An unmissable opportunity
Uzbekistan, in Central Asia, is rapidly emerging as an attractive travel destination. This is largely thanks to its rich history and the remarkably preserved architecture of the Silk Road period. The historic cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, in particular, offer a wealth of cultural highlights. In addition, the country provides high-quality accommodation, reliable transport and excellent cuisine, while being considered a safe place to travel.
This group tour, running from 21 to 29 September 2026, will visit these renowned cities as well as the capital, Tashkent. The journey coincides with the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, which will be attended on three separate days.
In this video course, Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov explores one of the most intriguing and under-examined areas of modern chess: reversed opening systems, focusing on the Reversed Grünfeld and the Reversed Dutch. At first glance, these two systems seem unrelated. However, they share a common strategic challenge: the value of tempi, structure, and psychology when familiar openings are played with colours reversed. Drawing on his long professional experience, Sokolov explains why these positions are far more subtle than they appear and why traditional engine evaluations often fail to capture their true complexity.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Larsen’s b4 Plan vs Reversed Stonewall Setups: Larsen – Spassky
Uzbekistan is also increasingly establishing itself as a leading chess nation, not only through the hosting of major events but also thanks to its elite players, notably super GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov. Both recently finished first and second at the prestigious Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, while Sindarov has also qualified for the forthcoming Candidates Tournament.
A chess event with local players will be organised at a historic venue in Bukhara. On the final day in Tashkent, a further event will take place in a park setting, again involving local players.
The Supreme Assembly building in Navoi Park, Tashkent | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
View over the Old City at sunset in Bukhara | Photo: Adam Jones
A similar trip was organised in September 2024, and a report can be found here: https://en.chessbase.com/post/chess-adventures-in-uzbekistan
Partners and friends of chess players are also welcome. An alternative excursion programme can be arranged during chess events, if desired.
The tour leader is Ardjan Langedijk, owner of a travel agency specialising in Central Asia since 2006 and an active chess player himself.
If there is sufficient interest, the group will also be joined by an experienced chess trainer and ChessBase author IM Robert Ris, who will provide training sessions on five evenings during the trip.
Check out Robert Ris’ recap of timeless classics from Wijk aan Zee, for free!
The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss took place in Samarkand and was a great success | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Contact information:
Ardjan Langedijk
E-mail: ardjan@oezbekistanreizen.nl
Become a master of chess strategy – get Robert Ris’s complete bundle now at a special price!
Become a master of chess strategy – get Robert Ris’s complete bundle now at a special price!