Opinion/Editorials
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A look at Carlsen’s WCC proposal
World Champions have often invoked their thoughts on various topics. Perhaps Mikhail Botvinnik, Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov had the most to say about conditions of professional players and other pertinent matters such as the world championship cycle. On August 11th, Magnus Carlsen is the latest world champion to weigh…
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The Infectious Wisdom of Maurice Ashley
“Millionaire Chess” entrepreneur Maurice Ashley is again on the promotion circuit extolling the virtues of chess in a short segment titled, “The Infectious Wisdom of Maurice Ashley”. The five-minute video shows Ashley telling his story… a story that he has told one million times, but no two times appear to…
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Nakamura soaring in early 2015
Hikaru Nakamura has started strongly in 2015. Photo by Eteri Kublashvili. Hikaru Nakamura started the year trying to rebound after a mediocre result in the London Classic and being relegated to America’s #2 position after Wesley So’s impressive showing at the Tata Steel. While there were no public comments by…
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FIDE’s African Problem
Last month, the world’s marquee team tournament known as the “Chess Olympiad” ended in Tromso, Norway with record attendance of 174 nations. This included a record 34 present from Africa (excluding eight proxies). While I am not certain when the first African federation joined the World Chess Federation…
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FIDE 2014: The Scramble for Africa
The history of Africa is one of intrigue and mystery. It is sometimes called “The Dark Continent” and is typically forgotten when important matters are at hand. There is one time that Africa is not forgotten and that is every four years during the FIDE election. FIDE is the international…
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Michael Jordan: Lessons for Chess
Michael Jordan always sought the toughest competition. Michael Jordan is perhaps one of the world’s most recognized sports names even long after he has retired. He has been viewed as the best competitive basketball player ever to play the game. Of course arguments can be made for Wilt Chamberlain, Bill…
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Kasparov’s impact on African Chess
Uganda Chess President Vianney Luggya receiving Garry Kasparov. Photo by New Vision. Former World Champion Garry Kasparov recently embarked upon an Africa tour covering several countries. Since his retirement in 2005, Kasparov has not rested. He has been a prolific author and has been active in the political realm as…
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London: Chess’ New Linares?
Back in 2007, I visited London, England for the first time to attend a conference held by the International Academy of African Business Development (IAABD) at London Metropolitan University. I had heard much about the famed metropolis of eight million, but particularly the rainy, gloomy days and pedestrian congestion. While…
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The State of Black Chess in America
Walter Harris on the March 1964 cover of U.S. Chess Life. In the U.S., the World Open serves not only as the marquee tournament but as the unofficial barometer for how healthy the chess environment is in the country. Approximately 1000 players trek from around the country and world to…
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Reflections on 2012 World Open
The World Open is a special tournament in U.S. history. Having finished its 40th version, the tournament will move to Arlington, Virginia next year. There are no clear plans on whether it will return to Philadelphia. Nevertheless, I have many good memories of the World Open. Here are some of…
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