8 The life of leisure
A virtuoso painting by Georges Croegaert (1848-1923).
10 NIC’s Café
A winner takes all. For a short moment, Magnus Carlsen topped the Fantasy Premier League rankings. And check out the ‘Ukraine Immortal’.
13 Your Move
David Navara reveals an amazing stalemate trick. And what do you think of Italian free castling?
14 Triple Crown for Magnus
The King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Moscow ended in another triumph for the Classical World Champion. In the Rapid Magnus Carlsen outshone his rivals, in the Blitz he disposed of top-seed Hikaru Nakamura in the tiebreak.
17 Celeb64: Howard Stern
36 Fair & Square
Did Bent Larsen regret that he never had a trainer?
38 The art of swindling
A swindle is not about luck, David Smerdon argues.
48 ‘Nepo’ delivers in Jerusalem
Alexander Grischuk secured qualification to the Candidates watching from his home. Next a second Russian joined him as Ian Nepomniachtchi dashed the hopes of Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
60 Interview: Kamran Shirazi
Born in Iran, he became a household name for unorthodox, wildly creative chess on the American circuit. Now he lives in France. At 67, he is still chasing the GM title.
68 Ding Liren wins GCT
The happy winner increased his total earnings in the Grand Chess Tour to an imposing $294,833 and showed once again why he is one of the clear favourites in the Candidates tournament.
74 Anand’s lessons
Judit Polgar pays tribute to a unique champion.
78 Maximize Your Tactics
Find the right moves.
80 Women’s GP Monaco
Alexandra Kosteniuk strikes in a nail-biting final round.
84 Openings that save time
Maxim Dlugy tells you what his favourite blitz openings are and why.
92 Murderous twins
The bishop pair taking aim at the king can be a lethal weapon.
94 Sadler on Books
Our reviewer loved The Anand Files and tells you which other books he’s been reading.
99 They Are The Champions
Jesse February (22) won the South African women’s championship for the second time.
100 Who will challenge Magnus?
Jan Timman looks at the eight Candidates and weighs their chances.
106 Just Checking
When was the last time John Bartholomew cried?
