The 2024 FIDE World Championship match between Ding Liren and Gukesh D kicked off this afternoon with the opening ceremony. Packed to the brim with more than 400 guests, the magnificent Capitol Theatre, an architectural and lifestyle gem in the heart of Singapore's civic and cultural district, hosted the festivities.

“We are going to give our best and see what happens”. This afternoon’s fantastic chess experience in Singapore began with the first official press conference with the World Champion Ding Liren and the challenger Gukesh D, moderated by one of the event’s official commentators and master of ceremonies, GM Maurice Ashley. The panel also featured Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President and GM Kevin Goh Wei Ming, CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation.

The World Chess Championship 2024 is finally upon us. Svitlana had an in-depth look at the last game, that Gukesh had against Ding Liren in 2024. Then, it was the World Champion who had the upper end. Although the Indian super star is the clear favourite to become the new World Champion, Svitlana and Arne hope for interesting games, and a tough fight!

Dutch chess friend Ardjan Langedijk lived in Central Asia for a while and was fascinated by the landscapes, culture and people there. Now he shares his enthusiasm with others and organises trips to Central Asia, most recently a chess trip to Uzbekistan. Here is his report.

Most of the world's top players – including world number one Magnus Carlsen – have confirmed their participation in the World Rapid & Blitz Championship. With a spectacular line-up, a prize fund of nearly $1.5 million, and the electrifying rapid format, this promises to be the most thrilling chess event of the year. The event takes place from December 26–31, 2024. FIDE press release.

Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious in an entertaining two-game Freestyle Chess match against Fabiano Caruana, held at two stunning venues. The Norwegian claimed a wild first game with white before defending a tense 74-move battle in game two to secure the overall win. Sponsored by Jan-Henric Buettner, the event dazzled with luxury, including a $44 million golden chess set. Just days before the World Championship match between Ding Liren and Dommaraju Gukesh, this exhibition showcased Carlsen's brilliance in this innovative format. | Photo: Aditya Sur Roy / ChessBase India

In the latest episode of "Two Knights Talk", Arne Kähler and Johannes Fischer discuss the World Championship match between defending champion Ding Liren and challenger Gukesh D, which starts on Monday 25th November in Singapore. Eighteen-year-old Gukesh is a heavy favourite and has good chances of becoming the youngest World Champion of all time. But the "Two Knights" wonder if things are as clear-cut as they seem, talk about the appeal and addictive nature of World Championship matches, and venture a prediction on the outcome of the upcoming match.

ChessBase 18 now provides insights into players that go beyond mere opening statistics. Evaluating players is a somewhat delicate matter, and mistakes could be embarrassing. However, the Style Report hits the mark surprisingly well. For historical stars whose styles are well-known, all the classic clichés are spot-on. Most importantly, you can learn something about your next opponent—or about the most important player of all: yourself.

There are tactical motifs which are continuously repeated and can be learned exactly like we learn opening theory. I feel that the correct approach is to collect thematic, nearly identical positions which are involved on similar patterns which you should look for. In this survey I will present an often met tactical motif I call the "Shirov Killer." It was wonderfully demonstrated by legendary GM Alexei Shirov in an Internet blitz game.

Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious in the opening game of the Freestyle Chess Summit, defeating Fabiano Caruana aboard the luxurious SilentWorld yacht. Carlsen's dynamic play with the white pieces outshone Caruana's strategies in a double-edged, entertaining encounters. The two rivals are rekindling their fierce competition from the 2018 World Championship, a few days before the start of the match for the world crown in Singapore. | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram / ChessBase India

IM Hannes Langrock had a look at one of our latest Fritztrainers, 'How to play the Caro-Kann' by Spanish GM Àlvar Alonso Rosell, and stumbled across the realisation quoted above. Modern engines judge precisely, but explain nothing. Àlvar Alonso Rosell, on the other hand, explains ideas and plans in great detail, says Hannes Langrock.

Almost 400 players will take part in the European Individual Championship 2024 (8 to 19 November) in Petrovac (Montenegro). After ten of eleven rounds, the Serbian GM Aleksandar Indjic leads with an 8½/10 score, while Daniel Dardha stands in sole second place a half point back. The 20 best players qualify for the World Cup. The final round starts at 13.00 local time. Follow it live with the official commentary of the European Chess Union.