FIDE and Google create the Efficient Chess AI Challenge, hosted on Kaggle
The International Chess Federation and the world’s top tech company challenge enthusiasts to make chess-playing programs which work well without requiring powerful computers to run them. Chess has long been a grand challenge for artificial intelligence, a proving ground for pushing the boundaries of algorithms and computational power. While advancements like AlphaZero and Stockfish engines have achieved superhuman performance, they often rely on vast resources inaccessible to most developers. The project, being part of Google’s sponsorship activities for the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024, emphasizes ingenuity and efficiency over computing force. Participants are tasked with making smart chess programs that use limited computer power and memory, instead of relying on brute computing strength and huge amounts of data. The prize fund of the competition of $50,000 has been generously donated by Kaggle. The initiative is inspired by a 1950 concept put forward by Claude Shannon, a mathematician who is widely recognized as the father of information theory: “Thinking rigorously about the construction of a chess-playing computer might act as a wedge in attacking other problems of a similar nature and of greater significance.” The exploration of novel, optimized techniques can address a growing complexity and scale of problems, like advancements in modeling and inference techniques and improvements upon traditional heuristic-based algorithms, beyond the field of chess. The competition and evaluation are open to coders across the world. From the moment a participant or team joins, they are able to submit up to five agents (bots) to the competition each day. Each submission will play episodes (games) against other bots on the leaderboard that have a similar skill rating. Over time, skill ratings will go up with wins, down with losses, or even out with ties. Every bot submitted will continue to play episodes until the end of the competition, with newer bots selected to play more frequently. Once a team has reached two active submissions, older entries will be deactivated. The project is hosted on Google’s platform Kaggle – a place for data science and machine learning where users can compete in challenges, and learn through collaborative coding and tutorials. Individuals or teams participating must submit their programs by February 11, 2025, the latest. More information about the event and registration can be found here: FIDE & Google Efficient Chess AI Challenge | Kaggle More activities involving Google and its products planned to enhance the Championship experience for chess fans globally will be announced shortly!
Aleksandar Indjic wins 2024 European Championship
The 2024 European Individual Chess Championship concluded in Petrovac, Montenegro, with GM Aleksandar Indjic (SRB, 2623) crowned the tournament’s sole winner. Seeded 33rd, Indjic scored an impressive 9/11 points, remaining unbeaten throughout the event. GM Daniel Dardha (BEL, 2606) claimed the silver medal with 8.5/11 points, while GM Frederik Svane (GER, 2654) secured bronze. Heading into the final round with 8.5/10 points, a half-point lead over his closest rival Daniel Dardha, Indjic achieved a draw with black in their direct encounter to clinch the title. As many as 11 GMs tied for third place scoring 8 points each: Bogdan-Daniel Deac (ROU, 2687), GM Frederik Svane (GER, 2654), Daniil Yuffa (ESP, 2631), Ivan Cheparinov (BUL, 2632), Velimir Ivic (SRB, 2622), Robert Hovhannisyan (ARM, 2613), Mateusz Bartel (POL, 2613), Maksim Chiagev (ESP, 2605) Constantin Lupulescu (ROU, 2591), Kacper Piorun (POL, 2580), and Alexander Motylev (ROU, 2577). Frederik Svane (GER, 2654), who had the best Buchholz tiebreaker, took bronze. Final standings: 1 Indjic, Aleksandar SRB 2623 9 2 Dardha, Daniel BEL 2606 8½ 3 Svane, Frederik GER 2654 8 4 Deac, Bogdan-Daniel ROU 2687 8 5 Cheparinov, Ivan BUL 2632 8 6 Chigaev, Maksim ESP 2605 8 7 Yuffa, Daniil ESP 2631 8 8 Hovhannisyan, Robert ARM 2613 8 9 Motylev, Alexander ROU 2577 8 10 Piorun, Kacper POL 2580 8 Complete final standings and results IM Teodora Injac (SRB, 2429) emerged as the best-ranked female player with 6.5 points, edging out WFM Dana Kochavi (ISR, 2166) on Buchholz tiebreaks. WIM Sofia Pogorelskikh (SRB, 2252) finished third with 6 points. GM Ihor Samunenkov (UKR, 2523) was the top-ranked junior, finishing with 7 points, narrowly ahead of FM Erik Gasparyan (ARM, 2371) on tiebreaks. GM Yahli Sokolovsky (ISR, 2516) rounded out the top three with 6.5 points. GM Valeriy Neverov (UKR, 2401) claimed the title of best senior participant, scoring 7 points. Fellow Ukrainian GM Vasyl Ivanchuk (2640) also finished on 7 points but placed second due to inferior tiebreaks. GM Michele Godena (ITA, 2419) completed the senior podium with 6 points. The closing ceremony took place at 20:30 CET in the playing venue with the attendance of ECU Vice President Alojzije Jankovic, ECU Honorary Vice President Veselin Draskovic, President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Jovan Milovic, Minister of Transport of Montenegro Maja Vukicevic, legendary Montenegrin GM Bozidar Ivanovic and other distinguished guests. Photos: Stefana Milutinovic Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/
World Chess and FIDE open up Elite Chess Sponsorship to small businesses
In a move to make chess more accessible to businesses of all sizes, World Chess and the International Chess Federation (FIDE) have launched a sponsorship opportunity within the Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series. Traditionally reserved for larger brands, this new initiative invites small businesses to put their brand front and center in a global chess event at an affordable rate. About Swiss Queens Wednesdays The Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series, also known as Swiss Queens Wednesdays, is a weekly event that highlights the talents of elite female chess players from around the world. This series not only provides a platform for top female competitors but also promotes gender diversity and excellence in the game, attracting a highly engaged, international audience. For a sponsorship fee of $2,000, small businesses can become the exclusive sponsor of a Wednesday event, gaining high-impact brand exposure in front of a strategically minded and loyal community. It’s a unique way for smaller brands to join the global chess conversation and connect with a passionate, strategy-focused audience that shares an appreciation for thoughtfulness and precision. Key Sponsorship Benefits • Exclusive Brand Visibility: As the only sponsor for the tournament, your brand’s logo will be prominently displayed on event covers, certificates, and the live broadcast. This prime placement ensures that your brand stands out, with no other competing sponsors. • Extensive Reach: With over 2.5 million followers across World Chess and FIDE platforms and an estimated marketing impact of 11 million contacts, this sponsorship provides meaningful visibility in a unique and dedicated global space. • Support for Diversity in Chess: By partnering with Swiss Queens Wednesdays, your business joins an initiative that champions gender diversity, aligning your brand with a progressive mission that resonates with today’s audiences. A New Moment of Sponsorship in Chess This initiative marks a fresh approach to sponsorship in the world of elite chess, inviting small businesses to experience the impact of connecting with the chess community in a new, accessible way. If you’re a small business interested in exploring the power of chess in your marketing mix, learn more about Swiss Queens Wednesdays and secure your sponsorship here:worldchess.com/store/p/swiss-queens-wednsdays-sponsorship. World Chess and FIDE are proud to open up this exclusive opportunity and look forward to welcoming small businesses into the chess community.
2024 4th FIDE Council Meeting: List of Decisions
FIDE publishes the decisions of the 4th FIDE Council meeting 2024, held online on November 10. 2024 4th FIDE Council meeting decisions (PDF)
2024 4th FIDE Council meeting: List of decisions
4th FIDE Council meeting November 10, 2024 Online List of decisions CM4-2024/01 To note President’s report. CM4-2024/02 To approve Treasurer’s report. CM4-2024/03 To approve FIDE Budget 2025-2026 and to send it to National Federations with a Treasurer’s cover letter. CM4-2024/04 To note the received payment from the Iranian Chess Federation and their updated guaranteed letter. To confirm the proposed debt repayment schedule. To decide that if the overdue debt according to the approved schedule and new FIDE invoices is 20 thousand euros or more and the delay period is 30 days or more, it will entail the automatic suspension of membership of the Iranian Chess Federation. CM4-2024/05 To note the updated guaranteed letter from the Mexican Chess Federation. To confirm the proposed debt repayment schedule. To decide that if any of the payments according to the approved schedule are delayed by more than 30 days, it will entail the automatic suspension of membership of the Mexican Chess Federation. CM4-2024/06 To note FIDE Calendar 2024/2025. CM4-2024/07 To note the Global Strategy Commission’s report. CM4-2024/08 To approve the Global Strategy Commission’s proposal regarding the last qualification spot to the Women Candidates 2026. CM4-2024/09 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report. CM4-2024/10 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles. CM4-2024/11 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles. CM4-2024/12 To approve the Qualification Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Rating Regulations. Table of changes CM4-2024/13 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies. CM4-2024/14 To approve the recommendations of the Events Commission on titles. CM4-2024/15 To approve the recommendations of the Chess in Education Commission on titles. CM4-2024/16 To note the Commission’s for Women’s Chess report. CM4-2024/17 To note the Chess in Multi Sports Games Committee’s report. CM4-2024/18 To note the Rules Commission’s report. CM4-2024/19 To approve the Fair Play Commission’s proposals regarding FIDE FPL Appointment Regulations, FIDE FPL Financial Regulations (Table of Changes), Fair Play Protection Measures (Table of Changes), Fair Play Regulations (Table of Changes) and Chief Arbiter-Chief Fair Play Officer division of tasks. CM4-2024/20 To note the Planning and Development Commission’s report. CM4-2024/21 To note Continental Presidents’ reports. CM4-2024/22 To extend the authority of Mr. N Short as a reverse delegate for the Burkina Faso Chess Federation until the next FIDE General Assembly.
World Senior Championship 2024 starts in Porto Santo, Portugal
World Senior Championship 2024 kicked off on Sunday, November 17, on the premises of the Hotel Vila Baleira, in Porto Santo, Portugal. Around two hundred players are competing for the titles in the Open +50, Open +65, Women +50, and Women +65 sections, sharing a prize fund of €42,500. In the women’s competition, the organizers, FIDE, and the Portuguese Chess Federation (FPX) decided to merge the two categories into a single event, featuring 33 female players. Leading the women’s event is the legendary Nona Gaprindashvili, Women’s World Champion from 1962 to 1978, and the first female player to receive the GM title. Kiril Georgiev (BUL, 2553) and Zurab Sturua (GEO, 2502) top the starting lists for the Open +50 and Open +65, respectively. All three tournaments are 11-round Swiss events with classical time control. FPX is streaming 40 games, which can be followed on Lichess, and is providing live footage from the tournament room via YouTube and Twitch. The opening round brought some surprising results. In the women’s tournament, Nona Gaprindashvili was held to a draw by German FIDE Master Olga Birkholz (1875), who was undaunted by the Georgian legend’s formidable record and secured half a point. In the 50+ category, featuring 15 GMs, there were also a few unexpected outcomes. Second seed GM Gregory Kaidanov (USA, 2534) drew with Portuguese FM Fernando Ribeiro (2125) from Casa do Povo de Mangualde, while Germany’s Klaus Bischoff (2445) was unable to overcome the resistance of Scotland’s Alan Minnican (2071). In the +65 section, second seed German GM Rainer Knaak (2458) split the point with Argentinian FM Marcelo Ibar (2044). However, the highlight of the day was Israeli Abir Har-Even’s victory over IM Vladislav Nasybullin (2374) of Kazakhstan on the sixth board. Photos: Federação Portuguesa de Xadrez Official website: worldsenior.fpx.pt/
World Cadet Championship 2024 begins in Montesilvano, Italy
The prestigious World Cadet Chess Championship 2024 sponsored by WR Logistics officially commenced in Montesilvano, Italy, at the Congress Center Pala Dean Martin, Via Aldo Moro. This spacious venue comfortably accommodates all 716 players from 82 countries in a single hall, providing an ideal setting for this global chess event. The venue is surrounded by all the official hotels, ensuring that players, competing in U8, U10 and U12 age groups (open and girls categories), are never more than a five-minute walk from the playing hall. This convenient arrangement benefits not only the participants but also the accompanying persons, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. For the first time in the history of the championship, all boards are live, with games broadcast via DGT Chess Boards. Additionally, the organizers have arranged a live-streaming on the official YouTube channel, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the action in real time. To enhance the experience, the organizers have set up a dedicated parents’ zone, along with spaces for game analysis and chess-related items such as books and accessories, making the event more engaging for players and their families. The event is supported by a team of 31 arbiters and 3 fair play arbiters, working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and fair competition Before the opening ceremony, a technical meeting was held, attended by delegations from over 80 countries. The Chief Arbiter and officials outlined the rules and regulations, setting the stage for a well-organized tournament. The opening ceremony featured notable dignitaries, including Luigi Maggi, President of the Italian Chess Federation; Özgür Solakoğlu, FIDE Delegate; Ottavio De Martinis, Mayor of Montesilvano; and GM Roberto Mogranzini, General Director of the tournament. In a symbolic gesture, ambassadors from three countries made the ceremonial first moves, highlighting the global unity of chess. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on these young prodigies shaping the future of chess. Stay tuned for updates and thrilling games from this grand event! Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar and Niklesh Jain | ChessBase India Official website: worldcadetschess2024.com/
European Championship 2024 reaches midpoint
The 2024 European Individual Championship in Petrovac, Montenegro, has reached its midpoint. After six rounds of intense chess battles, players are enjoying a well-deserved rest day on November 14. Heading into Round 6, four players were tied for the lead with 4.5/5 and clashed on the top boards. Frederik Svane (GER) and Ivan Cheparinov (BUL) drew their game, while Aleksandar Indjic (SRB) outplayed Maxim Chigaev (ESP) in an endgame to claim the sole lead with 5.5/6. Six players, including top seed Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO), secured victories in Round 6, joining Svane and Cheparinov in a group trailing Indjic by just half a point, all standing at 5/6. The competition resumes on November 15, with Round 7 beginning at 3 PM local time. The leader, Indjic, will face a formidable challenge as he takes on top seed Fedoseev with the black pieces. Top 10 after Round 6 1 GM Indjic, Aleksandar SRB 2623 5½ 2 GM Hovhannisyan, Robert ARM 2613 5 3 GM Cheparinov, Ivan BUL 2632 5 4 GM Svane, Frederik GER 2654 5 5 GM Dardha, Daniel BEL 2606 5 6 GM Donchenko, Alexander GER 2617 5 7 GM Fedoseev, Vladimir SLO 2712 5 8 GM Motylev, Alexander ROU 2577 5 9 GM Petrosyan, Manuel ARM 2612 5 10 GM Deac, Bogdan-Daniel ROU 2687 4½ Results, rankings, pairings Photos: Mark Livshits and Stefana Milutinovic Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/
Al Ain Chess and Mind Games present Echess Championship
Sydney, Australia – Marking its 25th anniversary, the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club proudly announces The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, powered by Checkmate Live. This landmark tournament invites online chess enthusiasts and competitors worldwide to participate. Open to players of all levels, both rated and unrated, the championship includes regional qualifiers across multiple skill levels. The competition will reach its pinnacle in the prestigious Grand Final held in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, on December 22, 2024. About the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club Founded in 1999 and led by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan—President of the Asian Chess Federation and the Emirati Esports Federation—the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club has become a cornerstone of international chess, renowned for its achievements and contributions to the global chess community. Recognized for its commitment to excellence and competitive integrity, the club has fostered a vibrant chess culture in the UAE and beyond, culminating in notable victories, including winning the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship. This legacy underscores the club’s standing as a leading institution in international chess and highlights its dedication to advancing the game globally. As the club marks its 25th anniversary, it invites partners and players from around the world to join in an epic celebration alongside the Asian Amateur Chess Championship 2024. This celebration will be highlighted by an epic echess knockout tournament on Checkmate Live’s platform, styled after the high-energy, immersive format of esports competitions. The live final in Al Ain, UAE, on December 22, 2024, will showcase top talent in a dramatic showdown. The Grand Final will be held at the official venue, Danat Al Ain Resort. The club’s strategic partnership with Checkmate Live, a next-gen online broadcast and tournament platform, reinforces its vision for the future and underscores its dedication to advancing competitive chess and mind sports globally. The Road to Al Ain: A Global Chess Journey The Road to Al Ain invites players from across the globe to participate in a series of online qualifiers beginning on November 23, 2024, with skill-level divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. Open to both rated and unrated players, these qualifiers will lead to the four Regional Finals, scheduled for December 7-8, 2024. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final on December 22, 2024, in Al Ain. Key tournament highlights include: ● Global Inclusion: Open to both rated and unrated players, with divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. ● Redemption Games: Players who do not qualify in their designated Elo division will have multiple opportunities to participate. If a player doesn’t qualify on their first attempt, they can enter additional qualifiers within their division or compete in higher Elo categories, creating thrilling opportunities for unexpected victories and upsets as competitors from all levels strive to advance. ● Bonus Rewards: Special prizes and rewards for female players, newcomers, and sportsmanship honorees. ● Continental Representation: Regional qualifiers hosted across four major time zones, each with four qualifiers per Elo division: ○ AO: Asia and Oceania ○ EAS: Europe and Southern Africa ○ MENTA: Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey ○ AM: Americas ● Generous Prizes: A total prize pool of $60,000 USD, including $35,000 in distributed prizes (USDC and in-game currency) throughout the tournament stages from Checkmate Live, with an additional $25,000 USD for the four-player Double Elimination Grand Final in Al Ain. ● Travel costs covered: Al Ain CMG provides flights, five-star accommodation, and meals for all Grand Final participants. ● Flexible Timing: Qualifiers are scheduled based on each player’s registered country to accommodate various time zones, ensuring global participation at convenient times. ● Travel and Accommodation: Finalists advancing to Al Ain will receive complimentary flights and accommodations, with the tournament’s Grand Final hosted at the luxurious Danat Al Ain Resort. Tournament Schedule and Structure Key Dates ● Weekend Qualifiers: November 23-24 and November 30 – December 1, 2024 ● Regional Finals: December 7-8, 2024 (four regional finals across major time zones) ● The Road to Al Ain Grand Final: December 22, 2024, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain Stage 1 – Online Qualifiers The Online Qualifiers will consist of a 3+2 Blitz Swiss-format tournament (9 rounds) designed to advance top players from each division to the Regional Finals. The structure is as follows: ● Under 2000 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. ● Under 2300 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. ● Open Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top eight players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. Stage 2 – Four Regional Finals Each zone—AO (Asia and Oceania), EAS (Europe and Southern Africa), MENTA (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), and AM (Americas)—will host a 3+2 Blitz single-elimination head-to-head KO tournament. In each zone, a total of 64 players (16 from the Under 2000, 16 from the Under 2300, and 32 from the Open division) will compete, with the top player from each region ultimately advancing to the Grand Final. Each matchup will consist of two games. In the event of a tie, an Armageddon game will determine the winner, ensuring a decisive outcome for each head-to-head encounter. Stage 3 – Grand Final The four regional champions will compete in a double double-elimination knockout format to crown the tournament champion in Al Ain. These finalists will battle head-to-head for the title and a share of the additional $25,000 USD prize pool. Grand Final Details The Grand Final on December 22 will showcase a fast-paced double-elimination showdown among the four regional champions at the Danat Al Ain Resort. Participants will contend for significant cash prizes while experiencing the cultural richness of Al Ain, one of the UAE’s oldest and most cherished cities. Registration Details Registration opens on November 15, 2024. Players interested in competing can register at Checkmate.live. Don’t miss the chance to join this landmark event and experience the
Ding Liren ahead of his World Championship showdown with Gukesh: “A match is a match”
In the run-up to the FIDE World Chess Championship at the end of November, where he will play against 18-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh, the reigning World Champion from China, Ding Liren, gave an interview where he spoke about the challenges he faces, both on and off the board. In the interview, Ding was open about the shortfalls in his recent performance: “I know my performances haven’t been up to my usual high standards,” Ding admitted, citing his underwhelming result at the recent Olympiad in Budapest, where he scored just 3.5 points from eight games, including one loss and no victories. Photo: Michal Walusza “But at the end of the day, a match is a match. It’s between two players. When one player starts to hit his stride, how the opponent reacts depends on their experience and how they handle the situation at the moment,” Ding said, emphasizing that match play and tournament play “are two different things.” When asked about his preparation for Singapore, Ding said his focus is more on the middlegame, an area where his challenger excels. “I’m more cautious towards the middle stage of the game because Gukesh is strong in strategy, the middle game, and positional understanding,” Ding explained. While noting that he and Gukesh are not close and, therefore, he doesn’t know much about him, Ding said he expects to “get to know him better as the match goes on.” Still, he gave credit to the maturity the 18-year-old Indian is showing on the board. “He’s good at strategic understanding… he plays like a seasoned player despite his young age.” Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club | Lennart Ootes Ding was also asked to share thoughts on the rise of the younger generation in chess. “They play without any restriction or dogma that the previous generation had,” he said, noting they constantly play for initiative and are more creative in opening preparation. On a personal level, Ding said his life has remained largely unchanged since becoming World Champion in 2023, though he admitted to a dip in his professional form. “My career might have taken a downward turn, but I believe there will be a turning point soon,” he added. In the second part of 2023, Ding took a break from chess, in part to address mental health challenges. Despite the poor showing in Budapest, he said he believes participation in the Olympiad helped him to regain focus ahead of the championship. Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club | Lennart Ootes “My current state is neither exceptionally good nor bad, but I’ve definitely moved past the worst moments of the last one and a half years. I know I’ve been playing great chess—I just couldn’t convert some positions. I still believe I can turn that around, maybe during the match.” As for the venue, Ding seemed comfortable. Although he has never been to Singapore, Ding said he is “not worried” about the facilities and has already sampled some of the local cuisine, which he enjoyed. About the FIDE World Championship Match The FIDE World Championship Match is one of the most important and widely watched chess events globally. Held every two years, it features the defending World Champion and the Challenger, chosen through a qualification process culminating in the Candidates Tournament, which includes eight of the world’s top players. The defending Champion is Ding Liren, who won the title after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in Astana, Kazakhstan, in April 2023 on tiebreaks. The Challenger is the 18-year-old Gukesh D from India, who won the Candidates Tournament in April 2024 in Toronto. The World Championship Match will consist of 14 games. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the Match, and no further games are played. If the score is equal after 14 games, the winner is decided by a tiebreak.