Round 2: Candidates Tournaments Overview

The Path to the World Chess Championship

Tournament Format and Time Controls

Live Games and Expert Commentary

Full Schedule of Events

Expand Your Chess Horizons with ChessBase

Round 2 of the Candidates Tournaments: The Battle for Chess Supremacy Begins

As the chess world holds its breath, the Candidates Tournaments—both open and women’s—are set to kick off, marking the final qualifying stage for the prestigious FIDE World Championship cycle. With the reigning champions, Gukesh Dommaraju and Ju Wenjun, in the spotlight, the stakes have never been higher.

A Clash of Titans

The tournaments will feature eight of the world’s strongest players, each vying for the chance to challenge for the coveted World Chess Championship and Women’s World Chess Championship titles. The format is a double round-robin, spanning fourteen rounds of classical chess, ensuring that every move counts in this high-stakes competition.

Time Controls: A Test of Endurance

In the open tournament, players will have 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by an additional 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move 41. The women’s tournament will see competitors with 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest, with a 30-second increment from move 1. Should there be a tie for first place, a playoff will determine the ultimate victor.

Live Coverage and Expert Commentary

Chess enthusiasts can follow the action live, with expert commentary from renowned players Peter Svidler and Jan Gustafsson. The official webcast promises to deliver in-depth analysis and insights, while fans can also tune into ChessBase India for additional coverage.

Full Schedule: Mark Your Calendars

The tournament kicks off on March 29, with the first round, and will continue through April 15, featuring a mix of competition and rest days to keep players sharp. Notable dates include:

• March 29: Round 1
• April 2: Rest Day
• April 10: Rest Day
• April 16: Tiebreakers (if required)

Expanding Chess Horizons

In conjunction with the tournaments, ChessBase is launching new features to enhance players’ understanding of openings and strategies. The new Opening Report will provide insights into typical plans and significant moves for various openings, making it an invaluable resource for both amateurs and seasoned players alike.

As the chess community gears up for this thrilling showdown, all eyes will be on the board as these elite players battle for the right to challenge for the world titles. Will Gukesh and Ju defend their crowns, or will a new champion emerge? The countdown to chess history has begun!