Chess tables in the prison yard of Alphen: A strategic move
The prison yard of the Penitentiary Institution (PI) Alphen has undergone a special enhancement: a self-made chess table, crafted by the inmates themselves. This black-and-white checkered table is not only a testament to their craftsmanship but also a contribution to a stimulating environment within the prison. The initiative was inaugurated with a ceremony led by none other than eight-time Dutch chess champion Loek van Wely. This ceremony marks the beginning of a plan to distribute no fewer than 35 chess tables across all penitentiary institutions in the Netherlands, allowing chess to play a more significant role in the inmates’ daily lives. On Tuesday, May 14, chess champion Loek van Wely came to PI Alphen to unveil the first chess table and to test it out immediately. Four of the best inmate chess players were allowed to challenge him. One of them, who learned to play chess within the prison walls, shared: “I’m going to do my best to win,” he laughed. “We play a lot in the ward and during yard time. I hope this beautiful table will soon have a permanent place in our yard.” A game of chess in prison is not a new phenomenon, but its potential is now being fully embraced. By placing chess tables in the yard, not only is the playing of the game encouraged, but also mental activity is promoted, helping PI create a more active living environment. Loek sees great value in playing chess within prison walls. “It’s important to be in top physical and mental shape for the period after detention. Chess is a game that requires you to take your time, which fits well in this environment. It may be harsh, but here, you have the time to work on yourself. I hope everyone here gets the most out of themselves now that they have the time to develop within these walls.” Blitz Chess Van Wely played blitz chess against four inmates, where typically each player has from 3 to 5 minutes of thinking time for the entire game. In this case, Loek had just one minute on his clock, while each inmate had five minutes to give his opponents a chance to win. One inmate succeeded in beating the chess champion! “Especially with blitz chess, you often have to sit on your hands to avoid moving a piece too quickly, to not act under the pressure of the clock or the spectators’ eyes. This is also true in real life. I often think: if only more people played chess. Because through chess, you learn that acting out of emotion often does not lead to good ‘moves’,” van Wely said. Hidden Strengths Chess master Jop Delemarre was also present at the unveiling of the chess table. Jop, a former Dutch youth champion, participated several times in European and World Youth Championships. Additionally, he is a member of the ECU Social Commission, where he is responsible for the ‘Chess for Freedom’ portfolio. Delemarre frequently visits the PI Alphen prison to give clinics to inmates. “Chess has many hidden powers. With chess, you have an objectivity that is the same for everyone. And while you play against others, you also fight against yourself.” A Step Forward The prison director of PI Alphen does not see the chess table in the yard as just a game. “It offers inmates an opportunity to develop skills. Within our prison, we place a high value on sports. By encouraging sports activities, including mind sports, we stimulate inmates to reflect and engage positively. A game of chess certainly provides this and offers distraction, improving the living environment and thus enhancing our own safety.” With the chess tables in the yard of PI Alphen and the planned expansion to other institutions, the opportunities for growth and rehabilitation for inmates are increased. It is a small step toward a better future. Text and photos: Shireen Habiballah
Important update to C.04.1 Basic Rules for Swiss Systems
We are pleased to announce an update to the article “C.04.1 Basic Rules for Swiss Systems” in the FIDE Handbook. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the clarity and functionality of our competition regulations, the wording of Article C.04.1.4 has been revised. This change aligns with the recent modifications in the “04. FIDE Swiss Rules” section. Key Update: The revised Article C.04.1.4 now stipulates that a player who has already received a full-point bye or has scored a full point in a round without play, due to an opponent not appearing on time, will no longer be eligible to receive a pairing-allocated bye. This adjustment ensures consistency in how byes are awarded and avoids any undue advantage. Effective Date: This change will take effect on July 1, 2025. For any inquiries or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at secretary.tec@fide.com
FIDE Grand Swiss & Women’s Grand Swiss 2025 – Call for bids
1.1 The International Chess Federation (FIDE) will hold the Grand Swiss Tournament & Women’s Grand Swiss Tournaments in the first half of 2025 (see the drafts of regulations for the Grand Swiss Tournament and Women’s Grand Swiss). 1.2 FIDE is opening a bidding procedure to invite any FIDE federation member or any Organizer to host the events. 1.3 The tentative budget of the event is 2.2 million USD, including the minimum total prize fund of 1 million USD. The bid may contain special proposals on financial and commercial conditions. The FIDE Council shall decide whether these conditions are admissible. 1.4 The Bidding Form shall be filled in by an Applicant. A signed copy shall be submitted as an e-mail message to the FIDE Secretariat to office@fide.com by August 1, 2024, 23:59 Lausanne time (FIDE has a right to extend this deadline). All the documents shall be submitted in English. The FIDE General Strategy Commission (GSC) may request additional documents for further evaluation. 1.5 Bid Evaluation Report shall be presented by GSC for an approval by FIDE Council. 1.6 Once the Organizer is granted the right to host the event, a relevant announcement shall be made on the FIDE website. A FIDE Technical Delegate may be appointed at the same time to supervise the event on behalf of FIDE in consultation with GSC.
Olympiad Training Support Program: Registration is open
The FIDE Trainers’ Commission (TRG) is pleased to announce that registration for the Olympiad Training Support program is now open. Federations in FIDE development levels 4 and 5 are eligible to register for training support for the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. Below are the lists of eligible federations: Chess Development Level 5 Federations: Antigua & Barbuda Bahamas Belize Bermuda Bhutan British Virgin Islands Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Comoros Islands Congo Côte d’Ivoire Djibouti Dominica Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji Gabon Gambia Grenada Guam Guernsey Guyana Haiti Jersey Kuwait Laos Lesotho Macau Maldives Mali Mauritius Nauru Niger Palau Papua New Guinea Qatar Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Solomon Islands Somalia Swaziland/Eswatini Tanzania Timor-Leste Togo US Virgin Islands Chess Development Level 4 Federations: Afghanistan Aruba Bahrain Barbados Botswana Brunei Darussalam Cape Verde Chinese Taipei Cyprus Ghana Hong Kong Jamaica Kenya Isle of Man Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Malawi Mauritania Mozambique Namibia Nepal Netherlands Antilles Oman Pakistan Palestine Saudi Arabia South Korea South Sudan Suriname Thailand Yemen This training program will be conducted in two phases: an online phase and an on-site phase during the Olympiad. Federations must confirm their interest in both the online and on-site training support and indicate their language preference no later than June 23, 2024. TRG will design the training program and budget accordingly based on the number of registered federations and their levels. FIDE-licensed trainers who are interested in assisting teams should register with TRG no later than June 23, 2024. Olympiad Trainer Application Form Federations in FIDE development levels 4 and 5 interested in the Olympiad Training Support program should register with TRG no later than June 23, 2024. Olympiad Training Support Application Form
Magnus Carlsen and Ju Wenjun win Norway Chess 2024
Magnus Carlsen won his sixth Norway Chess title after a year break, while Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun emerged victorious in the inaugural women’s event. The 12th edition of this prestigious competition took place in Stavanger, Norway, from May 27 to June 7. Both tournaments were 6-player double-round robins with equal prize funds. Each round consisted of a classical game with a win worth 3 points and a loss – 0. In the case of a draw, the players played an Armageddon game, where the winner scored 1½ points, and the loser got just 1 point, with a draw favoring Black. The final round of the Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women tournament began with several scenarios that could play out to determine the winner of both tournaments. It saw several thrilling games played to fight for the first place. Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana drew their classical game, meaning they had to continue to battle it out in an Armageddon game. Carlsen won the Armageddon tiebreak, and with this win, he secured at least a tie for first place in the tournament, having to wait for the result of the game between Hikaru Nakamura and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. The American GM was in a must-win situation, but the game ended in a draw. The 18-year-old chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa won the tiebreak game, finishing the tournament on a high note. It is noteworthy that Praggnanandhaa defeated both h world number 1 Carlsen and world number 2 Caruana in the tournament. With these results, Magnus Carlsen has clinched his sixth Norway Chess title. This is a huge victory for the home country hero, as he has not played many classical tournaments recently. Norway Chess 2024 final standings: 1 Magnus Carlsen NOR 17½ 2 Hikaru Nakamura USA 14½ 3 Alireza Firouzja FRA 13½ 4 Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu IND 13 5 Fabiano Caruana USA 11½ 6 Ding Liren CHN 7 In one of the critical games in Norway Chess Women, Anna Muzychuk and Humpy Koneru drew their game, which meant that Muzychuk’s chances of winning the tournament disappeared. Meanwhile, the Women’s World Champion, Ju Wenjun, beat Lei Tingjie. With this win, Ju Wenjun made history by becoming the first winner of the inaugural Norway Chess Women tournament. The last game of the tournament was between the young Indian talent Vaishali Rameshbabu and the legendary Pia Cramling. While Vaishali obtained a winning position at some point, it was Cramling pushing for a win in the endgame; however, it eventually ended peacefully. Cramling won the tiebreak game, finishing the tournament on a positive note. Norway Chess Women 2024 final standings: 1 Ju Wenjun CHN 19 2 Anna Muzychuk UKR 16 3 Lei Tingjie CHN 14½ 4 Vaishali Rameshbabu IND 12½ 5 Humpy Koneru IND 10 6 Pia Cramling SWE 8 As the tournaments have come to an end, we congratulate Magnus Carlsen and Ju Wenjun on their well-deserved wins. This year, Norway Chess was bigger than ever, attracting a stellar lineup of competitors and delivering high-stakes excitement from start to finish. The addition of the Norway Chess Women tournament marked a significant milestone, highlighting the event’s growth and commitment to inclusivity in the sport. Text: Norway Chess Photos: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage Official website: norwaychess.no/en/
World Junior Championship 2024 crosses halfway mark
The FIDE World Junior Chess Championship 2024 in Gujarat, India, passed its midpoint. The organizers have prepared some fascinating entertainment for the participants’ day off, including various excursions, a table tennis tournament, and many other options. This will allow the players to rest and prepare for the second half of the tournament starting on June 9th. Let’s take a look at the standings and results of both Open and Girls sections after six rounds. In the Open event, four players are tied for first place, scoring 5 points each: IM Nogerbek Kazybek (KAZ, pictured below), GM Jose Gabriel Cardoso Cardoso (COL), IM Rudik Makarian (FID), and IM De Silva L M S T (SRI). As many as 13 players, including the second and third seeds Alexey Grebnev (FID) and Pranav Anand (IND), are trailing the leading quartet by just a half-point. This ensures an even more fascinating and entertaining second half of the tournament. Standings after Round 6 Open In the Girls’ section, IM Divya Deshmukh (pictured below) is the sole leader with 5.5 points after six rounds. WIM Mariam Mkrtchyan (ARM), Narmin Abdinova (AZE), and Kseniya Norman (FID) are just a half-point behind. Just like in the open section, the girls’ tournament is keeping us guessing who will emerge as the winner at the end. Standings after Round 6 Girls Some general information about the tournament: There are almost 230 players in this tournament from 44 different federations with 104 different titles. 55% of all participants in this competition are from the host country, India. The live broadcast is available here: Open sectionlive.aicf.in/worldjunior2024/open/index.html Girls sectionlive.aicf.in/worldjunior2024/girls/index.html Photos: Sarangam Production
FIDE Ethics Commission releases first instance decision on Case 11/2023
The FIDE Ethics Commission has announced its first instance decision on Case 11/2023, related to the alleged violation of the FIDE Charter and EDC Code. The Panel of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC Panel) has announced the first instance decision to a complaint from the Ukrainian Chess Federation, Mr. Andrii Baryshpolets and Mr. Peter Heine Nielsen against both the Russian Chess Federation and the FIDE President, Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich. According to the decision, CFR is sanctioned by a temporary exclusion of membership in FIDE for two years from the date of this decision. The exclusion does not affect the rights of players, arbiters, trainers, and clubs belonging to the CFR to participate in chess activities. Arkady Dvorkovich is sanctioned to a reprimand. The first instance decision of the EDC Panel is available HERE, in full. The decision may be appealed to the EDC Appeal Panel by giving written notice of such appeal to the EDC Chairman within 21 days from the date upon which this decision is received. Response from FIDE: FIDE acknowledges the first instance decision of the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) on the issue of charges against the CFR and FIDE President, Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich. We welcome the fact that the Panel found the vast majority of the charges brought against Mr. Dvorkovich to be unfounded. Bearing in mind that, according to the procedure, this decision can be appealed to the Appeals instance of the EDC, FIDE will refrain from commenting on the merits of the case until it is reviewed by the court of appeal.
Refugee Team ready to compete on global stage at Chess Olympiad
In an exceptional step towards empowerment and inclusivity, the selection for the Refugee Chess Team – which will for the first time be competing at a Chess Olympiad – has concluded at the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya This historic milestone marks a new chapter in FIDE’s initiative for refugees “Chess for Protection” launched in 2021. The selection process consisted of tournaments held at schools and community centers in Kakuma. The events were organized by a team of FIDE officials, including licensed arbiter David Lekopien, Chess Kenya President Benard Wanjala, and representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The project aims to send people a message of hope and opportunity, regardless of their background and life circumstances. The initiative underscores FIDE’s longstanding commitment to promoting inclusivity and unity through chess. During their stay in Kakuma, the Deputy Chair of the Managing Board of FIDE, Dana Reizniece-Ozola and the Chair of the FIDE Commission on Women’s Chess, Anastasia Sorokina, gave lectures and simuls and met with students to assess their chess skills and understand their circumstances. They also paid an official visit to Dr. Salome M.Beacco, CBS Principal Secretary of the State Department for Correctional Services, to discuss the implementation of another FIDE social project – Chess for Prisons – and discuss prospects of including the Kenyan penitentiary facilities in the project. The delegation of officials from Kenya was invited to the upcoming Chess for Freedom Conference, scheduled to take place from June 19 to 21 in Pune, India. FIDE also hopes the country will join the 4th Intercontinental Championship among Prisoners in October 2024. A Triumph of Talent and Perseverance The goal of the selection process was to find 10 promising players – five for the Women’s team and five for the Open – who would represent the team of Refugees at the forthcoming Olympiad in Budapest (Hungary) in September. The participants came from community chess clubs, primary and secondary schools, and the Girls Club. Empowering Through Chess Caught in the spirals of conflict, poverty, and rejection, those without a home or legal status face many challenges just to achieve basic human rights such as freedom and the right to develop and think freely. The Chess for Protection – jointly executed by FIDE, UNHCR, LWF, Chess Kenya, and the Kakuma Chess Club – is aiming to make a change for the refugee community. So far, in this project in Kenya, over 2,000 children from 36 schools have taken part and have received training and advice applicable to other aspects of life. The Girls Club has been particularly impactful. Launched in August 2021, the club aims to help refugee girls learn chess, acquire new life skills, and find a way to express themselves, doing so in a safe environment. The club operates in three girls’ boarding schools and has seen significant participation, with 250 schoolgirls attending chess classes twice a week. The program not only teaches chess but also incorporates lessons on the social benefits of the game, helping the students to build skills which are useful both on and off the chess board. Looking Ahead to the Olympiad The selected team members will now move to the next stage – working with a trainer who will prepare them not just for a grand event such as the Chess Olympiad but also help them prepare themselves for the trip and the experiences they will have. The trainer will be selected by the Social Commission of FIDE. The UNHCR and the Kenyan government will support the team in getting the necessary documentation processes, ensuring a smooth journey to the Olympiad. FIDE will cover all travel costs for the two teams. In the words of Dana Reizniece-Ozola: “We are happy that nearly three years since the launch of the project, we have the first team of refugees that will take part in the Olympiad. We want to show the world that chess is an excellent tool to empower people and lead to change, and this story is a confirmation of that!” Photos: Stev Bonhage
FIDE announces finalists for 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is excited to reveal the corporate finalists competing for the win at the 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. ALMATY, Kazakhstan & New York – May 31, 2024 – FIDE, the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation), today announced the finalists in the 2024 FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. As part of FIDE’s centenary celebrations, this landmark event will bring together the biggest and brightest names in chess and business. The event will take part from June 15 to 17 at the historic Cunard Building in the heart of New York’s financial district. The championship includes eight finalists, whose strategic thinking and prowess earned them a trip to New York and seats at the chess board, as well as four wild card teams to turn up the challenge. Blending the intellectual rigor of chess with the strategic acumen of the business world, these teams will compete for international recognition and the glory of being titled the World Corporate Chess Champion. The 12 finalists competing in New York are: Nanjing Spark Chess Technology Co., Ltd. (China)ChessMood Inc. (USA)LLC “LC” “GRECO” (Ukraine)UBS Group AG (Switzerland)Chessify (USA)Tengizchevroil (Kazakhstan)Deutsche Bank (USA)SIG (USA) Wild card teams: Freedom Holding Corp. (Kazakhstan)Google (USA)Goldman Sachs (USA)BlackRock (USA) “This championship is a unique combination of chess and business – a new concept which we are looking to develop further,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “Hosting this event in a global financial hub like New York underscores the importance of chess in advancing strategic thinking and decision-making within the corporate sector, and we want to enhance that link. We are thrilled to bring together top corporate minds worldwide and open new pathways for chess in the U.S. and globally.” The 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. marks a significant milestone, integrating chess into the corporate sphere for the first time. This event highlights the parallels between the chessboard and the boardroom, celebrating the strategic thinking that drives success in both arenas. The finals will take place in New York City’s Cunard Building, an opulent, historic example of New York City architecture reflecting the spirit of global maritime trade, located just a short walk from Wall Street. “We are delighted to host the inaugural event in New York City, a melting pot of diversity and an incubator of opportunity,” commented Timur Turlov, Freedom Holding Corp. Chief Executive Officer. “We have seen global citizens come together in peace and engagement over the board, and it is that spirit of fellowship and understanding amongst diverse peoples of the world that we would like the Freedom Holding Corp. name to be synonymous with this. It is an honour for us to be presenting sponsors.” Attendees will not only witness a showdown for the championship title but also have the opportunity to engage in a full weekend of thoughtful and enriching activities, such as an insightful conversation with one of the world’s strongest Grandmasters, Hikaru Nakamura, a chance to meet International Master, Levy Rozman, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a stock exchange. Additionally, the weekend event offers participants daily opportunities to share a drink and network with business professionals and chess enthusiasts from across the globe. Event Highlights The finals are the culmination of two online qualifying stages with entrants from around the world. The competition will feature group stage matches and intense playoff rounds, ending in the crowning of the World Corporate Chess Champion. The teams will be split into two groups, each comprising four knockout qualifiers and two invited wild-card teams. The competition will unfold in two stages: a 10-round group stage, played over two days, June 15 and 16, followed by the semi-finals with the top two teams from each group facing off, and the finals, both held on June 17. For information about tickets, please visit: freedomcapmkts.com/chess Regulations and Participation Each team may have one player with a FIDE rating exceeding 2400. This ensures a balance of professional and amateur players, making the competition both challenging and inclusive. The finals will be played at a time limit of 10 minutes plus 5 second increments per move starting from move one. Global Corporate Representation The diversity of the participating teams, representing various industries (financial, tech, energy, investment) and regions (Europe, America, Asia), showcases the global appeal and inclusivity of the World Corporate Chess Championship. This event celebrates chess and aims to enhance international corporate communication and strategic collaboration. The 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship, presented by Freedom Holding Corp. is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of strategic excellence and a testament to the enduring connection between chess and business. For more information on the championship, including official regulations, live updates, and results, please visit worldcorporate.fide.com/. Contacts: Al Palombo (US) Anna Volkova (RUS) Global Communications Chief Public Relations Director Freedom US Markets FIDE +1 212-980-4400, Ext. 1013 apalombo@freedomusmkts.com Anna.Volkova@fide.com About Freedom Holding Corp. Freedom Holding Corp. is a diversified financial services holding company conducting retail securities brokerage, securities dealing, market making, investment research, investment counseling, investment banking and underwriting services, consumer banking, insurance and several ancillary businesses which complement its core financial services businesses, through its subsidiaries, under the name Freedom24 in Europe and Central Asia, and Freedom Capital Markets in the United States. Through its subsidiaries, Freedom Holding Corp. employs more than 6,000 people and is a professional participant in the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, the Astana International Exchange, the Republican Stock Exchange of Tashkent, and the Uzbek Republican Currency Exchange and is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. Freedom Holding Corp. is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and has a presence in 19 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, among others. Freedom Holding Corp.’s common shares are registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and are traded under the symbol FRHC on the Nasdaq Capital Market, operated by Nasdaq, Inc. To learn more about Freedom Holding Corp.,
Rajan Subedi and Sindira Joshi win Nepal Championship
Rajan Subedi and Sindira Joshi emerged as the winners of the Nepal Championship 2024 (open and women’s sections, respectively). The Nepal Chess Championships 2024 took place from June 1-6, 2024, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Both tournaments were 12-player round robins with classical time control. The open tournament was a fierce battle (neither player completed the event unbeaten), with Rajan Subedi, Shushrut Dahal and Kshitij Bhandari fighting for the top spot most of the way. Going into the final round a half-point ahead of his closest rivals, Rajan defeated Prem Krishna Maharjan to clinch the title. Shushrut and Kshitij also won their games and finished a half point behind the champion, tying for second place. Silver goes to Shushrut Dahal thanks to a superior Sonneborn-Berger. Final standings open: 1 Subedi, Rajan 1959 8 2 AIM Dahal, Sushrut 1961 7½ 3 FM Bhandari, Kshitiz 2085 7½ 4 Nepal, Prakash Chandra 1951 6½ 5 Silwal, Purushottam 2112 6 6 FM Jaiswal, Rupesh 2055 6 7 Maharjan, Suroj 1917 5 8 CM Lama, Milan 2038 4½ 9 Chaudhary, Sushil 1895 4½ 10 CM Shrestha, Keshav 1970 3½ 11 Maharjan, Prem Krishna 1923 3½ 12 Karki, Rajiv 1813 3½ The women’s tournament was dominated by Sindira Joshi who scored impressive 9/11 and captured the title with a round to spare, despite losing two games. Kritisara Adhikari pulled off a crucial victory over the champion in the final round and finished just a half-point behind, taking silver. Pooja Bhandari and Shanti Dhimal both netted 8/11 and tied for third place, with the former winning bronze thanks to the victory in their direct encounter. Final standings women: 1 Joshi, Sindira 1685 9 2 Adhikari, Kritisara 1746 8½ 3 Bhandari, Pooja 1683 8 4 Dhimal, Shanti 1672 8 5 Shrestha, Riya 1629 7½ 6 Kapali, Binita 1651 7½ 7 Gurung, Sushila 1611 4½ 8 Prasain, Punam 1558 4½ 9 Prajapati, Anshu Dil 3½ 10 Guja, Sabina 2½ 11 Kibanayo, Prashna 2½ 12 Duwal, Shresha 0 The Nepal Championships 2024 served as qualifiers for the national teams for the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Vivek Thing, Rupesh Jaiswal, Rajan Subedi, Shushrut Dahal and Kshitij Bhandari have been selected for men’s team. The women’s team will consist of Sujana Lohani, Sindira Joshi, Kritisara Adhikari, Pooja Bhandari and Shanti Dhimal. Photo: Raju Tamrakar