Alexandra Kosteniuk

Alexandra Kosteniuk (1984-) is a Russian chess Grandmaster and Women’s Chess Champion between 2008 and 2010.

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina

Alexandra Kosteniuk found a way to finish the game against Anna Ushenina in just three moves. This puzzle captures a sharp moment from their meeting in Belarus.

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Tina Mietzner

In Dresden, 1999, Alexandra Kosteniuk faced Tina Mietzner in a game that reached a sudden, decisive conclusion. White finds a way to force checkmate in just four moves.

Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and GM Irina Krush

Cairns Chess Queens Award: $100,000 for new U.S. Grandmasters

Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield announced the Cairns Chess Queens Award, a $100,000 award for up to five American women who achieve the title of grandmaster (GM) within the next five years. More 🡢

FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships: A Christmas Miracle

The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships were originally scheduled for Kazakhstan. When that country’s government mandated a seven-day quarantine for many potential participants, FIDE found the championships a new home. More 🡢

Women’s Chess Tournaments

In August of 2019, two women’s chess tournaments will be held in the US that SparkChess readers might like to play in or to support. From August 16-20, the Berkeley Chess School in California is hosting the Berkeley Summer International Master Norm Tournament. From August 17-18, the 2019 Texas Women’s Chess Championship will be held at the North Richland Hills Library. More 🡢

Infographic: All World Chess Champions

We all know that Magnus Carlsen is the World Chess Champion, but who was the first one? And when? Even less is known about women champions. You probably have heard about Susan Polgar, but who is the current woman chess champion? More 🡢