The year in chess, 2007.
The United States has a shot at the world championship again. Gata Kamsky won the World Cup last weekend in Russia, and is one match victory away from the title match.
In addition to being perhaps the youngest international master in United States history, Ray Robson satisfied the requirements in a mere six weeks.
Children who play chess almost certainly learn practical skills. Some of the better players compete abroad, visit exotic places, make new friends, maybe become a world champion.
A possible reason women lag behind men is that not enough women play competitive chess, so the talent pool is not as deep. But there is no obvious reason why.
Veselin Topalov has made a point of rallying after falling behind. He did it again last week at the Chess Champions League tournament in Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain.
The former Soviet Union and then Russia used to dominate team events, but in recent years the Russians have struggled. They’re back.
There is no moment in chess that is more magical than the queen sacrifice, especially when it leads to checkmate. But effective sacrifices require a high degree of precision.
Aleksandr Y. Pichushkin was convicted last week of murdering 48 people and trying to kill three others. The Russian news media had dubbed him the Chessboard Killer.
