Dear Chess Player,
Greetings from The House of Staunton weekly newsletter. This issue’s featured story examines the upcoming International Chess Day. Our featured piece explores the rich history of this global celebration, its cultural influence, and how it unites millions of players across the world. Learn how clubs and grandmasters alike honor our favorite game, and discover ways you can participate and share your passion.
Great news, The House of Staunton International Chess Day Sale has been extended for one more week! For a limited time, enjoy up to 25% off select chess sets, boards, pieces, and accessories. Whether you’re upgrading a tournament set or gifting a classic Staunton design, discover premium craftsmanship and heirloom-quality styles at exceptional prices. Shop now to lock in exclusive deals and fast shipping. Don’t miss this extended opportunity to celebrate the game with timeless chess pieces and unbeatable savings.
15% off purchases under $100. Use coupon GAME15 20% off purchases between $100 and $200. Use coupon GAME20 25% off purchases over $200. Use coupon GAME25
Take advantage of the sale by shopping as usual and entering the appropriate coupon code at checkout; the savings will be applied automatically to your cart.
This week, The House of Staunton's first blog post dives deep into chess history with a look at a legendary chess match with our post "Discover the Joy of the Immortal Game." The post breaks down the famous 1851 encounter between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky, highlighting the spectacular piece sacrifices that made it an enduring masterpiece. Clear examples and move analysis help players of all levels appreciate the beauty of classic romantic chess while sharpening their own tactical awareness.
Our second House of Staunton blog post this week, "What is Freestyle Chess?" introduces readers to this thrilling, modern variant that breathes new life into competitive play. The article explains the rules, the elimination of opening theory, and how random starting positions force players to rely entirely on raw creativity and deep calculation. It highlights why grandmasters love it and how it is shaking up the modern chess world.
Yours in Chess,
The House of Staunton Team
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Feature Story
International Chess Day
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One of the things that makes chess so special is that it’s a truly international game. From New York to New Delhi, from London to Lagos, chess transcends cultural boundaries to bring us together.
In 1966, to celebrate this remarkably global game, UNESCO and FIDE declared 20th July as International Chess Day. It’s been celebrated annually ever since, making 2026 the 60th anniversary! How will you choose to celebrate?
Play Over the Board
On the 20th of July, millions of chess games will be played over the board around the world. It’s the perfect opportunity to play a friend or family member at home or in a cafe, or to join a chess event.
Whether it's a blitz tournament, a simultaneous exhibition against a grandmaster, or an open-air chess marathon, there are all kinds of events to get involved in. Many of these events are designed to emphasize inclusion of diverse groups such as seniors, refugees, and players with disabilities.
To find out what’s happening in your locality, contact your local chess clubs and schools.
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A strong over-the-board community at the famous Thapathali Chess Park in Kathmandu.
Credit: Charlie Morton
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Join an Online Event
Each year on World Chess Day, the world’s most famous online chess platforms host legendary events.
As usual, FIDE and Lichess.org will be co-hosting an epic 24-hour blitz marathon, running continuously across all time zones. The usual format is a 5+3 blitz time control, and participants often get entered into random prize draws with some very enticing prizes! Past prizes have included tickets to the biggest world chess events like the FIDE Chess Olympiad!
Chess.com will also be hosting a similar 24-hour International Chess Day Arena. Players of all levels can join to battle for community rewards, including cash prizes and free Diamond Membership.
If a chess marathon sounds too grueling, why not take the opportunity to challenge a friend to an online game? A precious opportunity to reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time.
Teach Someone How to Play Chess
On International Chess Day, FIDE encourages chess players to introduce the game to someone new. If you look back on all the fun you’ve had playing chess, chances are you feel truly grateful to the person who taught you. Why not offer the same gift to someone who doesn’t know how to play?
Even better, you could use the occasion to start a community or school chess club—an invaluable resource for budding players!
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Teaching someone how to play chess is a lifelong gift—and you never know where it might lead.
Credit: Kampus Production/Pexels.com
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One Day, One Move, One Community
Whatever you decide to do on World Chess Day, let’s remember that the day is all about connection. Whether you choose to sit down over the board with the person who taught you to play or stay up all night for an online marathon, you can be sure that millions of people around the world are joining you.
Chess is a common international language that brings us together—and that’s something we should celebrate. To find out more about the history of World Chess Day, check out our dedicated post on the House of Staunton blog.
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Discover the Joy of the Immortal Game
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The Immortal Game was a perfect example of the bolder style of chess of 1851. Chess players were testing the limits of what could be played. Daring gambits, sacrifices, and experimentation were encouraged. Anderssen would probably struggle at the top levels if he were time-warped into today’s engine-fueled analytical environment, but we don’t have to play like a Romantic to appreciate the adventuresome spirit. |
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Freestyle makes a simple but radical change to the game of chess. It randomizes the starting positions of the back rank pieces, making it nearly impossible to prepare specific openings. |
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Blog Post-Related Featured Products
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| Original Walnut & Maple Reproduction of the Drueke Chess Board - 2.5" SQUARES |
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