Plane of the Week and Weekly Newsletter 9/16/2025
PLANES & CHESS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
9/16/2025
Planes of the Week: The YF-23 Black Widow Vs. The Antonov An-225
(We're making a change to our Plane of the Week! To satisfy both military and commercial fans, we'll now feature one of each. Each week, we will have one interesting/influential plane from the military and one from the commercial space, so you can debate if the week’s military or civilian plane is cooler, and get a chance to become Debater of the Week! This is a trial of this new concept, so let us know what you think!)
Military Plane of the Week: The YF-23 Commercial Plane of the Week: The An-225
The YF-23 Black Widow was the ultimate stealth Th An-225 was a massive, 638,000-lb commercial
fighter. With its sleek looks, incredible speed airlifter that holds the current world record for the
thanks to its high tech supercruise technology, heaviest aircraft ever to fly, and previously held the
long range, and extremely stealthy technology, world records for the largest wingspan of any
the YF-23 employed the latest cutting-edge operational aircraft and the largest plane ever to
tech. Though the USAF eventually favored the fly. This colossal aircraft had a massive, 292-foot
YF-22, the Black Widow's incredible capabilities wingspan, 2 massive vertical stabilizers, and was
have made it the stuff of aviation legend. powered by 6 giant turbofan engines.
The Debate: Which of these two aircraft represents the more impressive feat of engineering: the high-tech, stealthy fighter, or the colossal, record-breaking cargo plane?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
Gambit of the Week: The Belgrade Gambit
The Belgrade Gambit is an aggressive gambit that sacrifices two pawns in the Four Knight’s Game. It ends in a nice checkmate with the queen and knights. The moves are extremely complicated to put into a digital board/short explanation because there are many lines, so this video would explain it better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu51paDPkm0
News
Giri, Vaishali Take the Win at Grand Swiss (9/16/2025): Grandmasters Anish Giri and Vaishali Rameshbabu have been declared the winners of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025. After a drawn-out game, Giri defeated American GM Hans Niemann for the 90,000 top prize; meanwhile, Remeshbabu drew against GM Tan Zhongyi, winning the women's section for the second year in a row.
Niemann beats Praggnanandhaa, joins 5-way tie for first (9/14/2025): US GM Hans Niemann has beaten Indian grandmaster Rambesh Praggnanandhaa, joining the 5-way tie for first place in round 10 of the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament
Weekly Chess Riddle
I am a trade, but not an equal one.
I have given up a tower once I am done,
The compensation is close to none,
‘Tis but a knight or a priest, only one.
What am I?
Trophies will be awarded to the first correct answer. The answer and explanation will be in the next edition.
Previous Riddle Answer:
The correct answer was a smothered checkmate. A smothered checkmate is typically carried out by a knight, and occurs when the king’s movement is restricted by its own pieces.
Club Happenings
Survey Responses: Planes & Chess conducted a survey (to take the survey, click here) that asked members a variety of questions. We have collected 9 responses, and the changes we are making are as follows: Planes & Chess will conduct more tournaments (we are still collecting the responses as to what type) and they can be tracked in the Tournament Tracker forum and in the newsletter. Planes & Chess will have two Planes of the Week, one military and one commercial, and members can debate on which is better in the comments, for a chance to become Debater of the Week. We will also introduce new forum topics regarding aviation news, etc.
Vote Chess Victory: Planes & Chess has defeated Baseball Chess Crew on time.
Feedback Center Opens: Planes & Chess now has a forum thread where you can place your feedback/suggestions/questions regarding the club. All members who post feedback will get 3 trophies for their time.
Advertising Campaign: Planes & Chess will be holding another advertising campaign to get more members. We are open to creative suggestions for advertising. Also, please invite your friends.
Dogfight Chess: Please join the latest Planes & Chess Dogfight Chess Tournament!
Vote Chess: We are playing in numerous vote chess matches against KLM Airlines, ISM Chess Crew, and others. Good luck and play well!
Tournament Tracker
Dogfight Chess (Status: open for registration):
https://www.chess.com/tournament/planes-chess-presents-dogfight-chess-no-3
Club Daily Match (Status: open for registration):
https://www.chess.com/club/matches/1844505
https://www.chess.com/club/matches/planes-and-chess/1844565
Regular Daily Chess (Status: open for registration):
https://www.chess.com/tournament/planes-chess-presents-daily-chess
Chess960 Daily Chess (Status: open for registration):
https://www.chess.com/tournament/planes-chess960
Vote Chess (Status: open for registration):
https://www.chess.com/votechess/game/374078
Member Activity
Member @CheckerTails31 was again the most active member this week! Great job!
To compete to be listed, post in the forums, chat, answer the riddle, and partake in other club-related activities.
Editor’s Note
Hello and welcome to the ninth edition of the Planes & Chess Weekly Newsletter! I would like to thank everyone who took our survey. @Emychock and I have been reviewing all of the responses. Changes we will be making will be announced in the Club Happenings Section and/or a separate announcement as they happen.
