The chess world is abuzz with news of a significant change in the prize distribution model for the upcoming World Championship match between India’s D Gukesh and reigning champion Ding Liren of China. The 14-game classical match, scheduled to take place in Singapore from November 25 to December 13, will feature a revamped prize structure that departs from traditional norms. However, the logic behind these changes has left many in the chess community puzzled.
Prize Money linked to Game Wins
Under the new regulations, the total prize fund for the match has been set at $2.5 million. Unlike previous championships, where the winner would take home 60% of the prize fund ($1.5 million) and the runner-up 40% ($1 million), the new format allocates $200,000 for each game won during the 14-game series. The remaining prize money will then be equally divided between the two competitors.
This means that if a player secures a 2-0 victory in the classical phase (excluding draws), they will now receive $1.45 million, slightly less than the $1.5 million awarded under the previous format. Critics argue that this adjustment fails to incentivise decisive victories, as a 2-0 win with games to spare would yield only marginally more than a victory achieved after all 14 games. In contrast, a win via tiebreaks would net the victor $1.3 million, only $150,000 less than a 2-0 win in the classical phase.
Challenges in classical scoring acknowledged
FIDE has recognised the growing difficulty of securing wins in classical chess due to the increasing sophistication of computer-aided preparations. In response, the number of classical games was increased from 12 to 14 following the 2018 match between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, which saw all 12 games end in draws.
Despite this, the new prize structure appears to reduce the financial reward for concluding the match within the classical phase, raising concerns about its effectiveness in encouraging decisive play.
Time Control adjustments spark debate
In addition to the prize money changes, FIDE has also introduced a new time control system for this year’s championship. The last two World Championship matches featured a time control of two hours for the first 40 moves, one hour for the next 20 moves, and 15 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move 61. This format allowed for longer, more intense games with the potential for dramatic time pressure.
However, the new format reduces the time available after the first 40 moves. While the initial two hours for 40 moves remain unchanged, players will now have only 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment beginning at move 41. This adjustment effectively shortens the available time by 15 minutes per player during the critical first 60 moves, potentially leading to faster, less calculated decisions.
D Gukesh vs Ding Liren
As the chess world gears up for the D Gukesh-Ding Liren showdown, these regulatory changes have sparked considerable debate. While FIDE aims to encourage decisive results and adapt to the evolving nature of the game, the impact of these modifications on the quality and excitement of the match remains to be seen.
Chess enthusiasts and players alike will be closely watching to see how these changes play out on the board.
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