6 The Italian Game
A human chess game inspired by a 15th-century tale is re-enacted every two years in the small market town of Marostica in northern Italy.

8 NIC’s Café
There won’t be a second series of The Queen’s Gambit, but Beth Harmon will appear on Broadway. And what about that friendship, or even romance, that has often been suggested between Barbra Streisand and Bobby Fischer just because they were classmates?

12 Vidit’s Victory Day
That several rising Indian stars were counted among the favourites at the FIDE Grand Swiss in Isle of Man was only natural. But who would have predicted that Vidit Gujrathi would top the field of more than 100 GMs? Undaunted by a loss in the first round, he stormed to victory and qualified for the Candidates.

21 Celeb64: Samuel Beckett

36 Interview: Vidit Gujrathi
A frank talk about struggles, standup comedian Samay Raina, Indian prodigies (‘a bunch of ferocious werewolves’) and his guru Om Swami.

42 Another Indian Star was Born
Vaishali ‘Pragg’s sister’ Rameshbabu topped the Women’s Grand Swiss. Not only did the Indian sensation take home $25,000, she also earned a spot in next year’s Candidates.

52 Interview: Vaishali Rameshbabu
About growing up together with Pragg and pushing each other. ‘It’s amazing to think about it. We were both kids, and now here we both are.’

57 Fair & Square
Levy Rozman thinks that chess is a megaphone for every major mental and emotional flaw that you have.

58 Adult Improvement
James Altucher decided to lose nine times in a row.

62 A Very Good Year
An energetic Fabiano Caruana captured the Sinquefield Cup. Having already won the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, he also claimed the overall 2023 Grand Chess Tour, celebrating a perfect triple at the end of what has been an amazing twelve months for the American No.1.

70 Games & Goals
Kasparov characterized him as ‘the world’s strongest amateur’. In a unique combination of talents, Simen Agdestein was also an extraordinary football player with eight appearances in Norway’s national team.

81 Maximize Your Tactics
Find the right moves.

82 Borrowing Beauty
Judit Polgar presents highlights from the Chess Artistry Adventure competition of this year’s Global Chess Festival.

87 What would you play?
Test your decision-making skills with Thomas ‘Toolbox’ Willemze.

92 Sadler on Books
Matthew Sadler hopes to chase away winter depression as he awards three of the four books he reviews five bright shining stars.

98 Firouzja’s spoiled chances
He was heralded as world championship material, but of late Alireza Firouzja (20) has been unpredictable. Jan Timman looks at the young Frenchman’s uneven play in the Grand Swiss.

105 They are The Champions
Vitaly Sivuk is the national champion of Sweden.

106 Just Checking
Who is Anna Muzychuk’s favourite chess player?