Iceland - Learn Chess

Chess in Iceland

Iceland occupies a unique place in chess history. Reykjavik hosted the legendary 1972 World Championship match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, an event that captivated the entire world and cemented chess in the Icelandic national consciousness. For a nation of just over 380,000 people, Iceland has an extraordinary chess culture, with one of the highest per-capita rates of chess participation in the world.

Fridrik Olafsson, who became Iceland's first grandmaster and later served as president of FIDE, remains a towering figure in the country's chess history. The Icelandic Chess Federation oversees national championships and regular club competitions, and the Reykjavik Open has become one of the most popular open tournaments in Europe, attracting players from around the world each spring.

Chess in Iceland benefits from the country's long, dark winters, which create ideal conditions for focused study and play. Chess clubs in Reykjavik and Akureyri run active programmes, and the game is a respected part of Icelandic intellectual culture.

Online chess and structured learning are particularly well-suited to Iceland, where the small population means local competition can be limited. Professor Archer's lessons provide Icelandic players with the same quality of instruction available in chess capitals worldwide. Browse the city pages below for local club information.

Notable Players from Iceland

• Fridrik Olafsson

National Chess Federation

Icelandic Chess Federation - Visit Website

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