Happy Chess Halloween to all Chess Friends
Chess and Peace, No War: We need to Compete in a Friendly Way, says Chess Queen
Hello chess blog friends, it's a beautiful world and sports, including chess, is the most amazing way to talk about peace. Why not take a special vow of peace as a chess player? Wherever you are, and whoever you are... if you are reading this, vow to nurture peace in thought and action. We would love to hear your ideas on chess and peace as well so don't forget to leave a comment.
This photo features 12th Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia during her trip to Peru and the Machu Picchu to play with U-16 World Champion Deysi Cori. More photos at www.chesspics.com.
Chess Queen™ Kosteniuk is also ambassador for Peace and Sport. You can read her posts on peace and sports at www.chessqueen.com = her personal chess blog. Here is a nice video from one of her posts:
WHY ALEXANDRA KOSTENIUK IS A CHAMPION FOR PEACE
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, sport and peace, world peace
Chess Queen greets the coming Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
The XXII Winter Olympic Games will start in less than a month in Sochi (Russia). 12th Women's World Chess Champion, Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk writes about her passion for sport, the Olympics and her anticipation for the beginning of these Games. Read the very interesting post at www.chessqueen.com.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Labels: Chess Queen, sochi olympic games 2014
Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk tops 2013 with a Cool Interview
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
Here is Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk's latest interview (click on graphic below) as we bid adieu to 2013. You can also read GM Kosteniuk's holiday and New Year message on Chessqueen.com. In this interview, Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk - the 12th Women's World Chess Champion - talks about the books she has written, how she 'became' the Chess Queen™, about her work with Peace and Sport and how she became so good at chess. This is a must-read interview of one of the coolest chess Grandmasters and chess ambassadors of our times!.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog
at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess
Queen™
YouTube
Channel
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen
Alexandra Kosteniuk Challenges you with a Super Fast Knight Chess Challenge
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
This chess challenge comes to you from 12th Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk. You can win lots of prizes as well. Can you take the chess knight tour in 3 seconds? Click on the graphic (left) to see the Chess Queen™ video and read GM Kosteniuk's post.
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, chess challenge, Chess Queen, Chess video
Huge Discount Black Friday Chess Deals on Amazon (Even if You are not in the US, UK)
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
If you're not in the USA but would like to take advantage of those incredible deals message chessqueen@me.com
Product Features
- This is the new 2013 version of top selling Chess King with Houdini
- Includes 5 million game GigaKing Database, free updates 2013
- Classical and random playing modes, hundreds possible levels of play
- Includes Super-GM engine Houdini 3, supports up to 6 cores and 4 GB of hash
- Prepare for your opponent, opening and custom trees, 1500 puzzles and 100+ quest games
Black Friday for CHESS on Amazon UK! For United Kingdom Shoppers 40% big discounts 1 week only! Biggest discounts on Chess King, Chess King Training interactive programs and DVD's.
This course is aimed at the club and intermediate players and presents the theory and playing hooks in Open Games, appearing after moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4: Two Knight's Defense, Italian Game, Evans Gambit. The course presents the overview of the actual variants and 630 exercises to solve. The course will be useful for the chess players who practice Open Games on either white or black sides. The playing program allows to fix the knowledge by playing the appearing positions. Language: English. System requirements: IBM-compatible PC, 256 Mb RAM, hard disk 100Mb, Windows XP/Vista/7/8.
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, black friday chess deals, chess amazon deals, Chess King, Chess Queen, chess training
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone from Chess Queen, Chess Blog and Chess King
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
It is time to wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving so let's do it with a lovely chess painting by the Sketchpad Warrior.
Artist Kristopher writes, on his blog: Here's a blast from the past, and one that relates to Thanksgiving. This is an oil painting entitled, "The Chess Game," and depicts several Marines sitting around playing chess and reading, passing the time.
"It's based on a sketch and photos I took at an outpost on Route Michigan in Al Anbar Province on Thanksgiving Day, 2006. The Marines depicted were engineers who had spent their day on a route clearing mission (making sure there were no IEDs on the road)-- they certainly had earned some down time.
"I enjoyed watching these Marines relax, and we spent a few moments chatting about Thanksgiving. As the "old man" in the room, I asked the young men to go around the room and mention something they were thankful for, and they obliged. Each expressed thanks for home, family and friends-- and to be alive, of course.
"It was a bit of home there in an outpost.
"I was thankful to God that America still produces young people like these, willing to serve wherever called. I am still thankful for that today."
Labels: chess blog, Chess King, Chess Queen, happy thanksgiving 2013
Chess Queen Kosteniuk Appointed Ambassador of the 2013 Sport Accord World Mind Games
7th Alexandra Kosteniuk Chess Cup Tournament for Kids Inaugurated in Kaliningrad
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
The 7th edition of the traditional Alexandra Kosteniuk Chess Cup Tournament for children was inaugurated on October 18 in the city of Kaliningrad. The 12th Women's World Chess Champion, Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk met the organising committee of the event, chess fans in Kaliningrad and held a simul with 20 young players. The photo albums of the opening ceremony are available on the official website of the Alexandra Kosteniuk Chess School AzbukaChess.com and there are lots of photos tweeted by GM Kosteniuk via her Instagram account and Russian twitter account @kosteniuk.
A total of 134 young chess players began the tournament on October 19. Keep track of all the latest news from the tournament at the Alexandra Kosteniuk Chess School official website and updates at GM Kosteniuk's personal chess blog www.chessqueen.com.
Don't forget to subscribe to the "Chess4Kids" Newsletter http://eepurl.com/ELk7z.
A special mention: This year our friends Russian cosmetics company Детская косметика "Принцесса will give beautiful gift sets to the best chess princesses at the 7th Alexandra Kosteniuk Chess Cup for children U-6, U-8 and U-10 years old.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: alexandra kosteniuk chess cup, Chess Queen, kaliningrad chess
World's Oldest Chess Club hosts Zurich Chess Challenge Jan, 2014: Carlsen, Anand, Aronian, Nakamura, Gelfand, Caruana to Play
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk during a simul at Zurich Chess Club. Read post at www.chessqueen.com.
The Zurich Chess Challenge 2014 will be the first encounter between India’s Viswanathan Anand and Norway’s Magnus Carlsen after their forthcoming world championship match in Chennai.
From Wednesday, 29 January to Tuesday, 4 February 2014, they will compete in the 3rd Zurich Chess Challenge along with four other great chess stars Levon Aronian
(Arm), Hikaru Nakamura (USA), Fabiano Caruana (It) and Boris Gelfand (Isr). With an average of 2794 Elo points (according to the September 13 rating list) this is going to be the strongest tournament in chess history.
The main sponsor is Oleg Skvortsov of the International Gemological Laboratories, Moscow, with the Zurich Chess Club acting as organizer.
The first Zurich Chess Challenge in 2012 was a match between Kramnik and Aronian. The second event in 2013 was a double-round robin with Kramnik, Anand, Caruana and Gelfand. For the 2014 edition, a blitz tournament will determine the color distribution. A round-robin tournament of five rounds with a classical time control is then followed by a rapid tournament with colors reversed on the last day of play. A won game in the classical tournament counts 2 points, a draw 1 point. Wins in the rapid tournament count 1 point and draws half a point. All games will be commented by Yannick Pelletier and Werner Hug and broadcast live via Internet.
ParticipantsMagnus Carlsen (Norway, Elo 2862, Nr 1)
Levon Aronian (Armenia, Elo 2813, Nr 2)
Fabiano Caruana (Italy, Elo 2779, Nr 5)
Vishwanathan Anand (India, Elo 2775, Nr 7)
Hikaru Nakamura (USA, Elo 2772, Nr 9 )
Boris Gelfand (Israel, Elo 2764, Nr 11)
ScheduleDaily from 29 January to 4 February 2014.
Spectators are welcome, entrance free.
Main sponsorIGC International Gemological Laboratories is a Russian institute providing gemological services, such as diamond grading reports, enhanced diamonds identification, man-made/synthetic diamonds and imitation detection as well as certification of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry in the Russian Federation. IGC is the Russian branch of GCI – a group of gemological laboratories located worldwide.
Co-sponsors
Savoy Chess Corner, Zurich Chess Club (founded in 1809, the oldest chess club of the world)
Here is a flashback post: Click to read original post
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, zurich chess challenge 2014
Pitching for Chess and Peace: Duncan Glassey
Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013
Hi everyone,
Edinburgh-based Wealthflow’s Duncan Glassey is hoping to use his passion for chess to help those less fortunate than him.
Glassey (pictured), who is senior partner at Wealthflow, wants the firm to back a world peace-building programme called Chess for Peace, run by the World Chess Federation and Peace And Sport, an organisation that promotes reconciliation through sport,.
The game is close to Glassey’s heart and he enjoyed success at a young age. Wealthflow plans to gift chess boards and sets.
‘Chess can help children of all ages do better in school as well as develop many important life skills,’ said Glassey.
‘Countless studies have shown that chess can help develop critical thinking that can be used in other areas of a child’s life, academics and social situations.’
Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk is also an ambassador for Chess and Peace. Have you seen this full video post?
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, chess and peace, Chess Queen, Chess video, duncan glassey
Alexandra Kosteniuk Defends Master Thesis on Preschool Chess Education
Razuvaev Chess Memorial, Washington Chess International Set for Aug 6-11
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The Washington International returns for a second year to Rockville, MD from August 6 -11. Player feedback from last year's event (won by Gata Kamsky) was overwhelmingly positive. This year there are several major enhancements to the tournament such as a significantly larger prize fund, a B section for lower rated players, minimum prizes available for all non-US players, and lower entrance fees. The 9-round swiss A section has $22,000 in guaranteed prizes and will provide an opportunity for players to earn GM and IM norms.
In order to improve the chances for earning these norms, a minimum rating of 2100 FIDE or 2200 USCF will be required to play in the A section. Twenty players, including 9 GMs and 6 IMs, have already registered to play in the tournament. New this year is the B section that is also a 9-round FIDE-rated swiss with the same schedule and a $4,000 prize fund. Players must be rated under 2250 USCF and 2200 FIDE to play in the B section. All equipment will be provided for the players in both sections. More information about the tournament, including the currently registered players, can be found at http://washingtoninternationalchess.org.
Running concurrently with the Washington International tournament will be the Razuvaev Memorial Tournament. GM Razuvaev was the coach of Alexandra Kosteniuk when she won the Woman's World Championship in 2008. In honor of this, the tournament format will be a team match of some of the top women chess players against some male players who were friends with GM Razuvaev.
The players are:GM Adrian Mikhalchishin, GM Boris Gulko, GM Vladimir Tukmakov, GM Lev Alburt, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, IM Anna Zatonskih, IM Irina Krush and IM Elena Sedina
The International and the Razuvaev Memorial are the showcase events for the Washington International Chess Festival, but several other shorter duration events are also available:
Potomac Open (August 2-4)
Weekend Swiss
40/90, SD/30 +30/incr
Washington International Blitz
Friday Aug 9, 8pm
3 +2/incr
Washington International Rapid
Saturday, Aug 10
15 +10/incr
For all of these tournaments live broadcasts of the games, standings, reports, and pairings will be at http://www.mdchess.com.
These tournaments are being organized by the Maryland Chess Association. If you have any questions, email Mike Regan at washintl@mdchess.com.
Also Read:
Labels: alburt, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, gata kamsky, gulko, krush, mike regan, mikhalchishin, razuvaev chess memorial, sedina, tukmakov, washington chess international, Zatonskih
Like Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk Official Facebook Fan Page
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Calling all chess fans and all fans of the 12th Women's World Chess Champion, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, to like her official Facebook fan page. Don't miss out on all the exciting and fun chess updates on the page!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: alexandxra kosteniuk, Chess Queen, facebook official fan page, world chess champion
Not Chess! What's GM Alexandra Kosteniuk Playing?
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
This 'not chess' photo is from our award-winning database of world's best chess portraits at www.chesspics.com. Chess trivia question for the weekend is: What's 12th Women's World Chess Champion Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk playing?
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, Chess trivia
Fantastic Chess King Discounts on eBay: Software, DVDs, Chess Queen Books and More!
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
There are two sure ways of improving your chess this season. Pick up some Chess King™ software and DVDs, or read some super chess books by Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk - the 12th Women's World Chess Champion. For those in the US, the ebay store is a must-visit. There are some fanstastic discounts going in the shop. Check out all the products including chess software like Houdini, chess key rings, books by GM Kosteniuk an more. You could even get an autographed product from the Chess Queen!
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, chess dvd, Chess King, Chess Queen, chess shop, chess software
Challenge Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk in Nashville Simul April 4: 40 Seats Only
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
You can plan your April chess holiday right now. Today, the USCF has announced that 12th Women’s World Chess Champion and Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk has been invited to the Nashville Chess SuperNationals, which take place Friday, April 5th through Sunday April 7th, 2013 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. The SuperNationals is the largest event run by the USCF. More than 5,000 scholastic chess players are expected to attend, putting it among the largest chess events ever held. Alexandra will play a simul on Thursday at 2 PM. Here is the official page about the SuperNationals. Since the simul is limited to a maximum of 40 players, it’s recommended to sign up early.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, chess simul, nashville chess, scholastic chess, supernationals, Women's World Chess Champion
Guess Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk's Secret Location
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Have you been following Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk's adventures across the globe? Where is she in the photo below and doing what? A fascinating video of the 12th Women's World Chess Champion holds the answer. Click on the photo to find out.
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, chess and science, Chess Queen, Chess trivia
Russian Scientific Documentary about the Super Brain of Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Click on graphic to read all about (and view) the 27-minute Russian scientific documentary produced for the Russian TV channel “Russia 2″ last month and called “Супер Мозг” = “Super Brain”. The game of chess is used to show how the brain works. The video features 12th Women’s World Chess Champion and Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk, who goes through several scientific experiments, including a brain tomography while solving a chess problem.
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, russian scientific documentary
Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk Wins Blitz Gold at Sport Accord World Mind Games 2012 in Beijing
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
BREAKING NEWS:
JUST IN: Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk has just won the Gold in the Blitz Tournament at the Sport Accord World Mind Games 2012 in Beijing. Showing an incredible determination, the 12th Women's World Chess Champion led from the start and obtained a total of 11.5 points in 15 rounds over two days. That netted +76 Elo points to Alexandra, whose new Blitz rating will go from 2505 to 2581 at the end of the year.
These points included a record streak of six straight wins in the first rounds and a total of 11 wins, more than anybody in the tournament.
The finish was extremely exciting as GM Anna Muzychuk of Slovenia caught up and even passed GM Kosteniuk by a half point before the last round. But Alexandra won her last round against Anna Zatonskih of the USA, while Anna drew Elisabeth Paehtz, in the tiebreaks Alexandra came our first due to her win in their direct encounter.
1. Gold: Alexandra Kosteniuk (center)
2. Silver: Anna Muzychuk (left)
3. Bronze: Elisabeth Paehtz (right)
This was one of the strongest blitz chess tournaments this year with all the top names like former world champions Hou Yifan and Antoaneta Stefanova, Koneru Humpy, Kateryna Lahno, and others. Incidentally, GM Kosteniuk beat both Hou Yifan and Antoaneta Stefanova in the tournament.
|
|
Name |
Rtg |
|
Pts |
wins |
SB |
| 1 |
GM |
Kosteniuk
Alexandra |
2505 |
RUS |
11½ |
11 |
81.75 |
| 2 |
GM |
Muzychuk Anna |
2606 |
SLO |
11½ |
10 |
77.25 |
| 3 |
IM |
Paehtz Elisabeth |
2517 |
GER |
9½ |
8 |
66.75 |
| 4 |
GM |
Koneru Humpy |
2535 |
IND |
9½ |
7 |
67.25 |
| 5 |
GM |
Cmilyte Viktorija |
2524 |
LTU |
8 |
6 |
52.50 |
| 6 |
GM |
Harika Dronavalli |
2329 |
IND |
7½ |
5 |
56.00 |
| 7 |
GM |
Zhu Chen |
2418 |
QAT |
7½ |
7 |
50.75 |
| 8 |
GM |
Hou Yifan |
2606 |
CHN |
7 |
6 |
55.25 |
| 9 |
IM |
Khotenashvili Bela |
2465 |
GEO |
6½ |
6 |
45.75 |
| 10 |
GM |
Lahno Kateryna |
2538 |
UKR |
6½ |
5 |
45.50 |
| 11 |
GM |
Cramling Pia |
2433 |
SWE |
6½ |
3 |
47.75 |
| 12 |
GM |
Stefanova Antoaneta |
2571 |
BUL |
6 |
5 |
41.00 |
| 13 |
GM |
Danielian Elina |
2432 |
ARM |
6 |
5 |
39.50 |
| 14 |
IM |
Zatonskih Anna |
2489 |
USA |
6 |
5 |
44.50 |
| 15 |
GM |
Socko Monika |
2430 |
POL |
5½ |
4 |
34.75 |
| 16 |
GM |
Zhao Xue |
2518 |
CHN |
5 |
3 |
33.25 |
Alexandra Kosteniuk is used to do well in blitz, see her wins in video against Morozevich, Aronian, Grischuk, Anand.
A very determined Kosteniuk in Beijing wins Blitz Gold
Here is the first round game Kosteniuk - Hou:
[...] 1.e4 c5 The Sicilian Defense 2.¤f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.¤xd4 ¤f6 5.¤c3 e6 6.¥e2 ¤c6 7.¥e3 ¥e7 8.O-O O-O 9.f4 a6 10.a4 ¥d7 11.¤b3 b6 12.¥f3 £c7 "General opening development hs taken place, now it's time for making a plan"
13.g4! "The attack starts!" 13...¥c8 14.g5 ¤d7 15.¥g2! Gives passage to the Queen to h5 and to the rook to f3 then h3
15...¥b7 16.£h5 ¦fe8 17.¦f3 +0.00* 17...g6 N "Novelty"
(17...¤b4 was played before 18.¦h3 ¤f8 19.£e2 d5 20.£f2 ¤d7 21.f5 exf5 22.¦f1 "and the attack continues...1-0, Milov Leonid 2463 - Uwira Oliver 2282 , Dotzheim 2002 It (open)") 18.£h6 ¥f8 19.£h4 ¥g7 20.¦h3 ¤f8 "Now it seems all key squares around the black king are defended, h8, h7, h6"
21.f5! ¥xc3 22.f6 "! N" Now the threat of Qh7 and mate on g7 is too strong, even giving back the Bishop with Bxf6 does not help"
(22.bxc3 "would have been a mistake since" 22...exf5 23.exf5 ¤e7 and both black knights are holding the key squares.) 22...h5 23.¥f3! This Bishop will sacrifice itself on h5 for a crushing attack to take place on the column h +4.76*
23...¥xf6 24.gxf6 ¤e5 25.¥xh5! +31.10 25...¤h7 +299.9626.¥e2 and mate on either h7 or h8 is unavoidable. Hou resigns. An extremely strongly played game by Alexandra Kosteniuk 
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, beijing chess, blitz chess, Chess Queen, Sport Accord World Mind Games
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