FIDE Chess in Education Commission (EDU) courses April 2026
Dear Chess Friends, FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission continues to accelerate its provision of training for Lecturers and Teachers of Educational Chess, offering a series of high-level online and in-person opportunities in spring 2026. The Preparation of Lecturers (PoL) course leads to the FIDE title of Lead School Instructor (LSI). It is intended primarily for those who will train teachers, helping to expand the global community of educators capable of teaching chess in an educational way. The Preparation of Teachers (PoT) course leads to the FIDE title of School Instructor (SI). This 3-day (15-hour) training equips participants with pedagogical methods, digital tools, and practical strategies for teaching chess as an educational tool. The schedule of the FIDE EDU upcoming courses is below: To join, please register via the following links: 3rd Arabic PoT online course – April 3-5Register: https://cloud.fide.com/s/6rMJGDNzFAMxkPP 7th Russian PoT course in Kazakhstan, Astana – April 7-9Register: +7 777 1688 188 (WhatsApp) 12th POL online course – April 11-12Register: https://cloud.fide.com/s/i5HX9QeY5JwHD39 36th PoT online course – April 17-19Register: https://cloud.fide.com/s/AeoT8Bp3TNDMSHT 2nd Vietnamese PoT course in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh – April 25-26Register: tungchessvn@gmail.com Our dedicated Chess in Education website has further details: edu.fide.com/
Rest day activities at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026
During the first rest day the intensity of the competition gave way to a more relaxed atmosphere. Top contenders took the opportunity to step away from the board and recharge by means of a variety of activities. Among the most distinctive experiences was that of GM Andrey Esipenko, who, joined by his family, participated in a hands-on workshop to learn how to prepare traditional Cypriot halloumi cheese. Alongside him was GM Anna Muzychuk, who also took part in the activity. Guided by local artisans, they explored the intricate process of curdling, shaping, and cooking the cheese, gaining insight into a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Cypriot culture. Meanwhile, other players opted for more familiar forms of relaxation. Some headed to the courts for friendly games of paddle, while others maintained their routines with gym sessions or enjoyed peaceful strolls along the Mediterranean coastline. https://youtu.be/W2bLIm9k574?is=–3pGPPllAX3wA5X Round 5 will be played tomorrow April 3, at 3.30 pm local time. Round 5 pairings – FIDE Candidates Tournament: Praggnanandhaa R – Andrey EsipenkoFabiano Caruana – Matthias BluebaumHikaru Nakamura – Javokhir SindarovAnish Giri – Wei Yi Round 5 pairings – FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament: Aleksandra Goryachkina – Anna MuzychukZhu Jiner – Vaishali RameshbabuTan Zhongyi – Divya DeshmukhKateryna Lagno – Bibisara Assaubayeva Official website: https://candidates2026.fide.com/ Event photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fide/ Live daily broadcast with GM commentary: https://www.youtube.com/@FIDE_chess Written by IM Michael A. Rahal (Cyprus) Photos: Michal Walusza, Yoav Nis
FIDE publishes Technical Commission Manual
FIDE is pleased to announce the publication of the FIDE Technical Commission Manual (FTM), now available on the official website of the FIDE Technical Commission. The publication provides a dedicated reference point for the technical framework governing FIDE competitions and related activities. The importance of the Manual is reflected in the current General Regulations under C.02. Chess Equipment Technical Specifications, Rules and Regulations, effective March 1, 2026. Those regulations state that, complementary to the FIDE Handbook, the FIDE Technical Commission has compiled the TEC Manual containing comprehensive information, including definitions, processes and clarifications essential for understanding and implementing FIDE technical regulations. In practical terms, the Manual supports stakeholders by bringing together guidance connected to the implementation of current rules on chess equipment, certified and endorsed equipment, Tournament Handler Programs, Swiss pairing systems, and tie-break procedures. The current Handbook sections expressly cover these areas, including endorsed Tournament Handler Programs and the latest play-off and tie-break regulations. FIDE invites federations, arbiters, organisers, manufacturers, service providers and software developers to consult the FIDE Technical Commission Manual alongside the current FIDE Handbook. By consolidating key technical guidance in one place, the Manual strengthens clarity, consistency and transparency in the application of FIDE regulations worldwide. For any inquiries or further information, please contact Hendrik du Toit at secretary.tec@fide.com.