The International Chess Federation (FIDE) General Assembly has formally supported a significant resolution proposed by the Icelandic Chess Federation, advocating for the use of shorter time controls in classical chess. Seen as a crucial turning point for the future of classical chess, this step aims to facilitate tournament organizations and optimize broadcast durations in the modern chess world. However, the adoption of this resolution by the General Assembly does not mean the rules will change overnight. Under the FIDE Charter, while the General Assembly is empowered to approve general guidelines, amendments to specific rules and regulations fall within the competence of the FIDE Council. Consequently, the Council will prepare a comprehensive implementation framework that allows for further analysis of the impact of shorter time controls.

New Time Controls: 60+30 and 45+30

Under the proposed new approach, the use of a time control of 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move (60+30) will no longer require special approval. In certain cases and under specific conditions, even a 45+30 pace would be permitted within the classical chess category. Today, alongside amateur and semi-professional players, tournament organizers also prefer more compact schedules to reduce costs. Despite offering this flexibility, FIDE will keep two crucial limitations in place to protect the prestige of classical chess: no more than two games per day will be permitted in tournaments counting towards titles and norms, and only one norm obtained in a tournament played with a shortened classical time control can be used for title applications.

The Distinction Between Title Norms and Rating Calculations

Chess regulations clearly distinguish between two sets of requirements that are frequently confused: title/norm requirements and rating-only calculations. For tournaments valid for titles and norms, playing more than two games a day is strictly prohibited. The reasoning is straightforward; playing more than two classical games in a single day inevitably diminishes the quality of play, whereas classical chess, by definition, requires sufficient time for deep calculation and well-considered decisions. Conversely, the restriction for rating purposes only is different, based on a maximum limit of 12 hours of play per day. Within this 12-hour threshold, more than two games may be played in a single day.

This distinction is vital for preserving the value of sporting achievements in the chess world. Titles such as Grandmaster (GM) or International Master (IM), and the norms leading to them, represent some of the most prestigious accomplishments in the sport. Therefore, while FIDE offers organizers and players the flexibility demanded by the modern era regarding time controls, it continues to uphold strict standards to avoid compromising the quality of titles. In the coming period, the final framework prepared by the FIDE Council will clarify how this balance will function in practice.