Judit Polgar Joins Magnus Carlsen in Advocating for Faster Chess Formats: “Classical is Struggling”
Judit Polgar Joins Magnus Carlsen in Advocating Faster Chess Formats: “Classical is Struggling”
In a bold statement that echoes the sentiments of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, legendary chess player Judit Polgar has declared that faster formats of chess are the future of the game. Speaking exclusively to Firstpost, Polgar emphasized that classical chess is “struggling” to engage the younger generation in today’s fast-paced world.
Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player of all time, believes that the traditional format, which has been the cornerstone of competitive chess for centuries, is losing its appeal. “Classical games are struggling because of the speeding up of life in every field,” she noted. “Rapid games are more favorable and liked by top players, not just Magnus, but many others. I believe rapid chess can be just as competitive and even more interesting for the audience.”
This shift in perspective comes as Carlsen, who stepped away from the classical World Chess Championship nearly four years ago, has also championed faster formats like rapid and blitz chess. He argues that these formats promote creativity and fresh thinking, while classical chess often masks players’ weaknesses. “If you want the kind of chess in which you need to be well-rounded, classical chess is probably the worst way because it’s too forgiving,” Carlsen stated in a recent podcast.
Polgar echoed these sentiments, suggesting that even prestigious events like the Chess Olympiad could benefit from a transformation. “It would make a lot of sense to have it only one week and use shorter time controls,” she proposed, highlighting the need for the chess community to adapt to modern demands.
While the International Chess Federation (FIDE) maintains that classical chess remains the most prestigious format for determining world champions, it has also recognized the commercial appeal of rapid and blitz events, particularly among younger audiences and streaming platforms. With two of the most influential voices in chess advocating for change, the future of the game may be on the brink of a significant transformation.
As the chess world watches closely, the next five years could see a dramatic shift in how the game is played and perceived, with faster formats potentially taking center stage.
First Published: May 15, 2026, 13:22 IST