Grandmaster Lecture Series

Led by the current Grandmaster in Residence, the Grandmaster Lecture Series meets Tuesdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Saint Louis Chess Club. Each week may explore a different chess topic. The current resident’s lecture schedule appears below.

Current Lecture Schedule: GM Emilio Cordova

GM Emilio Cordova’s residency begins August 31, 2026. His five scheduled Tuesday lectures are listed below.

Learning from the Legends: Mastering the Middlegame with Spassky

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Spassky was an outstanding player, often regarded as the first truly universal player. His distinctive style and eagerness to engage with the audience made him a charming and exceptional competitor. His primary aim was always to craft a masterpiece in the middlegame, even at the cost of points.

Learning from the Legends: Fischer’s Willingness to Win

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Developing a strong mind is essential for players aiming for success, and one of the best ways to do so is to learn from legendary figures who exemplified this mindset. Fischer was not a great player solely because of his powerful moves, but primarily because of his relentless drive to win at all costs. His unwavering mental strength allowed him to overcome and outmatch even the toughest competitors.

Mastering Calculation: The Difference Between Tactics and Calculation

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Calculation and tactics are closely related, but what is the difference? Do we really need to calculate all the time, or do we need to spot tactical details in a game? When should we use each approach? Let’s learn when and how to use each one.

Mastering Technique: How to Play Dry Positions

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Dry positions are not draws. In fact, Magnus Carlsen has proved that, probably by following in the footsteps of giants like Fischer or Karpov, although Karpov was unparalleled in that regard. Let’s dive in and learn how to squeeze water out of a rock!

Mastering the Endgame: Recognizing the Most Important Patterns Before and During an Endgame

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Capablanca used to say that any player who wants to improve their chess must study endgames. Was he right? Magnus Carlsen—the best player in the world and arguably the greatest in chess history—has proved that Capablanca was right!

Who Should Attend?

• Average- to high-rated chess players, including anyone who has played a few tournaments.
• Anyone interested in learning from the current Grandmaster in Residence.

What You’ll Learn

• Weekly instruction from the current Grandmaster in Residence.
• A different chess topic each week, with themes and examples selected by the current resident.

How to Participate

• Attend in Person: Join the current Grandmaster in Residence at the Saint Louis Chess Club, 4663 Maryland Avenue (Classroom). This event is free for members, and day passes are available at the front desk.
• Watch Online: Watch this class via YouTube and Twitch.