Excitement and Controversy at the Candidates Chess Tournament in Cyprus: A Tale of Time Controls for Men and Women

Chess Tournament in Cyprus Sparks Controversy Over Time Controls

Cyprus, October 1, 2023 — The Candidates chess tournament kicked off in Cyprus on Sunday, igniting excitement and debate among players and fans alike. This year, the tournament has introduced a unique time control system for the men’s and women’s sections, stirring discussions about fairness and strategy.

In a departure from traditional chess principles, the men’s tournament will not allow players to lose on time until after the 41st move. This decision, inspired by the legendary Bobby Fischer’s principles, aims to create thrilling moments as players approach critical junctures in their games. Until then, however, they will face the pressure of a ticking clock without the safety net of an increment.

“Creating excitement is the goal,” said GM Swapnil Dhopade, a prominent chess trainer from India. “The tension builds as players near move 40, and the lack of increment means that every second counts. It’s a thrilling spectacle to see if they can complete their moves under pressure without blundering.”

In stark contrast, the women’s candidates tournament, held concurrently in the same venue, will feature a 30-second increment from the very first move. However, they are allotted only 90 minutes for their first 40 moves, compared to the men’s 120 minutes. This discrepancy has raised eyebrows among chess enthusiasts and professionals alike.

IM V Saravanan expressed his concerns, stating, “Different time controls for different sections is indeed strange. FIDE might have consulted participants, but if not, it’s a puzzling setup.” Seven-time national champion Praveen Thipsay went further, calling the decision “ridiculous” and emphasizing that the increment should not be dismissed when comparing time allowances.

The debate centers on whether the time control differences create an uneven playing field. While men receive 120 minutes, women effectively have 110 minutes when factoring in the increment. Thipsay argued that “increment can’t be compared with time on hand,” highlighting the challenges women face in managing their time.

The tournament’s format has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the innovative approach to generating excitement, while others question the fairness of the time controls. As the games unfold, all eyes will be on the players to see how they navigate the unique challenges presented by this year’s Candidates tournament.

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Stay tuned for more coverage as the tournament progresses, and witness the unfolding drama on the chessboard!