British Chess Magazine

Our October issue brings you front-row coverage of the dramatic FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, where Anish Giri staged a fairy-tale run to claim first place and secure a coveted Candidates spot alongside Germany’s Matthias Blübaum. We look into the tournament's most critical moments, missed chances, and the events behind the headlines which marked this historic Grand Swiss. When it comes to the UK, GM Keith Arkell opens up in a candid BCM interview about his senior chess career, recent controversies, and his ambitions as he turns 65. From the politics of selection to the poetry of endgames, BCM has it covered. Plus: women’s chess milestones, endgame studies, tournament reports, and more. BCM – all the chess you need!

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

I'M GEARING UP FOR AN ASSAULT ON THE 65+ TITLES • When Keith Arkell swept to victory at the 2014 European Senior Championship, he launched what would become one of the most dominant runs in senior chess history. Eleven years on, the 64-year-old Grandmaster boasts an impressive list of successes in senior events, but is determined to achieve more. In an interview for BCM, Keith Arkell openly talks about his senior chess career, his triumphs and disappointments.

CHESS POETRY AND DRAMA IN SAMARKAND • FOUR PATHS TO GLORY: Giri's sole triumph, Bluebaum's German breakthrough, Vaishali's historic repeat, and Lagno's undefeated march define an unforgettable Grand Swiss

VAISHALI AND LAGNO: MASTERS OF DIFFERENT STYLES

WHO HAS QUALIFIED FOR THE 2026 CANDIDATES

FALL FROM GRACE: THE SHEVCHENKO AFFAIR

A GREAT PERFORMANCE BY BRANDON CLARKE

THE WAIST LAND • A LITERARY CHALLENGE TO MY READERS

PROBLEM WORLD

AMATEUR INNOVATIONS THAT SHAPED CHESS

THE WORLD CHESS COMPOSITION TOURNAMENT (WCCT)