45th Chess Olympiad R02: Norway struggles without Carlsen, top teams lose board points
As the Chess Olympiad progresses, the matches become tougher. In the second round, the favorites still faced weaker teams, but the rating differences are narrowing. This led to many teams conceding more individual points and some even not winning their matches. Canada, seeded 50th, delivered an upset by drawing 2-2 with tournament’s #6 Norway. Former U18 World Champion Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux (2509) won one of the longest games of the round against Johan-Sebastian Christiansen (2661) on board one. The absence of team leader Magnus Carlsen negatively impacted Norway, despite them being approximately 100 rating points favorites on each board. Ireland (#64) surprisingly drew with Israel (#20), Estonia (#60) split points with Serbia (#16), Mongolia (#63) drew with the Czech Republic (#19), and Venezuela (#67) tied their match with Greece (#23). China lost its first individual points but defeated Chile. World Champion Ding Liren drew on the first board against Cristobal Henriquez Villagra. Uzbekistan also conceded half a point to Egypt when Hamed Wafa (2368) managed to draw against Javokhir Sindarov (2677). The Netherlands narrowly won against Belgium with two draws on the lower boards, but were never at risk of losing the match, winning 2.5-1.5. Despite winning two matches, team USA has not yet found its best form. Fabiano Caruana scored the first win against Singapore in Round 2 but expressed concern about his teammates during the match: “At the moment, Levon is struggling. His game today is very dangerous for him, and we can’t really afford to lose a game. We’re playing a solid team, and they are probably going to make two draws with the white pieces.” His worries were in vain, though, as the team eventually won the match 4-0. India has also left no chances for their opponents so far, winning their second match 4-0, this time against Iceland. In the women’s section, Nikolina Koljevic (2030) from Montenegro delivered an upset to Salome Melia (2293), but Georgia, one of the tournament’s favorites, still won the match 3-1. “Some teams come here to have fun and meet friends, but for us, it’s always a fight for medals,” commented Nino Batsiashvili. “Any medal is good, but we’re striving for gold. We were so close last time!” Defending champions Ukraine had a surprisingly tough match against Lithuania as top board Yuliia Osmak (2471) lost to Olena Martynkova (2176) and the last board Evgeniya Doluhanova (2304) drew against Gabija Simkunaite (2005). The two middle boards won their games, securing a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory for Ukraine. Poland and China won their matches convincingly, 4-0. Position of the day: Andres Rodriguez Vila (Uruguay, 2417) – Vasyl Ivanchuk (Ukraine, 2635) Black to move 24…Bxf5! The game continued 25.Qxh5 Bg4 26.Qh8 Bxh3 and Black won in a few moves. Results of the top matches: Open: USA 4-0 SingaporeIceland 0-4 IndiaChina 3.5-0.5 ChileEgypt 0.5-3.5 UzbekistanNetherlands 2.5-1.5 Belgium Women: India 3.5-0.5 Czech RepublicMontenegro 1-3 GeorgiaPoland 4-0 BrazilColombia 0-4 ChinaUkraine 2.5-0.5 Lithuania Full results: Chess-results.com – 45th Chess Olympiad Written by WGM Anna Burtasova Photos: Michal Walusza, Mark Livshitz and Maria Emelianova Official website: chessolympiad2024.fide.com
Judit Polgar’s Global Chess Festival celebrates 10th edition
The world’s most inspiring chess event turns ten this year – Let’s celebrate together with Judit Polgar and Ernő Rubik Inspiration is an integral part of our lives. We can draw ideas from our morning coffee just as much as from a meaningful conversation or the life journey of the world’s best female chess player, whose charisma inspires millions. This inner motivational power is brought to us by the chess legend Judit Polgar at the jubilee Global Chess Festival. Recharge your creative energy! The two-day event series kicks off at the Hungarian National Gallery. “Based on feedback from visitors and speakers, this festival is the most inspiring event of the year, which is why they love to return again and again. Their opinions inspire me as well. That’s why I chose inspiration as the central theme of this year’s event. Looking back, I was inspired as a child by my parents, my siblings, and various situations. For example, I was 12 years old, and one of the greatest chess players of all time, Garry Kasparov, watched my game. As an adult, I can find inspiration in a good book, an interesting performance, or a meaningful conversation. can draw inspiration from a good book, an interesting lecture, or a meaningful conversation. We will not lack any of these at the festival,” revealed Judit Polgár, the best female chess player in history and the festival’s founder. The organizers added that the 10th Judit Polgar’s Global Chess Festival, sponsored by Morgan Stanley, a company with an outstanding chess culture, will be about anniversaries, great encounters, and celebrations. More than 20 programs await visitors across three locations. Chess brings together families and communities On September 17, the first day of the festival at the National Gallery, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Polgár sisters in person for a joint book signing, happening for the first time in five years. One of the festival’s flagship programs is the community chess simul where Judit Polgar will play against eight communities (hundreds of thousands of people). One of her opponents will be Chess.com, the world’s largest chess community. Other challengers include a team of Hungarian sports legends, featuring Dr. Jenő Kamuti, National Athlete of Hungary, and Ádám Varga, silver medalist in kayaking at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. The artist community will also participate, represented by poet and slammer Zsófi Kemény, musician Charlie, actress and theatre director Enikő Eszenyi, and writer and film director Péter Gárdos. Additionally, the chess influencer Zachary Saine (The Chess Nerd) and his community will take part. The extraordinary chess simul can be followed live on-site and online from 2:00 p.m. This year’s festival patron is Ernő Rubik. “Games and puzzles provide a magical way to learn and flourish. Judit Polgár has explored every small path of this adventure and inspires thousands of children to join in every year. It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to be patron of the Jubilee Chess Festival, as the 50th anniversary of the Cube could not receive a more worthy recognition as a symbol of playful learning,” highlighted the world-famous inventor of the Rubik’s Cube. Alongside the children, parents can also find inspiration at the festival from Judit Polgar’s new six-volume interactive book series, the Chess Palace, and its magic world. “The new book series is the result of two years of work. Parents can experience adventures and creative challenges with their children. They can draw inspiration from the books to play together. Chess Palace brings generations within families closer together,” said Judit Polgar. “We are delighted to support the Global Chess Festival and Judit Polgár’s mission for the sixth consecutive year to inspire the next generation of strategic thinkers. Chess has become an integral part of life at Morgan Stanley, not just in Budapest but globally. It is truly special to see how chess connects our colleagues—from grandmasters to enthusiastic amateurs. I am deeply moved by seeing my colleagues succeed, whether over the chessboard or at the forefront of the global financial world, where they work with the same dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking,” said Norbert Fogarasi, head of Morgan Stanley’s Budapest office. Success Stories in Education from Hungary to Denmark and Singapore What skills can chess develop from the age of four? How can we combat Alzheimer’s disease with chess? How can chess assist in improving the social skills of children with autism? Chess camps in shopping malls? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on the festival’s second day at the 4th Educational Chess Summit on September 18 at the InterContinental Hotel. With 20 speakers from 14 countries, the presentations will explore chess’s potential in education, its role in fostering social connections, and its contributions to physical and mental well-being. “With the festival, I want to show how inspiring chess is, in the sense that it is present in everything: in our everyday lives, our speech, in science, and the arts,” said Judit Polgár. On the second day of the festival, September 18, you can also meet Judit Polgár at the BOK Hall, the venue of the Budapest Chess Olympiad, where the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation will welcome visitors with creative workshops, games, a photo exhibition, and presentations. Come, join the festival and get inspired by chess challenges and interactive programs! For the detailed program of the 2024 Global Chess Festival, click on this link. Further information: press@juditpolgar.com
Google announced as Title Sponsor of World Chess Championship 2024
Singapore, September 10, 2024 – The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Singapore Chess Federation (SCF) are proud to announce Google as the Title Sponsor of the FIDE World Chess Championship Singapore 2024, which will take place at Resorts World Sentosa from November 23 to December 15, 2024. This landmark collaboration marks the first time the World Chess Championship has been sponsored by a global technology leader, setting a new standard for the sport’s reach and influence. Google Chief Marketing Officer for Asia Pacific Simon Kahn said: “Google is excited to sponsor this historic event. Chess represents a profound intersection of human ingenuity and technological potential, and has always been a proving ground for AI innovation. In fact, some of our earliest AI breakthroughs came from mastering chess as a proof-of-concept. Through Search, YouTube, and AI, we are now delighted to enhance the Championship experience for chess fans globally, celebrating the beauty of this game that continues to inspire and challenge us.” As chess continues to rise in global popularity, FIDE’s collaboration with Google signals a major step forward in connecting the sport with modern technology. Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “FIDE is thrilled to partner Google, as it becomes the title sponsor of the World Championship Match. It is a milestone for our sport. This collaboration brings a new dimension to the competition, blending the tradition of chess with the innovation of AI. The partnership is set to elevate the visibility of the World Chess Championship, taking the broadcast of the event to the next level and attracting new audiences globally.” Kevin Goh, CEO of SCF, added: “For Google to be our presenting sponsor for this year’s World Championship match is a groundbreaking moment for chess both in Singapore and globally. It is the first time a global technology leader has sponsored the most important chess event. Among many other innovative breakthroughs, Google has, in recent years, captivated the chess community with AlphaZero, its neural networks-inspired chess programme. Chess is all about problem-solving, and we are glad that Google’s special focus on deep learning resonates well with the game.” FIDE and SCF look forward to delivering an unforgettable Championship that will resonate globally, far beyond the final checkmate. Google’s sponsorship redefines the potential of the World Chess Championship, paving the way for a future where technology and chess continue to inspire and challenge each other, creating an engaging and dynamic environment for both players and fans alike.
45th Chess Olympiad: Smooth sailing for favorites in Round 1
The Chess Olympiad commenced today in Budapest with 89 matches in the Open section and 81 in the Women’s section. The favorites faced off against weaker opponents and proved their superiority. In the Open section, the USA, India, China, Uzbekistan, Netherlands, and Norway all won their matches. Among them, India, China, and Netherlands whitewashed their opponents (4-0). In total, 56 teams managed to win their matches with a perfect score on the first day. The defending champions, Uzbekistan, had a more challenging start. Two dubious positions against Trinidad & Tobago were not what they hoped for. Shamsiddin Vokhidov (2650) eventually managed to outsmart his opponent Kevin Cupid (2201) on board three, while Nodirbek Yakubboev (2666) narrowly escaped with a draw from a lost position against Quinn Cabralis (2169) on board two. Team USA’s match against Panama began with a victory by Leinier Dominguez, marking his first classical win since March. However, they couldn’t achieve a sweeping victory as World #10 Wesley So (USA) drew with Panama’s top player, Roberto Sanchez Alvarez (2376). Levon Aronian’s fans were also on edge when he found himself in trouble against Andre Mendez Machado, but Aronian managed to turn the tables and win. The biggest individual upset was likely World #17 Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2733), escaping with a draw against 17-year-old Anas Khwaira (1994) from Jordan. Such results highlight the beauty and appeal of the Olympiad, as for players from less developed chess nations, it is an opportunity to take on (and take points from!) the best players in the world. In the Women’s section, the favourites were also in full command. As many as 72 teams managed to take home all four points. Jamaica lost to India but can still celebrate as their Raehanna Brown (1910), who just became a WFM in 2024, managed to sneak a draw from IM Vantika Agrawal (2370). The main favourites, Georgia, Poland, and China, all won their matches 4-0. The defending champions, Ukraine, conceded half a point to Kyrgyzstan as Alexandra Samaganova drew with Anna Ushenina on the first board. Round 1 was attended by Mr. Gábor Schmidt, Deputy State Secretary for Sports Administration and Development, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and Dr. Zoltán Polyánszky, Hungarian Chess Federation President. The latter two made the ceremonial first moves. Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich made the first move on the first board of the women’s top match between Jamaica and India, while Dr. Polyánszky did so in the Open section’s top match between Panama and the USA. Later, they moved to the media center for a press conference moderated by FIDE Press Officer Anna Burtasova. The speakers answered questions about organizing a Chess Olympiad and promoting chess in general. More details can be found on the official tournament website. After the press conference, the speakers and media moved to the Expo Hall for the official opening of the historical exhibition celebrating 100 years of FIDE. As usual, the Chess Olympiad is a grand festival of chess, featuring numerous side tournaments and activities alongside the main event. The Expo hall buzzed with excitement from spectators and players who had finished their games. Many visitors brought their children, who enjoyed Judit Polgar’s “Chess Palace,” a space designed for younger audiences. The first side tournament, a rapid event, took place in a dedicated hall. Various tournaments will run almost every day, allowing local and visiting players to compete in rapid, blitz, and numerous chess variants. The complete list of side activities can be found here. Position of the day: GM Yu, Yangyi (China) – IM Araujo Sanchez, Josue (Dominican Republic) White to move 22. Rxd5! 1-0 Black resigned in view of 22…exd5 23.Bg4+ Rd7 24.Re8+ Bd8 25.Rxd8# or 22…Rxd5 23.Bxd5 exd5 24.Re8+ Kd7 25.Rxa8 Results of the top matches: Open: Panama 0.5-3.5 USA India 4-0 Morocco Dominican Republic 0-4 China Uzbekistan 3.5-0.5 Trinidad & Tobago Lebanon 0-4 Netherlands Women: Jamaica 0.5-3.5 India Georgia 4-0 UAE Panama 0-4 Poland China 4-0 South Africa Kyrgyzstan 0.5-3.5 Ukraine Full results: Chess-results.com – 45th Chess Olympiad Written by WGM Anna Burtasova Photos: Michal Walusza, Mark Livshitz and Maria Emelianova Official website: chessolympiad2024.fide.com
Final list of Member Federations having right to vote at GA 2024 published
In accordance with the FIDE Electoral Regulations, FIDE is publishing the final list of Member Federations having right to vote at the General Assembly 2024 together the list of suspended Member Federations. List of Member Federations having right to vote at the General Assembly 2024 (PDF)
45th FIDE Chess Olympiad is officially open!
The grand opening of the 45th Chess Olympiad took place at the Dr. Jeno Koltai Sports Center in Budapest, bringing together thousands of people: players from 194 countries (an absolute record), team captains, FIDE Congress delegates, officials, tournament guests, and media. The mood was set by performances from Lilla Vincze, an acclaimed Hungarian singer, and Jason Kouchak, an internationally renowned pianist and composer, complemented by aerial views of beautiful Budapest on the screen behind them. Together, Lilla and Jason, an amateur chess player, composed a song titled “Royal Game,” which premiered this evening. The hosts of the ceremony welcomed everyone to the Hungarian capital and noted that this year marks a truly special moment in the history of chess as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Chess Federation. Over the past century, FIDE has worked tirelessly to promote the universal values of chess, bringing together minds from all corners of the globe in the spirit of friendship, respect, and competition. The host invited Dr. Gábor Schmidt, Deputy State Secretary for Sport of the State Secretariat for Sports – Ministry of Defence, to the stage. He welcomed everyone to Budapest and thanked the National Event Management Agency and the Hungarian Chess Federation for their dedicated work organizing this event. “Chess is extraordinary because it teaches strategic thinking that not only helps in competitions, but also in facing everyday life’s challenges. I sincerely hope that thanks to the Chess Olympiad, more people—young and old—will sit together at the chessboard, learn, and use this common language more than ever,” said Dr. Gábor Schmidt. After the Hungarian national anthem was played, the host invited the next speaker, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. The FIDE President extended his gratitude to the hosts and officials who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible and to the players whose dedication brings the beauty of chess to life. He concluded with the words: “May this Olympiad stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of chess, and may Budapest 2024 be remembered for many generations to come! Good luck to each and every one of you. I now declare the 45th Chess Olympiad officially open!” The highlight of the ceremony was the torch relay, making its final stop in Budapest and lighting the Olympiad cauldron. The video showed the long route it took around the world. The torch relay started in India, the host of the previous Olympiad, and visited 11 more countries along its way: Canada, Colombia, France, Georgia, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Morocco, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, and UAE. The final seconds of the video showed the brilliant Judit Polgar, the strongest female chess player of all time, marching through the streets of Budapest in stunning red, holding the torch high and proud. The video ended with Judit appearing in the opening ceremony hall to the awe of the audience, bringing the torch to the stage. She lit the cauldron, marking the end of the torch’s long journey and the start of the Olympiad. A moment later, Judit’s two legendary sisters, Susan and Sofia Polgar, entered the stage to draw lots for the color of pieces for the top teams. Chief Arbiter Ivan Syrovy pointed them to the gigantic Rubik’s cubes, a famous invention of Hungarian sculptor Ernő Rubik. Inside each were two smaller cubes, and they had to choose one. Both Susan, for the Open section, and Sofia, for the Women’s section, ended up getting the ones with the black color inside. Thus, the top teams in both tournaments will start their first-round games with the black pieces. By the way, every participant of the Olympiad received a colorful Rubik’s cube as a souvenir from the organizers, along with their accreditation badge. The President of the Hungarian Chess Federation, Dr. Zoltan Polyanszky, spoke next. He thanked FIDE and the Hungarian Government for their support and addressed the age-old question: What is chess? Is it art, sport, or science? He said, “I went to the venue of the Olympiad and saw all those chess tables set there. I imagined that approximately 1,500 people would sit there in silence and full concentration, ready to give their all, and this was when I was convinced that chess is, in fact, a religion!” At the pinnacle of the ceremony, Rose May and Raul performed the official song of the 45th Chess Olympiad, “Trojan War.” You can watch the video of this blockbuster chess song on YouTube. The ceremony concluded with a beautiful video tribute to all the countries participating in this year’s edition, as their names and flags were shown one after another, accompanied by more songs by Lilla and Jason. As the music faded and the list of nations ended, it was time to return to the hotels and prepare for the games that start tomorrow, September 11, at 3 PM local time. Written by WGM Anna Burtasova Photos: Michal Walusza Official website: chessolympiad2024.fide.com
Tech Mahindra and FIDE strengthen partnership for 45th Chess Olympiad
India/Hungary, September 10, 2024: Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM), a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, announced its association with the 45th Chess Olympiad by FIDE (International Chess Federation) as the General Sponsor, which is set to take place from September 10 to 23 in Budapest, Hungary. The Olympiad, one of the biggest sporting events globally, will have 196 teams competing in the Open Section and 184 teams in the Women’s Section. The 45th Chess Olympiad is notable for having the largest participating teams ever and a record-breaking number of women’s teams. In addition, Tech Mahindra and FIDE have been revolutionizing the historic game through various initiatives over the years. One such initiative is the Global Chess League, a unique joint venture with FIDE launched in 2023. The inaugural season, held in Dubai, was a resounding success, featuring top players from across the globe. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, said, “Our association with Tech Mahindra has been instrumental in advancing chess, and we’re excited to extend this partnership to the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Tech Mahindra’s contributions, from pioneering next-generation digital experiences to launching the Global Chess League, have been vital in the rapid rise of chess over the years. We are looking forward to an exciting tournament, and together, with Tech Mahindra, we’re set to take chess to new heights.” The highly anticipated second season of the Global Chess League is scheduled to take place at Friends House in London from October 3 to 12, 2024. Six franchises – Alpine SG Pipers, Ganges Grandmasters, Mumba Masters, PBG Alaskan Knights, Triveni Continental Kings, and American Gambits – have assembled strong squads at the recently held Player Draft in Delhi. Peeyush Dubey, Chief Marketing Officer, Tech Mahindra, said, “The 44th Olympiad received an incredible response, showcasing India’s growing influence in chess. We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with FIDE for the upcoming 45th edition in Budapest. Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in the global expansion of chess, and we’re committed to furthering its reach worldwide through initiatives like the Global Chess League and the development of next-gen digital fan experiences. Our best wishes to all the teams participating in the Olympiad.” The Global Chess League will set benchmarks for tech innovations in the sport as Tech Mahindra will explore unique fan engagements to promote the game, particularly across London and UK by leveraging next-generation technologies such as AI, Metaverse, AR/VR, among others. About the FIDE Chess Olympiad The 45th Chess Olympiad is being organized by the Nemzeti Rendezvényszervező Ügynökség Nonprofit Zrt (Hungarian National Events Organizing Agency) in collaboration with the Hungarian Chess Federation and FIDE. The event will run from September 10 to 23, featuring a variety of free chess activities and programming at the BOK Csarnok venue. The tournament will be broadcast live with expert commentary. Organizers will also host numerous additional programs and side events, including the exhibition dedicated to the 100-year anniversary of FIDE. Children new to chess can learn the basics in a fun environment through the famous Judit Polgár Chess Palace program, while more experienced players can explore the latest trends in chess and browse a selection of specialist literature available for purchase. All expo programming is free of charge. About Tech Mahindra Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM) offers technology consulting and digital solutions to global enterprises across industries, enabling transformative scale at unparalleled speed. With 147,000+ professionals across 90+ countries helping 1100+ clients, TechM provides a full spectrum of services, including consulting, information technology, enterprise applications, business process services, engineering services, network services, customer experience & design, AI & analytics, and cloud & infrastructure services. It is the first Indian company in the world to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal, in recognition of actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future. Tech Mahindra is part of the Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies. For more information on how TechM can partner with you to meet your Scale at Speed™ imperatives, please visit https://www.techmahindra.com/ Our Social Media Channels: For more information on Tech Mahindra, please contact: Abhilasha Gupta, Head – Global Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Tech Mahindra Email: Abhilasha.Gupta@TechMahindra.com; media.relations@techmahindra.com
C.07 Play-Off and Tie-Break Rules revised
FIDE Technical Commission is pleased to announce a revision to the C.07 Play-Off and Tie-Break rules, effective from 1 August 2024. These revisions, requested by the ARB, aim to simplify the language, clarify the regulations, and ensure uniform application across all chess tournaments. We extend our gratitude to the FIDE Technical Commission SPP Department, led by Mr. Roberto Ricca, for their diligent efforts. For a detailed overview of the changes, please click here. Should you have any inquiries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact FIDE TEC at secretary.tec@fide.com.
Chess Palace, exhibitions and amateur competitions at 45th Chess Olympiad
Chess Olympiad, the largest global chess event, will be hosted this year by Budapest between 10 and 23 September. Legendary players and rising stars will come together to compete. Hosted by the BOK Sports and Conference Centre, the Olympiad will offer an array of satellite events. The Judit Polgár Chess Foundation will take you on a special adventure to its Chess Palace, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) will present its 100-year history in an exhibition, and you can participate in competitions, a chess quiz and more, organized by the Hungarian Chess Federation. Chess enthusiasts and those who are just getting to know this sport can take part in the events of the 45th Chess Olympiad for free. The venue is the BOK Sports and Conference Centre, open on competition days, games are scheduled between 3 pm and 9 pm. Attendance is free, but there is limited audience capacity: visitors can watch the games of the Olympiad from the stands, but on-the-spot registration is required. In order not to disturb the games and the players, no electronic devices are allowed on the stands. The grand opening ceremony is on 10 September, and the games of the Olympiad start on 11 September. The opening ceremony will be an event worthy of the Olympiad. Lilla Vincze, the Hungarian singer from the band Napoleon Boulevard, and French pianist, singer and composer Jason Kouchak will perform together. Kouchak is known for his work and charitable activities globally, from the UK to France, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Their chess-themed song will premiere at the opening ceremony of the 45th Chess Olympiad. The song Royal Game draws inspiration from chess games and speaks about human relationships and the games we play in those. Besides Royal Game, Lilla Vincze and Jason Kouchak will sing songs in three languages, in Hungarian, in English and in French to highlight the cultural diversity of the chess community. It’s no coincidence that they sing about chess: Jason Kouchak is an amateur chess player, and while he does not take part in competitions, chess plays a central role in his life. Royal Game will not be the only premiere at the opening ceremony, the official song of the Chess Olympiad will also be performed live for the first time. The song Trojan War was created by Rose May and Raul in a songwriting camp organized by Artisjus and zeneszöveg.hu. This way the opening ceremony will be an event where various cultures and nations, and also various generations can come together. Only players competing at the Olympiad and the press can attend the opening ceremony, but there will be a number of exciting events for the general public. From 11 September, the EXPO in Hall C will offer free events and activities. You can watch the games live on a screen and listen to experts analysing the key games from the previous day. In addition to the events, there will be several exhibitors with chess-related stands, including Women in Chess and DGT. At DGT, you can check out the state-of-the-art chessboards with Bluetooth functionality that competitors also use. If you would like to buy some special merchandise as a keepsake from the 45th Chess Olympiad, you can do that, too. The Judit Polgar Chess Foundation will invite children and adults to the magical world of the Chess Palace. This is a project of the greatest ever female chess player, Judit Polgár, where you can explore a fantasy chess world and its inhabitants. You can also get the autograph of the Polgár ladies, Zsuzsa, Zsófia and Judit. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. An exhibition will mark this special occasion at the Chess Olympiad, with highlights from the past 100 years of the federation and the chess community. FIDE is also bringing an urban installation, Capture, with photos of people playing chess from around the world. You can visit the exhibition in Vigadó Square between 17 and 22 September. FIDE will have several conferences and seminars at the event. For further information, please visit fide.com/news/3189 The Hungarian Chess Federation is also offering a number of events and activities at the Olympiad. You can take part in a walkabout chess quiz, enrol in competitions and watch the simultaneous displays at the event. Further information: chess.hu/tovabbi-esemenyek/ The 45th Chess Olympiad is organized by the National Event Management Agency, in cooperation with the Hungarian Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation.
Official Swiss Team Pairing System rules announced
Dear Members, We are excited to announce the official Swiss Team Pairing System rules, set to take effect on 1 August 2024. The newly established rules, detailed in the Basic Rules for Swiss Systems (C.04.1) and the General Handling Rules for Swiss Tournaments (C.04.2.A, C.04.2.C, C.04.2.D), have traditionally been applied to individual competitions. Now, these rules have been thoughtfully adapted for team events. Notably, articles 6 and 7 from the Basic Rules are excluded from application to teams due to the unique nature of team compositions, which can be adjusted between rounds. This flexibility ensures a balanced distribution of White and Black pieces across teams, diminishing the significance of piece color compared to individual competitions. The adaptation allows for different team formats, where some tournaments may disregard the importance of piece color altogether, while others may maintain a lesser but still relevant consideration. Moreover, Article 2 of the General Handling Rules, which deals with the initial order of teams, has been intentionally omitted. Determining team strength involves multiple complex factors, thus each competition may define the initial team order based on its specific regulations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the FIDE Technical Commission SPP Department, under the guidance of Mr. Roberto Ricca, for pioneering these essential rules for Swiss Team Tournaments. For any inquiries or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact FIDE TEC at secretary.tec@fide.com.