Queens United Chess Podcast

In this episode of our podcast , Zara interviews WIM Isabelle Ning of New Zealand about her journey from young chess prodigy to international competitor. Isabelle shares insights on earning her titles, representing New Zealand, overcoming challenges, and inspiring the next generation of girls in chess through hard work, confidence, and perseverance.

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on choosing not to play in the National Championship and how that decision became a lesson in leadership and giving back. From balancing IB exams to supporting her students through Queens United Chess, she shares why creating opportunities for others can be just as powerful as competing yourself. A thoughtful reminder that true impact i...

In this episode of our podcast, Zara speaks with WFM Laksshana Deepak about her journey from youth tournaments to earning her WFM title after an undefeated run at the North American Youth Championship. They discuss her rapid rating growth, representing Canada internationally, and how leadership roles in community chess have shaped her development. A powerful conversation about ambition, service, a...

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on what it truly took to become the Cayman Islands National Female Chess Champion. Beyond the title and trophy, she shares the unseen reality: balancing the IB Diploma Programme (HL Math, Physics, and Chemistry), serving as President of the Cayman Islands’ first-ever Rotary Central Interact Club, leading within Protect Our Future, mento...

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on a tough tournament at the CAC Youth Chess Festival in Puerto Rico, where she finished with 4.5/9. She talks honestly about why bad tournaments are normal, how they don’t define your ability, and shares practical steps to bounce back stronger. This episode is a reassuring reminder that growth in chess and in life comes from resilience...

In this uplifting episode, WCM Zara Majid sits down with Bahamian sisters Chika and Angel Pride; one a rising WCM and national champion, the other a young FIDE Arbiter and girls-in-chess advocate. They share how they discovered chess, what it’s like growing in the sport together, and the lessons they’ve learned through playing, organizing, and inspiring girls across the Caribbean. Packed with fun...

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid shares how stepping into the toughest section of the International Cayman Islands Chess Classic taught her the true meaning of confidence. As the youngest and only female player in the Open Section, she pushed past fear, faced stronger opponents, and proved to herself that she belonged there. Zara shows that confidence isn’t about being fearless, it’s about taking t...

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, WCM Zara Majid shares how chess has helped her make incredible friendships all around the world, from the Caribbean to Canada, India, South Africa, and beyond. She reflects on being featured in the ChessKid Girls Club, and how the platform has built a true sisterhood in chess, where girls lift each other up, celebrate every win, and remind one another that...

WCM Zara Majid shares a lesson from the Youth Olympiad in Colombia, where time pressure led to a painful blunder. Learn how to stay calm, use your increment, and think clearly — even when the clock is ticking!

WCM Zara Majid shares a lesson from a recent tournament where she lost a pawn to a simple pin because she forgot to ask herself one crucial question: “What is my opponent’s threat?” Inspired by Anatoly Karpov’s habit of asking this before every move, Zara explains how this practice can help players avoid blunders. She breaks it down into practical steps — scanning for new threats each turn, asking...

In this inspiring episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the incredible true story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Uganda who rose to become a Woman Candidate Master — and the star of the Disney film Queen of Katwe. Zara reflects on how Phiona’s courage, resilience, and refusal to give up helped break gender barriers in chess and inspired movements like Queens United. Zara also shares her emoti...

Tune in to hear about Martha Fierro, a highly accomplished women’s grandmaster and international master. She won the American Continental Women's Chess Championship in 2009 and won silver at the Chess Olympiad held in Armenia. She is also Vice President of FIDE for eight years and Chairperson of the Women's FIDE Commission.

In this heartfelt episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the truth every chess player must face: losing is part of the journey. From her emotional experience at the Pan-American Youth Championships to practical tips on how to recover from tough games, Zara reminds us that every loss is a chance to grow. With real advice, personal reflection, and a powerful reminder that “you either win, draw, or learn,” t...

This week, WCM Zara Majid shares exciting and accessible ways to stay involved with chess over the summer! From contacting your local federation to joining top-rated online camps like ChessKid, Chess Gaja, and Silver Knights Academy, there’s something for everyone — no matter where you live or what your level is. Plus, Queens United members can get free ChessKid Gold Memberships to level up their...

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid breaks down the benefits of both fast and slow chess — and why training for both is key to becoming a complete player. From deep thinking in long classical games to sharpening instincts in blitz and bullet, you’ll learn how to balance your play and prepare for anything. Whether you're new to chess or leveling up for tournaments, this episode helps you build the mind...

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid shares a personal story from the 2024 Chess Olympiad — where a casual breakfast with a friendly stranger turned out to be a moment with one of America’s greatest female chess players: WGM Carissa Yip . From record-breaking titles to Olympic gold, learn how Carissa’s quiet confidence, sharp tactics, and humble spirit make her a true role model. This one’s a reminder...

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid breaks down a simple but powerful 3-step thinking process for beginner and intermediate players: checks, captures, and threats. Learn how to avoid blunders, spot tactics, and play with confidence — one move at a time. New episodes every month on Queens United Chess!

In this inspiring episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the powerful story of GM Judit Polgár — the strongest female chess player in history — and what her journey means for beginners today. Learn how Judit challenged stereotypes, rose to world #8, and left a legacy far beyond the board. Stay tuned to the end for one unforgettable piece of advice every chess player should hear. New episodes every month o...

In our very first episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the top three beginner mistakes that hold players back — and how to fix them right away. From opening pawn chaos to hanging pieces and rushing the endgame, this episode is packed with quick, practical advice to help you play smarter, more confident chess. New episodes every month on Queens United Chess!

Tune in to hear about Tris-Ann Richards inspirational chess career! She is a prominent chess player from Saint Lucia, currently holding the title of Woman Candidate Master. Beyond her playing career, Ms. Richards serves as the President of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation and is a Councillor for the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess.

Tune in to hear about WGM Sabina Foisor's incredible chess journey and some closing advice for young players! She repeatedly represented Romania at the European Youth Chess Championship and won various medals. In the United States, she was a member of the US Women's Chess Olympic Team and won the 2017 US Women's Chess Championship.

Tune in to hear about Kyla Zhao’s incredible chess career and her exploration of chess as an author! Zhao had a professional career in chess in Singapore as a kid, and now she recently released a new book, May the Best Player Win , that discusses a strong female player breaking the gender stereotypes in chess!

Tune in to hear about WIM Mariam Danelia's incredible chess journey and some closing advice for young players. She has repeatedly represented Georgia at the European Youth Chess Championships and World Youth Chess Championships, and she became a Woman International Master in 2008!

Tune in to learn about a new Queens United initiative, Girls Chess Central (GCC)! You will hear from Mona Pandit, the manager of GCC and Sonali Kulkarni, an avid member of GCC.

Tune in to meet the co-founder of Queens United Chess- Lizzy Brahin! Lizzy is a rising junior at Harvard University where she is currently studying Applied Math and Economics. In the winter of 2019 she co-founded Queens United Chess- a non profit organization that serves to bridge the gender divide in chess and make chess accessible to all youth. We thank Lizzy for her lasting contributions to the...