The idea of a chess player having certain tendencies, or a “personality,” has been around since the beginning of chess. Adolf Anderssen, the winner of the first international chess tournament held in London in 1851, is described even in this archived New York Times article from September 10, 1972, as “Anderssen, First Champion, Master of Combinative Play.” His “personality,” that he played combatively and tactically, was part of what led Anderssen to victories against other greats of his time.
The chess world ranks its players using a rating system known as Elo. It's a number that goes up and down as you play based on your results, and it helps to make sure you are playing players of a similar skill level.
There’s a serious imbalance in the numbers of male vs. female chess players. Only 11% of FIDE rated players are female, and the USCF is only slightly better at 13%. As you move into the upper ratings groups of chess, it gets even more skewed, with only 2% of FIDE grandmasters being women. In contrast, around 34% of US Mensa members are women. What is it about chess that makes it so male-dominated?
Discover the fascinating stories behind four amazing historical chess sets in this captivating blog post. Learn about intricate designs, cultural significance, and the unique tales attached to each set. Perfect for chess enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and will help you to appreciate the artistry and heritage of the world’s most iconic chess sets.
The USCF chess rating system tracks every rated game you play, measuring your skill against thousands of players nationwide. Whether you’re brand new or aiming for master level, this guide breaks down how ratings are calculated, adjusted, and used in real tournaments. From Elo basics to bonus points, here’s how the entire system actually works.
Ever wonder why some players are titled and others aren’t? This guide explains chess titles from top to bottom — including women-only titles, national distinctions, and even those elusive online badges. Whether you're eyeing Grandmaster or just hit 2200, here's what every serious player should know about the world of chess titles.
The Elo chess rating system is a useful way to determine how your performance compares to other chess players. You'll gain and lose Elo with every rated game. Here's an introduction to how the system works.
Becoming a Grandmaster often takes years of study and dedication as well as managing the costs of attending tournaments. While professional chess players will have a natural aptitude for the game, they must also develop their abilities through years of training and study.
