Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: Firstspot.com

Context:

FIDE and Freestyle Chess organizers are approaching a resolution to their dispute over the "world championship" title, with recent discussions indicating a compromise is close.

About FIDE

FIDE, or the International Chess Federation, is the governing body for the sport of chess. 

What does FIDE do? 

• Organizes chess events: FIDE organizes major chess events, including the World Chess Championships and the Chess Olympiads
• Awards titles: FIDE awards international chess titles
• Calculates ratings: FIDE calculates player ratings
• Creates rules: FIDE creates and implements rules for the game and tournament standards
• Promotes chess: FIDE promotes chess through social projects and grassroots efforts

What is FIDE's history?

• FIDE was founded in Paris in 1924, the last day of the first unofficial Chess Olympiad. 
• FIDE is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. 
• FIDE's motto is Gens una sumus, which is Latin for "We are one Family". 
• FIDE was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. 

What is the dispute between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour?

The dispute revolves around the use of the term "world championship." FIDE insists that, as the official governing body of chess, only it can authorise an event as a world championship. The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour organisers have challenged this claim, arguing for the right to host a top-level freestyle chess event under that title.

What is freestyle chess, and how is it different from classical chess?

Freestyle chess, also called Fischer Random Chess, Chess 960, or Chess 9LX, was popularized by Bobby Fischer in 1996. It randomizes the starting position of back-rank pieces while keeping the pawns in their usual places. There are 960 possible starting positions, making each game unique. However, standard chess movement rules still apply.

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour is a five-event series scheduled for 2025 in Weissenhaus (Germany), Paris, New York, New Delhi, and Cape Town.  

 Why is FIDE opposing this tour?

FIDE opposes the use of the “world championship” label. They argue that sanctioned world championships generate revenue to fund grassroots chess programs. Allowing an independent event to use this title could undermine their authority and financial stability.

Must Read Articles: 

FIDE World Chess Champion

Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS