13 leagues and about 600-700 players gather on Saturdays every two or three weeks. This is the Dutch club championship. The well-established system and the presence of competition always produce the desired results on the global stage. Their structure also inspires a sense of envy.
In psychology, there is a term known as the masochistic personality type. The theory suggests that the concept of the masochistic personality type has intrigued psychologists and researchers for several decades. These individuals seem to have a unique inclination towards self-sabotage and self-inflicted pain. They often engage in behaviors or make choices that harm their own well-being, whether it be in their relationships, careers, or personal growth. Masochistic personalities may actively seek out painful or challenging situations. They may be attracted to emotionally or physically abusive relationships, and they may find themselves in situations where they are almost certain to fail.
The last weekend of September was very eventful for draughts players. On Saturday and Sunday, tournaments were held in the Blitz and Rapid programs at the World Championship for Veterans, as well as in the Russian Championship for Men and Women.
From the classics: People are divided into those who live to see retirement… and the rest. A pensioner is a person who is paid to not work. Old age should be respected as one’s near future, because everyone, if they’re lucky, will become an old man. The FMJD World Championship for Veterans is being held in Riga.
There has been a lull in the checkers this week. There have been small checkers battles in small federations, and an international tournament with some rain showers has started in Miami.
Who will become the Dutch champion? The question we put in the title of this article is not an easy one to answer. Before the final round, four competitors had equal chances of winning the gold medal. Who will have the nerves of steel? Let’s watch the live broadcast of the final round.
According to information from the FMJD website, published on 15.08.2025, the FMJD Board on 11.08.2025 made a decision to suspend (disqualify) players who participated in IDF tournaments or tournaments held on the territory of the Russian Federation from participation in all FMJD events, as well as FMJD continental championships, until July 31, 2026. This decision was made primarily by FMJD President Jacek Pawlicki and FMJD Acting Secretary General Vladislavs Vesperis in violation of international sports norms and the FMJD Charter itself.
We are publishing Allan Silva’s official appeal to the “gang” of scoundrels, Russophobes, and lunatics. We have already received several appeals. We hope that the lunatics who still choose to support the alleged international “gang” will start thinking with their heads instead of their butts.
The French Championship begins in Lyon.
Lyon is the second most important city in France, after Paris, in terms of economy and culture. It is formally the third most populous city in France, but the Lyon agglomeration is the second largest in France after the Paris agglomeration, making it the second largest city in the country. It is famous for its gastronomy, architecture, and ancient history. It is also a temporary prefecture for the Rhône department, from which it was separated on January 1, 2015, with the establishment of the Metropolis of Lyon.
Here are the words from Ainur Shaybakov’s interview: “Aynur, which countries do you think have the strongest players in the world in international draughts?
– I would highlight the training system and draughts players from three countries: China, the Netherlands, and Russia.
The Netherlands: Professionally. The pyramid-shaped structure is a multi-level training system for athletes that combines an innovative approach and research activities. I believe that out of the 12 strongest athletes in the world at the moment, 4-5 players will be represented by this country.”
It brings to mind a draughts classic: “This Mole – he lives wrong”. (from checkers poetry). And seriously, a checkers tournament has begun in Prague.
The last round in many tournaments is decisive for strong players who are aiming for victory. Strong players do not “finish” the tournament, but rather play until the very end, like true athletes, and give their best, even if the chances of success are slim. Just recently, in China, the world’s strongest grandmasters were competing for a spot in the top three. It was the last round that determined who would take home the prizes.