In the ever-evolving world of chess, where strategy meets intellect, the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) has taken a bold step forward with the launch of its groundbreaking e-learning platform – KCF Academy.org. This new initiative promises to transform the way chess enthusiasts learn and improve their game, offering a unique opportunity to engage with top-tier Grandmaster coaches from around the globe through live video lessons. With the launch date set for January 6, 2023, the chess community is abuzz with excitement as players of all levels eagerly anticipate the chance to elevate their skills.

The Rise of Online Learning in Chess

The advent of technology has ushered in a new era for chess education, breaking down geographical barriers and making it possible for players to connect with expert coaches from anywhere in the world. KCF Academy.org embodies this spirit of accessibility, catering to chess enthusiasts regardless of their location or skill level.

One of the key advantages of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Traditional chess instruction often requires players to adhere to fixed schedules and locations, limiting accessibility for many. However, with the KCF Academy.com, players can now access lessons at their convenience, fitting chess practice seamlessly into their busy lives.

Live Video Lessons with Grandmaster Trainers

What sets the KCF Academy.com apart is its commitment to providing top-notch instruction from some of the best Grandmaster coaches globally. Imagine having the opportunity to learn directly from chess legends who have not only mastered the game themselves but are also skilled educators. The live video lessons offered by the KCF Academy.org bring this dream to life.

These live sessions go beyond pre-recorded tutorials, allowing for real-time interaction between the coach and the students. This personalized approach enables coaches to address individual concerns, answer questions, and tailor their instruction to the specific needs of each student. It’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of one-on-one coaching, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of chess.

A Global Network of Grandmaster Coaches

One of the most exciting aspects of the KCF Academy.org is the diverse array of Grandmaster coaches and trainers we bring to the table. These esteemed coaches hail from different corners of the globe, bringing a rich tapestry of playing styles, strategies, and cultural influences to the learning experience.

Players can choose from a roster of Grandmaster coaches based on their expertise, teaching style, and availability. This diversity ensures that there’s a coach for every player, whether they’re a novice looking to grasp the basics or an advanced player seeking to refine their skills. The global network of coaches fosters a sense of community among students, creating an environment where chess enthusiasts from around the world can come together to learn and grow.

Tailored Lessons for All Skill Levels

The KCF Academy.org doesn’t just cater to the elite; it welcomes players of all skill levels. From beginners taking their first steps on the chessboard to seasoned players aiming for mastery, the academy offers a curated curriculum designed to meet the needs of every learner.

For beginners, the academy provides a solid foundation in the rules and fundamentals of chess. As players progress, the curriculum becomes increasingly sophisticated, delving into advanced strategies, opening theories, and endgame tactics. The goal is to ensure a continuous learning curve, keeping players engaged and challenged at every stage of their chess journey.

Interactive Learning Tools and Resources

To complement the live video lessons, the KCF Academy.org offers a suite of interactive learning tools and resources. From puzzle-solving platforms to analysis tools, students have access to a wide range of materials to reinforce their understanding of key concepts.

The academy’s user-friendly interface makes navigation seamless, allowing players to track their progress, revisit lessons, and measure their improvement over time. Additionally, the platform encourages a sense of friendly competition, with leaderboards, tournaments, and challenges to motivate players and foster a sense of community.

Limited Time Offer: Sign Up Before January 6

As the anticipation builds for the official launch of the KCF Academy.org on January 6, chess enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to seize this golden opportunity to elevate their game. The initial days of the launch come with a unique offer – a chance to sign up for the service with exclusive benefits.

Whether you’re a casual player looking to enhance your skills or a serious competitor striving for mastery, the KCF Academy.com promises a transformative learning experience. The combination of live video lessons with world-class coaches, a diverse curriculum for all skill levels, and interactive learning tools positions this e-learning platform as a game-changer in the world of chess education.

Conclusion

The Kasparov Chess Foundation’s KCF Academy.org represents a bold leap forward in the realm of chess education. By harnessing the power of technology and bringing together a global network of Grandmaster coaches, the academy offers a unique and unparalleled learning experience. As the countdown to the January 6 launch continues, chess enthusiasts have a limited window of opportunity to sign up and embark on a journey that could redefine their relationship with the game. Don’t miss out on the chance to unleash your inner Grandmaster – KCF Academy.org is poised to make chess history.

160 players from across the Asian continent took part at Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia Pacific’s (KCFAP) 2023 Rapid Tour competition. Jayden Wong (2348) became the winner of the Garry Kasparov Cup.

The tournament was organized & sponsored by Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia Pacific. The Singapore Leg is jointly managed by Chess Academy (Singapore) Pte Ltd and KCFP. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, KCFAP was incorporated in Singapore and launched by Garry Kasparov on November 16, 2013. The objective of KCFAP is to catalyse and promote the adoption of chess in education in the Asia-Pacific region.

Michael Khodarkovsky, President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation, attended the tournament and presented the cup and prizes for the winners. Ten years in and the Foundation is already making an indellible impact on chess education in Asia-Pacific.

The Kasparov Chess Foundation organized the third annual KCF University Cup. This event was played on lichess.org and hosted on chessstream.com on the weekend of February 4 and 5, 2023. The tournament attracted well over 500 university students from every continent and from nearly thirty countries. The event was a resounding success.

The KCF University Cup is an annual international online team event which is open to teams from a post-secondary school (university, college, community college, etc.) enrolled in at least one class in the January 2023 semester. The time control was a quick 10 minutes with a 5 second increment, perfect for a collegiate setting. A team consisted of four players plus two alternates.  After last year’s competitive event, the 2400 average team rating cap was maintained. The competition was a nine round Swiss tournament. Players were asked to join a zoom call for anti-cheating measures.

Expert commentary was provided by Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, alumni of KCF’s Young Stars program, and International Master Kostya Kavustkiy for the entire event. An enthusiastic Garry Kasparov greeted the participants before the start of day two and he joined the commentary for the sixth round games. 

You can replay the commentary of the competition on ChessDojo’s channel here: ChessDojo Videos

Top seed of the event was two time defending cup champion, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley.

With six teams over 2340, it was difficult to predict who would raise the trophy at the end.

After the first day there was a big tie on the top and the tournament was far from clear who would prevail.

It was only at thet start of the second day that Texas Tech University distanced themselves from their rivals. Two key wins back to back happened in round six and seven:

Texas Tech University 2.5 – 1.5 University of Missouri

Saint Louis University 1.5-2.5 Texas Tech University

With these results Texas Tech gained some separation from second place. A draw against Bucharest and a final win against their long time rivals from their home state, University of Texas at Dallas, was sufficient for the Red Raiders (Texas Tech’s mascot) to clinch the tournament half a point clear.

International Master Semen Khanin (above) was one of the two heavy hitters of Texas Tech with 7.0/9 on board 2. His teammate, IM Viktor Matviishen, scored an impressive 7.5/9 on board 3. It is worth it to note Thalia Cervantes from Saint Louis University and Marcin Pilzak from the University of Naples who won all nine games they played in the tournament. Khanin can be seen here representing Texas Tech University in their latest over the board event: the Pan-American Intercollegiate. Photo by Jason Yu Courtesy of the Corporate Esports Association.

Top-10 Final Standings:

The podium was dominated by the American continent. All three of Texas Tech University, University of Missouri and Saint Louis University boast of powerful full-scholarship teams and measure against each other regularly in the American Collegiate championships. Of special mention is the University of Brawijaya A-team, which despite being an u2200 squad they managed to score 7.0/9, a tie for third place which they were edged out of on tiebreaks.

On top of the glory of winning the tournament, the Texas Tech squad won a private training session with the 13th World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov himself.

The winning team:

• GM Alexey Sorokin
• IM Semen Khanin
• IM Viktor Matviishen
• Francesco Bortolussi

Texas Tech University is coached by GM Alexander Onischuk.

Universitas Brawijaya (A), Indonesia also won a training session with Kasparov as the top u2200 team.

Top Continental Teams:

Texas Tech University: Top American Team
Universitas Brawijaya (A): Top Asian Team
National Technical University of Athens: Top European Team
University of Stellenbosch: Top African Team

Category Prizes:

Universitas Brawijaya (B): Top Unrated Team
University of Ibadan: Top U1800
University of Texas at Dallas (C): Top 1800-1999
Universitas Brawijaya (A): Top 2000-2199

Top mixed doubles (two males, two females) went to University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley’s B-team

You can find all the information of the tournament:

Official KCF University Cup website

Kudos to KCF’s multinational team of officials and organizers that ensured fair and friendly competition. Thanks to them, this event ran very smoothly. Officials include: 

• Michael Khodarkovsky, Kasparov Chess Foundation President
• Grandmaster Alex Onischuk, US Chess College Committee Chair 
• FIDE Arbiter Enrique Huerta, Chief Arbiter 
• International Arbiter Ignatius Leong, Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific Director
• Hiquingari Carranza, KCF Ibero-America Director
• Graham Jurgensen, KCF Africa Director 
• Grandmaster Zlatko Klaric, KCF Adriatic Director
• Grandmaster Darcy Lima, KCF Lusophone Director

About Kasparov Chess Foundation 

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children worldwide by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org.