Opinion/Editorials
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Africa: Too Much Voting Power in FIDE?
In the upcoming election for FIDE President, there has been a lot of talk about the voting structure of one-nation, one vote. This idea is in line with the democratic ideals of general bodies, but seems to have met the ire of chess pundits and commentators. For the past two…
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Is 2010 Olympiad headed for Disaster?
The Chess Olympiad is less than one month away and there are continued grumblings about the logistical arrangements. One month ago there was a story about the venue in Khanty-Mansiysk still being under construction. There was also the revelation that the organizers may have chosen a venue unable to accommodate…
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The Challenges of Black Chess Masters
Sweden’s GM Pontus Carlsson at 2008 European Championship. Photo from eicc2008.com.From time to time there is a question raised about the presence of Black players in the chess world. Players in this demographic can be seen at tournaments around the world and are seemingly enthusiastic about competition. However, those who…
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Baraka Shabazz: Black Queen of Chess
Baraka Shabazz’s demure pose is a testament to her confidence and poise.This photo was featured in Chicago Metro News, December 4, 1982as part of Tony Brown Journal segment. Baraka Shabazz (pronounced ba-roka sha-boz) is a famous name is Black chess lore and a name that exudes power. Her arrival on…
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Is Nakamura the ‘Real Deal’?
GM Hikaru Nakamura at the 2004 World OpenPhoto by Daaim Shabazz Hikaru Nakamura has quite a story to tell. Born in Osaka, Japan and arriving in the U.S. at the age of two, Nakamura has been gracing the pages of chess magazines since he began breaking many of Bobby Fischer’s…
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Does the Soviet School of Chess still rule?
Mikhail Botvinnik, Soviet School icon Chess has a storied history. There are many theories of its origin stemming from either India or China and going to Persia through the Middle East across the Sahara and into Europe. Some say that chess went through Central Asia and into Eurasia. Regardless of…
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What Anand’s Visit Means to Africa
Tomorrow Viswanathan Anand will set foot down on the African continent. This is reportedly his first visit which is significant for a number of reasons. First, no other sitting World Champion has visited the continent in recent memory (or perhaps ever). This is revolutionary for a number of reasons and…
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The Myth of Chess “Geekism”
For decades, there has been a characterization of chess that may be considered flattering by some and insulting by others. It is the idea that chess is somehow associated with those who are socially-retarded, but intellectually overdeveloped. GEEK (n.) A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy. A person who…
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Senterej: Chess with Ethiopian Flavor
Dr. René Gralla has done an interesting piece on a version of chess called “Senterej” which originates in ancient Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Gralla contends: Historians and experts in cultural studies always look towards India, Persia and Arabia – and some even turn to China, more recently – when they search for…
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65th Square: Why Chess?
If you are reading this story you are probably one of the millions who have an appreciation for the royal game of chess… or at least have some intrigue. If one stops to think about the game and sport, perhaps a common question has arisen, “Why Chess?” “Why have I…
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