British Chess Magazine

Sharpen your game: BCM's July issue is out! Elevate your chess understanding with the July issue of British Chess Magazine (BCM), delivering unparalleled insights into the summer's most compelling tournaments. Our in-depth coverage begins with the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in London, a landmark event that assembled an unprecedented constellation of grandmasters and young talents on British soil. Complementing this, BCM brings you a comprehensive analysis of Norway Chess 2025, where Magnus Carlsen's renowned genius was juxtaposed with rare moments of vulnerability. Grandmaster Aleksandar Colovic, in his piece "Emotion as an Unseen Opponent," looks at the intricate psychological warfare that underpins elite-level chess, offering a unique perspective on the minds behind the moves. Further strategic revelations come from Grandmaster Raymond Keene's "The Russian Sphinx," where he unravels complex positional enigmas through the story of Alexander Alekhine. Beyond the global stage, we shine a spotlight on the vibrant UK chess scene, featuring standout games from the 3rd Cambridge International Open and the thrilling 4NCL finale. For those seeking to hone their own skills, the issue is packed with engaging puzzles, intricate endgame studies, and a thought-provoking "Quotes and Queries" section dedicated to miniature disasters. Don't miss this essential issue! Subscribe to BCM now and stay sharp with the definitive voice in chess journalism.

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

ONE OF THE STRONGEST CHESS EVENTS EVER HELD IN THE UK • From the 10th to 16th of June, London was the hub of the chess elite – with well over 100 Grandmasters and many other players of all levels – taking part in the World Rapid and Blitz Teams.

Emotion as an unseen opponent • Carlsen’s moments of vulnerability remind us that chess, beneath its analytical surface, is deeply human

DRAMA, DOMINANCE, AND THE RACE AGAINST TIME

THE RUSSIAN SPHINX • Images taken from the book The Russian Sphinx, volume 1, by Sergei Voronkov and courtesy of the Elk and Ruby publishing house

TWO GREAT GAMES FROM THE 3RD CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL OPEN

4NCL - DIVISION ONE MANX LIBERTY CLINCH 4NCL DIVISION ONE TITLE • Division One 4NCL Champions are Manx Liberty, clear winners from Wood Green.

PROBLEM WORLD • Grandmaster of Chess Composition

QUOTES AND QUERIES MINIATURES OR – HOW THINGS CAN GO WRONG QUICKLY!

THE STUDY WORLD CHAMPION