FIDE Technical Commission is delighted to announce that the FIDE Council has officially endorsed the ChessNoteR N6 and N9 devices (MB-2024-02).

Developed by Black Mirror Studio, the ChessNoteR (chessnoter.com) is a groundbreaking approach to digitizing chess notations for offline gameplay. Deployed on two specially customized Android devices, the NEXUS 6 and NEXUS 9, this solution ensures heightened security and efficiency. The exclusive focus on the ChessNoteR software and essential device settings significantly enhances fair play measures in tournament conditions.

Key features of these devices include streamlined tournament and opponent management, versatile board setting options, and the capability to easily transfer games to computers. Such innovations promise to benefit players in competitive settings substantially.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to IA Arasu B, IA Dinu-Ioan Nicula, and IA Hendrik du Toit of the FIDE Technical Commission for their diligent evaluation of these devices.

For any inquiries or additional information, please contact Hendrik du Toit at secretary.tec@fide.com.

At a ceremony in Paris, the President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, and the President of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), Laurent Petrynka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to incorporate chess in sports events for students organized by the ISF

The partnership outlines key objectives, including establishing chess as a recognized sport among National School Sports Federations, specifying FIDE’s role in organizing ISF Chess competitions, and promoting chess in education at local and international levels. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to attract school-age chess enthusiasts and enhance chess visibility in the media.

FIDE and ISF will jointly initiate programs encouraging school students to embrace chess, promote girls’ school sports, and utilize school chess competitions as a platform for testing new rules and formats.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “ISF is the largest sports organization globally focusing on school sports. We are delighted to have signed this agreement to include chess in their events. With cooperation from ISF, we are opening new paths for young people to take up this beautiful sport.”

ISF President Laurent Petrynka spoke highly of the value of chess: “Chess is an intensely competitive and strategic sport. Young individuals engage in chess to develop skills such as keen perception, quick thinking, and strategic planning, challenging and strengthening their mental resilience. Many qualities of chess make it highly suitable for promotion in schools.”

“Within the framework of this MOU, ISF is committed to wholeheartedly promoting chess within ISF events and its member organizations, including national school sports federations. Harnessing the popularity of this sport, ISF aims to drive school sports and educational activities, fostering fair competition and gender equality in sports. Additionally, ISF is delighted to note that FIDE has officially included ISF Chess events in its calendar and will provide support in competition management, technical officials’ training, and other aspects to facilitate the rapid growth of global school sports.”

The initial step following the agreement will be the inclusion of chess at the upcoming ISF Gymnasiade in Manama, Bahrain, from October 23 – 31. Hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain and under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the event will bring together school students from around the world to participate in 25 different sports, including para-sports, over eight days. Activities will range from inspiring workshops to seminars, providing students and teachers with a unique opportunity to interact with peers from across the globe. To learn more about the event and to register your team, please visit: events.isfsports.org/isf-gymnasiade-bahrain-2024/.

Photos: Nicolas Launay

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About the ISF

Established in 1972 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 1995, the International School Sport Federation (ISF) encompasses its motto, “We are school sport”. As the global umbrella for national school sports organizations, ISF engages with over 200,000 schools across 134 member countries. ISF provides school children aged 13-18 by hosting events globally and featuring a diverse competition and education program with over 30 sports, including para-sports. Its mission is to expand education through sport and encourage a healthy lifestyle, as well as support the physical and mental health of youth worldwide. ISF is hosting the world’s biggest international sports events for school students, including the flagship ISF Gymnasiades.

FIDE Council awarded the title of Honorary Grandmaster to Andreas Dueckstein (Austria) and Iivo Nei (Estonia) for their consistently strong results in the 1950s-70s. Currently, FIDE Historic Commission is working on unified criteria for awarding the title of Honorary Grandmaster.

Below are a few words about the awardees, summarizing their careers and achievements.

Ivo Nei

Photo: Ingmar Muusikus

Born on October 31 1931, in Tartu, Estonia, Iivo Nei started playing chess inspired by his great compatriot Paul Keres. At the beginning of his career, Nei made a name for himself, finishing 3rd in a very strong USSR Juniors Championship (Leningrad, 1947) and tying for first with Korchnoi in the same event a year later (Tallinn, 1948).

Eight-time Estonian champion (1951, 1952, 1956, 1960–1962, 1971, and 1974), Iivo won the Baltic Republics championships in 1961 in Palanga, in 1962 in Tartu, in 1963 in Estonia, and in 1964 in Pärnu.

His major break came in 1964 when he tied for first with Paul Keres in Beverwijk (Hoogovens tournament, later known Corus and then Tata Steel) ahead of Portisch, Ivkov, Larsen and Parma. He later achieved solid results in Beverwijk 1966 (5th), Zinnowitz 1966 (4th-6th) and Tallinn 1969 (2-3rd).

Still an active player, Iivo Nei productively worked with Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze as an assistant and was notably one of Boris Spassky’s seconds in the 1972 World Championship match. He later coached GM Lembit Oll.

For many years Iivo Nei served as FIDE representative in Zone 1.7 (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)

A popular author, he penned several books in Estonian and German.

Andreas Dückstein

Photo: kurier.at/

Born on August 2, 1927, in Budapest, Andreas Dueckstein moved to Austria at 22 and quickly became one of the country’s strongest players, winning the national championship thrice (1954, 1956, 1977). Andreas represented Austria in seven Chess Olympiads from 1956 to 1988, notably taking individual gold in Moscow (1956) and Nice (1974), both times playing on the second board. Following his strong performance in Moscow (1956), he was awarded the IM title.

Regarded as a dangerous attacking player in his prime, Dueckstein scored victories over formidable opponents such as Max Euwe, Mikhail Botvinnik (who was the reigning World Champion at that time), and Bent Larsen.

Over his long and successful chess career, Dueckstein built a good tournament record: 5th at Hastings (1958/59), shared 2nd at Zonal in Berg en Dal (1960), 4–6th at Vienna (1961), 3rd at Amsterdam IBM (1964), 4th at Palma de Mallorca (1965), 6-7th in Havre (1977).

Photos (top): Ron Kroon and  Wim van Rossem for Anefo (Dutch National Archives, The Hague)

The FIDE Open Tournaments support project has enjoyed remarkable success in its first three years. Introduced during the challenging pandemic period, the initiative was met with widespread appreciation from organizers worldwide. It played a crucial role in helping many tournaments survive and supported chess professionals navigate through those difficult years.

We have already received dozens of applications from organisers for the year 2024. 

Today, we are excited to announce the 2024 edition of the Open Aid Package Project, taking place in the historic year of FIDE’s 100th anniversary.   

Tournament organisers are invited to apply for the FIDE Aid Package 2024. They shall accept the conditions, meet the requirements listed below and fill out the application form.

CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• An application for the Aid Package shall be sent to gsc@fide.com by 15 February 2024
• The Aid Package cannot exceed 20% of the prize fund and 10% of the total budget indicated in the application form
• At least 10% of the total prize fund shall be allocated for women’s prizes and at least 5% of the total prize fund shall be allocated for Veteran’s prizes
• FIDE may require the tournament to establish the lower fees (or absence of fees) for the agreed categories of participants (veterans, youth, women, representatives of developing countries)
• Mention “Financially supported by FIDE Open Aid Project” shall be visible on tournament’s media resources (e. g. webpage, social media pages)
• FIDE may require FIDE and its sponsors to be reasonably represented at the tournament

The Organiser is requested to fill out the following form (all the provided data will remain confidential).

IMPORTANT: If the provided information does not match with the real data, the planned aid package can be decreased of fully cancelled.

The Organiser is required to specify how exactly the Aid Package is supposed to be used (added to the prize fund, used for titled players invitations, other…)

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Events with the classical time control shall be prioritised
• Event’s history
• Event’s strength
• Geographical location
• Amount of the prize fund and its distribution
• Fair Play measures

The list of the selected Opens shall be announced by 20 February 2024.

FIDE Events Commission would like to remind all National Federations that the procedure “Call for Bids FIDE World Championships 2025” will be completed on February 1, 2024 at 15.00 CET. Please submit your bids before the official deadline.

There are 12 competitions:

1. World Cadet U8, U10, U12 Championships
2. World Youth U14, U16, U18 Championships
3. World Junior U20 Chess Championships
4. World School Chess Championships U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17
5. World Cup U8, U10, U12
6. World Cadet & Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships
7. World Youth U16 Olympiad
8. World Schools Team Chess Championships
9. World Senior Chess Championships (50+, 65+ Individual)
10. World Senior Team Chess Championships (50+, 65+)
11. World Amateur Chess Championships
12. World Disabled Chess Championships

Dear bidders, you can find more details about the procedure including the Bid Form and Bid Form Annex, Bid and Deposit Fees HERE.

We are thrilled to inform you that the revised Tie-Break Regulations have been officially ratified and are now available in the FIDE Handbook’s Section C.07. Tie-Break Regulations (effective from April 1, 2024). We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr Roberto Ricca and the entire SPP Department for their dedicated efforts in enhancing the tie-break rules and their accompanying explanations.

In this latest version, no alterations have been made to the tie-break definitions themselves. However, we have taken the opportunity to refine the explanations in cases where it was apparent that some confusion or misinterpretation still existed within the chess community. We are grateful to the community for their invaluable assistance in identifying these areas that needed clarification.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Hendrik du Toit at secretary.tec@fide.com.

The new FIDE Rating and Title Regulations were approved by the FIDE Council meeting on December 14, 2023.

Early in 2023, the Qualifications Commission (QC) initiated a review of the FIDE rating regulations, inviting federations, officials and the public to contribute their thoughts and suggestions. The review was prompted by feedback from professional players and FIDE officials, highlighting a rating deflation resulting from prior changes in the rating system.

A dedicated working group, comprising Aleksandr Moiseenko (GM), Pavel Tregubov (General Strategy Commission), Nick Faulks (QC), Vladimir Kukaev (Ratings Office) and Sabrina de San Vicente (QC), worked together with mathematician Jeff Sonas on reforming the existing rating system. Sonas is a professional database consultant and owner of Sonas Consulting, who has consulted FIDE’s Qualifications Commission on issues regarding the Elo rating system since 2009.

The proposed concept was shared with the public in July of 2023, seeking feedback and suggestions for improving FIDE ratings. Over 150 comments were received, all of which have been analyzed and reviewed by Jeff Sonas (see Compression and Calculation Improvements: Supplemental Report by Jeff Sonas).

Following a thorough review of the received suggestions and proposals, the QC came forward with a set of new regulations regarding ratings.

The recommendations included the following:

1. A one-off change to Standard Ratings for rated players: For players with a standard rating lower than 2000 points, an increase will be applied following the formula (0.40) x (2000 – Rating). Players with a standard rating of 2000 or more will retain their current rating.

2. Changes in the rating floor: An increase in the rating floor from 1000 to 1400.

3. Changes in the initial rating:

     a. Unrated players achieving a plus score against rated opponents will have their initial rating calculated based on the performance rating derived from their percentage score, not by simply multiplying the plus score by (K/2). The maximum initial rating attainable via this method will not exceed 2200.

     b. Modification of the initial ratings formula for unrated players to include two hypothetical opponents rated 1800, with the result of these two games considered as a draw.

4. The 400-points rule: A difference in rating of more than 400 points shall be counted for rating purposes as though it were a difference of 400 points, with no restrictions on how many times it can be applied during a single tournament, thus restoring it to the pre-2022 state.

The QC proposal recommended applying these same changes to both Standard and Rapid & Blitz Ratings Regulations. The proposals were deliberated and approved by the FIDE Council meeting on December 14, 2023. The new FIDE Title Regulations are effective from January 1, 2024. The new FIDE Rating Regulations come into force from March 1, 2024. 

FIDE Title Regulations

FIDE Title Regulations effective from 1 January 2024

Table for Direct Titles effective from 1 January 2024

FIDE rating Regulations

FIDE Rating Regulations effective from 1 March 2024

FIDE Rapid and Blitz Rating Regulations effective from 1 March 2024

A meeting between the Minister of Youth Policy and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Adkham Ikramov, the first deputy minister, head of the Youth Affairs Agency, chairman of the Chess Federation Alisher Sadullayev and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, advisor to the FIDE President Berik Balgabaev was held on December 28, 2023 in the building of the Ministry of Youth Policy and Sports of Uzbekistan.

During this productive conversation, the participants emphasized the extensive work on developing and promoting chess that is being carried out nowadays.

The participants praised the state chess policy in Uzbekistan and the high level of the Rapid and Blitz World Championship currently underway in Samarkand.

During the meeting, the parties agreed on deepening chess cooperation and accelerating work in this field and discussed future plans.

The FIDE Council reviewed the tournament registration procedure and approved some changes, effective immediately (see FIDE RATING REGULATIONS). These changes primarily concern the tournaments, with at least one of the participants having a rating of 2700+. 

0.2 The tournaments to be rated shall be pre-registered by the federation in whose territory it is held, and they will be responsible for the submission of results and rating fees. Council may additionally designate these rights and responsibilities to Affiliated Organisations that are representing an autonomous territory which is contained within no more than one Federation.

The tournament and its playing schedule must be registered:

0.2.1 Not later than 30 days before the tournament starts, if one of the players in the tournament is rated in excess of 2700, or a female player rated in excess of 2500.

0.2.2 Otherwise, three days before the tournament starts.

The QC Chairman may refuse to register a tournament.

Exceptions to permit tournaments to be rated even though it is registered later than the prescribed notice period may be granted:

0.2.3 Tournaments in category 0.2.1: With the approval of the President

0.2.4 Tournaments in category 0.2.2: With the approval of the QC Chairman

All tournaments played under Hybrid conditions as described in 2.1 must be approved individually by the QC Chairman.

In exceptional cases involving tournaments with an average rating in excess of 2700, after consultation with the QC Chairman, the Council or the President may approve tournaments or individual games for rating which have not been submitted for rating by the national federation.

2023 3rd FIDE Council Online Meeting

14 December 2023

List of decisions

CM3-2023/01 To note President’s report.

CM3-2023/02 To approve Treasurer’s report.

CM3-2023/03 To recommend to the General Assembly to approve the FIDE budget for the year 2024 and provisional FIDE budget for the year 2025.

CM3-2023/04 To recommend the Update of the Financial Rules regarding the tournaments’ fees  for the ratification by the General Assembly.

CM3-2023/05 To approve the proposal regarding cancelation of the fees for over-the-board Rapid and Blitz tournaments held in 2024-2026.

CM3-2023/06 To recommend to the General Assembly to approve the Constitutional Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/07 To request the Bosnia and Herzegovina Chess Federation information that would allow their compliance with Article 11 of FIDE Charter and if necessary to send relevant requests to the national authorities. In case of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Chess Federation’s failure to provide the requested information the FIDE Council to decide on the necessary remedy actions (e.g., appointing a reverse delegate).

CM3-2023/08 To recommend the Vanuatu Chess Federation for the ratification by the FIDE General Assembly.

CM3-2023/09 To recommend to the General Assembly the expulsion of the Bulgarian Chess Federation 1928 from FIDE.

CM3-2023/10 To recommend the application of the Bulgarian Sports Chess Federation for the ratification by the FIDE General Assembly.

CM3-2023/11 To recommend to the General Assembly not to ratify the ISCU application as FIDE Affiliated Organisation.

CM3-2023/12 To task FIDE Legal Director A. Martynov to represent FIDE at the General Assembly regarding the South African Chess Federation issue.

CM3-2023/13 To recommend to the General Assembly to reject the appeal by Chess SA regarding the elections’ result in the South African Chess Federation.

CM3-2023/14 To approve that with regards to the request of the Kosovo* Chess Federation, a round of consultations on the possible removal of the asterisk (the footnote reference) be held with the Chess Federations of countries that officially do not recognise Kosovo*, reporting the feedback to the next FIDE Council meeting. To inform the Serbian and Kosovo* Chess Federations that the discussions on this matter shall be continued.

CM3-2023/15 To suggest to the General Assembly the voting procedure in respect of the Federations’ proposals regarding the Article 18.12 of the FIDE Charter.

CM3-2023/16 To note the proposal of the Lesotho Chess Federation regarding Article 17.6 of the FIDE Charter.

CM3-2023/17 To recommend the bid of Abu Dhabi for the vote for the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028 at the General Assembly.

CM3-2023/18 To recommend the bid of Genoa for the vote for the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028 at the General Assembly.

CM3-2023/19 To approve the Resolution regarding participation of team refugees in the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024.

CM3-2023/20 To note the Global Strategy Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/21 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/22 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles

CM3-2023/23 To note the Qualification Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/24 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles.

CM3-2023/25 To approve the Qualification Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the FIDE Rating Regulations, that will come into effect from March 1st 2024. Table of changes.

CM3-2023/26 To approve the Qualification Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the FIDE Title Regulations. Table of changes.

CM3-2023/27 To approve the proposal Qualification Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the table for direct titles. Table of changes.

CM3-2023/28 To confirm the Qualification Commission’s decision to award the GM norm to IM N. Salimova (BUL) for her result in the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2023.

CM3-2023/29 To support the Qualification Commission’s decision in respect of its decision not to rate Camp Tournament 2023.

CM3-2023/30 To approve the resolution regarding the rating of Mr. Igors Rausis.

CM3-2023/31 To approve the Qualification Commission’s request to approve the proposal of the Spanish Chess Federation to convert their National ratings to FIDE ratings for their FIDE unrated players which will result in eliminating of their National rating and rating all their events for FIDE ratings.

CM3-2023/32 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies.

CM3-2023/33 To approve the Trainers’ Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the Article 2.6. of the Regulations. Table of changes.

CM3-2023/34 To approve the Trainers’ Commission’s proposal to add Article 2.3e of the Regulations for FIDE Endorsed Academies.

CM3-2023/35 To approve the Trainers’ Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the FIDE Training Seminar participants’ information form.

CM3-2023/36 To note the Chess in Education Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/37 To approve the Chess in Education Commission’s recommendations for School Instructor titles.

CM3-2023/38 To approve the Chess in Education Commission’s proposal to establish the Regulations for FIDE Chess Schools Award, the FIDE pilot project.

CM3-2023/39 To approve the Chess in Education Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the Regulations for Accreditation in Chess in Education. Table of changes.

CM3-2023/40 Not to accept the AIDEF’s request to translate the documents for Trainers’ Commission’s seminars into French.

CM3-2023/41 To approve the Events Commission’s recommendations on titles.

CM3-2023/42 To note the Technical Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/43 To approve the Technical Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the Play-off and Tie-break Regulations. Table of changes.

CM3-2023/44 To note the Women’s Chess Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/45 To note the Rules Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/46 To note the Planning and Development Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/47 To note the Multi-sports Committee’s report.

CM3-2023/48 To approve the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission’s report.

CM3-2023/49 To note continental reports.

CM3-2023/50 To recommend to the General Assembly not to approve the proposal of the Norway Chess Federation in respect of the Transgender Registration Regulations.

CM3-2023/51 To reject the proposal of the Jamaica Chess Federation to allow groups of ‘small’ nations to be able to join as a team for the Chess Olympiad.

CM3-2023/52 To provide the Jamaica Chess Federation with the report of the FIDE Women’s Chess Commission’s with the view of getting acquainted with the steps and activities which FIDE is undertaking in terms of gender equity.

CM3-2023/53 To recommend the list of FIDE awards for the ratification by the General Assembly.

2023 3rd FIDE Council Meeting List of Decisions (pdf)