Chess

Miracle in Sinaia: Israeli underdogs break Soviet chess dominance in 1965

In 1965, a group of Israeli amateurs shocked the Soviet chess elite, securing a moral victory in the Cold War arena. The "Miracle in Sinaia" remains a powerful symbol of Israeli resilience.

Yedael Stepak is pictured above with his son Eran beside a chessboard.
Israeli chess player expected a forfeit. Her Iranian opponent showed up.

Israeli chess player expected a forfeit, her Iranian opponent showed up

CHESS CHAMPION Tícia Gara.

She moved to Israel during war and this chess champion says she would do it again

MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Iranian women's soccer team refuses to sing national anthem, chess player calls out regime


Israel Open Chess Championship to be held at Safed

The tournament will occur from December 8 to 17 and NIS 80,000 worth of prizes will be handed out to the winners.

Israeli chess players take part in a special chess tournament marking Israel's 70th anniversary at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, April 30, 2018.

Chess grandmaster Kasparov talks masterclass, Israel, Queen's Gambit

“It’s not simply me giving you tips. It’s presenting my best games.” * “It is far more, I would say, kosher, for Israel to deal with these Gulf countries than with Putin.”

Chessmaster Garry Kasparov.

Chess4Solidarity brought together thousands of people in online event

Saturday night marked the 29th event for Chess4Solidarity, which hosted 505 people from 80 countries.

AMBASSADOR TO Chile Marina Rosenberg takes part in a Chess4Solidarity competition

Grapevine October 10, 2021: Check mates

Several former heads of state and government have made return visits to Israel after leaving office, but none more so than former UK prime minister Tony Blair.

 WORLD CHESS champion Gary Kasparov (right) plays against Natan Sharansky during a simultaneous match against 25 competitors in Jerusalem in 1996.

Mauritanian chess player quits Junior World Cup to avoid facing Israeli

The refusal is the latest in a long-standing trend by many nations to have competitors withdraw from competitions in order to avoid facing Israelis.

Chess pieces

Israeli organization to host Bhutan's national chess championship

The Chess4Solidarity initiative has been a key component to Israel-Bhutan relations since the countries normalized ties in December 2020.

Chess pieces

Chess great Kasparov urges US to end nuke talks with 'terrorist' Iran

Israel and some Western countries have accused Iran’s regime of seeking to build, as well as secure technology for, a nuclear weapons device.

72nd Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for the manga "Blitz" - Cannes, France, May 18, 2019. Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov poses.

Chess turns enemies into mates, as Israel, Iran, Libya join virtual game

The event included 435 players from around the world.

Chess pieces

The Queen's Gambit inspires Israel's 40th chess championship

"We consider chess a challenging, sharp and competitive sport, which is known for its development of thought, creativity and cognitive abilities."

Chess

Jerusalem Chess Club gets new permanent home

The Jerusalem Municipality, along with the help of an anonymous donor, has allowed the club to establish a permanent residence in the Jerusalem German Colony neighborhood.

Israeli chess players take part in a special chess tournament marking Israel's 70th anniversary at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, April 30, 2018.