British Chess Magazine

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British Chess Magazine

The World's oldest chess journal, published continuously since 1881 The BCM is the world’s oldest chess journal, having been published continuously since 1881.

It appears twelve times per year, and each issue includes reports on recent tournaments, opening articles, interviews, instructional articles, etc, as well as regular features on chess problems and endgame studies. The magazine caters for players of all strengths.

16/10/2025

Our October issue is out!

🏆 FIDE Grand Swiss 2025: The Full Report! Go beyond the scores to understand the shocks, resilience, and historic firsts from Samarkand. From Giri's 'fairy-tale' sole victory, Matthias Blübaum's German breakthrough, to the unstoppable success of Vaishali Rameshbabu and Kateryna Lagno. We break down the most critical games and missed chances, including the World Champion’s disappointing performance.

🗣️ BCM Exclusive Interview: GM Keith Arkell. The chess legend opens up about his dominant senior career and his plan to "assault the 65+ titles".

Ordred your copy here: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/

16/09/2025

BCM September 2025 Issue: A Journey from the Dark Squares to the Chess Revolution

The September issue of British Chess Magazine is officially available! ♟️

This month, we bring you a powerful and exclusive cover story featuring none other than Daniel Rensch, the co-founder of the world’s biggest chess platform, chess.com. Danny opens up about his new memoir, "Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life," a raw and honest account of his extraordinary journey.

In his new book, Danny chronicles his escape from a cult, his journey as a chess prodigy, and his philosophy that forgiveness beats victimhood. He also discusses the now-infamous Carlsen-Niemann saga and what really happened from his point of view.

But that's not all! The September issue is packed with more must-read content:

111th British Championship: Dive into expert analysis of games from the generational showdown in Liverpool, where the veteran Michael Adams claimed his ninth British title.

Wing Gambit History: Explore the fascinating origins and evolution of this dynamic opening.

Smart Moves Summit: Discover how chess can truly improve lives, with a report on how experts are making the case for chess in the classroom and beyond.

Grab your copy and get all the chess you need! Find it at https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

17/08/2025

Celebrate the quiet resurgence of chess in the UK with the August edition of British Chess Magazine. Our cover feature explores how chess is steadily regaining ground across Britain, from bustling city clubs to grassroots events in small towns. The momentum is on full display in our in-depth tournament reports: Michael Adams’ triumph at the English Open, Johan-Sebastian Christiansen’s flawless run in the Scottish International Open, and the spirited battles of the South Wales International. We also bring you the remarkable story of 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, who has set a new world record as the youngest ever to achieve a Woman Grandmaster norm. For those eager to sharpen their own play, the issue is packed with practical content: GM Aleksandar Colovic’s strategic insights, intricate endgame studies, testing problems, and our much-loved “Quotes and Queries” column. Whether you’re working on your opening repertoire or polishing your tactical vision, there’s inspiration and challenge on every page. Don’t miss this essential issue! Subscribe to BCM now and be part of the game’s revival in the UK and beyond.

https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

24/07/2025

Out now: The 07 issue of British Chess Magazine!
Inside:
– World Rapid & Blitz Teams in London 🇬🇧
– Norway Chess 2025: Carlsen under pressure
– GM Alex Colovic on emotion as an unseen opponent
– GM Ray Keene on Alekhine: The Russian Sphinx
– 3rd Cambridge Open, 4NCL finale & more

Sharpen your play, expand your knowledge and stay in the loop - subscribe here: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribes

18/06/2025

The June issue of British Chess Magazine opens with a report on the Taliban’s fresh assault on chess in Afghanistan. In a wide-ranging interview, David Llada reflects on his unexpected journey from journalist to the game’s foremost photographer, while GM Raymond Keene delivers an incisive exploration of the ideological clash between Tarrasch and Nimzowitsch - a feud that still echoes in modern chess theory. Tournament reports, analysis, and historical essays round out a packed edition!

Get your copy or subscribe here: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

09/05/2025

The May issue of British Chess Magazine is here!

🧠 (Levy Rozman) gives his most honest interview yet – unpacking the tensions between chess players, streamers, and organisers. Are we witnessing a shift from sport to entertainment?

Tournament reports:
👑 Ju Wenjun dominates the Women's World Championship in a historic performance.

Teodora Injac stuns Europe.

Puzzles and thought pieces:

🧩 Solve the ‘Trojan Horse’ puzzle that took the chess world by storm.

🎭 GM Raymond Keene OBE on chess and diplomacy – an offer you can’t refuse.

All this and more in our May issue.
👉 Read now or subscribe: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk

PS
💬 Going to the event in London? Let us know what you’d ask Levy Rozman after reading his interview!

16/04/2025

The April issue of BCM is out!

📰 JUST OUT: THE APRIL ISSUE OF THE BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE ♟️

Why does women’s chess still struggle for the spotlight?
In this month’s issue, we explore the history and the hard truths — from Vera Menchik to Ju Wenjun — exploring how women champions have shaped the game and what’s holding progress back.

Also inside:
👑 A powerful editorial on the visibility gap in women’s chess
🧠 A thought-provoking interview with GM Vladimir Potkin – coach to Nepo, Karjakin and Aronian (courtesy of ACM)
♟️ Reports from the Wightlink International Masters
🧬 New research from FIDE’s Social Chess Conference on the cognitive benefits of chess
🖋️ “Double Nelson” – a Faustian chess fable about genius and sacrifice

📖 Thought-provoking. Bold. Timely.
Grab your copy today 👉
https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

01/04/2025

In case you missed it - our 03 issue is out.

we honour Boris Spassky (1937–2025), the legendary 10th World Chess Champion, who passed away in Moscow. From his iconic battles with Bobby Fischer to his elegant, universal playing style, we reflect on Spassky’s enduring legacy and lasting impact on chess. GM Aleksandar Colovic also breaks down Spassky’s most memorable games, offering a fresh analysis of his finest victories.

Does being good at chess make you more intelligent? We examine this age-old question through studies, expert opinions, and real-life examples to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, chess returns to British television with the BBC’s Chess Masters: The Endgame—but is it a masterstroke or a misstep?

Our in-depth look at the Djerba Masters 2025 explores how Marc’Andria Maurizzi dominated the field—and what his breakthrough victory means for the future of chess.

In UK chess news, we cover Keith Arkell’s triumph at the inaugural Cheadle Open, the latest from Hastings 2025, and much more.

Don’t miss out—get your copy now!

https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

27/02/2025

The latest issue of the British Chess Magazine explores the rise of a new generation of chess superstars, with young talents like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh making their mark on the global stage. We also look into the explosive controversy surrounding Magnus Carlsen’s escalating battle with FIDE over the future of the "Freestyle" chess event. Plus, we revisit rare games that shaped modern openings and bring you the latest from the top tournaments worldwide. A must-read for every chess enthusiast!

Order here: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

28/01/2025

Hi everyone!
We kick off 2025 focusing on Gukesh's stunning victory in Singapore. Read our exclusive behind-the-scenes, game-by-game report by (who served as the Fair Play Officer), providing unparalleled insights into the drama that unfolded!
Order here https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

17/12/2024

Hi everyone - our December issue is out!

Celebrate the festive season with the British Chess Magazine, packed with exclusive content for every chess enthusiast!

GM Alex Colovic explores the psychological battles of World Championship Matches, from Alekhine’s bluffs to Fischer’s daring risks, while editor Milan Dinic reviews the key moments that shaped chess in 2024. Hikaru Nakamura shares shocking views on chess and its players in a candid, in-depth interview, and Ray Keene reflects on the legacy of the enigmatic Sultan Khan. IM Shaun Taulbut brings reports from two thrilling tournaments in the British Isles, and Alan Smith takes us through the rich history of the Sicilian Defence. For those looking to improve their game over the holidays, enjoy a festive selection of puzzles and endgame studies.

Don’t miss this special Christmas edition of BCM!

Order here: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

14/11/2024

The November issue of the British Chess Magazine is here! Dive into an exclusive preview of the World Championship in Singapore with a detailed analysis of the players and their playing styles. 🐉🆚🐯

The November issue of British Chess Magazine brings readers an exclusive preview of the upcoming World Championship clash in Singapore, billed as a battle between the Chinese Dragon and the Indian Tiger. Defending champion Ding Liren faces off against the young challenger Gukesh D in what promises to be a historic encounter. This issue dives deep into the profiles, styles, and strategies of both contenders, featuring insightful analysis by GM Alex Colovic and commentary from our Editor, Milan Dinic, on the potential implications for the future of chess and sponsorship. Additionally, we present an interview with Steve Doyle, a stalwart of U.S. chess with over 50 years in the game, offering his unique perspective on chess's evolution and growth in America. The issue also includes comprehensive tournament reports, challenging chess problems, refined endgame studies, and opening tips to help readers sharpen their own play.

Order here: https://britishchessmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

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