International Day of Applied Chess 2026: Successful Online Gathering Highlights the Therapeutic Potential of Chess

International Day of Applied Chess 2026: Successful Online Gathering Highlights the Therapeutic Potential of Chess

Administrator Новини

On October 8, 2026, the International Society of Applied Chess (ISAC) hosted the International Day of Applied Chess 2026, bringing together clinicians, researchers, educators, practitioners, and enthusiasts worldwide.

 

Under the theme “An introduction to therapeutic chess – background, methods and applications,” the free online event explored how chess can be utilized beyond sport—serving as a structured instrument to support mental health, cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and personal development.

 

Throughout the session, international experts presented clinical studies, practical methodologies, and training manuals tailored for educational and therapeutic settings.

Speaker Presentations & Downloads

Participants can review the insights shared during the event and download the presentation slides directly below:

  • Sabine Vollstädt-Klein – Welcome & Introduction, Scientific Background

Download Presentation (PDF)

  • Nadezhda Kuzerman – Chess Therapy Program at the Rehabilitation Center "Chovekolubie"

Download Presentation (PDF)

  • Juan Antonio Montero & Rodrigo Barbeito – Entrenamiento Cognitivo a través del Ajedrez (ECAM) / Cognitive Training through Chess: Introduction, Exercises, Experiences, and Applications

Download Presentation (PDF)

  • Natalia De Blasio – GYMCHESS®: Introduction and Overview

Download Presentation (PDF )

  • Roland Schmitt – Chess-Based Cognitive Remediation Therapy: Manual for Group Interventions, Introduction & Exercises

Download manual (PDF)

  • Àlvar Farré-Colomés – Clinical Studies, Results, and Conclusions

Download Presentation (PDF)

Additional Resources & Literature

Training Manual on Chess‐Based Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CB‐CRT) (in German): https://zenodo.org/records/16901577

Training Manual on Chess‐Based Cognitive Remediation Training (CB‐CRT) (in English): https://www.protocols.io/view/chess-based-cognitive-remediation-training-manual-36wgqxzb3lk5/v1

 

For participants interested in exploring the scientific foundations, clinical trial data, and therapeutic frameworks discussed during the conference:

Download Comprehensive Literature List – curated collection of scientific papers, manual previews, and background readings on applied and therapeutic chess.

 

The International Society of Applied Chess thanks all speakers and attendees for contributing to a vibrant exchange at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, education, and social inclusion.

 

For the first time – International Applied Chess Day

Administrator Новини

In 2025, friends of the game of chess celebrated the International Applied Chess Day for the first time – October 8. The initiative is from the International Society for Applied Chess, which was established on this day eight years ago in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria. The idea of declaring October 8 as International Applied Chess Day was adopted by the members of the organization at the regular Annual General Assembly in 2025.

On the occasion of International Applied Chess Day, a Chess Festival was held on October 7 at the Social Services Complex "Chovekolubie", Bulgaria. It  attended by  Prabita Urweiler Ph. D. - member of the FIDE Social Commission. The guest learned about the application of the Chess model in the rehabilitation and integration of people with mental health problems. The Festival included a Demonstration of checkmate etudes, a Discussion about the Similarities between Chess and Life, a Quiz with prizes, and Chess with Live Pieces. The Chess Festival ended with a delicious chess cake, which marked the 20th anniversary of the Center for Social ehabilitation and Integration "Chovekolubie".

The event was attended by Dr. Radislav Atanasov - Chairman of the Board of the ISAC; Dr. Prabita Urweiler from the FIDE Social Commission, Nadezhda Kuzermanova - Psychologist at the Social Services Complex. The goals and mission of the ISAC, various aspects of applied chess, perspectives and cooperation with FIDE were presented.

 

For the first time – International Applied Chess Day

For the first time – International Applied Chess Day

Administrator Новини

In 2025, friends of the game of chess will celebrate the International Applied Chess Day for the first time – October 8. The initiative is from the International Society for Applied Chess, which was established on this day eight years ago in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria. The idea of ​​declaring October 8 as International Applied Chess Day was adopted by the members of the organization at the last regular Annual General Assembly.

On the occasion of International Applied Chess Day, a Chess Festival will be held on October 7 at the Social Services Complex "Chovekolubie", Bulgaria. It will be attended by  Prabita Urweiler Ph. D. - member of the FIDE Social Commission. The guest will learn about the application of the Chess model in the rehabilitation and integration of people with mental health problems. The Festival will feature a Demonstration of checkmate etudes, a Discussion about the Similarities between Chess and Life, a Quiz with prizes, and Chess with Live Pieces.

On October 8, a Press conference will be held at Bulgarian News Agency, Sofia. The event will be attended by Radislav Atanasov, Ph. D. - Chairman of the Board of the ISAC;  Prabita Urweiler, Ph. D. from the FIDE Social Commission, Nadezhda Kuzermanova - Psychologist at the Social Services Complex. The goals and mission of the ISAC, various aspects of applied chess, perspectives and cooperation with FIDE will be presented.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR APPLIED CHЕSS Bulgaria, Pazardzhik, 12 Dr. Long Str.

Administrator Новини

The Board of Directors of the International Society for Applied Chess on the grounds of аrt. 26, para. 1 of the Law for the Non-profit Legal Entities and of art. 11, para. 2 of the Statute of the International Society for Applied Chess convenes on June 26, 2026 from 09.00 in the Center "Chovekolyubie" (Pazardzhik, 12 "Dr. Long" Str.)  Annual General Assembly, which will take place with the following agenda: 1. Membership Review; 2. Report on the activities of the Association “International Society for Applied Chess” in 2025; 3. Financial report on the activities of the Association “International Society for Applied Chess” in 2025; 4. Election of Board of Directors; 5. Election of Standards Committee; 6. Adoption of an operational work plan for 2026 and a budget; 7. Miscellaneous.

 

 

May 25, 2026

The town of Pazardzhik

 

Chairman of the ISAC Board of Directors

Ch. Assistant Professor Radislav Atanasov, Ph.D.

Memorandum of Cooperation with FIDE

Administrator Новини

A Memorandum of Cooperation between the International Society for Applied Chess and the Social Commission of the World Chess Federation is to be signed on October 7, 2025. The event will take place at the headquarters of the International Society for Applied Chess, 12 Dr. Long Street, Pazardzhik, Bulgaria.

In connection with the signing of the Memorandum, Prabita Urweiler Ph. D. - member of the FIDE Social Commission - will be visiting Bulgaria.