Friend Chess Blog
Chess tournament news and practical play notes
Current tournament reports, chess news and practical notes for better private games with friends.
Catches Cheaters: Inside the Fair Play System
Chess.com says it closed more than 130,000 accounts for fair-play violations in March 2026. Here is how statistical analysis, engine matching and human review work together.
FIDE Shakes Up 2027 World Cup Format
FIDE has approved a shorter 2027 World Cup format, revised the route to the 2028 Candidates, and expanded the prize funds for both events.
Updates: July 2026 Tournaments & App Changes
July brings women’s tour qualifiers, titled-arena results and a steady run of platform updates for players following chess online.
Nakamura, Hou Yifan, and FIDE Shake-Ups
Nakamura wins another Bullet Brawl, Hou Yifan reaches the Women’s Speed Chess quarterfinals, and FIDE changes the 2027 World Cup format.
Computer: AI Engines Reshape the Game
Chess engines now influence elite preparation, everyday analysis and online fair-play systems. Here is what casual players should understand.
Sindarov, Firouzja Lead July 2026
Sindarov swept Charlotte, Firouzja survived armageddon in Croatia, and Ju Wenjun reached the Women’s Speed Chess quarterfinals.
Chess news for friends: online ratings, esports stages, and fair-play tools
Three current chess stories that matter when you are playing casual games online with friends.