Chess News & Tournament Coverage

Analysis, previews, and recaps from the 2026 Candidates Tournament and beyond. No clickbait, just chess.

candidates-2026tournament

Caruana Beats Nakamura in 80-Move Candidates Opener: What It Means for Both Players

Fabiano Caruana outlasted Hikaru Nakamura in a grueling 80-move endgame. One move changed everything - and may have shifted the entire tournament dynamic.

CaruanaNakamura
candidates-2026tournament

Candidates 2026 Round 1: Three Decisive Games Shake Up the Field

Caruana beats Nakamura in an 80-move marathon, Praggnanandhaa outprepares Giri, and Sindarov pulls off a dramatic swindle. Round 1 delivered.

CaruanaNakamuraPraggnanandhaaGiri+4 more
candidates-2026tournament

Sindarov's Incredible Swindle: How the Candidates' Biggest Underdog Won While 'Sleeping'

Down to 6 minutes against Esipenko's 30, Sindarov thought he was losing. Then he pulled off one of the Candidates' great escapes. Welcome to the world top 10.

SindarovEsipenko
candidates-2026tournament

Candidates 2026: Everything You Need to Know - Format, Schedule, How to Watch

Complete guide to the 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. Format, schedule, streaming options, and what's at stake for all 8 players.

CaruanaNakamuraPraggnanandhaaSindarov+4 more
candidates-2026predictions

Who Will Challenge Gukesh? Candidates 2026 Predictions and Odds

Our predictions for all 8 Candidates. Who's the favorite, who's the dark horse, and who might surprise everyone in Cyprus?

CaruanaNakamuraPraggnanandhaaSindarov+5 more
candidates-2026player-profile

The Underdogs: How Sindarov and Bluebaum Earned Their Candidates Spots

Uzbekistan's Sindarov won the World Cup at 19. Germany's Bluebaum qualified without a coach. Two unlikely stories from the 2026 Candidates.

SindarovBluebaumWei YiCarlsen
candidates-2026opinion

Kasparov Says Classical Chess Died with Magnus - Is He Right?

Garry Kasparov claims the Candidates doesn't matter and classical chess ended with Magnus. We look at whether the 2026 field proves him wrong.

CarlsenKasparovGukeshNakamura+1 more
candidates-2026tournament

Candidates Tournament 2026: Eight Players, One Shot at the World Championship

The 2026 Candidates Tournament kicks off in Cyprus. Here's your guide to all 8 contenders vying to challenge World Champion Gukesh.

CaruanaNakamuraPraggnanandhaaSindarov+4 more