Alexey Root

Currently, Root serves as a Senior Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. She has authored seven insightful books exploring the connection between chess and education.

Additionally, Root is the Research Awards Coordinator at Chessable and contributes articles to .

Dala Horses and Chess Championships

In 2004 and 2005, the President’s Cup, aka the Final Four of College Chess, was held in Lindsborg, Kansas. Instead of trophies, the teams received Dala horses. More than 20 years later, participant GM Alexander Onischuk is the highest-rated player (aged 50 years and older), according to US Chess. More 🡢

Nita Patel, Alex Relyea, and Alexey Root (August 7, 2021, photo by Wendy Reed)

Support Blind and Visually Impaired Chess Players

Alex Relyea died on August 16, 2025, almost one year ago. He served for multiple years as chief tournament director for the U.S. Blind Open Championship. His wife Nita Patel arranged for donations to US Chess in his memory to support that annual championship. More 🡢

2026 Caveman Chess Festival: Guaranteed Prizes in Chicago

When chess players come back year after year to a chess festival, that’s a sign that something special is happening there. The Caveman Chess Festival features three US Chess national championships: The U.S. Junior Open, the U.S. Senior Open, and the U.S. Blind Open Championship. More 🡢

International Chess Players in Texas

Discover how Texas blends global culture and competition, from Texas’ Eiffel Tower to chess tournaments across the state. More 🡢

Bobby Fischer’s Chess Queen: A Review

On January 14, 2026, New In Chess published Bobby Fischer’s Chess Queen: The untold story of the Indian woman who captured the American World Champion’s heart. Its author is Woman International Master Shernaz Kennedy. Her memoi.r is a quick and entertaining read More 🡢

Natasha Christiansen and Alexey Root, November 15, 2025

No Draw Offers in Chess and a Playoff Under Protest

At the 2025 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship, three people told me that I lack fighting spirit. And that I have a peaceful nature. They are right. I like to offer draws, and I like to accept draw offers. Therefore, the best tournaments for me to play in would be those that prohibit offering draws. Then I would be forced to fight in my chess games, and my chess skills would likely improve. More 🡢

Alexandra and Andrea Botez: Chess Content Creators

Alexandra and Andrea Botez are best known as chess players and chess content creators. Their YouTube channel, which has 1.81 million followers, is described as “two sisters who like chess and chaos.” Their BotezLive Twitch channel has 1.3 million followers. Its description is “Welcome to BotezLive, a chess show hosted by two sisters…. Both grew up playing chess competitively and represented Team Canada in many international events.” More 🡢

Webster University wins The President’s Cup!

This year’s collegiate championship was highly competitive, featuring two tie-breaks. More 🡢