The FIDE General Assembly formally supported a resolution based on a proposal by the Icelandic Chess Federation (ICF) on October 12. The proposal called for shorter time controls in Classical chess.

The ICF proposed making 45+30 a standard Classical time control requiring no special approval. Its proposal included the idea of allowing three Classical games to be played per day.

The Qualification Commission opposed the proposal and recommended that it not be supported. The FIDE Council proposed a compromise. 60+30 would become a standard classical time control requiring no additional approval. The 45+30 time control would remain an exception. This format would be permitted automatically for FIDE Circuit tournaments and for tournaments where no player is rated 2400 or higher.

The Council proposed retaining the existing restrictions. No more than two games per day would be allowed in tournaments counting towards titles and norms. No more than one norm could be obtained by a player in a single shortened Classical event.

The Council intends to approve a formal amendment making 60+30 a guaranteed classical time control in the near future. The Qualification Commission will be asked to present the arguments both for and against the remaining proposed changes.

Classical chess traditionally required a 90+30 time control. FIDE ran a one-year pilot allowing 60+30 and 45+30 with Qualification Commission approval in 2026. The pilot was introduced to cut costs and make tournaments easier to organize. The Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot will be the first major event featuring the 45+30 time control.

Credit: Maria Emelianova / FIDE