A Boost for Chess Solving: ChessBase Extends Support to the Indian Leg of the ISC 2026

by Satanick Mukhuty - 23/01/2026

We recently published an article announcing the launch of the International Solving Contest 2026, to be held on 25 January (this Sunday!) across multiple cities in India. The prizes on offer rank among the most coveted tools in modern chess: participants who finish in the top three of any category at any venue — provided they score at least 50% — will receive ChessBase 26, Fritz 20, and a one-year ChessBase Premium account. In welcome news, ChessBase has extended its support to this landmark nationwide launch by sponsoring the prizes. The article below explores the sponsorship and prize details in greater depth.

Software Support Meets the Art of Chess Solving!

Even as India has emerged as a global powerhouse of competitive chess, the disciplines of chess solving and composition have yet to find a comparable cultural foothold in the country. One of the most effective ways to address this imbalance is through the organisation of solving competitions; however, sustaining such initiatives remains difficult without a broad base of belief and support. Organising any event entails a range of unavoidable expenses, from securing an appropriate venue and arranging tables, chairs, and chess sets to appointing officials responsible for ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of the proceedings. While a portion of these costs can be met through the entry fees collected by the organiser, providing attractive prizes typically presents the most significant challenge. This is where sponsorship proves invaluable.

It is in this context that ChessBase’s decision to step forward and support the Indian leg of the International Solving Contest is particularly noteworthy. On 25 January, the ISC will take place in no fewer than ten locations across India, a nationwide reach made possible by the efforts of a group of dedicated and generous chess enthusiasts and coaches. In turn, ChessBase’s support serves as a significant boost to their morale and an affirmation of the value of their commitment. What’s more, the prizes on offer are among the most valued tools in modern chess, and may even help narrow the apparent dichotomy between problem chess and mainstream competitive chess. That such prizes are being offered at a solving contest is itself significant: solving often exists at the margins of mainstream chess, quietly demanding more than it promises in return, yet its influence runs deep: sharpening calculation, imagination, and economy, the very faculties every chess player ultimately needs. ChessBase’s support sends a clear message that this discipline, too, deserves sustained investment, recognition, and visibility.

A Closer Look at the Prizes on Offer:

The first-place winner in each category at every venue will receive ChessBase’s flagship product, ChessBase 26, a tool used by serious chess players at every level, from ambitious amateurs to world champions. What does ChessBase do? Well, it lets you personalise the way you engage with chess. Whether you are preparing for a specific opponent or an upcoming tournament, analysing and organising your own games, creating training material for self-study or for a group, or publishing games online or in print, ChessBase gives you a powerful and versatile set of tools that adapts to your needs — whatever your playing strength or area of interest.

A ₹4,999 product could be yours — all you need to do is put your solving skills to the test at this year’s ISC. You don’t have to be a seasoned solver: with three categories on offer, the second is well within reach of ambitious club players eager to challenge themselves!

The second prize on offer is the flamboyant Fritz 20. From playing against simulations inspired by legendary players such as Lasker, Tal, Fischer, and Karpov, to features like Bullet Training Mode and AI-powered training, Fritz 20 is far more than a conventional chess engine. It offers a rich and engaging learning experience, adapting to you, challenging you, and guiding your improvement — much like a personalised chess coach at your side.

Learn more about this product.

The third prize consists of a 1-year ChessBase Premium Account. Valued at ₹1,799 on our shop, it can be thought of as a vast chess library at your fingertips. Subscribers gain access to hundreds of training videos, a tactics server featuring more than 50,000 exercises, the newly launched Opening Training app, a live database with over eight million games, and more — all requiring nothing more than an internet connection and a modern browser.

Plenty of learning power — all unlocked by solving a few positions!

These prizes will be awarded only to participants who score a minimum of 50% — that is, at least 30 out of 60 points — and finish among the top three in their category and at their venue. Given the number of venues involved, this is well within reach!

So what are you waiting for? With places still available in a number of cities, this year’s International Solving Contest is a great chance to try your hand at competitive solving and walk away with some top-tier chess-learning tools.