Millions of people play chess worldwide and the game has been adopted by cultures in every continent around the globe.

With such a large player-base and cultural acceptance, there is no doubt that there are many cities and towns in the world which host a range of tournaments that attract players of all levels.

 

 

 

Abu Dhabi - UAE

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacenters.

The Abu Dhabi Masters tournament took place from 17-25 August 2022 in the United Arab Emirates and brought together 148 players from 31 countries.

18 year old GM Arjun Erigaisi, India emerged as the winner of the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival – Masters scoring an impressive 7.5/9. Arjun completed the event unbeaten and picked up 22 rating points, meaning he will join an elite 2700+ 

* 5 positions to explore

* Database of tournament games (266)

😎 Video - 10 best things to do in Abu Dhabi (5:50)

Torquay - England

Torquay is a seaside resort town on the English Channel in Devon, south west England. Its coastline is nicknamed the English Riviera. Torquay Harbour near the town centre offers shops, cafes and a marina. Made famous by the legendary comedy series Fawlty Towers, Torquay is distinctly Mediterranean and is a family favourite with plenty of attractions and things to do.

The Chessable British Chess Championships were held at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay from 8th to 21st August 2022. This was the 108th British Chess Championship in a series which has run almost unbroken since 1904, with Torquay having previously hosted the Championships on six occasions, most recently in 2019.

* 5 positions to explore 

* Database of tournament games (261)

😎 Video - Things to do in Torquay (2:05)

Zagreb - Croatia

Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava River. Zagreb is the heart of contemporary Croatia’s culture, art, sports, and academics, but its history is not forgotten. The unique blend of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, open-air markets and ancient cathedrals make Zagreb the perfect city to explore. 

The SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia is the 3rd stage on the 2022 Grand Chess Tour, a series of five events with a total prize fund of $1.4 million. The 10-player event took place in the Westin Hotel in Zagreb from July 20-24, 2022.

* 5 positions to explore from the tournament

* Database of games

😎 Video - Zagreb, Croatia via drone (2:59)

Kavala - Greece

The city of Kavala in Northern Greece, which rises up from the sea like an amphitheater, is a gem waiting to be explored for its rich history and beautiful surroundings. Kavala is an important economic centre of commerce, tourism, fishing and oil-related activities and formerly a thriving trade in tobacco.

31st OPEN Chess International Tournament - Kavala 2022 

* 5 positions to ponder from the tournament

* Database of games

😎 Video: Kavala - top 11 places you have to see (4:21)

 

Birmingham - England

Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom, after London. It is located in the West Midlands, in England. More than one million people live in Birmingham. More than 30 percent of them have roots in other parts of the world. This gives Birmingham an interesting mix of cultures and religions. It has been an important region for business and industry for more than 200 years. Birmingham is the host city for the XXII Commonwealth Games.

The 4NCL, or Four Nations Chess League, is a chess league in the United Kingdom and named after its four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, the league is truly international, with players from as many as 27 different countries taking part. It is the United Kingdom's foremost chess league, run independently as a limited company and outside of the control of the individual nations' chess governing bodies.

* 5 positions to ponder from the 4NCL tournament 2015-16

* Database of games

😎 Website - visit Birmingham & the West Midlands

 

 

Port of Spain - Trinidad & Tobago

Port of Spain, on Trinidad’s northwest coast, is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. It’s known for its huge Carnival, with calypso and Caribbean soca music. Bordering the expansive Queen’s Park Savannah, the Royal Botanic Gardens displays plants from all over the world. The gardens also encompass Emperor Valley Zoo. The “Magnificent Seven,” near Queen's Park, is a row of extravagant mansions from around 1900.

6 chess positions from the Trinidad & Tobago Masters 2022

👍 Database of games

😎 Videos - Port of Spain (2:41)     Jump in the Line (2:25)