Sindarov Enters Fischer God Mode
At just 20 years old, Javokhir Sindarov stormed to victory at the 2026 Candidates Tournament, powered by a blistering 5½/6 start that left the field reeling. From that moment on, the tone was set – this was no ordinary tournament win, but a statement.
GM Nikola Nestorovic takes readers inside that surge, providing in-depth analysis of all six games that defined Sindarov’s remarkable run. The picture that emerges is one of a complete player at the peak of his powers: razor-sharp preparation, precise calculation, dynamic decision-making, and, when required, cold-blooded defense. Above all, an amazing ability to deliver in critical moments.
Issue #50 also marks a milestone for American Chess Magazine, and we celebrate it by revisiting greatness. In these pages, you’ll find a curated selection of 50 outstanding games played by U.S. players, spanning from Paul Morphy to today’s elite. More than a list, it is a journey through the evolution of American chess – one shaped in large part by the voices of our readers, whose own choices and preferences helped define this collection of memorable battles.
Twenty-one of these games receive full grandmaster treatment, with analyses by grandmasters Alex Fishbein, Sarunas Sulskis and Spyridon Kapnisis, joined by international masters Alice Lee and Grayson Rorrer, and WGM Zoey Tang – each bringing their own voice and insight to these timeless battles.
FM Dylan McClain adds further depth to the collection, while also turning his attention to the present: the state of elite women’s chess, currently defined by the longest reign in the game’s history, and a new Netflix short film revisiting one of chess’s most enduring controversies.
Dr. Corey J. Butler explores a different battleground altogether – time. His contribution examines the psychological dimension of time pressure, supported by findings from targeted studies that shed light on decision-making under stress.
For followers of Freestyle Chess, Harald Fietz concludes his on-site report from Karlsruhe, offering both practical insights and broader reflections – how these games can be used as teaching tools, and what they reveal about the variant’s deeper principles, many of which resonate beyond it.
On the domestic front, IM Grayson Rorrer rounds up notable performances by U.S. players, while in 5x5 Expert Takeaways, GM Dragan Solak shares his perspective on improvement – bridging past and present, and making a compelling case for understanding over memorization.
