In the complex landscape of the Ruy Lopez, White opts for the provocative 17.Ndc4. It’s a double-edged sword: objectively weakening, but psychologically lethal. By offering a tempting target, White gambles on Black’s greed.
Black took the bait with 17...dxc4??—turning a solid position into a disaster. Why did this capture lose the game from that point forward?
The potential cognitive benefits of chess continue to attract scientific attention, particularly its role in supporting long-term brain health. One of the most compelling areas of research explores how mentally stimulating activities, like chess, may serve as protective factors against dementia.
Although no single activity can guarantee the prevention of dementia, evidence suggests that regular chess practice can help delay its onset or slow cognitive decline. This connection is rooted in the concept of cognitive reserve, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient despite aging or neurological changes.
Chess is uniquely powerful because it activates complex and less commonly discussed cognitive mechanisms, such as:
🧩 Pattern anticipation — not just recognizing patterns, but predicting how they evolve several moves ahead.
🔄 Mental flexibility — quickly shifting strategies when the board changes unexpectedly.
⚖️ Risk–reward calibration — evaluating uncertain outcomes and adjusting decisions in real time.
📊 Working memory load balancing — holding multiple move sequences in mind while suppressing irrelevant ones.
🧠 Metacognitive monitoring — observing and adjusting one's own thinking during play.
⏱️ Cognitive processing speed under pressure — especially during timed games, which challenge the brain to think accurately and fast.
By engaging these advanced cognitive functions simultaneously, chess strengthens neural networks, promotes adaptability, and supports healthier cognitive aging.
If you're interested in the science behind this topic, here’s a highly insightful 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine:
He regularly takes part in local tournaments like the Moratalaz Open in Madrid, where he has scored respectably (around 50% in recent editions) against players of all ages. In interviews, he emphasizes that chess has brought him lifelong fun, friendship, and valuable lessons: "You can learn a lot by losing." He credits his longevity to a healthy lifestyle, regular mental exercise through the game, and staying socially active, whether at the chess club, playing cards in the morning, or enjoying everyday routines.
His story has been featured in major outlets like Chess.com/, The Guardian, EL PAÍS, and international media, often highlighting tournaments held in his honor (such as a rapid chess event for his 104th birthday). Yet Don Manuel remains humble: he travels by bus, uses a walker, and greets opponents with warmth, proving that true mastery lies in persistence and love for the game rather than peak performance alone.
In a world obsessed with youth and rapid success, Manuel Álvarez Escudero reminds us that passion has no expiration date. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, his example encourages us all to keep the board in play, no matter the years.
Manuel Álvarez Escudero (often affectionately called "Manolín" or "Don Manuel") is a remarkable testament to passion, resilience, and the timeless appeal of chess. Born on October 12, 1921, in Spain, this Madrid native has become widely recognized as the world's oldest active registered chess player.
As of early 2026, at 104 years old (having turned 104 in October 2025), he continues to compete in official tournaments, defying expectations about age and mental sharpness. His dedication spans over eight decades of tournament play. He's been participating since his early 20s, and he shows no signs of stepping away from the board.
What makes his story even more inspiring is his current FIDE rating of around 1752 (standard, as per the latest FIDE records from early 2026, with minor fluctuations, such as 1752 in January/February 2026). This places him solidly in the amateur-to-strong club player range. Still, the real achievement is maintaining such a rating while actively playing rated events well into his second century.
CHESS TEAM FL
In the complex landscape of the Ruy Lopez, White opts for the provocative 17.Ndc4. It’s a double-edged sword: objectively weakening, but psychologically lethal. By offering a tempting target, White gambles on Black’s greed.
Black took the bait with 17...dxc4??—turning a solid position into a disaster. Why did this capture lose the game from that point forward?
#chess #chesspuzzles
7 hours ago | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Stop overthinking, start calculating. Forced Checkmate in 3. White to move. Go!
#chess #chesspuzzles
7 hours ago | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Good Afternoon!
Checkmate in 3 moves, perfect for Sundays...don't give up!
#chess #chesspuzzles
3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Checkmate your doubts with consistent daily practice.
Whites in 3 moves.
#chess #chesspuzzles
3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Hello Chess Fans!
Coffee or Tea? Time to train. White pieces play and win.
#chess #chesspuzzles
3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
♟️ Chess Practice as a Protective Factor Against Dementia
#chess#dementia
The potential cognitive benefits of chess continue to attract scientific attention, particularly its role in supporting long-term brain health. One of the most compelling areas of research explores how mentally stimulating activities, like chess, may serve as protective factors against dementia.
Although no single activity can guarantee the prevention of dementia, evidence suggests that regular chess practice can help delay its onset or slow cognitive decline. This connection is rooted in the concept of cognitive reserve, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient despite aging or neurological changes.
Chess is uniquely powerful because it activates complex and less commonly discussed cognitive mechanisms, such as:
🧩 Pattern anticipation — not just recognizing patterns, but predicting how they evolve several moves ahead.
🔄 Mental flexibility — quickly shifting strategies when the board changes unexpectedly.
⚖️ Risk–reward calibration — evaluating uncertain outcomes and adjusting decisions in real time.
📊 Working memory load balancing — holding multiple move sequences in mind while suppressing irrelevant ones.
🧠 Metacognitive monitoring — observing and adjusting one's own thinking during play.
⏱️ Cognitive processing speed under pressure — especially during timed games, which challenge the brain to think accurately and fast.
By engaging these advanced cognitive functions simultaneously, chess strengthens neural networks, promotes adaptability, and supports healthier cognitive aging.
If you're interested in the science behind this topic, here’s a highly insightful 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine:
👉 “Cognitive Leisure Activities and Dementia.”
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6617066/
3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Tired of the same old Netflix routine? Here's something different: a spectacular chess puzzle in just two moves.
#chess #chesspuzzles
4 days ago | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Hello!
Trouble at work? Use chess for relaxing! Checkmate in 3 moves. White to Move.
#chess #chesspuzzles
4 days ago | [YT] | 0
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CHESS TEAM FL
Passion Has No Age Limit: 104-Year-Old Manuel Álvarez Escudero Keeps Playing Tournament Chess(Part II)
#Chess #Inspiration #Longevity #NeverTooLate #Mindset
He regularly takes part in local tournaments like the Moratalaz Open in Madrid, where he has scored respectably (around 50% in recent editions) against players of all ages. In interviews, he emphasizes that chess has brought him lifelong fun, friendship, and valuable lessons: "You can learn a lot by losing." He credits his longevity to a healthy lifestyle, regular mental exercise through the game, and staying socially active, whether at the chess club, playing cards in the morning, or enjoying everyday routines.
His story has been featured in major outlets like Chess.com/, The Guardian, EL PAÍS, and international media, often highlighting tournaments held in his honor (such as a rapid chess event for his 104th birthday). Yet Don Manuel remains humble: he travels by bus, uses a walker, and greets opponents with warmth, proving that true mastery lies in persistence and love for the game rather than peak performance alone.
In a world obsessed with youth and rapid success, Manuel Álvarez Escudero reminds us that passion has no expiration date. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, his example encourages us all to keep the board in play, no matter the years.
4 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
CHESS TEAM FL
Passion Has No Age Limit: 104-Year-Old Manuel Álvarez Escudero Keeps Playing Tournament Chess(Part I)
#Chess #Inspiration #Longevity #NeverTooLate #Mindset
Manuel Álvarez Escudero (often affectionately called "Manolín" or "Don Manuel") is a remarkable testament to passion, resilience, and the timeless appeal of chess. Born on October 12, 1921, in Spain, this Madrid native has become widely recognized as the world's oldest active registered chess player.
As of early 2026, at 104 years old (having turned 104 in October 2025), he continues to compete in official tournaments, defying expectations about age and mental sharpness. His dedication spans over eight decades of tournament play. He's been participating since his early 20s, and he shows no signs of stepping away from the board.
What makes his story even more inspiring is his current FIDE rating of around 1752 (standard, as per the latest FIDE records from early 2026, with minor fluctuations, such as 1752 in January/February 2026). This places him solidly in the amateur-to-strong club player range. Still, the real achievement is maintaining such a rating while actively playing rated events well into his second century.
4 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
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