The ‘jeansgate’ of chess has already deflated. The International Federation (FIDE) has partially modified the rules relating to the dress code for players registered in the Rapid and Blitz world championships in New York, thus meeting the protests expressed by Magnus Carlsen, number one in the world rankings protagonist of this bizarre story. The Norwegian champion had in fact refused ‘on principle’ the referees’ rigid request to change his jeans, deemed by the official regulations to be unsuitable for taking part in the event, obtaining a flat refusal. The stop occurred during the second day (of the three scheduled) of the first of the two events hosted on Wall Street and quickly spread around the chess world.
Carlsen, first fined 200 dollars and then ‘benched’ for a match, had taken the matter personally by opting to withdraw from the two important end-of-year tournaments. In his social messages, far from cryptic, he attacked FIDE, confirming that he wanted to leave the American city despite being the outgoing (multiple) champion of both fast paced world championships. (Rapid: 13 matches at 15 minutes + 10 seconds increase per move; Bltiz: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increase per move). The outstretched hand of FIDE, which smacks of defeat, led to Carlsen’s step back who announced that he will take part in the Blitz tournament, scheduled for 30 and 31 December.
The letter from FIDE
There are several interesting passages in the letter from Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, and spread via social media. Passages that tell of the tense climate with Carlsen’s entourage and the different visions that could be had on the future of chess. On the one hand the defense of the integrity of the game, on the other the desire to undertake new or little-known directions.
“It is unfortunate that the implementation of the dress code has left some feeling disproportionate and resulted in a situation that everyone would have preferred to avoid, including some words spoken at the height of emotions that were felt and which were very likely to be would be regretted later. The retirement of Magnus Carlsen, who played an outstanding role in elevating the sport of chess to new heights in recent years, was an extremely unfortunate consequence of this misunderstanding.”
While FIDE underlines how the referee,the British Alex Hollowczak, has correctly applied the regulation there is a reference to the use, not exactly controlled, of the colorful language used to manage the matter. The reference seems above all to Carlsen’s accusations that he used clear phrases against the leaders of the federation after his retirement: the Norwegian made it clear that he was almost fed up with certain attitudes and that he was ready to close doors and gates to follow the path that he prefers, that is, the one that leads to new variations of chess and the tournaments that he himself promotes among players (first and foremost the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour). In short, it seemed like the possible start of a real ‘war’. The subsequent honeyed judgments towards the Norwegian are a clear sign of how FIDE fears a break-up and does not want to reach a separation (which has already caused damage to the entire movement in the past).
The concerns raised by Magnus Carlsen highlight the need for further discussion on how to modernize the current approach, to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global sport. This includes ongoing dialogue with players, sponsors and the chess community at large, to align expectations and minimize the potential for conflicts in the future. Mutual respect and trust are a fundamental prerequisite for making this dialogue effective.
It is precisely to avoid ‘shocks’ that FIDE is ready to question its rules. Not just those about the dress code. In short, it seems that the person who really has to lose in this context is certainly not Magnus Carlsen.
We must collectively strive to preserve the integrity of chess, while ensuring that the sport remains inclusive and attractive. I look forward to seeing Magnus Carlsen and other top-level players continue to make the game better on the board at major international events, bringing excitement and inspiration to millions of fans around the world.
In this passage, however, it seems to emerge that it is fundamental for FIDE that Carlsen, and the other top players (perhaps attracted by the bonuses/sponsors that gravitate around the Freestyle world and its parallel events) do not in any case stop frequenting the classic circuit and international events already on the calendar.
Regarding the application of the rules during the Blitz World Championships, based on consultations with our partners and their preferences, I have decided to experiment with an approach that provides greater flexibility to FIDE officials in judging the appropriateness of clothing. Special assistants will be requested to assist in these judgments and draw final conclusions, should any doubts arise. The principle is simple: you are still required to follow the official dress code, but small elegant deviations are permitted (which may, in particular, include appropriate jeans matching the jacket).
In short, it’s a big thumbs up towards jeans but only if combined with an elegant jacket or, in any case, with a way of dressing that is pleasant and suitable for the game. As underlined by Carlsen, moreover. This appears to be a total opening, granted by FIDE, to Carlsen. A fairly clear failure that tips the scales towards the Norwegian. In fact, if the compromise was reached only by convincing the world number one to participate in the Blitz world championship… well, it seems more of a favor than an annoyance for the 34-year-old.
Carlsen’s reaction
“Long story short: we can talk about how we got to this point, but I will play at least one more day in New York and, if it suits me, the next day as well,” Carlsen said in an interview with the app ‘ TakeTakeTake” (his new entrepreneurial creation) and conducted by Levy Roznan. The negotiations between Carlsen and Dvorkovich would also have been favored by the work of Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand, former world champion and now vice-president of FIDE. The rumors come from Leonxto Garcia, Pais journalist and spearhead of international information on the world of chess, Garcia explained how Carlsen explained to the Norwegian media how his ‘outfit’ was not offensive at all. but sober and adequate for a chess match. He also added how there were players dressed much worse than him and how he intended to change for the last day of the matches.
Listening to the interview, however, one cannot help but notice the relaxed tone and the digs that Carlsen continues to throw about his future. “With Dvorkovich and with the main sponsor Turlov, I thought we could have some fruitful discussions and in the end I decided to play,” he said. “Also, I love competing in the Blitz format. I want to give the fans a chance to see me play. It might be the last time, who knows.” In order: willingness to talk to the top (on his terms), not stop playing at certain events for the sake of his supporters; always leave the door half open when faced with events of this kind (organised by FIDE). In this story, which will have many more chapters, it is not difficult to understand who has the upper hand for now.
The victory of ‘Russia’
But how did the Rapid World Championship end without Magnus Carlsen? A ‘Russian’ rule (even without a flag, without anthem and without any recognition for Moscow). The victory went to 18-year-old Volodar Murzina pure talent who already in last year’s edition in Samarkand had distinguished himself with a clear path, without defeats, finishing one point behind Carlsen. This year a clear and obvious success resulting from important scalps: Caruana, Bortnyk, Nakamura, Duda and Praggnanandhaa. Behind him, still competing under the FIDE flag, they reached the podium Alexander Grischuk (class 1983) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (born 1990). Three players from Russia, three chess players with different styles and perhaps three representatives of three different generations. A real show.
And the Italians? In the end Lorenzo Lodici and Luca Moroni performed well by holding the tricolor flag high. The former, in particular, took home 7.5 points out of 13 for a final 54th place, well above his starting ranking. For the Brianza native, who had the honor of playing against Hikaru Nakamura, a score of 5.5 with a slight drop in the final which however did not ruin his overall performance. Today the scenario opens on the Blitz tournament. And of course Carlsen will play in jeans. Did you have doubts?