The chess calendar rolls on, and currently, all roads lead to Croatia for a significant stop on the global circuit: the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament. This event holds particular weight as the third crucial stage of the prestigious 2025 Grand Chess Tour, drawing top talent and considerable attention.
Participants in the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz face a diverse test of skill and speed across two distinct disciplines. The tournament commenced with the rapid section, which ran as a single round-robin competition from July 2nd to July 4th. Players navigated their games under a time control of 25 minutes for the entire game, supplemented by a 10-second increment added after each move. This format, while faster than classical chess, still allows for complex strategic battles and tactical depth.
Following the rapid play, the intensity escalates dramatically with the transition to blitz chess. Scheduled from July 5th to July 6th, the blitz portion features a double round-robin format, meaning competitors play each other twice. The time control shrinks significantly to just 5 minutes per game, with a mere 2-second increment per move. It is during these high-speed rounds, particularly as Day 5 unfolds and pieces fly across the board, that strategic planning often gives way to sharp intuition and nerve, providing ample opportunity for unexpected twists and turns.
Beyond the quest for Grand Chess Tour points, vital for overall tour standings, the players are competing for a substantial financial incentive. The tournament boasts a total prize fund of $175,000. Of this sum, a considerable $40,000 is earmarked for the player who ultimately claims overall victory, adding a tangible reward to the rigorous mental contest.
As the blitz rounds progress, the standings will undoubtedly shift rapidly, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this stage of the Grand Chess Tour in Croatia.
Rupert Hartwell