On June 5, 2009 WGM Natalia Pogonina and Peter Zhdanov got married – she a Women's Grandmaster, he a successful IT-specialist and debate expert. Peter is also Natalia’s manager, together they are writing a book called "Chess Kamasutra". Today they share with us their views on the perennial topic why women are worse at chess than men, and take a look at the future of women’s chess.

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The European Championship is one of the most important annual chess events. Offering qualifying places for the World Cup, it attracts almost all the top players. To succeed one has to face tough competition and, quite often, survive in rigorous tie-breaks.
 

So far I have participated in 7 Women European Chess Championships (not to mention girls events), and would like to share my impressions of the tournaments with you.

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The Women Russian Championship 2009-Higher League has been held at Voronezh in June, 1-9. The participants were rather strong players who were aiming at qualifying for the Russian Women Chess Superfinal. A lot of players and only 5 to succeed - that guaranteed exciting chess struggles.
 

Elena Tairova won first 5 games in a row, and has spared only three draws in the remaining rounds. 1st place and 7,5 out of 9.
 

While Tairova convincingly occupied the top spot, other players have been battling for the other 4 qualifying places. Only the last two rounds have put an end to the fight: the silver medal went to Elena Zaiatz (7 out of 9), who, just like Tairova, hasn't lost a single game. Places 3-5 went to players who scored 6 points: Gunina (3rd), Stepovaia (4th), Manakova (5th). Gunina and Manakova had been especially fierce ladies -  they hadn't made any draws!
 

So, now we know the names of 10 participants of the Russian Women Chess Superfinal (it's usually a 12-player round robin). Five people who qualified from the Higher League (see above), 3 winners of Superfinal-2008 - Kosintzeva Nadezhda, Kosintzeva Tatiana and Anastasia Bodnaruk. Also top-3 Russian women players by FIDE rating: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Natalia Pogonina (Tatiana Kosintseva has already been mentioned, so someone else will take part). Therefore, the organizers will have to find 2 more players, or opt for a 10-player event. The Superfinal will be held from 16 to 30 of December, 2009.

Press "Read more" for chess episodes of the tournament

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If only they were married: GM Kasparov G (2851) – GM Polgar J (2735) = 5586

Natalia and I decided to compile a list of the strongest chess couples in the world who could become members of the honorary "5000+ Club".

The requirements for becoming a member are the following:

1)     Two chess players should be officially married (no girlfriend & boyfriend stuff)

2)     The sum of their peak FIDE ratings should be 5000 (!) or more

So, as of this day, we have the following list of of "5000+ Club" members:

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Many people don't consider chess to be a team sport. And this opinion has its reasons. Chess is a game between two people. There are no assistants, only you and your opponent. So a team match can also be viewed as a few separate confrontations. What is so special about team play then? Each for him/herself, so will the individualists say. 

But there is also a different point of view, which is supported by many people, including me. Chess has its own team play specifics. My opinion is based on other people's experience, as well as on my own. I have been playing in team events since I was a kid (and participated in the famous "White Rook" tournaments). Nowadays I play for the Russian chess team and various clubs. So I would like to tell you a bit about my take on team play and team spirit.

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