British Chess Magazine

Our first issue of 2026 opens with a big question about the future of elite chess after Magnus Carlsen. GM Aleksandar Colovic examines the young stars reshaping the chess world and the playing styles of the coming generation. BCM Editor Milan Dinic sets the scene for 2026 with an angle on the key events and developments that will affect the game in the years ahead. Readers can enjoy a vivid report from the Global Chess League in Mumbai, a thoughtful piece on Vidit Santosh Gujrathi stepping back from professional play, and coverage of the London Chess Classic. GM Ray Keene pays tribute to artist and chess lover Barry Martin, while regular features Problem World, Quotes and Queries, and Endgame Studies complete an issue for readers who want to follow chess closely and deepen their understanding.

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

2026 IS SURE TO BE AN IMPORTANT YEAR FOR THE CHESS WORLD • This year will see several major events and developments that promise to have a profound impact on the future of chess.

THE ERA AFTER CARLSEN: THE NEW GENERATION OF CHESS CHAMPIONS • BCM’s GM Aleksandar Colovic takes a look at the coming generation of top world players and how they differ from the Carlsen era

A CARNIVAL OF CHESS IN THE HEART OF MUMBAI

IN THE SHADOW OF ELITE CHESS: 31-YEAR-OLD SUPER GM FACES BURNOUT VIDIT SANTOSH GUJRATHI TAKES A STEP BACK FROM CHESS • In Mumbai this winter, while most of the elite field packed for Doha and the World Rapid and Blitz, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi closed his notebook instead.

PROBLEM WORLD

ELITE BRILLIANCE, OPEN FIREWORKS AND SUPER RAPID CHAOS • It has been a long time since the UK hosted a top-level Grandmaster tournament featuring the world's best players. While this still remains an issue, the London Classic is as good as it gets.

BARRY MARTIN RIP 20 FEBRUARY 1943 – 12 DECEMBER 2025 A LOVER OF ART AND CHESS

SHORT TACTICAL CAUTIONARY TALES • We start 2026 with a handful of vivid miniatures and tactical skirmishes used to deliver big practical lessons.

A TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR