Le Journal du Palais
What do champions do differently from ordinary players? The tricks of the greatest chess players rest on preparation, calculation and chess psychology. Their success is built on proven training methods, iron mental discipline and extraordinary strategic preparation. Opening preparation: a bespoke arsenal Champions devote a considerable amount of their time to preparing their openings. Unlike […]
The Elo rating is the universal system for rating chess players, created by Professor Arpad Elo in 1960. What is Elo in chess? It’s a number that measures your playing strength. Whether you’re a beginner at 800 or an aspiring master at 2200, increasing your Elo rating requires method, discipline and targeted work on your […]
Playing chess online. Finding the best free chess app to improve has never been easier. Between websites, mobile apps and artificial intelligence, here’s our selection of the best platforms to help you progress at your own pace. The essential platforms For a full comparison of all the platforms available, see our dedicated article on the […]
Retirement marks the beginning of a new life, rich in free time and possibilities. Giving a chess set for the occasion means giving a passion for decades to come. Why chess is the perfect retirement gift Chess has unique qualities that make it particularly well suited to retirement: Cognitive stimulation Numerous studies show that regularly […]
Draughts and chess are both played on a board with alternating squares, but the similarities end there. Complexity, rules, strategy, game length: here are the fundamental differences between these two age-old strategy games, to help you choose the one that suits you best. Draughts board or chess board: what’s the difference? The first question beginners […]
The Scholar’s Mate is the most famous trap in chess. It allows you to win in just 4 moves. If you’ve fallen for it, don’t worry: every beginner has. Here’s how it works, how to defend against it, and why you should quickly move beyond this tactic to improve your game. Scholar’s Mate in 4 […]
Xiangqi is the Chinese chess game, played by hundreds of millions of players across China and South-East Asia. With its central river, its imperial palace and its cannons that jump to capture, it offers a strategic experience radically different from Western chess. An ancient Chinese game Xiangqi (pronounced “shiang-chi”) literally means “elephant game”. Like Western […]
Magnus Carlsen, born on 30 November 1990 in Tønsberg, Norway, is regarded by many as the greatest chess player of all time. Nicknamed the king of chess, world champion from 2013 to 2023 and holder of the all-time record Elo rating of 2882, he has revolutionised modern chess through his universality and his ability to […]
Chess on screen is far more than a board in the background. Some films have masterfully captured the psychological intensity, genius and madness surrounding this age-old game. From the worldwide success of The Queen’s Gambit to Bergman’s classics, here are the must-see films for every chess enthusiast. The essential films 1. The Queen’s Gambit (2020) […]
Giant outdoor chess sets transform a garden, terrace or park into a spectacular playing space. Increasingly popular with hotels, schools and private homes alike, these XXL sets offer a unique blend of fun and learning. Here’s your complete guide to choosing and installing a giant chess set. The different sizes Giant outdoor chess sets come […]
