Mikhail Botvinnik was crowned the 6th World Chess Champion in 1948. He would attain the title twice more, regaining it from Smyslov in 1958 and Tal in 1961. 

As the first in a long line of Soviet world champions, Botvinnik was a respected figure even within an already strong Russian field.  His intense training regimen distinguished him from his peers. He advocated logic, extensive theoretical research, and a strong degree of both physical and mental discipline. While these attitudes were novel at the time, his writings on the subject became legendary and eventually served as a model for a new generation of players. His scientific style emphasized whole systems of play that extended from the opening to the endgame.  Botvinnik mentored and trained numerous young Soviet players, including a young Garry Kasparov.

Botvinnik retired from competitive chess play in 1970.

For more information click here to see a short biography of Mikhail Botvinnik.

(content of this post was taken substantially from  World Chess Hall of Fame)

“To truly leave no one behind in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, we must realize the rights of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism, ensuring their full participation in social, cultural and economic life.” - António Guterres

“The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society."

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Photo by Félix Prado on Unsplash


What is autism?
"Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.
Autism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.” – (https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day/background)

Tournament
The 1st FIDE World University Individual Online Rapid Championship 2021 was held on 20, 21 and 25,  March.  This event was organised by The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in consultation with the FIDE Global Strategy Commission. 

The event was open to students who met the following  requirements:
a) Have their secondary education completed;
b) Are currently officially registered as proceeding towards a degree or diploma at a university;
c) Were born in 1995 or later; and
d) Are not banned by the Hosting Internet Platform

884 university students took part in this first time chess event.  According to GM Bartlomiej Macieia, Tournament Director, students from about 100 countries participated.  

The top three finishers in the Open and Women's sections were as follow:

1st FIDE World University Online Chess Championship (Open Section)
GM Shevchenko Kirilll (UKR) - 4.0/5.0 pts.
Ivan Boberskyj Lviv State Universit

GM Antipov Mikhail AI (RUS) - 3.0/5.0 pts
University of Missouri

GM Oparin Grigoriy (RUS) - 3.0/5.0 pts.
University of Missouri

1st FIDE World University Online Chess Championship (Women Section)
WIM Antolak Julia (POL) - 4.0/5.0 pts.
University of Texas Rio Grande Vall

WGM Sargsyan Anna M. (ARM) - 3.5/5.0 pts.
Armenian State Institute of Physica

IM Badelka Olga (BLR) - 2.5/5.0 pts.
University of Missouri


Controversy of disqualified players
Twenty (20) players from the World University Individual Online Rapid Championship were disqualified for breach of Fair Play.  The disqualification of players by the Fair Play Panel (FPP) of the FIDE World University Chess Championships took place after investigating and reviewing 5,036 games.  

It is being reported that IM Iujila Osmak, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, who finished first place before the review of games by FPP was one of the 20 players disqualified.  One of the most controversial issues about this investigation is that the decision of FPP to disqualify players for suspected fair play violation is final and is not subject to any appeal, review or other challenge.  Furthermore, the disqualified players have lost their right to participate in the next events of the 2021 Online University Championships.  

In its statement FPP indicated that "[n]either FIDE, nor the Hosting Internet Platform claims that the determination of a suspected fair play violation is proof of actual cheating or an admission of guilt by the disqualification player." (FIDE World University Online Chess Championship 2021 Fair Play - 26 March 2021)

Being disqualified without an appeal process must be for the players a very "bitter bill to swallow".

If you are reading this blog then you are probably searching for information or activities that will assist your child with developing or enhancing their learning skills.
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Although there are many other reasons, here are three reasons why your child should learn how to play chess:

1. Chess helps promote intellectual growth and has been shown to improve academic performance;
2. Chess is a powerful tool for developing thinking and memory in children;
3. Chess also helps children build up their decision-making tools.  It educates them to be responsible for their decisions and the consequences of those decisions. (Chess - A Tool for Education & Health (2008))

Summer leave for students is approaching.  If you wish to receive additional information about our ongoing chess classes or updates about our summer chess programme then contact us by email - [email protected] 

Alexander Alekhine was born in Moscow in 1892 and is known throughout the chess world for his brilliant attacking style of chess play.

Alekhine defeated Jose Capablanca in 1927 to become the World Chess Champion.  He successfully defended his title in 1929 and 1934 before losing it to Max Euwe of The Netherlands.  Alekhine won the rematch against Max Euwe in 1937 and remained champion until his death in 1946.

One of Alekhine's well known chess games was Efim Bogojubov v Alexander Alekhine  in 1922.  This game had a total of three queen sacrifices!

For more information click here to see a short biography of Alexander Alekhine.
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Originally published 25 January, 2021
As we observe this year’s International Day of Education, we should not only remind ourselves that education is a human right and about the challenges to achieving universal education, we should also look forward and start preparing our communities and countries for a post COVID-19 pandemic world. Education will need our focus, commitment and support.

​“Education is a human right
The right to education is enshrined in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration calls for free and compulsory elementary education. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, goes further to stipulate that countries shall make higher education accessible to all." (https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day)

“Challenges to achieving universal education
Education offers children a ladder out of poverty and a path to a promising future. But about 265 million children and adolescents around the world do not have the opportunity to enter or complete school; 617 million children and adolescents cannot read and do basic math; less than 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school and some four million children and youth refugees are out of school. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable.” (https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day)