Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“Chess is so difficult nowadays with all these different formats… Because you have to constantly adjust.

There’s a reason why tennis players have a clay season, a hardcore season, a grass season, etc. In chess we kind of have to switch between every single discipline and time control.

Should we have seasons in chess? I really think that there should just be a period where you play the different disciplines. Because going from training Rapid and Blitz, and then having to play Classical, and then maybe an online event… Honestly, I don’t know how to train.

Before every tournament I’m doing a different type of training camp and I’m struggling to adjust and it’s just so, so difficult switching between them. Because obviously Classical holds so much importance and prestige, but it’s also the format that’s the least fun, the most miserable, and the least joyous and creative.

In chess you are kind of dedicating all your time to something you don’t enjoy as much. You have to find the balance somehow. So, I wouldn’t be opposed to a more condensed chess season because we have a bit too many tours.”