2023 had many great moments for the Daily Chess Musings Community. From being featured on Chess.com’s ChessTV to working with GM Vinay Bhat during the Free Online Summer Chess Camp, the past year had many awesome moments. However, being recognized as the Best Overall Website (from a small organization) by the Chess Journalists of AmericaContinue reading "Daily Chess Musings Named Best Chess Website in 2023"
CalChess Grade-Level Championship 2026
The CalChess Grade-Level Championship chess tournament is considered one of the most prestigious scholastic chess events in Northern California due to a combination of history, tradition, and state champion titles. Beyond the hunt for the title, this event allows our region’s youth chess players a chance to meet and compete with other players who areContinue reading "CalChess Grade-Level Championship 2026"
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 66
One of my all time favorite opening traps is the Lasker Trap in the Queens Gambit Declined: Albin Counter-Gambit. Today, I had the pleasure of using the Lasker Trap to full effect in an online blitz game. Below I explain how the Lasker Trap works so you can win with it as well. Albin Counter-Gambit,Continue reading "So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 66"
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 65
When I play at “Rook’s Odds” I choose especially sharp openings to maximize my opportunities to outplay a lesser experienced opponent in tactically complex positions. In this game, I had the black pieces and chose the Rousseau Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 f5) which is a fun choice to counter the Italian Game. TheContinue reading "So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 65"
A Halloween Gambit Game Worth Sharing
I deploy the Halloween Gambit as a surprise weapon year round. That said, I make an annual habit of sharing my best games from this scary opening in the month of October. In keeping with this fun Fall tradition, I present the following Halloween Gambit victory for your studying pleasure. Enjoy… Winning with the HalloweenContinue reading "A Halloween Gambit Game Worth Sharing "
Chess Position Worth Sharing 160!
Another week and another Wotawa endgame study to challenge your chess ability. This particular study from 1963 is approachable as there are only three pawns and four pieces (other than kings) on the chessboard. However, my calculations kept running into a brick wall until I realized that the winning path challenged my preconceived notions ofContinue reading "Chess Position Worth Sharing 160!"
Remembering Daniel Naroditsky: An Uplifting Grandmaster Who Inspired Us
Many people knew Daniel Naroditsky, but few had the privilege of knowing him for as long as I did. I first witnessed the child prodigy in action during his early tournaments. He would visit my chess club in Cupertino, and later, I accompanied him to Pittsburgh for the National Elementary Championship. Our paths crossed againContinue reading "Remembering Daniel Naroditsky: An Uplifting Grandmaster Who Inspired Us"
Scholastic All-Girls Chess Tournament Held in Fremont
Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the FEMChess All-Girls Scholastic Chess Tournament in Fremont, California. The event was not only an exciting showcase of numerous inspiring chess matches but also a chance for me to reconnect with several old friends. A particularly memorable highlight of the day was seeing Meiyappan Sathappan, an acquaintanceContinue reading "Scholastic All-Girls Chess Tournament Held in Fremont"
Checkmate in Silicon Valley: Celebrating Northern California’s Scholastic Chess Excellence at the 2026 CalChess Super States
Northern California boasts a thriving scholastic chess scene, as evidenced by the ongoing 2026 CalChess Super States at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This afternoon, I explored the tournament floor with my camera, capturing the vibrant atmosphere. While it certainly takes a dedicated team of professionals to orchestrate such an impressive chess event, the realContinue reading "Checkmate in Silicon Valley: Celebrating Northern California’s Scholastic Chess Excellence at the 2026 CalChess Super States"
Remembering Emory Tate: The Charismatic Mind Who Commanded Every Room
What set Emory Tate apart was his remarkable charisma. Whether he was addressing the inquisitive minds in a chess class or carpooling with me during commute time, he possessed an undeniable gift for articulating compelling ideas in a manner that captivated his audience. In a world where many simply echo the opinions of others, EmoryContinue reading "Remembering Emory Tate: The Charismatic Mind Who Commanded Every Room"
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 64
A lot of chess lessons can be taught through playing training games with a student and sometimes it only takes eleven moves for a master to make an indelible impression. Case in point, I played a game at rook odds against a clever young beginner who has now learned some valuable insights. Position of interestContinue reading "So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 64"
CalChess Super States: K-6 Championships 2026
This weekend, October 17-18, the Santa Clara Convention Center will host one of the most significant scholastic chess tournaments in California: the 2026 CalChess Super States K-6 Championships, along with the grades 7-12 1000+ tournament. This event is set to draw the region's top youth chess players, who will compete for prestigious titles and hugeContinue reading "CalChess Super States: K-6 Championships 2026"
Chess Position Worth Sharing 159!
Alois Wotawa is one of several renowned chess composers, alongside figures such as František Richter, Bernhard Horwitz, Johan Axel Åkerblom, Arthur Klinke, and Josef Halumbirek. I first discovered these masters while browsing the pages of the famous German chess magazine, Deutsche Schachzeitung. It was the late Fremont chess pioneer Hans Poschmann who shared his oldContinue reading "Chess Position Worth Sharing 159!"
Grandmaster Andrew Hong Hosts Exciting 30-Board Simul and Lecture in Santa Clara on October 12
Grandmaster Andrew Hong will give a 30-board simul on Monday, October 12, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The event will be hosted by the BAC Santa Clara Monday Night Club located at 2495 Cabrillo Ave in Santa Clara, California. in addition to the simultaneous exhibition, GM Hong will present a lecture and take partContinue reading "Grandmaster Andrew Hong Hosts Exciting 30-Board Simul and Lecture in Santa Clara on October 12"
Betcha Can’t Solve this #Chess Puzzle! 86
Alois Wotawa (June 11, 1896 – April 12, 1970) was a prominent Austrian chess composer celebrated for his intricate endgame studies and direct mate problems that often featured complex, paradoxical solutions. Renowned in the field of chess puzzles, Wotawa was recognized for his skill in developing rich tactical ideas from simple positions, demonstrating his exceptionalContinue reading "Betcha Can’t Solve this #Chess Puzzle! 86"
Upcoming All-Girls Scholastic Chess Tournament in Fremont
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Fremont will host the FEMChess All-Girls Scholastic Chess Tournament at the Warm Springs Community Center. Why Should Your Daughter Join?Since 2020, FEMChess has been dedicated to closing the gender gap in chess by inspiring and supporting girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade. This tournament is more than just a competitionContinue reading "Upcoming All-Girls Scholastic Chess Tournament in Fremont"
It’s Always Time for Chess Somewhere
In 2026, I have had students who need my services in Russia, Germany, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Hawaii. As a chess coach based in Fremont, California, teaching a chess class in the middle of the night or at dawn forces me to battle my body’s natural circadian rhythm. To be a sharp at odd hours, IContinue reading "It’s Always Time for Chess Somewhere"
CalChess All Girls and Boys Championships
If you love scholastic chess as much as I do, few experiences compare to attending the CalChess All Girls and Boys Championships. This year's event was held at the Sonesta Silicon Valley, a venue that’s especially convenient for the many chess families from Fremont, as the Milpitas location is just a few minutes south ofContinue reading "CalChess All Girls and Boys Championships"
Chess Chat with Aleksandr G. Aleksandrov
a 9-year-old Chess Talent with a California Dream Since returning to the East Bay, my primary focus has been on fostering chess development in Fremont. However, I remain actively involved in youth chess education at both the national and international levels. Approximately two-thirds of my time is dedicated to working with young players across NorthernContinue reading "Chess Chat with Aleksandr G. Aleksandrov "
Fremont Chess Musings:
Francisco Anchondo Born in El Paso, Texas, on September 30, 1960, Francisco Anchondo first arrived in the Bay Area in November 1983 when the USS Carl Vinson, the aircraft carrier he served on, docked in Alameda. He filled his shore leaves with chess and it was this unfaltering passion for chess which led him toContinue reading "Fremont Chess Musings:"
Fremont Chess Musings:
Richard Shorman The great chess instructor Richard Shorman started traveling to Fremont to help Hans Poschmann with the Fremont Chess Club in 1968. By the end of the 80’s Richard was teaching a popular chess class at the Fremont Library where he trained a young group of talented players known as the Blue Knights. SomeContinue reading "Fremont Chess Musings:"