SRM, Jadavpur University, SSN & SRCC I Semis!
In Division 1, SRM-A topped the regular 2026 India College Chess Championship (ICCL) Spring Season with a perfect score of 7/7. SRCC and Jadavpur University stood second and third, respectively. The top-six teams qualified for the Playoffs stage, while SRM A, SSN, SRCC and Jadavpur University made it to the Semifinals of the event.
Standings After Week 7 | Division 1
This report includes several critical moments and surprising tactical moves of key games before presenting the bracket of Divisions 1, 2, and 3.
Interesting Moments
White attacked the backward pawn on e6 and Black innocuously defended it without realizing the danger of a hanging piece. Can you spot the tactic that White played?
Continuing the theme of hanging pieces, here is another example. Can you find it?
The twist in the previous game puzzle is that Black actually went on to win the game. Can you match the moves of the winner as Black?
The next position is a textbook example of how lethal a pin can be. The game also ended with a nice skewer at the end.
When you are in a losing position, it is no longer about playing the best moves as per the position. The question is about whether you can find a trick that can help you set a trap since you have got nothing to lose. This is exactly what White did in this game. Can you also set a trap?
The pressure of playoff games can be immense. Despite that, The Indian grandmaster showcased razor sharp conversion and won flawlessly. Take a look!
Most tactics make an appearance on the basis of assumptions. Black made one such assumption that occupying a tempting square on b4 may be comforting. Can you find how White tricked Black?
Pawn grabbing is not recommended when your pieces are not properly developed. White violated this principle, captured Black's pawn on e6, and lost pretty early. Can you see how?
Black failed to do the Blumenfeld's squint eye test and allowed White an immediate win. White correctly found a way to set a trap and Black fell straight into it.
Bracket After Quarterfinals | Division 1
In Division 1, SRM Institute of Science and Technology will face the SSN College in one semifinal, while SRCC University will take on Jadavpur University in the other.
In Division 2, Jadavpur University B will play against Parul A team, while the Zugzwang Warriors will face Knightmare.
Bracket After Quarterfinals | Division 2
In Division 3, DG Vaishnav College 2.0 will face IIT Jodhpur Team A in the semifinal clash, while IITK ICCC Team A is set to take on IITH Team A in the other semifinal.
The battle for the top prizes will continue, and we will bring you updates on the Semifinals and Finals soon. You can go to the event page to follow all the games, results, playing schedule, and more.
The India College Chess Championship is the premier online chess competition for college students in India. It is a team event starting January 22, 2026, and featuring a $15,000 prize fund.
