<![CDATA[NIMBLE MINDS CHESS - Blog]]>Sat, 10 May 2025 16:53:33 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[Women in Chess]]>Sat, 10 May 2025 10:01:51 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/women-in-chessPicture
FIDE Initiative ChessMom: Supporting women on and off the board

"Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants during the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Hungary, the ChessMom project will not only continue but expand, ensuring that more players can pursue their chess ambitions without having to choose between career and motherhood."

[Several players participated in the 2024 Chess] ... Olympiad with the support of the ChessMom initiative, which covered the cost of an accompanying caregiver, allowing the players to focus on their games while ensuring their children were cared for.

"The idea for ChessMom was conceived during the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai. Reflecting on its origins, Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Women’s Commission, shared:

“The idea for this project was born during the Olympiad in Chennai. While discussing with commission member Francisco Cruz, we spoke about the clear need for such support. For many women chess players who are planning to become mothers, the fear of pausing or ending their professional careers is very real. ChessMom addresses that directly — showing that it is possible to be both a mother and a competitive chess professional. This initiative is more than logistical support; it is a message that women do not have to choose between motherhood and ambition. It gives hope, security, and dignity to women at a critical moment in their lives.”"

"This announcement [which was posted on the FIDE Commission on Women Chess on 10 May, 2025.]  [It] is a message to all players who are new or expecting mothers: your place in the chess world is secure and celebrated. FIDE encourages you to prepare for participation in your national teams for the 2026 Chess Olympiad. Application details for the next edition of ChessMom will be shared in the coming months."

Source: https://www.fide.com/balancing-moves-and-motherhood-chessmom-initiative-continues/ 


]]><![CDATA[When was the beginning of Chess and AI?]]>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:08:28 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/when-was-the-beginning-of-chess-and-ai​IBM Deep Blue was a groundbreaking supercomputer that revolutionized both chess and artificial intelligence.

In 1997, it became the first computer to defeat a reigning world champion, GM Garry Kasparov, in a six-game match. It was said that this victory demonstrated the power of brute-force computing, as Deep Blue could analys e millions of positions per second. Its success marked a turning point in chess, influencing the rise of AI-driven chess engines.  Beyond chess, Deep Blue showcased the potential of machine learning and computational power, paving the way for other AI advancements in various fields. 

As a result of these advancements in computing power, professional chess players and amateurs alike have used computers to help prepare for chess tournaments and matches. 

Please see the link that follows for additional information - IBM Deep Blue - https://www.ibm.com/history/deep-blue]]><![CDATA[The 10th World Chess Champion, Boris Spassky passes]]>Sun, 02 Mar 2025 18:15:58 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/the-10th-world-chess-champion-boris-spassky-passesThe chess world is saddened by the passing of the 10th World Chess Champion, Boris Spassky at the age of 88. 

Please see an article by FIDE in the link below.

Go to FIDE's article:  Boris Spassky passes

Categories

All Benefits Of Chess Chess Classes Chess Club At School COVID-19 And Education International Day Online Chess Regulations Protocol For Over-the-board Events Spotlight On Student Players Students Tactics Teachers And Chess World Chess Champion Bio World Chess Champion - Bio

]]><![CDATA[18 year old GM Gukesh wins World Chess Champion]]>Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:01:24 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/18-year-old-gm-gukesh-wins-world-chess-championGM Gukesh is crowned the 18th World Chess Champion after winning the 14-game match on 12 December, 2024 against the defending World Chess Champion GM Ding Liren.  Winning this prestigious title was an outstanding accomplishment for this 18 year old chess champion!

The chess world looks forward to following GM Gukesh during his 2025 tournaments and matches.

See link to FIDE website - Gukesh D - 18th World Chess Champion]]><![CDATA[GM Carlsen breached chess dress code]]>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:22:37 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/carlsen-breached-chess-dress-codeGM Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Chess Rapid Championships on 27 December 2024 after attending one of the tournament rounds dressed wearing jeans in breach of the players conduct under 4.10 of the tournament regulations (see link to BBC news).  

To everyone's surprise Carlsen "rejoined" the tournament after "elegant adjustments" were made to the dress code (see link to FIDE statement).  Carlsen concluded the World Blitz Championship sharing the Open title with Nepomniachtchi (see link to FIDE news).









]]><![CDATA[Taster/Sample Chess Classes for Students]]>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:21:34 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/tastersample-chess-classes-for-studentsWe are organising taster chess classes!

These classes are perfect for beginners to introduce them to the world of chess.  Beginners will learn the basic rules and piece movements to get them started on their chess journey.
Chess is not just a game but also a tool to improve concentration, mental calculation, and problem-solving skills.  
Whether you or your child is curious about chess or you're looking to introduce them to a new hobby, this taster class is the perfect opportunity to spark their interest in this timeless game.

To be added to the list send an email request to kean@smithkas.com before 1st October, 2024.]]><![CDATA[New Anti-cheating measures in chess: Voluntary Polygraph Test?]]>Sun, 01 Sep 2024 07:21:50 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/new-anti-cheating-measures-in-chess-voluntary-polygraph-testWith the  continued rapid development of technology and wireless communications, the risk to the integrity of chess games and events by cheating methods has crystalised and must be addressed by international and national chess governing bodies.

"The chess world has been fraught with cheating allegations, including $100 million lawsuits."  

"In a move to solidify his stance and offer an example in transparency, as well as address persistent rumours, dating back to the 2006 World Championship match against Veselin Topalov—often referred to as "Toiletgate"—Kramnik voluntarily took a polygraph test. The test, [was] administered with the facilitation of Pinkerton, the famous detective agency, [and] by a former Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent ..." (extract taken from article of ChessBase, 23 August, 2024) 

en.chessbase.com/post/kramnik-takes-polygraph-test#discuss


]]><![CDATA[Tactics Corner]]>Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:48:54 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/tactics-corner3216200Today, the following position is taken from a well known game that was played in Paris in 1853.

Do you recognise this position?  

It is white to play and win by checkmate in three (3) moves. 

Include any comments/answers below.

Enjoy.
Picture
]]><![CDATA[The Benefits of Critical Thinking in Chess for Children]]>Sun, 18 Aug 2024 21:27:58 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/the-benefits-of-critical-thinking-in-chess-for-childrenTeaching children how to play chess offers significant benefits, particularly in enhancing their critical thinking skills. Chess is a game that requires players to analyze situations, consider various outcomes, and make strategic decisions. When children engage in playing chess, they learn to anticipate their opponent’s moves, evaluate different possibilities, and weigh the consequences of each decision. This process developes critical thinking skills.

As children practice chess, they develop the ability to think several steps ahead. This forward-thinking approach is crucial in real-life situations, where they must assess potential outcomes before making decisions. 

Moreover, chess teaches patience and discipline. Children learn that thoughtful, deliberate actions often yield better results than rushed decisions. These skills can be transferable to academic settings and everyday life, where critical thinking is essential for making informed choices.

In summary, playing chess helps children enhance their critical thinking abilities by encouraging strategic analysis, foresight, and disciplined decision-making, all of which are invaluable skills both on and off the chessboard.

(Initial research conducted by ChatGPT)]]><![CDATA[Parents: avoiding the Summer slide of your students' progress]]>Sat, 01 Jun 2024 15:07:54 GMThttp://nimblemindschess.org/blog/parents-avoiding-the-summer-slide-of-your-students-progressPicture

​Many parents with school age children are aware of the dreaded 'summer slide'.

​‘Summer slide’ refers to children’s loss of academic skills/knowledge between finishing their end of term in June/July and returning to school in August/September.
 
It is believed that during their summer vacation, children can lose a significant amount of what they have learnt the previous school year.  This results in both teachers and students spending additional time revising/catching up at the beginning of the next school year. 
​
There are many steps that parents can take to mitigate summer slide.  For example, engaging students in activities to learn new skills, and improve their concentration and focus.  Such an activity is Chess.  Chess is an ideal activity for children to develop and/or maintain learning skills like mental calculation, concentration, critical and analytical thinking,  Furthermore, learning chess allows students to learn and build a new vocabulary.

If you have any questions about summer chess classes then let us know. 




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