FIDE Approves Faster Time Controls for Ratings and Norms Amid Ongoing Review

FIDE Council Moves Faster Classical Chess Toward Mainstream Recognition

The FIDE Council has issued a Resolution making 60-minute and 45-minute time controls eligible for standard ratings and title norms, effective immediately. The decision follows extensive consultations with players, organisers, partners, and leading grandmasters throughout 2025 and 2026.

What the New Regulations Mean

Under the updated rules, the 60’+30” time control is now classified as a standard format. It does not require special approval and may be used for both standard rating purposes and title norms. The shorter 45’+30” format is also permitted in FIDE Circuit tournaments and in events where no participant is rated above 2400.

Restrictions Remain in Place

While the regulations are broad, two key limitations apply to ensure the integrity of titles:

• No more than two rounds per day in rated and norm-eligible events.
• If a tournament is rated solely for rating purposes and awards no norms, the total playing time may not exceed 12 hours per day, allowing additional flexibility in scheduling.

Additionally, only one norm achieved under these faster time controls may count toward a single title.

A Temporary Framework Under Review

The Qualification Commission has been tasked with studying the impact of the changes and will advise on whether the 45’+30” format should become a permanent standard time control and whether all restrictions should eventually be lifted. The framework is therefore provisional pending that review.

National Federations Will Weigh In

FIDE has distributed a briefing paper outlining the rationale behind the reforms and invited feedback from federations and prominent players. An extraordinary General Assembly will convene in December to discuss potential amendments, with the FIDE Council prepared to adjust the rules further based on input received.

Chess Evolving With Its Community

FIDE President Timur Turlov stated that the world is changing rapidly and chess must evolve alongside it. He emphasised that the regulations address long-standing requests from the playing community while maintaining the prestige of titles, and that national federations will have a clear opportunity to shape the final direction in December.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/faster-60-and-45-minute-time-controls-now-eligible-for-ratings-and-norms-federations-to-review-changes/