Iivo Nei and Andreas Dueckstein awarded Honorary GM title
FIDE Council awarded the title of Honorary Grandmaster to Andreas Dueckstein (Austria) and Iivo Nei (Estonia) for their consistently strong results in the 1950s-70s. Currently, FIDE Historic Commission is working on unified criteria for awarding the title of Honorary Grandmaster. Below are a few words about the awardees, summarizing their careers and achievements. Ivo Nei Photo: Ingmar Muusikus Born on October 31 1931, in Tartu, Estonia, Iivo Nei started playing chess inspired by his great compatriot Paul Keres. At the beginning of his career, Nei made a name for himself, finishing 3rd in a very strong USSR Juniors Championship (Leningrad, 1947) and tying for first with Korchnoi in the same event a year later (Tallinn, 1948). Eight-time Estonian champion (1951, 1952, 1956, 1960–1962, 1971, and 1974), Iivo won the Baltic Republics championships in 1961 in Palanga, in 1962 in Tartu, in 1963 in Estonia, and in 1964 in Pärnu. His major break came in 1964 when he tied for first with Paul Keres in Beverwijk (Hoogovens tournament, later known Corus and then Tata Steel) ahead of Portisch, Ivkov, Larsen and Parma. He later achieved solid results in Beverwijk 1966 (5th), Zinnowitz 1966 (4th-6th) and Tallinn 1969 (2-3rd). Still an active player, Iivo Nei productively worked with Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze as an assistant and was notably one of Boris Spassky’s seconds in the 1972 World Championship match. He later coached GM Lembit Oll. For many years Iivo Nei served as FIDE representative in Zone 1.7 (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) A popular author, he penned several books in Estonian and German. Andreas Dückstein Photo: kurier.at/ Born on August 2, 1927, in Budapest, Andreas Dueckstein moved to Austria at 22 and quickly became one of the country’s strongest players, winning the national championship thrice (1954, 1956, 1977). Andreas represented Austria in seven Chess Olympiads from 1956 to 1988, notably taking individual gold in Moscow (1956) and Nice (1974), both times playing on the second board. Following his strong performance in Moscow (1956), he was awarded the IM title. Regarded as a dangerous attacking player in his prime, Dueckstein scored victories over formidable opponents such as Max Euwe, Mikhail Botvinnik (who was the reigning World Champion at that time), and Bent Larsen. Over his long and successful chess career, Dueckstein built a good tournament record: 5th at Hastings (1958/59), shared 2nd at Zonal in Berg en Dal (1960), 4–6th at Vienna (1961), 3rd at Amsterdam IBM (1964), 4th at Palma de Mallorca (1965), 6-7th in Havre (1977). Photos (top): Ron Kroon and Wim van Rossem for Anefo (Dutch National Archives, The Hague)
FIDE delegation visits headquarters of IndianOil Corporation
The delegation of FIDE, headed by President Arkady Dvorkovich, and chess legends Viswanathan Anand and Judit Polgar visited the headquarters of IndianOil Corporation in New Dehli to meet with the Chairman of the company, Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya and the company’s personnel. In addition to those present at the meeting, 30,000 IndianOil employees were following the event online. Chairman of IndianOil, Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, has received the ‘Friend of FIDE’ award, a prestigious FIDE award given to individuals and companies who have made a substantial contribution to promoting chess in the world. FIDE believes that with programs like “Parivartan – Prison to Pride”, the company is reshaping lives, building a society where every pawn has the chance to become a king. The enduring partnership of IndianOil and FIDE embodies the commitment to this noble mission. IndianOil Corporation is the largest oil refiner and fuel retailer in the country. In 2021, the company launched the “Parivartan – Prison to Pride” social responsibility project. The initiative aims to engage and rehabilitate prison inmates nationwide through sports coaching programs. The Parivartan chess courses are supervised by experienced coaches, including GMs Abhijit Kunte and Surya Sekhar Ganguly, WGMs Eesha Karavade, Soumya Swaminathan, Padmini Rout, to name a few. Mr Vaidya highlighted the program’s role in supporting the transition of individuals back to community life: “Embodying our core value of Care, ‘Parivartan’ has reached out to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable section of society. Going beyond the physical and mental well-being, it aims for a positive transformation in the lives of prison inmates through sports. In fact, the various global recognitions we have received so far for this endeavour strengthen our resolve to push the envelope further to make a tangible impact.” The Parivartan project now covers 128 prisons in India in 22 states and 6 Union Territories of the country, with coaching over 6300 inmates. During the meeting, it was announced that the second in-person Chess for Freedom Conference would take place in India in May 2024. The event will feature many experts from the worldwide chess community who will take the stage to introduce concepts and approaches to using chess as a rehabilitation tool for incarcerated people. The inaugural edition of the event was held in Chicago, USA, in the spring of 2023.
Starting with a bang: Chess Torch Ceremony kicks off FIDE’s centennial celebration
2024 promises to be a momentous year for chess as FIDE celebrates its 100th birthday. To commemorate this huge milestone, the year will be filled with chess activities around the world – from festivals and historical exhibitions, to special tournaments such as the Candidates. There is a lot in store and a lot to be excited about. Now, what better way to start the festivities with a bang? This is exactly what happened today, with a special Chess Torch Ceremony held in India to mark FIDE’s centennial celebration. The Chess Torch Ceremony began with a vibrant event in New Delhi at the Major Dhyan National Stadium. The event, rich in cultural performances and chess-related activities, saw the lighting of the Chess Torch by India’s Sports Minister, Anurag Singh Thakur. Esteemed guests and chess greats, including Viswanathan Anand and Judit Polgar, were present, and the big day included multiple chess activities and speeches. The event began at 08:30 with a Kids Blitz tournament, with chess legends Viswanathan Anand and Judit Polgar making their inaugural moves, setting a lively and inclusive tone for the day. Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, President of the All India Chess Federation, offered a warm welcome address, followed by a captivating video presentation celebrating FIDE’s centennial and its diverse activities planned for the year. Then, a “Hand & Brain” chess game between Mr Anurag Singh Thakur and Vishy Anand vs Arkady Dvorkovich and Judit Polgar was played, adding an interactive element to the event. What was the result, you may ask? Well, after some friendly competition, the game ended in a draw! FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich delivered an address, further emphasizing the global and unifying nature of chess, stating, “It is my firm belief, and our joint vision at FIDE, that chess is not just a game or a sport, but it is a huge tool to improve our society.” This address highlighted how chess can bridge cultures, ages, and backgrounds and how FIDE aims to bring chess to all communities in the world. The speech was followed by a vibrant cultural act representing various parts of India, showcasing the country’s diverse heritage and connection to chess. The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the cauldron by Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur and Arkady Dvorkovich, symbolizing the official start of the Chess Torch Relay, which aims to unite the chess community worldwide. The Torch will travel the world to reach Budapest, Hungary in September, where the 45th Chess Olympiad will take place. All India Chess Federation President, Dr Sanjay Kapoor’s address beautifully highlighted the significance of the Torch: “Today, as the torch embarks on its journey from India to Budapest, let us remember that it symbolizes the unity and camaraderie that define our global chess family. And the values that it represents: perseverance, determination, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together. Together, let us ignite the flames of inspiration and passion for the game of chess, and may they burn brightly for generations to come.” Overall, it was a uniquely meaningful day which represents the special centennial year that we, as a global chess community, will get to celebrate with FIDE. Photos: Stev Bonhage
FIDE announces 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is pleased to announce the second World Corporate Chess Championship, bringing chess and business together in a series of online events that will conclude with an over-the-board final in New York in June FIDE is excited to present the 2024 World Corporate Chess Championship aimed at companies and corporations from across the world. Chess and business share similarities in strategic thinking, decision-making, competition, and the need for effective planning. Both involve navigating complex environments where individuals or companies must assess risks, seize opportunities, and formulate tactics to achieve their objectives. In both realms, success often hinges on the ability to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. That is why bringing people from the world of business to chess makes sense! “Business and work are areas of life where chess vocabulary is often used to explain and illustrate things and where concepts from the 64-square game play a role in conceptualizing strategies and plans. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to bring chess closer to the corporate world,” said Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of FIDE’s Management Board and former minister of economics and finance of Latvia. “In a year where we celebrate our 100th anniversary, this is also a good opportunity to foster new connections and open new opportunities for the promotion of chess,” Reizniece-Ozola added. The first World Corporate Chess Championship was held in 2021 and was completely online. This year’s edition will feature an over-the-board final, with top teams meeting in New York to decide the winner. Who can take part The event is open to teams representing legally recognized companies from all around the world. A participating company can register more than one team, with each team consisting of four members plus a team captain (who may or may not also be a player on the team). Every team has a right to have one invited player who is not directly employed at the company or a member of the board, while all other team members have to be working for/on the board of the company. In any round at any stage of the competition, each team must have at least one male and one female player playing. To ensure a level playing field, each team may only have one player whose FIDE standard rating exceeds 2400 (according to the January 2024 FIDE Rating list). The qualifying stages The FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship will consist of three stages: Online Qualifiers (played on Lichess.org) Online Knockout (played on Lichess.org) The Finals (played over-the-board at the grand finale in New York in June) The Online Qualifiers will be played in two different formats – Rapid (six rounds, played with a time limit of 10 minutes plus 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1) and Blitz (eight rounds, played at a time limit of 5 minutes plus 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1). The Online Qualifiers will be played as Team Swiss System tournaments. The team’s score shall be calculated as a sum of gamepoints. Each team will score 1 gamepoint for each game won, and ½ gamepoint for each game drawn, and 0 gamepoints for each game lost. The qualifier stages will take place on the following dates: Date Time Time control March 16 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Blitz March 17 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Rapid March 23 06:00 – 10:00 UTC Blitz March 24 22:00 – 02:00 UTC Rapid April 6 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Blitz April 7 06:00 – 10:00 UTC Rapid April 13 22:00 – 02:00 UTC Blitz April 14 14:00 – 18:00 UTC Rapid The top 8 teams in each qualifier’s final rankings will advance to the Online Knockout Stage. The knockouts will be organized on Saturday, April 20, between 14:00 and 18:00 UTC. The Finals will take place in New York on June 14-17. They will be played between eight winners of the Online Knockout Stage. The event will feature a group stage and a playoff stage. The prize Teams reaching the finals have their travel and accommodation expenses in New York covered. Additionally, they secure four seats each for an online simultaneous chess game against a participant of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024. Additional prizes will come. Also, the winner will get FIDE’s recognition as the smartest company in the world. Every participating team/corporate gets a digital diploma for participating. The official website of the event with the registration form will be launched on Monday, February 19. Regulations for World Corporate Chess Championship 2024
World Cadet U8, U10 and U12 Rapid & Blitz Championship: Registration is open
FIDE and the Albanian Chess Federation cordially invite all young players to participate in the World Cadet U8, U10 and U12 Rapid & Blitz Championship, which will be held in Durres, Albania from April 25-29. The playing hall is located in the official hotel of the Championship: Grand Blue FAFA Resort 5*. Registration is open until February 25, 2024, via the following link: worldcadetrb2024.fide.com/registration/ Schedule Full regulations for the Cadet World Championship and all the details are available on the official website: worldcadetrb2024.fide.com/
FIDE WSTCC 2024: Registration is open
FIDE, the Polish Chess Federation and the Malopolska Chess Association are happy to invite all the FIDE member federations and eligible teams to participate in the World Senior Team Chess Championships 2024 in Krakow, Poland. The dates are from July 1 (day of arrival) to July 12 (day of departure), 2024. The event will be held in two age categories: Open 50+ and Open 65+, with separate competitions for women. The player must have reached or reach the required age during the year of the competition. Separate Women’s Championship(s) will take place if there are at least ten teams from at least two continents. Otherwise, women’s teams will play in open competition. The Championships are open tournaments for teams registered by their federation. FIDE member federations can send as many teams as they wish. The deadline for the registration is May 10, 2024. The official website for the FIDE Senior Teams Championship will be launched by February 20, 2024. Official website: worldseniorteam2024.fide.com E-mail: worldseniorteam@fide.com World Senior Team Championship invitation letter and regulations (pdf) World Senior Team Championship registration form (pdf)
FIDE World Senior Team Championship 2024: Registration is open
In a seminal moment for the game, chess is set to be showcased among 23 sports at the 13th African Games, hosted by the Republic of Ghana from 8th to 23rd March 2024. The event will be held in the capital city of Accra, celebrating the spirit of unity and excellence across the African continent. “The inclusion of chess in this prestigious multi-sport event is a significant step in the international recognition of the game at big international sports competitions,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Chess made its debut in the African Games in 2003, and it featured in all subsequent editions till 2015. The decision to include chess in the 13th edition was accepted by the Minister of Youth & Sports of the Republic of Ghana, reflecting the status of the game globally. “Upon my recent visit to Africa, I have seen great appetite for the game and interest from the public and the African government. To have chess included in one of the biggest sports events in Africa is wonderful. It reaffirms the place chess has as a sport in major sporting events and is a step closer to having chess present at the Olympic Games as the biggest global sports event,” said Grandmaster Nigel Short, FIDE’s Director for chess development. The 13th African Games will witness the participation of 24 countries in the chess tournament, with each country entitled to enter a team consisting of two chess players, comprising one man, one woman, and one captain. The formats will include the Mixed Team Rapid Championship, Men’s Rapid Championship, Women’s Rapid Championship, Mixed Team Blitz Championship, Men’s Blitz Championship, and Women’s Blitz Championship. The inclusion of chess in the African Games follows the success of reintroducing chess to the Asian Games, where competitions were held in individual and team tournaments in both the open and the women’s categories. The overarching goal of the 13th African Games is to foster positive rivalry among the youth of Africa, projecting a united Africa to the world. Beyond the sporting arena, the event aims to promote Africa’s rich art and culture, contributing to socio-economic development across the continent. Official sponsor: Riyadh Season Riyadh Season is an official partner of FIDE at the 13th African Games in Accra. Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest annual winter entertainment festivals located in Saudi Arabia, it welcomes millions of visitors every year who get to experience a variety of exciting surprises, events, and music concerts. Additionally, it hosts international activities and events that draw in world-renowned stars in sports such as boxing, tennis, and football. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi heritage and hospitality and it showcases its present-day vibranism. For more information about Riyadh season, visit: riyadhseason.com
Chess to make an appearance at the 13th African Games in Accra
In a seminal moment for the game, chess is set to be showcased among 23 sports at the 13th African Games, hosted by the Republic of Ghana from 8th to 23rd March 2024. The event will be held in the capital city of Accra, celebrating the spirit of unity and excellence across the African continent. “The inclusion of chess in this prestigious multi-sport event is a significant step in the international recognition of the game at big international sports competitions,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Chess made its debut in the African Games in 2003, and it featured in all subsequent editions till 2015. The decision to include chess in the 13th edition was accepted by the Minister of Youth & Sports of the Republic of Ghana, reflecting the status of the game globally. “Upon my recent visit to Africa, I have seen great appetite for the game and interest from the public and the African government. To have chess included in one of the biggest sports events in Africa is wonderful. It reaffirms the place chess has as a sport in major sporting events and is a step closer to having chess present at the Olympic Games as the biggest global sports event,” said Grandmaster Nigel Short, FIDE’s Director for chess development. The 13th African Games will witness the participation of 24 countries in the chess tournament, with each country entitled to enter a team consisting of two chess players, comprising one man, one woman, and one captain. The formats will include the Mixed Team Rapid Championship, Men’s Rapid Championship, Women’s Rapid Championship, Mixed Team Blitz Championship, Men’s Blitz Championship, and Women’s Blitz Championship. The inclusion of chess in the African Games follows the success of reintroducing chess to the Asian Games, where competitions were held in individual and team tournaments in both the open and the women’s categories. The overarching goal of the 13th African Games is to foster positive rivalry among the youth of Africa, projecting a united Africa to the world. Beyond the sporting arena, the event aims to promote Africa’s rich art and culture, contributing to socio-economic development across the continent. Official sponsor: Riyadh Season Riyadh Season is an official partner of FIDE at the 13th African Games in Accra. Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest annual winter entertainment festivals located in Saudi Arabia, it welcomes millions of visitors every year who get to experience a variety of exciting surprises, events, and music concerts. Additionally, it hosts international activities and events that draw in world-renowned stars in sports such as boxing, tennis, and football. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi heritage and hospitality and it showcases its present-day vibranism. For more information about Riyadh season, visit: riyadhseason.com
International Congress on Chess, Education and Health: A New Look into the Future
Menorca is preparing to welcome leading international experts in the field of chess, education and health at the II International Congress of Chess, Education and Health, which will be held from March 22-24, 2024. The сongress is a part of the FIDE100 Celebrations program. This innovative congress, of great relevance worldwide, will provide a unique platform to explore new perspectives and paradigms at the intersection of chess, education and health. Integrating these three fields will generate an interdisciplinary dialogue that will promote the development of more holistic and effective approaches to address current and future challenges in education and health. One of the congress highlights will be the presentation of experiences and studies conducted and validated in different parts of the world, thus offering a global view of the possibilities and benefits that chess can bring to education and health. “This congress represents a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of chess as an educational and therapeutic tool, as well as to explore new ways of integrating this discipline into education and health systems,” said Pep Suárez, Director of the Congress. “We hope that this event will inspire and motivate participants to adopt innovative and evidence-based approaches to improve the quality of life of people around the world,” he added. The results and the evolution of the Infinite Chess project (chess for kids with autism spectrum disorder) will be presented at the congress. The program aimed to use chess as an educational and social tool that develops and puts into practice the skills of teaching chess to kids with ASD was launched in January 2021 in six countries. Currently, it is already running in 12 countries – Albania, Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Latvia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey – and involves 130 children with ASD. The II International Congress on Chess, Education and Health will take place at the Lazareto de Menorca, Maó. Over three days, the attendees will have an opportunity to participate in keynote lectures, round tables, practical workshops and networking activities featuring leading international experts and professionals. For more information about the congress and registration, visit the official website. Official website: congresodeajedrezmenorca.com/ Press contact: info@congresodeajedrezmenorca.com
Chess Torch Ceremony in India to mark FIDE’s 100th-anniversary celebration
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary since its founding, FIDE is set to launch the Chess Torch Relay, a global movement aimed at celebrating the rich history of the game and bringing together the entire chess community. As part of the FIDE 100 celebration, the torch relay will commence on February 14 in New Delhi, India, at the Major Dhyan National Stadium. The ceremony will include a tournament for children, a performance celebrating the rich history of India, and speeches. The pivotal moment of the ceremony will be the lighting of the torch, officiated by India’s Minister of Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur. The FIDE Chess Torch was first introduced at the Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the game. The Torch will embark on a journey from India to Hungary’s capital, Budapest, where the 45th Chess Olympiad will take place in September this year. As the torch travels across the globe, it will pass through several continents, serving as a beacon of inspiration for chess enthusiasts everywhere. Along its path, a series of chess-dedicated events and celebrations will unfold, showcasing the game’s cultural significance and fostering a sense of community among people. From grandmaster tournaments, art exhibitions to community events, each stop on the torch’s journey will contribute to celebrating the global legacy of the game and FIDE, emphasizing the inclusive and unifying nature of the sport. “India is the cradle of chess, and it is fitting that this relay starts there – where it all began,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “We are honored that this important first step is made in India, which represents not only the past of chess but also its future. I invite all chess enthusiasts to join us in celebrating the first century since FIDE was founded in the spirit of our motto – Gens Una Sumus – We Are One Family,” Dvorkovich added. Present at the ceremony will be India’s native Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Chess Champion & FIDE Deputy President, as well as Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar, the strongest woman chess player in history. The list of guests at the ceremony includes Ms Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Sports of India; Dr Sanjay Kapoor, AICF President; FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and FIDE Deputy Chair of Management Board and Chairperson of FIDE100 Organizing Committee, Dana Reizniece-Ozola.