Grandmaster games, told as stories.

Slav Defense: Chebanenko VariationD1522:08

The Central Break That Won It | Samaganova vs Banini, 2026

Samaganova, Aleksandra vs Gertrude Banini

Samaganova vs Banini turned on a forcing finish. When and why the centre is challenged with a pawn — the moment the structure changes, and the plans that change with it.

• Pawn Break
• Mating Attack
• King Safety
• Open File

Olymp 2026 Women·18 Sept 2026·1-0

Grünfeld, Bf4 SystemD9217:52

Punishing 11.Bg5 | Byrne vs Fischer, 1956

Donald Byrne vs Robert James Fischer

Byrne vs Fischer turns into a mating attack after 11.Bg5. See how Fischer finds three forcing moves in a row, builds the initiative, and converts the attack into a win.

• Punishing a Mistake
• Forcing Sequence
• Sacrifice
• Mating Attack

Third Rosenwald Trophy·17 Oct 1956·0-1

UnclassifiedD3723:24

The Knight That Went to the Corner | Riazantsev vs Carlsen, 2016

Alexander Riazantsev vs Magnus Carlsen

Riazantsev vs Carlsen turns on one decisive knight retreat. See how Carlsen converts the endgame through king activity, pawn creation, and precise piece coordination.

• Minor Piece Endgame
• Passed Pawn
• Pawn Break
• Active King

World Rapid Championship·28 Dec 2016·0-1