Latest news with #grandmaster
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Praggnanandhaa looks to achieve the No. 1 chess ranking to add to India's dominance
India has become a major power in international chess led by its highest-ranked player, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. He's No. 4 in the world, one place above compatriots Gukesh Dommaraju, the current world champion, and Arjun Erigaisi, who are tied for fifth. Praggnanandhaa, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on Sunday, has an ambition to be the best. Beating the current No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in 2022, when Praggnanandhaa was congratulated by India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, was an early sign that his ambition is realistic. 'I can become world No. 1 and world champion,' he told The Associated Press. He said the presence of his Indian compatriots near the top of the rankings helps. 'We all push each other. Gukesh winning the world championship inspired me to push myself. We are growing together and it's good for all of us," he said. At 12 years and 10 months, 'Pragg' became one of the youngest-ever grand masters, the title awarded to exceptional players by the world's chess federation. 'I think (in India) all of us have these common traits that I think comes from the Indian background. I think we are all, hard-working and we focus on improving more, rather than results ... but it is an individual sport, so people have their own strengths and weaknesses.' In 2023, he was praised by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi for beating the second- and third-ranked players to make it to the World Cup final — India accounted for four of the last eight in the tournament — where he was beaten by Carlsen. A long journey He has come a long way since he first picked up chess pieces at the age of five to play against his sister — Vaishali Rameshbabu is a double youth champion — at home, never imagining that he would one day be recognized in the streets of his hometown Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu that has been at the center of the chess explosion. Before 2000, India had three grand masters but has produced over 80 since, with 30 coming from the southern state alone. The most famous was the godfather of Indian chess. Viswanathan Anand became a grand master in 1988 as a teenager and went on to win five world championships. 'We started playing chess when Anand was world champion,' said Praggnanandhaa. 'He inspired all of us.' Having a star at the top was helped by healthy grassroots competition in Chennai. 'There were lots of local events happening every weekend and the players were really strong," he said. "I was always playing in higher categories, so when I was playing my age category, I was just already way stronger because of that experience.' Financial help needed When players reach a certain level, resources are needed. For those not from wealthy backgrounds, the private as well as the public sector can help young talents turn a hobby into a career. There may be more money in the future due to digital world getting involved in one of the most ancient of games. Praggnanandhaa competed at the esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia in July, the first edition to feature chess. Over 30,000 fans watched this faster version of the game online. 'It's an amazing opportunity for chess players and a new avenue,' Praggnanandhaa said. ___ AP sports:
Geeky Gadgets
13-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Chessnut Move : A Robotic Chess Set with Pieces That Move Themselves
Imagine a chessboard where the pieces move on their own, gliding across the squares with mechanical precision, as if guided by an invisible hand. It might sound like a scene from a futuristic movie, but this is the reality brought to life by the Chessnut Move, a innovative chess set that redefines how the game is played. Gone are the days of manually resetting the board or fumbling with misplaced pieces—this innovative innovation combines sleek design with self-moving technology, offering a seamless and almost magical chess experience. Whether you're a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner, the Chessnut Move promises to transform the way you engage with the world's most iconic strategy game. But what makes this chessboard truly remarkable? Beyond its mesmerizing self-moving pieces, the Chessnut Move is packed with features designed to enhance accessibility, convenience, and skill development. From voice-controlled commands to an integrated chess engine for game analysis, this board caters to players of all skill levels and abilities. Perhaps most striking is its focus on inclusivity, offering hands-free operation for players with physical impairments. In this coverage, we'll explore how the Chessnut Move is not just a chessboard but a comprehensive platform for learning, competing, and rediscovering the joy of chess. Could this be the future of the game? Let's find out. Innovative Self-Moving Chessboard The Technology Behind Self-Moving Pieces At the heart of the Chessnut Move lies its self-moving chess pieces, each equipped with an independent motor and rechargeable base. This innovative system enables the pieces to move autonomously and with precision across the board. Unlike older technologies that relied on magnets or robotic arms, the Chessnut Move allows for the simultaneous movement of multiple pieces, streamlining gameplay and reducing setup time. For example, resetting the board for a new game or solving a puzzle becomes effortless, as the pieces reposition themselves automatically. This functionality not only enhances convenience but also ensures a smoother, uninterrupted chess experience. Features That Elevate Gameplay The Chessnut Move is packed with features designed to enhance every aspect of your chess experience. These include: Full Piece Recognition: The board tracks every move with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the need for manual input and making sure error-free gameplay. The board tracks every move with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the need for manual input and making sure error-free gameplay. Multilingual Voice Control: Players can issue verbal commands to move pieces, making the game more intuitive and accessible, especially for those with physical limitations. Players can issue verbal commands to move pieces, making the game more intuitive and accessible, especially for those with physical limitations. Integrated Chess Engine: Analyze games, solve puzzles, and explore strategies with the built-in engine, making it an invaluable tool for skill improvement. These features make the Chessnut Move a versatile and powerful platform for both learning and competitive play, catering to a wide range of player needs. Self-Moving Chessboard: How the Chessnut Move Redefines Chess Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Chess. Modern Design Meets Practical Functionality The Chessnut Move combines a sleek, modern design with robust functionality. The board is large and sturdy, providing a stable and reliable surface for gameplay. It comes with 34 pieces, including extra queens for pawn promotion scenarios, and offers options for wooden or plastic materials to suit individual preferences. A dedicated charging pad ensures the pieces remain powered, with clear indicators to display their charging status. This thoughtful design not only enhances usability but also ensures the board fits seamlessly into any home environment, doubling as a stylish centerpiece for your chess collection. Accessibility and Hands-Free Features One of the most notable aspects of the Chessnut Move is its focus on accessibility. The hands-free operation, enabled by self-moving pieces and voice control, is particularly beneficial for players with physical impairments or dexterity challenges. Whether you're solving a complex puzzle or competing in an online match, the board adapts to your needs, allowing you to focus entirely on strategy. The automatic reset feature further simplifies gameplay by repositioning pieces for new games or puzzles, eliminating the need for manual setup and enhancing the overall experience. A Comprehensive Tool for All Chess Activities The Chessnut Move is not just a chessboard; it is a comprehensive platform that supports a wide range of chess-related activities. Key functionalities include: Online Play: Connect with players worldwide through the updated Chessnut app, allowing seamless online matches. Connect with players worldwide through the updated Chessnut app, allowing seamless online matches. Chess Puzzles: Solve challenging puzzles with ease, as the board's automatic piece movement simplifies setup and execution. Solve challenging puzzles with ease, as the board's automatic piece movement simplifies setup and execution. Game Analysis: Review your matches and refine your strategies using the integrated chess engine, which provides detailed insights into your gameplay. These features ensure that the Chessnut Move caters to both casual and competitive players, offering tools to improve skills, explore strategies, and enjoy the game to its fullest. Who Can Benefit from the Chessnut Move? The Chessnut Move is designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of players, making it a standout choice for specific groups: Players with Physical Impairments: The hands-free operation and voice control remove barriers, allowing everyone to enjoy chess without limitations. The hands-free operation and voice control remove barriers, allowing everyone to enjoy chess without limitations. Casual Enthusiasts: Its intuitive design and automatic features make it accessible and enjoyable for beginners and hobbyists alike. Its intuitive design and automatic features make it accessible and enjoyable for beginners and hobbyists alike. Competitive Players: Advanced features like the built-in engine and online connectivity provide the tools needed for high-level gameplay and analysis. Additionally, the board's compatibility with the Chessnut app enhances its functionality, offering seamless access to online matches, game analysis, and other tools that enrich the chess experience. The Chessnut Move: A New Era in Chess The Chessnut Move represents a significant advancement in electronic chessboard technology, blending innovation with practicality. Its self-moving pieces, advanced features, and accessible design make it a versatile and engaging choice for players of all levels. Whether you're a casual player exploring the game for the first time or a seasoned competitor refining your strategies, the Chessnut Move offers a unique and modern way to experience the timeless game of chess. Media Credit: Al Su Chess Filed Under: Design News, Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Times of Oman
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Gukesh stuns Carlsen yet again, forces Norwegian to resign at SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz
Zagreb: Reigning world champion D Gukesh stunned world number one Magnus Carlsen yet again at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025, in Zagreb, extending his win streak to five on Thursday. There wasn't any angry fist drop on the table or an animated reaction from Carlsen, who blundered from a win position yet again. With Gukesh standing triumphant, he emerged as the sole leader with 10 points at the end of the second day, with Carlsen trailing with six points. Ahead of the final set of games, Gukesh maintains a two-point advantage over Jan-Krzysztof Duda, who remains his closest challenger. Last month, Gukesh pulled off a stunning victory against the former world number one in Round 6 of the Norway Chess and continued to keep his scorching form intact. Carlsen lined up with the white pieces, while Gukesh attempted to assert control with the black pieces. The Norwegian enjoyed an early dominance and tried to create openings against the teenage Indian grandmaster in the rapid game. However, the game completely turned in Gukesh's favour after he blundered by choosing to push his b pawn to b4. Gukesh seized control from that point, forcing Carlsen back in the gripping contest. With less than 30 seconds left on the clock for Carlsen, the Norwegian realised the fate of the contest and decided to resign. He shook Gukesh's hand without showing much emotion or making eye contact. "Now we can question Magnus' domination because this is not just his second loss to Gukesh, it's a convincing loss," former world champion Garry Kasparov said, who was on commentary for the official stream. Kasparov wasn't impressed with Carlsen's decision to move his pawn to b4. Gukesh was pleased to turn around the contest after mixing up a couple of his initial moves and said after the contest, "Beating Magnus is always special, and this gives a bit more confidence. I had a horrible opening."
The National
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
President Sheikh Mohamed meets Emirati chess prodigy Rouda Essa Alserkal
President Sheikh Mohamed met UAE's first woman grandmaster Rouda Essa Alserkal, providing further encouragement to the fast-rising teenager who has made giant strides in the world of chess. Sheikh Mohamed met Rouda, 15, during a reception at Qasr al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. There, the UAE leader 'reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting young Emirati sporting talents, developing their skills and capabilities, and harnessing all available resources to empower them to achieve sporting excellence at regional and international levels', WAM reported. Rouda, a product of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, rose to prominence last year when she became the first Emirati woman grandmaster at the Arab Women's Championship in Sharjah. That success resulted in an invitation to the prestigious Norway Chess Open, where Rouda represented the UAE in a competition that featured the top chess players from across the world. There, Rouda concluded her maiden appearance at the competition by winning three consecutive games. Rouda, who turns 16 next month, endured a tough start to the tournament but found form from round seven, when she notched her first win against Norway's Sigur H. Myny. She carried the momentum, scoring her second consecutive win late last month against Italian Mauro Pivi, and capped her campaign earlier this month with victory over France's Franck Gouanelle. She finished with three wins, two draws and four losses. 'It was a learning experience more than anything else,' Alserkal said. 'And I'm proud I stayed with it. Ending with three wins felt really special – I feel like I'm still leaving stronger than I arrived although I could have done much better.' The teenager, who is aiming for the main Grandmaster title in the coming years, said she will learn from her mistakes. 'I was honestly hoping to gain around 100 rating points,' Rouda said. 'Most of the rounds I lost, I was either winning or had a clear advantage but lost my way in the end. That's what frustrated me the most.' Tournament founder Kjell Madland lauded her fighting spirit. 'It is exactly this kind of story that reinforces Norway Chess as a truly global platform. To have young talents like Rouda travel all the way from the UAE to compete at this level adds richness and reach to what we're building here,' he said.
News.com.au
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Australian chess prodigy Reyaansh Chakrabarty reveals grandmaster ambitions
For 11-year-old chess prodigy Reyaansh Chakrabarty, the hit Netflix show The Queen's Gambit sparked a love for the game that now takes him around the world on a quest to become Australia's first world champion. 'During the pandemic, I watched it a little bit, it's one of the things that got me interested in chess,' he told NewsWire this week in an exclusive interview. 'I didn't really know what chess was but I found it quite amusing, the pieces. 'She (Beth Harmon) is like looking up on the ceiling and watching the pieces move.' Like the fictional hero of the smash-hit show, Reyaansh imagines chess games in his head. 'I see pieces kind of everywhere,' he said. Reyaansh, from western Sydney, is a FIDE master with a classical rating of 2346 and his sharp rise has the Australian chess world excited. 'He is showing a lot of promise at a young age,' Australian Chess Federation publicity director Paul Power told NewsWire. The next level is international master, which generally means a rating of 2400 and three 'norms' or performance benchmarks a player needs to hit to gain the title. And then there is the rarefied world of grandmaster, a huge achievement that takes years of dedicated practice, study and ambition. Australia has only produced 10 grandmasters from a global field of about 2000. 'It's hard to predict that he is necessarily going to become a grandmaster, but he is certainly going about it the right way,' Mr Power said. 'Should he get to the GM title, Australia would be very pleased. It would be a feather in the cap, not just for Reyaansh and his family but for Australia.' Reyaansh's ambitions go even further and he dreams about becoming world champion. 'It's a huge call but right now I'm focused on improving step-by-step,' he said. It's an ambition that might seem extraordinary for an 11-year-old, but chess is a young person's game. The world champion is 18-year-old Indian wonder Gukesh Dommaraju, who ascended the throne in 2024 after beating Chinese GM Ding Liren in Singapore. Before Gukesh, the title was held by Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen, widely credited as one of the greatest players in history alongside Garry Kasparov and controversial American icon Bobby Fischer. Mr Carlson became world champion at the age of 22. Reyaansh, a year 6 student at Strathfield South in Sydney's inner west, trains about five hours a day during the week, one hour before school and then four hours in the afternoon, and then for eight hours on Saturdays and Sundays. 'My school is very supportive of my chess, so I don't have much homework to do,' he said. 'But of course you still have to go to school and complete whatever you have to do.' He practises tactics and openings, or the first few moves in chess that dictate the development of a game, and constantly analyses his games looking for errors. Reyaansh also studies with Polish grandmaster Jacek Stopa through the Sydney Chess Academy, with face-to-face classes. 'He teaches me how deeply you need to prepare to get to the GM level,' he said. 'At the end of the class I'm very tired. The puzzles he gives me are very tough, like grandmaster level.' For black, Reyaansh loves the Caro-Kann and Queen's Gambit Declined defences. For white, he loves the Italian and Ruy Lopez openings. Russian champion Boris Spassky and Mr Fischer are his favourite players. 'I think he (Spassky) was very strong but also a nice guy. Bobby Fischer because he was a genius, one of the best players to ever live.' Reyaansh was born in Kolkata in India and immigrated to Australia at the age of two with his parents Sounak and Tapasri, both of whom support his chess dreams. Reyaansh has already beaten GMs, including Australian heavyweight Darryl Johansen at a match in Melbourne. 'It was the first GM I defeated,' Reyaansh said. 'It was a good game, it was probably heading towards a draw but he blundered and I won it.' Mr Johansen was gracious in defeat. 'He was a bit disappointed, but we discussed some moves after the game,' Reyaansh said. But there was no time to celebrate. 'I had two games the next day, so I had to kind of forget about it and prepare for the next time.' The youngster, who likes to read JK Rowling and the Dog Man comic books, has also interacted with legends of the game, including former world champion Vishy Anand, whom he met in Singapore. 'It was like a dream come true. He gave me advice on staying patient,' Reyaansh said. He returned to Sydney last week after competing in a tournament in Norway and has travelled to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, Switzerland and Singapore to play against the best players in the world. When asked what he found really special about chess, he emphasised the intensity of the game and the mental focus it took to win. 'Even if you play perfectly the whole game, if you make one mistake, it's over,' he said. 'You need to focus from start to finish. You can't ever let you guard down.' Chess is in the midst of a popularity boom, triggered in part by The Queen's Gambit and the rising visibility of grandmasters on social media. Netflix claims more than 62 million people watched the show in its first 28 days on the streaming platform. Mr Power has also witnessed a growing number of youngsters trying out the game. 'The enthusiasm of primary level students is refreshing,' he said. For Reyaansh, finding a 'love for the game' is the first step children should take in their own chess pursuits. 'You have to find your love for the game,' he said. 'Otherwise, you'll kind of feel it is a chore. If you don't love it, you'll feel bored with it.'
