Chess Olympiad Players Face Decision: Bermuda Party or Rest and Plot Ahead?

The Chess Olympiad in Budapest took an interesting turn after the sixth round ended, as players and delegation members from over 190 nations had to make a decision: attend the Bermuda Party or focus on the remaining rounds of the tournament.

Some Indian players like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa chose to focus on resting and strategizing, while others like Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi opted to attend the party at Budapest’s Akvarium Klub.

The Bermuda Party has become a tradition at the Olympiad, held on the evening before the rest day of the tournament. Started by the Bermudan chess team in 1980, the party is now a highlight of the event, with colorful tales and urban legends surrounding it.

One infamous incident from a past Bermuda Party involved Grandmaster Levon Aronian being punched by British GM Danny Gormally over a dance floor incident. Other stories include England women’s team captain needing stitches after an accident at the party.

For many players, the Bermuda Party is a chance to reconnect with friends from other nations and swap tales. However, for teams aiming for medals, the party can be a distraction. Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov once prevented his Uzbekistan team from attending the party to maintain focus on their goal.

The Bermuda Party continues to be a unique aspect of the Chess Olympiad, blending fun and competition in a way that only chess players can appreciate.