Sometimes it's Best to Just to Ignore the Threat

Today’s blog only receives a somber–hey impressive chessers,

That’s because on October 19th, 2025, the chess world lost one of our brightest stars: Daniel Naroditsky.

I wanted to share how I became acquainted with “Danya” over 10 years ago, in June 2015. I had heard of Danya before 2015 and knew that he had written Mastering Positional Chess in 2010 at the ripe age of 14(!) and that it was well received.

On January 2nd, 2015, I came out with my very first Chess.com blog: https://www.chess.com/blog/CraiggoryC/can-you-neutralize-the-two-bishops-dvoretsky-puzzle-hes-the-best*

*Be nice! It was my very first Chess.com blog!

I don’t remember what exactly made me want to write chess blogs, but I’m sure it had something to do with the fact that my dad had lost his valiant fight with cancer the year before. I was ready to come back to the chess world and share my love for chess, teaching, and chess improvement; for myself and my students.

I quickly realized writing chess blogs is hard work! You have to make sure everything is correct and that you’re actually giving value to the reader. Not just writing about what you personally find interesting. So, I started checking out popular blogs and articles written by other players.

That’s when one particular post caught my attention: How to Ignore a Threat and Win.

Speaking of ignoring the threat for the win, what would you play in this position for White:

I was so inspired that just a month later, I published my own follow-up blogs on the same concept:

• https://www.chess.com/blog/CraiggoryC/ignoreaddress-the-threat  
• https://www.chess.com/blog/CraiggoryC/ignoreaddress-the-threat-puzzles

That blog, written by Daniel Naroditsky in 2015, was my introduction to his teaching style: deeply thoughtful, instructive, and infused with empathy. You could feel that Danya didn’t just want to show he was smart; he wanted you to understand, to grow, and to love the game more deeply; and also see that the game of chess is an amazing one. That’s a rare quality in chess instruction, especially at the level that Danya achieved.

Over the years, Danya became more than just a strong grandmaster or content creator. He became a voice of calm wisdom in a community that often rewards hot takes and ego. His commentary made complex games accessible. His streams showed that chess could be both serious and joyful. His lessons, whether on endgames or history, reminded us that chess is about how you play, not just whether you win.

Conclusion:
Danya’s passing leaves a huge hole in the chess world. But his voice, his way of making you feel capable, curious, and connected, will surely echo for years.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that we all have a chance to carry on what he stood for: clarity, kindness, and curiosity.

So the next time you play a game, watch a stream, or teach a lesson, take a moment to channel your inner Danya. Think deeply, teach generously, and treat your opponent with respect; but not too much!

Rest easy, Grandmaster Naroditsky. You taught us far more than chess.

OLM/NM Craig C.
linktr.ee/ChessToImpress