard to improve his skills, and he never gave up on his dream of becoming a world champion.
• Creativity and innovation are important in chess. Carlsen is a very creative player. He is not afraid to try new things, and he is always looking for ways to improve his game. This creativity has helped him to become one of the best chess players in the world.
• It is important to have a positive attitude. Carlsen is a very positive person. He believes in himself, and he never gives up. This positive attitude has helped him to achieve great things in chess.

What does the future hold for chess?

It is hard to say what the future holds for chess. However, one thing is for sure: Magnus Carlsen’s legacy will continue to inspire chess players for years to come. His accomplishments have shown the world what is possible with hard work, dedication, creativity, and a positive attitude.

Chess, often referred to as the “game of kings,” has a way of humbling even the greatest players. Recently, the world witnessed an intriguing turn of events as Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion and number one-ranked chess player, suffered a surprising defeat in Poland. Carlsen’s loss against Radoslaw Wojtaszek with the Polish Defence made headlines, but what followed was a remarkable display of resilience and redemption. In this article, we explore Carlsen’s journey in the Warsaw Rapid/Blitz tournament, his subsequent victories, and the lessons we can learn from his unwavering determination.

The Polish Defence Gambit:

Carlsen’s decision to play the risky 1 d4 b5 as Black against Wojtaszek caught many off guard. It was a provocative choice that backfired early on, as Wojtaszek’s strong pawn sacrifice put Carlsen in a difficult position. Despite fleeting chances to recover, Carlsen ultimately resigned on move 38. Reflecting on his performance, Carlsen admitted that his lack of recent practice and study had taken its toll.

Redemption in Warsaw:

Carlsen’s defeat did not deter him, and he entered the following days with renewed determination. The tournament spanned five days, and it was on Thursday that Carlsen made his comeback. With an impressive display of skill and tenacity, he stormed through the field, securing seven consecutive victories and ultimately clinching the first prize. Notably, his final-round match against Jan-Krzysztof Duda lasted a marathon 124 moves, demonstrating Carlsen’s unwavering focus and stamina.

Lessons in Resilience:

Carlsen’s journey in the Warsaw tournament serves as a powerful lesson in resilience. Despite facing an early setback, he did not let it define him. Instead, he regrouped, analyzed his mistakes, and used them as fuel to propel himself forward. Carlsen’s ability to bounce back and perform at his best after a defeat is a testament to his mental fortitude and determination.

The Significance of Challenges:

Carlsen’s loss to Wojtaszek serves as a reminder that even the world’s top-ranked chess players are not invincible. It is through challenges and setbacks that we grow and improve. Carlsen’s willingness to take risks and face adversity head-on highlights the importance of embracing challenges and learning from them. Each defeat presents an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

Looking Ahead:

Carlsen’s victories in Warsaw were undoubtedly impressive, but he views the tournament as a warm-up for his next challenge. The Norway tournament at Stavanger awaits, where Carlsen will test his classical skills against high-class opposition, including the likes of Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Wesley So. This tournament will provide a true test of Carlsen’s abilities and further cement his status as one of the greatest chess players of all time.

Magnus Carlsen’s rollercoaster ride in Poland, from an unexpected defeat to a triumphant comeback, captivated the chess world. His ability to rebound from adversity and achieve success demonstrates the resilience and determination necessary for excellence in any field. Carlsen’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players and individuals in any pursuit, reminding us that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities for growth and future triumphs. As we witness Carlsen’s continuing dominance and the emergence of young talents like Alireza Firouzja and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the world of chess continues to evolve, captivating enthusiasts worldwide.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) recently hosted an international conference in Chicago to explore how chess can be used to help rehabilitate incarcerated people. The conference was attended by officials from corrections agencies from around the world, as well as chess grandmasters and coaches.

The conference focused on the many ways that chess can benefit incarcerated people. Chess can help to improve cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, and to build self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, chess can provide a sense of structure and discipline, and can help to build relationships with others.

The conference also highlighted the success of chess programs in prisons and jails around the world. In Cook County Jail, for example, a chess program has been in place for over a decade. The program has helped to reduce violence in the jail, and has also helped inmates to improve their educational and employment prospects.

The conference concluded with a call for more chess programs to be implemented in prisons and jails around the world. FIDE has pledged to support these efforts, and has made chess sets and other resources available to corrections agencies.

The use of chess to rehabilitate incarcerated people is a promising new approach to criminal justice. Chess can help to improve the lives of inmates, and can also help to reduce recidivism rates. I am proud to support this important work, and I am confident that chess can make a real difference in the lives of incarcerated people.

How Summit School of Chess Can Help

Summit School of Chess is committed to providing high-quality chess instruction to people of all ages and abilities. We believe that chess can be a powerful tool for personal development, and we are passionate about helping people reach their full potential.

We offer a variety of chess programs for incarcerated people, including:

• In-person chess classes at correctional facilities
• Online chess classes for inmates who are unable to attend in-person classes
• Chess tutoring for inmates who need individualized instruction
• Chess camps for inmates who want to improve their chess skills over a short period of time

Our chess programs are designed to help inmates improve their cognitive skills, reduce stress and anxiety, build self-esteem and confidence, and develop positive relationships with others. We believe that chess can be a valuable tool for rehabilitation, and we are committed to helping incarcerated people reach their full potential.

If you are interested in learning more about our chess programs for incarcerated people, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and to discuss how we can help you or someone you know.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt are two of the most popular and successful people in the world. Schwarzenegger is a former bodybuilder, actor, and politician, while Pratt is a successful actor known for his roles in films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World.”

In a recent interview, Schwarzenegger praised Pratt’s chess skills, saying that he is “extraordinary” and a “quick learner.” Pratt has also admitted that he has never beaten his father-in-law at chess.

This is great news for Summit School of Chess! It shows that anyone can learn to play chess, regardless of their age, experience, or background. If Chris Pratt can learn to play chess, so can you!

If you are interested in learning to play chess, Summit School of Chess offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages and skill levels. Our experienced teachers will help you learn the basics of chess and develop your skills. We also offer a variety of online resources, including chess games, puzzles, and lessons.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a class today and start learning to play chess!

Here are some tips for learning to play chess:

• Start with the basics. Learn how the pieces move and how to checkmate your opponent.
• Practice regularly. The more you play, the better you will become.
• Find a good teacher. A good teacher can help you learn the game and improve your skills.
• Don’t give up. Chess is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. With hard work and dedication, you can become a great chess player.

We hope to see you at Summit School of Chess soon!