(dramatic music) - Welcome to another edition of "Today in Chess."

I'm your host, Sharon Carpenter.

Since its inception, the grand chess tour has set a high standard for international chess tournaments that feature a variety of time controls.

Players collect GCT points from each competition, which add up to determine a champion at the end of the season.

Last year, Fabiano Caruana took home the crown.

Who will it be this time around?

What makes things all the more exciting, the Grand Chess tour allows wild card players to compete.

The tour's 2024 season kicked off in Warsaw, Poland in May.

The Warsaw Rapid and Blitz had some of the biggest names in chess going head to head, including Wildcard Magnus Carlsen.

It was a thrilling ride from beginning to end.

- [Narrator] The 2024 grand chess tour hit the ground running with the Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland in historic Warsaw.

Four full tour players faced off against an illustrious set of wild cards, determined to steal the spotlight in the beautiful capital city.

It looked to be an underdog story to start, with young Romanian player Kirill Shevchenko going three and 0 to start the rapid event, but it wasn't long before the veterans took control.

Reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion Magnus Carlsen looked to be cruising, but was passed by Chinese superstar Wei Yi who got hot and could not be stopped, winning five games in a row for clear lead after the rapid section.

Then all bets were off once the blitz started.

After day one, Wei Yi looked to be running away with the event, securing a two and a half point lead going into the final day.

However, no lead is safe when the ultimate wild card is in the field.

Within four rounds, Carlsen caught the leader and quickly surpassed him to become the winner of the GCT Rapid and Blitz Poland.

Players set their sights to Bucharest for the 2024 Superbet Romania Chess classic, the second leg of the 2024 grand chess tour.

- Chess is a worldwide phenomenon.

Here in America, the chess renaissance is in full swing and we're seeing a spike in interest across the globe.

The victory of young Gukesh D in the candidates tournament has drawn attention to the huge chess fanbase in India.

It's believed India is where chess first originated.

Talent abounds in this magnificent country with an incredible chess legacy.

(dramatic music) - [Narrator] Gukesh Dommaraju, known the world over simply as Gukesh D, has seemingly come out of nowhere to take the chess world by storm.

At the 44th Chess Olympiad, Gukesh led the India 2 team to a third place finish, surprising a highly ranked US team in the process.

His impressive accomplishments didn't stop there.

In 2024 at the FIDE candidates tournament in Toronto, Canada, a tournament that decides the challenger for the world championship match, Gukesh played brilliantly, emerging victorious over an elite field of veterans and former challengers to earn the right to challenge Ding Liren for the World Championship title.

At just 17 years of age, Gukesh D has become the youngest ever challenger.

And if everything goes his way, Gukesh Dommaraju could become the youngest world chess champion in history.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] Today, the game of chess continues to be one of the fastest growing games around the world.

In India, chess has continued to thrive and evolve.

Being the birthplace of chess nearly 1500 years ago, India offers a vibrant history and a growing chess community.

Here is a look into some of India's integral contributions to chess history.

(upbeat Indian music) In the 1987 World Junior Chess championship, Viswanathan Anand became the first Indian chess player ever to win the event.

During the 1988 International Chess tournament in Coimbatore, India, Anand also became the first Indian chess grandmaster after winning the competition.

Anand then achieved one of his most significant victories after surpassing Alexi Shirov and winning the FIDE world chess championship in 2000.

Anand continued to become a five time world chess champion and a two time chess World Cup champion with the eighth highest FIDE rating of all time.

Not only have his accomplishments been astounding, but Anand's victories have gone on to inspire generations of chess players in India.

In January of 2019, Gukesh Dommaraju achieved his grand master title at only 12 years old, making him the second youngest grandmaster in chess history at the time.

As of April, 2024, during the FIDE candidates event, Gukesh became the youngest winner of the tournament at age 17.

Upon his victorious return home to India from the 2024 candidates, Gukesh received a hero's welcome with hundreds awaiting him at the airport to provide their congratulations.

(upbeat funky music) In 2018, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu became one of the youngest grandmasters alongside Gukesh at the age of 12.

Prag's sister, Vaishali Rameshbabu, achieved her grand title in 2023, making her the third woman in India to achieve the title.

The Rameshbabu siblings are the first brother and sister pair to qualify for the candidates, as well as the first grandmaster sibling pair in the history of chess.

As we look ahead, India promises an exciting year for chess.

In November and December, Gukesh will face off against the reigning world champion Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship, as a match that is sure to captivate chess enthusiasts worldwide.

(upbeat Indian music) (upbeat music) (curious music) - This piece is the world's largest chess piece.

This was certified by Guinness on April 6th, 2018, which is when we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the St. Louis Chess Club.

To get the award for having the world's largest chess piece, not only did it have to be the tallest, but it actually has to be solid and movable because it has to be a chess piece and not just a sculpture.

This piece is 20 feet tall, it's nine feet two inches at the base.

It's made out of African Sapele mahogany, which is extremely dense and heavy.

So this chess piece weighs almost 11,000 pounds.

This piece was created by the construction company, RG Ross, and it was built in a factory of downtown near St. Louis University.

We moved it up here in the middle of the night and we set it up and then we had our unveiling ceremony the next day.

(upbeat music) Every day you see somebody getting their picture taken out here, weddings, graduations, or just fun families coming by to see this incredible landmark outside here at our chess campus.

Now this is a Staunton style chess piece.

It's not just any kind of ordinary chess piece, and this piece and design is particularly important to us here in St. Louis.

It's based on a 2013 chess set, a champion king that was designed by Frank Camarata at the House of Staunton.

Only 10 of these sets were made in 2013, and they were gifted to the chess club, the World Chess Hall of Fame, the Sinquefields, their children, and the participants in that first Sinquefield Cup.

We have a couple of other examples that we have.

We had this set also remade for a show that we did called the Staunton Standard.

So we have an eight inch piece and we also have the Sinquefield set that was on display during that time.

I think anybody who was tasked with picturing a chess set in their head would picture the Staunton set, and that's because that has been in use in tournament play since 1920.

The set and design was created in 1849 and endorsed by Howard Staunton, who was a very good chess player, a Shakespearean scholar, and a writer.

The set was patented by Nathaniel Cook in 1849 and became the standard way to play chess in tournaments because there are thousands of designs of chess sets.

If you're from a different culture or you don't speak the language, you might get confused about which piece is which.

So they standardized the set so that everybody can play together regardless of what language you spoke.

We have a lot of fun with the set, so like I said, people come out here and they get their pictures taken.

We take group pictures, field trips.

It's really fun.

But we've also done things throughout the year where we've dressed it up as a snowman.

We've put jerseys on it when it's Cardinals baseball time, and this is actually the second world's largest chess set that we've had.

We had it in 2012.

We were beat and then we came back in 2018 to recapture our title.

(upbeat music) The Central West End is such a beautiful neighborhood in St. Louis, and we are so happy to be able to be a part of it and contribute to the landscape with this incredible piece.

- The expansion of chess here in the St. Louis area reaches far and wide.

One historical neighborhood off of Kings Highway, built by Italian immigrants, features some of the best eateries the city has to offer.

Nestled here you'll also find a beautiful park where locals come to relax and enjoy a game of chess.

(peaceful music) - [Narrator] Located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, The Hill passionately represents a unique side of Italian history where you can find a special place to enjoy a game of chess.

(peaceful music) Established in the late 19th century, The Hill's vibrant community is not just a neighborhood but a living tribute to the value of family, culinary tradition, and culture.

The Hill wants a lively realm for Italian immigrants creating a life in St. Louis, retains much of its original allure and rapport.

Once home to prominent figures such as baseball legends Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola, The Hill proudly reflects a vital piece of the history of St. Louis.

More than just a historical landmark, The Hill is a living legacy.

It's where grandparents passed down cherished recipes in authentic restaurants where communal tradition is revered and where children play in the same parks that their ancestors once did.

Within the central hub of The Hill lies Piazza Imo or Imo Square.

This Italian inspired square aims to bring the people of St. Louis together.

The park welcomes all St. Louis residents to enjoy the environment, which includes a hand sculpted marble fountain imported from Italy, decorative landscaping surrounded by wooden benches, and classic Italian wall fountains.

Near the center of the vibrant space is a chess pocket park, which has become an integral part of the piazza's identity and an essential gathering spot for visitors to the square.

These boards offer a place for people of all ages and skill levels to come together and engage in the strategic game of chess.

(peaceful music) Surrounded by the gelato shop, Gelato Di Riso, the local bakery, Vitale's, and authentic Italian restaurants, such as Dominic's and Zia's on the Hill, the Piazza Imo's chess boards provide visitors with entertainment while actively immersing St. Louis chess players in the heart of The Hill's rich cultural cuisine.

(lighthearted music) Fostering an environment that prioritizes community, the pocket park's chess boards serve as a focal point for people to gather, interact, and come together.

The Piazza Imo invites everyone from tourists to chess enthusiasts to come and appreciate a small piece of Italian history within this remarkable neighborhood in St. Louis.

- One of the greatest aspects of chess is that anyone can play, no matter your skill level or talent.

Not everyone can be a grandmaster, but we can all benefit from and find enjoyment in chess.

In each of our episodes, we offer lessons from the experts to help you on your journey as a player.

It's time for chess school.

(upbeat music) - The following ending of king and two bishops are actually one of my favorites.

The idea in this ending is the inferior side.

The king must be driven to the corner square.

Any corner square will do, but the only way to checkmate the black king is in the corner.

At this exact moment, take a look at the kings.

They are in opposition.

When you have the bishop, you put your bishop on D4 in this case and take a look at black's king.

It must retreat.

The king steps backward.

There's no choice because the bishop controls the diagonal from D4 to A7 and from D4 to H8.

The king steps up the board.

Again, black's king does not want to be driven in the corner, so black king tries its best to stay in the center.

Once again, bishop E5, take a look at black's king.

Where can it go?

It's gotta step back.

So imagine that the king steps back, in this case to the square D7, and again, white's king steps up the board and controls the three squares between the two kings.

Black's king does not want to move to the corner, and so plays king E7.

Now you bring your other bishop into play.

In this case, bishop F1 to D3.

So what we're trying to do is force the king into the corner, either the H8 or the A8 square.

Let's take a look at what would happen next.

Now, we've already seen that in case of king D7, we've planned bishop to D6.

So let's imagine in this case, king F7.

Aha.

Now look at this bishop on E5 controlling those squares.

F6, G7, H8.

This bishop controlling the squares G6, H7, the king working in combination with the two bishops steps up, king D6.

What can black do?

The king has to step backwards to F8.

The king moves over to E6, the king steps to E8, the bishop to F6.

You see how we're driving the king willy-nilly into the corner?

King F8.

Now this is an important moment.

You want to keep the king confined to this corner so you don't want it to escape to E8.

Play bishop B5.

King G8.

And now we swing the king.

Imagine king to F7.

We just make a pass.

Go back with your king.

King has to go back.

King G6, king G8.

And now we pause.

We want the king in the corner, but we patrol that square with the F6 bishop.

So we move our bishop to E7.

The king has to go into the corner, which is where we want it, and now it's checkmate in three moves.

We pause with our bishop, king G8, check.

King H8, bishop F6.

Check mate.

Practice this ending.

You'll understand how the three pieces, the two bishops and the king have to coordinate together to checkmate the weaker king.

Have fun.

(grand upbeat music) (upbeat music) - [Narrator] When becoming more serious about chess, many aspects of a player's game must be considered.

One of the most critical features in the game of chess is the board itself.

There are many reasons to consider a new chess board.

There are various chess boards and you may want to consider their advantages when adding to a personal collection.

Kids' chess boards are often a great starting point for the younger minds of chess.

Frequently offering learn to play kits and follow along workbooks, kids' boards are age appropriate and present a more colorful series of gameplay.

Although playing on vinyl or plastic boards can offer a less intimidating start to a beginner's game, upgrading a board can be a simple motivation to practice chess frequently.

A beneficial upgrade may include a classic wooden chess board.

Many wooden boards are bought in a complete set, but players also have the option to select individual pieces and boards, making them custom to their preferences.

In addition, an upgraded chessboard is often a durable option.

Their larger size and heavier weighted pieces can enhance an enjoyable playing experience and provide more function to a game.

(upbeat music) Players may upgrade to collectible boards when looking for a unique chess board with a personalized character.

Some of these boards are rarely played on, but act as works of art or a decorative edition to a collection or living space.

Chess collectors will even find collectible boards sculpted or designed by famous artists.

(playful music) A popular option for on-the-go players is the travel chess board.

These boards are available in various shapes, sizes, and materials, easily fitting into a backpack or purse.

They offer a constantly accessible way to improve a player's game.

(upbeat music) Upgrading your chessboard can significantly enhance your playing experience and overall enjoyment of the game, from the kids' boards that establish young players, to collectible boards that serve as decorative art pieces and conversation starters, having an upgraded chess board is an essential step in any chess player's career.

- St. Louis, Missouri, the chess capital of America, is home to the St. Louis Chess Club, the World and US Chess Hall of Fame and Museum, the US Chess Federation, and many grandmasters.

It's been 10 years since Congress handed St. Louis this prestigious distinction.

A celebration in honor of the anniversary recently took place in Washington DC.

- We are the chess capital of the United States of America.

- Once we finally knew that St. Louis was going to be named the chess capital, we took a trip up to Washington DC and we were lucky to have Garry Kasparov and some of the players from the junior championship like Kayden Troff and Sam Sevian with us.

So we went up, Congress had formed the chess caucus and they decided they were having their first ever congressional chess tournament.

So all these great players came up and gave some tips and advice and watched the the congressmen and congresswomen play chess.

And at the very end of it, they told us that we were the chess capital.

- When I'm with a lot of mayors from around the country, 'cause I'm part of the conference of mayors, I'll wear my chess club shirt and people will ask questions about it.

I'm always quick to be proud to tell them that St. Louis is the chess capital of the United States of America.

- [Narrator] The city of St. Louis has just celebrated the 10 year anniversary of being named the chess capital of America, playing host to the biggest tournaments in the nation, including every level of the US championships, along with the Sinquefield Cup and Cairns Cup, which stand out as top global tournaments as well.

St. Louis is also home to plenty of top ranked chess players, including Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and many more.

Back in May, US Senators hosted a special bipartisan congressional chess tournament to celebrate the 10th anniversary of St. Louis officially becoming the chess capital of the United States.

The city of St. Louis continues to put a spotlight on the game of chess and only looks to brighten it for years to come.

(dramatic music) - [Narrator] Aggressive style and a trademark tenacity have made WGM Jennifer Yu a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with in American chess.

A US Women's Championship staple since the age of 13, Yu began her ascension in 2019, winning nine of 11 games to earn her first US women's title, all before graduating high school.

In 2022, the former women's champ finally won the US Junior Girls Championship in her last year of eligibility before securing her second US women's title later that same year.

A Harvard University economic student, Jennifer still finds time for chess, recently taking fourth place in the 2024 American Cup.

Hopefully she'll continue inspiring fans with her exciting play, perhaps in pursuit of another national title.

- Hello everyone.

In today's lesson, I'm gonna teach you how to checkmate with the king and rook versus king.

First we wanna start off here by giving the move rook, A5, check.

Now the king is gonna go to the sixth track.

Let's say it goes to E6 and now it's very important that you don't play the move king E4, because if you play the move king E4, black will move the king away.

You wanna make sure that black king comes in front of your king so you will get the opposition.

So you play the move king D4.

Now he will play King F6, and now you will follow the king with the move king D4.

King G6, king F4.

And now let's say he plays king F6.

And this is where we want to give a check.

Now when the kings are in front of each other, we play the move rook, A6, check.

Now the king is gonna be going back to the seven track, let's say king E7.

Then we play king F5.

Once again, we don't wanna play king E5 because then black king will step away.

Now king D7, we play king D5.

King C7, king D5.

Now he plays the move king B7, attacking the rook here.

It's very important that you don't move your king here because then black will capture your rook here.

So in this position, you'll play the move rook to H6.

Now king A7, king C5, king B7.

And now once again here, you don't wanna play the move king B5 because then the king will step away.

So you want to make a rook G6, a waiting move.

And now if the king goes back to C7, and this is exactly where you want the black king to be in front of your king, and then you will play the move rook to G7, check.

King goes to the back track.

We're making really good progress now.

King goes on C6, king E8, king D6, and now he plays the move king F8, once again attacking the rook on G7.

We play the move rook A7, king G8, king E6, king H8.

King F6, king G8.

Now again, we need the waiting move rook B7 here.

Now king will go back to H8, king G6, and now the kings are in front of each other and we play the move rook to B8, a background checkmate.

So this is the easiest way how you can checkmate with a king and a rook.

- Chess is growing and we are all so proud to be a part of it.

We hope you've enjoyed this episode.

Thank you so much for being here and we'll see you next time on "Today in Chess."

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] This has been a presentation of the St. Louis Chess Club.

Any reproduction or distribution of this content without the express written consent of the St. Louis Chess Club is prohibited.