by
John Bain
Alice Lee defeats 8-time USA Women’s Chess Champion Irina Krush is sudden death Blitz Chess tiebreaks!
Somewhat overshadowed by the news from the World Chess Candidates Tournaments in Toronto, Canada, Alice Lee did something really amazing in March 2024!
14-year-old Alice Lee defeated 40-year-old Irina Krush, the 8-time USA Women’s Chess Champion, to win the 2024 Women’s American Cup Title and the $40,000.00 1st Place prize!
2025 Women’s American Cup
Runner-up
WGM Tatev Abrahamyan
IM Alice Lee managed to tie the score with a classical win before beating WGM Tatev Abrahamyan twice in the blitz playoff to secure her second consecutive Women’s American Cup title at only 15 years old!
2025 Women’s American Cup
Final Bracket
Irina Krush
8-Time USA Women Chess Champion
In 2025, Alice Lee again became Irina Krush’s nemesis, eliminating Irina, by beating her in Game 1, a 95-move marathon, followed by a hard fought draw in Game 2 of the Semifinal round to advance to the Finals.
Before meeting in the Semifinals of the 2025 American Cup, Alice Lee and Irina Krush each had 8 wins and 8 losses with 9 draws against each other.
Now, after the 2025 American Cup, Alice has won 9 games, Irina has won 8 games with 10 draws in their 29 head-to-head clashes.
Alice, cup of tea in her hand, draws Semifinal Game 2.
2025 Final Standings & Prizes
In 2025, Alice took home $49,000.00 in prize money while Tatev took home $30,000 and Irina $20,000.
2024 Final Standings & Prizes
In 2024, Alice took home $40,000.00 in prize money while Irina took home $39,000 and Tatev $8,000.
Where Did It Begin?
Alice Lee
USA’s Youngest Ever International Master!
Alice Lee crushed Record!
Alice Lee became America’s youngest ever female to become an International Master (IM), breaking a record set by one of Alice’s chess heroes, IM Carissa Yip of Boston. Carissa Yip set the record at 16 years old–at about three years older than Alice is now.
Alice Lee set the new record of the youngest ever female IM in the USA at 13 years and 7 months old, breaking the previous record held by Carissa Yip at 16 years and 1 month old.
Worldwide, Lee is one of only three female players to earn the IM title at age 13, joining GMs Judit Polgár and Kateryna Lagno.
Alice Lee was born October 13, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, who now lives in North Oaks, Minnesota with her family.
Alice Lee
Alice Lee began playing chess at 6 years old in the school chess club where her older brother Linden was already playing.
Everyone in her family has earned a USA Chess rating.
At first her mom and dad–both university professors–were surprised at Alice’s success. “It seemed like her older brother Linden was the chess player, and Alice was just tagging along,” her mom Vanessa said. “But by 10 years old, Alice was competing with the top juniors.”
Brother Linden & Alice Enjoy a Lunch
Alice’s brother Linden, also a chess Master and Alice’s biggest hero and booster, helped her analyze her games. Both Alice and Linden are math whizzes as well, winning competitions.
Linden’s now busy going to college at Yale.
Alice’s Mom and Dad travel with her to tournaments but often have to take turns staying with her because of their busy teaching schedule.
Good Coaching & Experience!
In the photo above, a young Alice sits behind the white pieces, contemplating her next move, while playing the 8-time USA Women’s Chess Champion, Irina Krush.
Alice Lee Studies Chess!
Alice Lee spends 2 to 3 hours a day studying and playing her favorite board game–chess!
Learn To Play Chess
like
Alice Lee Plays Chess!
Alice Lee, 15 years old, wins the 2025 American Cup!
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Beginners & Intermediate Book – Checkmate! Ideas For Students
“Knight Checkmates King!”
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