CHESS INSIGHT 02/2026

A Chess Olympiad to Remember!

The 02 2026 issue of CHESS INSIGHT takes readers to Samarkand, where the 46th Chess Olympiad produced dramatic encounters, historic achievements and unforgettable moments. With exclusive interviews, first-hand accounts and in-depth game analysis, we reveal the stories behind one of the year's most exciting chess events.

UZBEKISTAN STRIKES GOLD!

Playing on home soil, Uzbekistan claimed Olympic gold in spectacular fashion. Head coach Rustam Kasimdzhanov provides an extraordinary behind-the-scenes account of the team's triumph, taking readers through all eleven rounds. He reveals the critical moments, difficult decisions and psychological challenges that shaped their road to gold — including their only defeat, against Germany.

GERMANY'S BRONZE BREAKTHROUGH

For the first time in 26 years, Germany returned from a Chess Olympiad with a medal. Led by Vincent Keymer and featuring an outstanding performance by Frederik Svane, the German team defeated both Uzbekistan and the top-seeded United States on their way to bronze. Second Dmitrij Kollars and gold medalist in Board 3 Frederik Svane share their insights into this historic achievement, while Rasmus Svane's individual success and Germany's remarkable team spirit receive special attention.

THE RACE FOR GOLD – INDIA AND THE USA

What separated the medal winners from their closest rivals? In exclusive contributions, India's team captain Srinath Narayanan reflects on his team's silver-medal performance, while John Donaldson examines why the heavily favoured United States had to settle for fourth place. Their perspectives offer a fascinating look at preparation, expectations and the fine margins that decide chess at the highest level.

CHINA'S GOLDEN GIRLS

China emerged victorious in the Women's Olympiad, and team member Song Yuxin tells the story from the inside. She shares her experiences, the team's preparation and the decisive moments of their gold-medal campaign, accompanied by her own annotated games.

MORE THAN JUST MEDALS

The Olympiad also provided plenty of surprises and controversy. Thailand's Prin Laohawirapap, who defeated world-class star Arjun Erigaisi, answers our questionaire about his remarkable achievement. Georg Mohr offers a different perspective on the Olympiad through his experiences with the Guyana team, while we also examine Germany's disappointing performance in the women's competition.

Beyond the chessboard, Stefan Löffler investigates the dramatic FIDE presidential election in Samarkand, revealing the political struggles and competing interests behind the scenes.

As always, CHESS INSIGHT offers much more than tournament reporting: challenging tactical exercises, chess history, book reviews, and a selection of fascinating problems and endgame studies complete the issue.