THERE are only 40 active grandmasters of chess recognized in the U.S. Valley-dweller Varuzhan Akobian is No. 11. And he can read you like a book. “I can tell by a person’s body language what they are ...

SEATTLE -- With a stunning queen sacrifice, Latvian-born grandmaster Alexander Shabalov of Pittsburgh defeated an up-and-coming rival to win the U.S. Chess Championship. It took Shabalov 61 moves over ...

Varuzhan Akobian is 19, and he doesn’t have time for a job right placed ninth and walked away with a check for $4,000. He intends to earn the rank of grandmaster this year. Akobian honed his chess ...

Wesley So is half a point ahead entering the eighth round. WESLEY So stayed on top of the US Chess Championships after a draw against Varuzhan Akobian in the seventh round in St. Louis, Missouri, ...