Meralco Chess Club

eBook of the Week: Discovering Chess Openings -

Chess openings don’t have to be about memorising endless variations. Learn the key principles of quick development, central control and king safety — and build the confidence to find the right moves yourself. Perfect for chess players looking to improve their opening play!

https://forwardchess.com/product/discovering-chess-openings

eBook of the Week: Grandmaster Repertoire – The Dragon Volume 2 -

In this two-volume work, the world’s strongest Dragon specialist guides you through the Black repertoire he has played successfully against world-class opposition. Drawing on his deep understanding as a lifelong Dragon exponent, Maroroa Jones explains the key concepts and supports his recommendations with cutting-edge analysis.

https://forwardchess.com/product/the-dragon-volume-2

back in stock: 14 selected New In Chess books

Available in paperback and hardcover - with many titles appearing in hardcover for the first time. Shipping starts this week.

https://www.newinchess.com/what-s-new

Quote of the Day by Galileo Galilei: “We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them...” The centuries-old lesson on learning, self-discovery, success and personal growth by Italian astronomer remains as relevant today as ever Quote of the Day by Galileo Galilei : Galileo Galilei's quote 'We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves' talks about personal discovery and exploration. Knowledge cannot be simply transferred from one person to another, he explained. Active engagement with...

REST DAY, BUT THE RACE IS FAR FROM OVER‼️

After eight grueling rounds, the NCFP Philippine National Championship 2026 takes a well-earned rest day before the battle resumes tomorrow.

Leading the pack are IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and GM Darwin Laylo, both on 6.0/8, but the championship is still wide open with five crucial rounds remaining.

Just a point behind are IM Michael Jr. Concio, GM Daniel Quizon, and IM Paulo Bersamina, all on 5.0, keeping the pressure firmly on the co-leaders. Just outside the top five, IM Mark Jay Bacojo and IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca remain within striking distance on 4.5, ready to capitalize on any slip.

FRONT-RUNNERS HOLD THE EDGE!

After eight gripping rounds, the NCFP 2026 National Women's Selection pauses for a well-earned rest day, with the race to the 2026 Uzbekistan Chess Olympiad far from decided.

Leading the charge is WFM Allaney Jia Doroy with 5.5 points, followed by WFM Shania Mae Mendoza on 5.0. Just half a point behind is a tightly packed trio—Heart Padilla, Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia—all tied on 4.5, keeping the title fight wide open.

Lurking in the chasing pack are WIM Bernadette Galas (4.0), Apple Rubin (3.0), and WNM Kate Nicole Ordizo (1.0), all determined to make their move as six crucial rounds remain.

2026 National Women's Selection – Road to Uzbekistan Chess Olympiad
Round 7 Results:

Padilla, Heart (1806) 1–0 WIM Galas, Bernadette (2033)
Rubin, Apple (1869) 1–0 Ordizo, Kate Nicole (1887)
Sebastian, Mhage Gerriahlou (1933) 1–0 WFM Doroy, Allanney Jia (1955)
WFM Mejia, Cherry Ann (1958) ½–½ WFM Mendoza, Shania Mae (2013)