Amidst a backdrop of strategic thought and camaraderie, the 35th NATO Chess Championship recently concluded in Dęblin, Poland. This annual event, a unique convergence of military discipline and intellectual combat, saw Turkey emerge victorious, solidifying its position as a formidable force on the chessboard. The championship, hosted with admirable hospitality by the Polish Air Force University, brought together 115 players from across NATO member nations, marking it as one of the largest gatherings in the tournament`s history.
The Polish Welcome: From “His Magnificence” to Shared Strategies
The championship kicked off with an opening ceremony that was both grand and subtly distinctive. Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University, greeted participants with a blend of military precision and academic decorum. His address, where he was formally introduced as “His Magnificence” – a title more commonly associated with academia than the armed forces – sparked a ripple of polite amusement and became an immediate conversation starter among the international contingent. It served as a charming reminder that even in a military context, the pursuit of intellectual excellence holds a special place.
General Cur highlighted 2025 as a milestone year for the academy, celebrating its 100th anniversary since the founding of the Polish flight school. Following him, Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, extended accolades to Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski for his significant contributions to military chess, bestowing upon him the association`s gold medal of honour. Colonel Kędzierski, in turn, underscored Poland`s rich chess heritage and the profound benefits of the game. “Chess is one of the best sports for training the most important organ in our body – the brain,” he asserted, emphasizing that the competition transcends mere sport, embodying the spirit of NATO unity and collective strength.
Turkey`s Dominance and Germany`s Resilient Performance
As the strategic battles commenced, all eyes were on the favourites. Turkey, spearheaded by Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan, a player boasting a FIDE rating of 2562, lived up to expectations. Their consistent performance led them to secure first place in the team standings with an impressive 23 points. Hot on their heels, Germany clinched a hard-fought second place with 19.5 points, prevailing over strong challenges from Poland and the USA.
Germany`s silver medal performance reaffirms its long-standing strength in the chess world. With 96 Grandmasters registered in June 2025, Germany stands as a global chess powerhouse, often mentioned in the same breath as nations like the United States, Ukraine, and India. The German Chess Federation (DSB), with over 90,000 members spread across more than 2,500 clubs, is one of the largest national chess associations worldwide, a testament to the country`s deep-rooted chess culture.
A Glimpse from the Board: An Interview with FM Robert Stein
To gain a deeper understanding of the championship`s dynamics and Germany`s journey, we spoke with FM Robert Stein, one of the strongest members of the German Armed Forces team.
On Germany`s Silver Medal: Stein expressed the team`s perpetual ambition for gold. “We always strive for gold,” he noted, “but we knew Turkey had an exceptionally strong team, and we were missing two of our top players. Moving up from third before the final round to finish second was both a relief and a confirmation of our strength.”
Personal Preparation: Stein`s personal journey to the championship was marked by diligent preparation. “I train consistently throughout the year,” he explained. “Just two weeks before the event, I won a GM round-robin tournament and achieved my second IM norm – barely missing the GM norm by half a point. So, I arrived with significant momentum.”
A Memorable Game: When asked about a highlight game, Stein vividly recalled Round 5. “I played Marcin Pietruszewski from Poland with Black. We entered a Queen`s Gambit Declined, and I launched a fierce attack on the kingside, advancing to h3 and ultimately checkmating him. It was a classic, sporting finish.”
Maintaining Mental Fitness: The rigorous demands of long chess games require robust mental stamina. Stein shared his strategies: “I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks, and rely on my physical fitness. Training helps me stay mentally alert during those extended battles.”
A Rule for the Future: With a hint of playful rebellion against the clock, Stein proposed a specific rule change. “I would allow 10 minutes more time after the 40th move,” he suggested. “That would significantly improve the overall quality of the endgame, giving players more opportunity for deep calculation.”
Looking Forward: Germany`s sights are already set on the next championship. “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!” Stein affirmed with determination.
The Legacy and the Future of NATO Chess
The closing ceremony, led by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, marked the symbolic end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The tournament`s distinctive Viking ship symbol, representing strategic journeys and enduring alliances, was ceremoniously handed over to Latvia, the designated host country for the 2026 championship.
Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has consistently provided a unique platform for fostering strategic competition and strengthening the bonds of alliance. This year`s event once again underscored that beyond military might, the intellectual prowess, adaptability, and resilience displayed on the chessboard are vital components of collective strength. Germany`s performance, even without its full complement of top players, demonstrated that its chess tradition remains a force to be reckoned with, always striving for excellence in the face of heightened competition.
