Founded on July 18, 1877, the German Chess Federation (Deutscher Schachbund, DSB) stands as the official governing body for chess in Germany. With a membership exceeding 95,000, the DSB is one of the largest national chess federations globally, dedicated to fostering chess culture, organizing national and international tournaments, and supporting players at all levels.​

🎯 Mission and Activities

The DSB’s core objectives include:​

• Organizing national championships, such as the German Individual Chess Championship, and various youth and amateur tournaments.​
• Representing German chess interests in international bodies like FIDE and the European Chess Union (ECU).​
• Promoting chess education and integration into school curricula to nurture young talent.​
• Supporting elite players and national teams in international competitions.​

👥 Leadership

In May 2023, Ingrid Lauterbach, a Woman International Master and experienced chess administrator, was elected as the first female President in the federation’s history. Her leadership focuses on inclusivity, youth development, and strengthening Germany’s presence in the international chess arena.​