As part of FIDE’s Social Year celebrations, August is dedicated to Women in Chess – a global tribute to women’s achievements in the game and a drive to inspire the next generation. To mark the occasion, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) has launched the Women’s Chess Marathon, with events celebrating #WomenInChess taking place around the world!
One of this month’s standout highlights is underway in South Africa – the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop, hosted at Club Mykonos Resort in Langebaan. The event is organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation, led by its President Andre Lewaks.
The workshop gathers talented women players in the 1300–1800 Elo range for two days of intensive, high-level training. The special guest is WGM Dana Reizniece, FIDE Deputy President, who opened the programme with an inspiring talk, “Making it in Chess”, sharing her personal journey, lessons learned, and keys to success.
Across the two days, participants dive into a rich programme designed to sharpen competitive skills, strategic thinking, and mental resilience – the foundations for building future champions. Topics include:
- Beating stronger opponents through strategy, creativity, and resourcefulness
- Middlegame planning using pawn structures and positional understanding
- Advanced tactical calculation under pressure
- Practical tournament skills – from time management to handling nerves
- Opening mastery, including the Italian Game and the Queen’s Gambit Declined
- Effective preparation and self-analysis for continuous improvement
The event combines theory, hands-on exercises, and interactive play – including a blitz tournament with live commentary and feedback from all trainers. Expert coaches FI Eric Takawira and FI Reuben Salimu together with Nadzeya Krauchuk join WGM Dana in leading sessions, ensuring participants leave with stronger skills, renewed confidence, and the motivation to aim higher in their chess journeys.
What makes us very happy is that three female players have just earned new national titles – a proud milestone that reflects the growing strength of women’s chess in South Africa. We hope this will be celebrated and will also serve as an inspiration to work towards great goals in chess!
We thank the South African Chess Federation and its President Andre Lewaks for organising this event in South Africa – a shining example of how to empower women in chess.
