The third edition of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships for teams is now underway, bringing together a diverse field of competitors under a distinct set of rules designed to promote broad participation and exciting dynamics.
Unlike traditional national teams or fixed club rosters, this championship features teams assembled with a degree of flexibility, provided they adhere to specific, interesting composition requirements. Each match is contested over six boards. Crucially, team regulations mandate that at least one board must be occupied by a female player and another by a participant without a FIDE rating. This latter rule, requiring an unrated player alongside seasoned professionals and even grandmasters, certainly adds an element of unpredictability and perhaps a touch of democratic chaos to the elite chess landscape.
The tournament is split into two distinct phases, catering to different time controls. The first three days are dedicated to the Rapid Chess World Championship. Teams navigate a 12-round Swiss system, a format known for its intensity and potential for dramatic standings shifts as the tournament progresses.
Following the rapid segment, the focus shifts to the lightning-fast world of Blitz chess over the subsequent two days. This section begins with preliminary rounds played in groups, setting the stage for a high-stakes knockout final round where reflexes and intuition are tested to their limits.
Among the contenders, one team stands out as the pre-tournament Elo favorite: the WR team, sponsored by Wadim Rosenstein. Their roster boasts an impressive lineup, featuring no fewer than six super grandmasters. With such firepower, they are understandably marked as the team to beat, although the unique team composition rules and the volatile nature of rapid and blitz chess ensure that upsets are always a possibility. The requirement for unrated players on every team means that even a top-heavy roster must integrate less experienced players, creating fascinating potential mismatches and strategic challenges on certain boards.
Chess enthusiasts worldwide are following the action, eager to see how these uniquely constructed teams perform and which players and strategies will prevail in this exciting team-based rapid and blitz format.
Rupert Hartwell