"Chess this Week: “Victories, Apologies, Recoveries, and Resolutions”

Feb 05, 2025

This was a good week for chess, with all controversies finally resolved and with some good news, this week's newsletter brings you stories about:

#1. Wishing Susan Polgar Speedy Recovery

On World Cancer Day (February 4), Susan Polgar shared a personal health update on X. She revealed that she was recently diagnosed with cancer but, thanks to early detection and an excellent medical team, her surgery was successful.
Susan emphasized the importance of regular checkups and early cancer detection for better outcomes. She encouraged everyone to make healthy lifestyle choices—maintaining a good weight, eating well, and exercising regularly.
Her heartfelt message reminds us all: "Life is short! It can come and go like a feather in the wind. Every moment is precious, so enjoy it to the fullest. Love your family and be kind!"
I wish Susan a smooth and speedy recovery.

#2. Winners of Tata Steel 2025

The Tata Steel Chess Masters 2025 ended with a bang in Round 13! Both leaders lost their final classical games: GM Arjun Erigaisi played flawlessly to beat GM Gukesh Dommaraju in just 31 moves, while GM Vincent Keymer defeated GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu in a nearly seven-hour marathon.
The title, however, was decided in thrilling tiebreaks. Gukesh won the first game, but Praggnanandhaa fought back, winning on demand and clinching the 2025 title with another victory. In the third game, Gukesh's desperate push for a win in the final game backfired, resulting in a painful blunder that handed the victory to Praggnanandhaa.
In the Challengers section, GM Thai Dai Van Nguyen triumphed with 9.5/13, earning a spot in next year's Masters. His bold play against GM Benjamin Bok, despite being in trouble mid-game, paid off as Bok struggled with time pressure.
"It feels absolutely amazing," said Van Nguyen, reflecting on his hard-fought win.

#3. GM Nodirbek Yakubboev Apologizes to WGM Vaishali with Flowers and Chocolates

Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev publicly apologized to Indian WGM R Vaishali after refusing to shake her hand before their fourth-round match at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, citing religious reasons. Meeting Vaishali, her brother GM R Praggnanandhaa, and their mother on the tournament sidelines, Yakubboev offered flowers, chocolates, and a sincere apology for the awkward situation.
In a video shared by Algo Chess, he said,“I am sorry about what happened”
Vaishali graciously accepted his apology, reassuring him that she didn’t want him to feel bad about the incident.
However, controversy stirred when an old video surfaced of Yakubboev shaking hands with Indian player Divya Deshmukh, raising questions about his explanation.

#4. Fued Over: Fide vs Freestyle

The feud between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Tour, backed by Magnus Carlsen, has finally come to an end. After intense discussions over the use of the term "World championship" in the tour's title, the Freestyle Chess Tour has removed the reference from its regulations.
With this change, FIDE announced that players can now participate in the tour without signing any waiver notes. This marks a peaceful resolution to a conflict that saw private messages leaked between Carlsen and FIDE officials, sparking accusations of coercion and broken promises.
Carlsen had previously criticized FIDE for attempting to restrict players. However, with the title issue now settled, the focus shifts back to the chessboard, where players can freely participate in the 2025 Freestyle Chess Tour.
On February 7, the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour will make its debut at the Weissenhaus Resort in Wangels, Germany.

Common Problem: Personal chess coaching is one of the most effective ways for players to identify their weaknesses and enhance their skills. However, many players, especially those at the Beginner and Intermediate levels, don’t have access to a chess coach.
Solution: IM Andras Toth’s YouTube channel offers a valuable playlist where his students record themselves playing games. IM Toth then reacts to these videos, highlighting common mistakes and providing insightful explanations on how to improve. In the following video, he analyzes a game played by one of his 2000-rated students.
IM Andras is a well-known coach, streamer, and YouTuber based in Australia. He was awarded Chessable Author of the Year in 2021 and is known for his specialization in adult improvement. His online content often focuses on this, but he has also helped several Australian Junior Champions, some of whom advanced from under 2000 to IM during their coaching with him.
For more such recommendations, you can check our previous newsletter.

#Tweet of the week by Viswanathan Anand:

Vishy posted in Hindi, "I have five... IYKYK!", giving us a throwback to his recent remark to Gukesh during their Myntra commercial shoot.

That’s all for this week. Thank you.

If you enjoyed the newsletter then share it with your chess-loving friends and encourage them to subscribe!

Chess Newsletter