ISSUE 05

Happy Birthday to Us!

What a journey it’s been! What started as a small side venture has grown into something far bigger—and much more meaningful—than we ever imagined. Expanding to Austin and Miami wasn’t something we initially planned, but seeing the incredible strength and passion of our Toronto community inspired us to dream bigger.

We’re endlessly grateful to everyone who has been a part of this adventure, whether by attending an event, partnering with us, or simply supporting our vision. You’ve helped us build something truly special, and for that, we can’t thank you enough.

The best part? We’re just getting started. Here’s to another year of moves, mates, and memories 🥂✨

New Website, Who dis

It’s official, Knightcap’s Website is here! Now you can explore everything Knightcap in one place. Check out photos from our past events, browse the schedule for all three cities, and inquire about hosting your own corporate event. Whether you’re in Toronto, Austin, or Miami, we’ve made it easier than ever to stay connected and make your next move with us.

Head over and take a look around. We can’t wait to see you online and in person soon ✨

Google Labs: GenChess

This is a fun and playful experiment from Google Labs that lets you use AI to design your dream chess set. You can even generate a chess set as your opponent and play against it! The integration of AI into chess is opening up exciting new possibilities that continue to evolve the game we love. This is just one creative piece to something much bigger. Check it out!

Here’s a set that I generated and had some fun with… of course it was Martinis VS. Margaritas 🍸

Grandmaster Gems

🍸 New York Vs. Los Angeles Chess Set

🍸 Revitalized Mid-Century Design at The Rexleigh on Bay Harbor Islands

🍸 Mo Salah plays chess everyday, on and off the pitch

Upcoming Events - Toronto

• Saturday, December 21st - Knight Before Christmas (The Well)

• Sunday, December 22nd - Lobby Knights Vol. 2 (Ace Hotel)

Upcoming Events - Austin

• Wednesday, December 11th - Knightcap, With a Twist (Holiday)

• Thursday, December 19th - Knightcap at The Quill Room (Proper Hotel)

Upcoming Events - Miami

• Saturday, December 28th - Ringing in The Knight (The Standard Hotel)

Bai Jinshi vs. Ding Liren, Chinese League 2017

It's mind over matter in this, the most recent game on the list, as Ding Liren continually places his pieces en prise to achieve relentless pressure against the white king, who proves unable to escape the center of the board. The game is filled with beautiful moves, but it is particularly 20...Rd4!! that makes a striking impression on the viewer.

Join Us

♟️ Check out our Website

♟️ Follow us on Instagram

♟️ Follow us on X

♟️ Join Knightcap Chess Club on Chess.com

♟️ Improve your chess with a premium Chess.com membership

ISSUE 04

Knightcap Miami is Official!

We’ve officially landed in the Sunshine State! 🌞 That’s right, Knightcap Chess Club has made its way to Miami, Florida!

With our events in Toronto and Austin going strong and growing with every turnout, we figured it was time to bring the Knightcap experience to one of our favourite cities. Miami has always been high on our list, and now we’ve finally set up our chess boards before GTA 6 comes out.

Our first event was an absolute blast, thanks to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. They were running their cheeky “SEXtember” programming, so naturally, we leaned into it and named our event “Mating Season.” Because, let’s be honest, we can’t resist a good chess pun.

We also brought along our amazing friends from Ballooms for the decorations, which looked incredible, and got some sponsorship love from our favourite Miami-based brand, Vacation Inc.

This is just the beginning for us in Miami, and we’re so excited to keep the chess parties going. Drinks, music, chess — what more could you want? We’re just getting started.

Can’t wait to see you at the Soho Beach House!

Follow our Knightcap Miami Instagram: @knightcapmiami

Chess, Culture & Creativity

Chess is one of those rare games that can adapt to any setting—it’s all about how you dress it up. Whether we’re hosting in art galleries or cozy bars, Knightcap knows how to create the perfect atmosphere. It’s more than just the game; it’s about being in the right spaces with the right people, setting the mood with great music, and creating an ambience that draws everyone in.

We’ve proven time and again that chess can be “cool”, whether you’re sipping cocktails under dim lights or enjoying it in an artistic setting.

Knightcap Chess Club - Established in Strategy, Enhanced by Creativity.

Chess Gone Toxic: A Deadly Move in Dagestan

A chess tournament in Dagestan took a dramatic turn when Amina Abakarova, a 40-year-old chess coach, was suspended after allegedly attempting to “checkmate” her rival, Umayganat Osmanova, in the most unusual way — with mercury. Security footage caught Abakarova smearing the toxic substance on her opponent’s board, causing Osmanova to fall ill during the game. Thankfully, Osmanova recovered and even finished the tournament in second place, proving she’s a true queen on and off the board.

Abakarova, who admitted to wanting to “knock her opponent out” due to personal hostility, now faces possible jail time and a potential lifetime ban from chess. Her plan might not have been to harm, but her “poisoned gambit” could cost her dearly. The chess community is still reeling from this bizarre move, proving once again that some players will do anything to avoid a stalemate!

Grandmaster Gems

🍸 LEGO’s newest addition is a Traditional Chess Set

🍸 Maison Margiela Tabi Chess Set

🍸 India win it all at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad

Upcoming Events - Toronto

• Tuesday, September 24th - Hotel Chess (The Drake Hotel)

• Sunday, September 29th - Checkmate Market 3 (The Well)

• Monday, October 7th - Bebop Knights (915 Dupont)

Upcoming Events - Toronto

• Tuesday, October 1st - Checkmate Chardonnay Vol. 2 (LoLo)

• Wednesday, October 9th - Knightcap at The Quill Room (Quill Room)

Upcoming Events - Miami

• Tuesday, October 1st - Knightcap at Soho Beach House

Rotlewi vs. Rubinstein, Lodz 1907

Akiba Rubinstein is arguably the greatest player to have never become world champion. His tournament victories in 1911 marked one of the most dominant years by any chess player. In this game against a fellow Polish player, he reeled off one of the most inspiring combinations of all time. What chess player can forget 22...Rxc3!! and 23...Rxd2!! followed by the patient 25...Rh3!! with inevitable mate?

Join us

♟️ Follow us: @knightcapchessclub on Instagram

♟️ Follow us: @knightcapchess on X

♟️ Join Our Knightcap Chess Club on Chess.com

♟️ Improve your chess with a premium Chess.com membership

ISSUE 03

Chess is Everywhere

Is it just me, or is chess popping up everywhere lately? It’s incredible to see how this classic game is weaving its way into the lives of so many influential people. From the likes of top tennis stars like Rafael Nadal - It seems the strategic thinking required on the court translates perfectly to the chessboard.

Speaking of champions, Lamine Yamal recently posted about his love for chess after winning the Euro Cup. Jaque Mate. We’ve even got Pep Guardiola and Magnus Carlsen chatting about how football strategies and chess tactics are strikingly similar.

It’s amazing to see how this centuries-old game is finding its place in modern sports and culture.

Knightcap Austin Recap - Le Chess Vol. 1

Our first Knightcap Austin event totally exceeded our expectations. Almost 100 people showed out and soaked in the hot ATX evening. We drank chardonnay, ate steak frites and played chess until midnight. Huge shoutout to Justine’s for hosting. Knigthcap Austin programming is definitely going to continue with new events being announced soon!

Chess Fest at The Well

50 Chess sets, a saxophone player, a giant chess board… what could be better on a Saturday afternoon?

The Wellington Market is one of our favourite venues to host Knightcap Chess Club. We’ve got 1 event every month for the rest of the year so stay tuned for upcoming dates.

Grandmaster Gems

🍸 Watch the first Neuralink patient use a brain implant to play chess

🍸 Taras Yoom's handcrafted chess set of otherworldly creatures

🍸 learning from history and future of AI!

Upcoming Events - Toronto

• Saturday, July 27th - CF Chess with Cadillac Fairview (Eaton Centre)

• Tuesday, July 30th - Knight Garden Chess Party - Harriet’s Rooftop

• Friday, August 9th - Knightcap Chess Club Vol. 8 (Annex Hotel Wine Bar)

Upcoming Events - Austin

• Thursday, August 8th - Checkmate Chardonnay (LoLo Wine Bar)

• Wednesday, August 21st - Proper Chess (Quill Room - Austin Proper Hotel

Bai Jinshi vs. Ding Liren, Chinese League 2017

It's mind over matter in this, the most recent game on the list, as Ding Liren continually places his pieces en prise to achieve relentless pressure against the white king, who proves unable to escape the center of the board. The game is filled with beautiful moves, but it is particularly 20...Rd4!! that makes a striking impression on the viewer.

Join Us

♟️ Follow us: @knightcapchessclub on Instagram

♟️ Take a look at our Linktree

♟️ Join Our Knightcap Chess Club on Chess.com

♟️ Improve your chess with a premium Chess.com membership

♟️ Merch coming soon!

ISSUE 02

Knightcap is Coming to Austin, Texas!

EXCITING NEWS. Knightcap is expanding to Austin, Texas! With Toronto picking up steam, we think it's the perfect time to spread our wings and bring the Knightcap magic to new horizons.

But that's not all—we're also thrilled to announce upcoming expansions to two more exciting cities! Can you guess which ones? 🌴🏒

This incredible journey wouldn't be possible without our fantastic patrons—you are the best, and we can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support.

Follow our Knightcap Austin Instagram: @knightcapaustin

Checkmate Chic

Who knew chess could be so chic? From runways to streetwear, fashion brands are having a love affair with the classic game of strategy.

It's not just about the black and white checkered boards anymore; it's about the sleek lines, intellectual flair, and timeless elegance that chess brings to the fashion scene.

Streetwear giants like Kith and Aimé Leon Dore are leading the charge, while high fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada are also making bold chess moves. Whether you're a grandmaster or just here for the aesthetic, there's a checkmate for everyone.

Aimé Leon Dore Varsity Jacket

I mean… come on. ALD just does not miss. This is a rare jacket that I can barely find any info on.

Knightcap varsity jacket perhaps?

Off-White™ Chess Set

Each piece is made from premium wood, the lighter coloured pieces are carved from durmast oak, while the darker coloured ones are made from mahogany. Each chess piece has a custom shape. The king, for example, is formed of two pieces: the body plus an interlocking and removable Arrow-shaped head. The base of the durmast oak pieces are decorated with a hot-stamped Off-White™ logo, while the mahogany pieces feature an OFF logo.

RIP 🕊️

Tyler, The Creator for Louis Vuitton

Tyler is an avid chess player and to see him incorporate the game into his first LV collection is pretty damn cool.

The Chess Box is made from Damier Golf coated canvas with natural cowhide-leather trim, as part of the House’s collaboration with Tyler. The greens of the checkerboard pattern are perfectly complemented by the “L.Vuitton Marque Déposée” in pink. This new Chess Box offers a fun reinterpretation of the traditional chess game, with its Damier canvas exterior that becomes the chess board and its pawns revisited with a melted effect.

$22,000… 💸

KITH for Bergdorf Goodman

Kith for Bergdorf Goodman Chess & Checkers Set features a deluxe solid wood cabinet, with a de-bossed vegan leather game board, and a sleek storage drawer to hold all game contents.

Included are custom cream and green wood chess pieces, foil-stamped cream and green checkers pieces, and custom Kith for Bergdorf Goodman co-branding throughout the base.

Upcoming Club Events - Toronto

• Friday, July 5th - Knightcap Chess Club Vol. 7

• Saturday, June 29th - CF Chess with Cadillac Fairview (Sherway Gardens)

• Saturday, July 6th - CF Chess with Cadillac Fairview (Eaton Centre)

• Saturday, July 13th - CF Chess with Cadillac Fairview (Eaton Centre)

• Saturday, July 20th - International Chess Day at The Well

Byrne vs. Fischer, New York 1956

At the age of 13, Bobby Fischer alerted the world to his presence, winning one of the finest games of all time against IM Donald Byrne with the black pieces. Fischer's 11...Na4!! and 17...Be6!! constitute two of the great hammer-blows in chess history; together they decimated the white position.

Join Us

♟️ Follow us: @knightcapchessclub on Instagram

♟️ Take a look at our Linktree

♟️ Join Our Knightcap Chess Club on Chess.com

♟️ Improve your chess with a premium Chess.com membership

♟️ Merch coming soon!

ISSUE 01

Knightcap Chess Club Beginnings

We’re making chess sexy. That’s the goal. Join us on this journey and enjoy a dirty martini with olives while you're at it.

Knightcap started back in November 2023, born out of a love for chess and a desire to play in some of Toronto’s coolest spots. From bars and hotel lobbies to restaurants and cafes, we host chess nights anywhere and everywhere.

We usually meet every two weeks, and all event details are posted on Instagram. Check out our flyers and join the club.

Cheers to a game well played.

Grandmaster Gems

🍸 Check out the RIMOWA Chess Attaché Set

🍸 How Stanley Kubrick used chess to sculpt his career

🍸 Get to know Bobby Fischer - an icon of the game

🍸 10 essential movies about chess

Upcoming Club Events

• Knight Market with Stockpile Studios - Thursday, May 30th at The Annex Hotel

• CF Chess with Cadillac Fairview - Saturday, June 1st at Sherway Gardens

• Checkmate Market with The Well - Sunday, June 2nd at Wellington Market

Kasparov vs. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999

Despite losing a historic match to the computer engine Deep Blue two years earlier, Garry Kasparov was at the height of his powers in 1999, winning tournaments by big margins and recording the highest Elo rating ever at that time (2851). Kasparov has a long list of brilliancies to his credit, but this game is his virtually undisputed masterpiece.

Join Us

♟️ Follow us: @knightcapchessclub on Instagram

♟️ Take a look at our Linktree

♟️ Join Our Knightcap Chess Club on Chess.com

♟️ Improve your chess with a premium Chess.com membership

♟️ Merch coming soon!

https://knightcapchessclub.substack.com/p/01-eight-by-eight-til-late?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share