44th Chess Olympiad 2022: A Celebration of Chess and Culture
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 is a biennial international team chess championship organized by FIDE, the world chess federation. It is being held in Chennai, India from July 28 to August 10, 2022, after being postponed and relocated due to COVID and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. It is the first Chess Olympiad to take place in India.
The event comprises open and women's tournaments, as well as several events designed to promote the game of chess. Almost 200 national teams in the Open section and over 150 in the Women's are participating, breaking the previous record set in 2018. The matches are played in a Swiss system over 11 rounds, with a time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes to the end of the game, plus a 30-second increment starting from move one.
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The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Nehru Indoor Stadium on July 28, 2022. The games are taking place at Hotel Four Points by Sheraton, Mamallapuram.
The Chess Olympiad is not only a prestigious sporting event, but also a celebration of chess and culture. It showcases the diversity, creativity, and harmony of the chess community, as well as the beauty and heritage of the host country. In this article, we will explore what makes the Chess Olympiad such a unique and exciting event, and what to expect from the 44th edition in Chennai.
What is the Chess Olympiad and why is it important?
The Chess Olympiad is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in chess history. It is an Olympic-style event where teams representing nations compete for glory and honor. The first unofficial Chess Olympiad was held in Paris in 1924, as part of the Summer Olympics. The first official Chess Olympiad was held in London in 1927, under the auspices of FIDE.
The Chess Olympiad is important for several reasons. First, it is a rare opportunity for chess players from all over the world to meet, interact, and learn from each other. It fosters friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect among different cultures and backgrounds. Second, it is a showcase of the highest level of chess skill and talent. It features some of the best players in the world, including world champions, grandmasters, prodigies, and amateurs. It also offers a chance for lesser-known players to shine and make a name for themselves. Third, it is a source of inspiration and motivation for chess lovers everywhere. It attracts millions of spectators and fans who follow the games online or on TV. It also encourages more people to take up chess as a hobby or a profession.
The history and evolution of the Chess Olympiad
The Chess Olympiad has a rich and fascinating history that spans almost a century. It has witnessed many memorable moments, dramatic battles, historic achievements, and controversial incidents. Here are some highlights from its past editions:
The first official Chess Olympiad in London in 1927 was won by Hungary, led by legendary player Geza Maroczy. The USA came second, followed by Poland.
The fourth Chess Olympiad in Prague in 1931 saw the first appearance of the Soviet Union, which dominated the event until its dissolution in 1991. The Soviet team included world champions Alexander Alekhine, Mikhail Botvinnik, and Vasily Smyslov.
The 13th Chess Olympiad in Munich in 1958 was marred by a political boycott by several Eastern bloc countries, who protested against the participation of West Germany. The event was won by the Soviet Union, followed by Yugoslavia and Argentina.
The 18th Chess Olympiad in Siegen in 1970 featured the debut of Bobby Fischer, who led the USA to its first and only gold medal in the open section. Fischer scored an incredible 10/11 on board one, defeating several top players such as Boris Spassky, Bent Larsen, and Miguel Najdorf.
The 26th Chess Olympiad in Thessaloniki in 1984 was the first to include a separate women's tournament, which was won by the Soviet Union. The open section was also won by the Soviet Union, with Garry Kasparov scoring 9/10 on board one.
The 30th Chess Olympiad in Manila in 1992 was the first to be held after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which resulted in the emergence of new chess powers such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia. The open section was won by Russia, while the women's section was won by Georgia.
The 36th Chess Olympiad in Calvia in 2004 saw the first use of anti-cheating measures, such as metal detectors and mobile phone jammers. The event was won by Ukraine in both sections, with Ruslan Ponomariov and Kateryna Lahno scoring 10/13 on board one.
The 40th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul in 2012 witnessed the first gold medal for China in the open section, led by Wang Hao and Ding Liren. The women's section was won by Russia, with Valentina Gunina scoring 8/9 on board two.
The 43rd Chess Olympiad in Batumi in 2018 was the last one to be held before the COVID pandemic. It was also the first to use a new tie-break system based on match points instead of board points. The open section ended in a four-way tie between China, USA, Russia, and Poland, with China winning on tie-break. The women's section was also won by China, with Ju Wenjun scoring 7/9 on board one.
The format and rules of the Chess Olympiad
The Chess Olympiad is played in a Swiss system over 11 rounds, with one round per day and two rest days. Each team consists of four players plus one reserve player. Each match consists of four games played simultaneously on four boards. The team that wins more games scores two match points, while a draw results in one match point for each team. The final standings are determined by the total number of match points scored by each team.
The time control for each game is 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes to the end of the game, plus a 30-second increment starting from move one. If a player does not make a move within the allotted time, he or she loses the game on time. If both players run out of time before delivering checkmate or reaching a draw, the game is declared a draw.
The Chess Olympiad follows the FIDE Laws of Chess, which govern the rules and regulations of chess play. Some of the important rules are:
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A player must touch a piece before moving it (touch-move rule).
A player must press his or her clock after making a move (clock-move rule).
A player cannot take back or change a move once it is made (irrevocable-move rule).
A player cannot distract or annoy his or her opponent during the game (fair-play rule).
A player cannot use any external assistance or device during the game (anti-cheating rule).
What makes the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 special?
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 is special for many reasons. It is not only a major sporting event, but also a cultural festival that celebrates chess and India. Here are some of the factors that make this edition unique and remarkable:
The first Chess Olympiad in India
India is hosting its first ever Chess Olympiad, after bidding successfully for the event in 2018. India is one of the most prominent chess nations in the world, with a rich history and tradition of chess dating back to ancient times. India is also home to some of the best chess players in the world, such as Viswanathan An and Anand, the former world champion and five-time Olympiad gold medalist, and Koneru Humpy, the current women's rapid world champion and four-time Olympiad medalist. India has also produced many young talents, such as Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Dronavalli Harika, who are expected to shine in the future.
Hosting the Chess Olympiad is a great honor and opportunity for India to showcase its chess culture and heritage to the world. It is also a chance for India to boost its chess development and popularity among its population of over 1.3 billion people. The event is supported by the government of India, the government of Tamil Nadu, the All India Chess Federation, and several sponsors and partners.
The record-breaking participation and diversity
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 has attracted a record number of participants from all over the world. Almost 200 national teams in the Open section and over 150 in the Women's are taking part, breaking the previous record of 185 and 151 respectively set in 2018. The event also features teams from several new or returning countries, such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Eritrea, Kosovo, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen.
The Chess Olympiad is a testament to the diversity and universality of chess. It brings together players from different continents, cultures, languages, religions, ages, genders, and backgrounds. It also showcases the different styles and approaches of chess play, from classical to modern, from positional to tactical, from aggressive to defensive. The Chess Olympiad is a celebration of the unity and harmony of the chess family.
The challenges and opportunities amid the pandemic
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 is being held amid the ongoing COVID pandemic, which has posed many challenges and difficulties for the organizers and participants. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Moscow, Russia in 2020, but was postponed and relocated due to COVID and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The event is being held under strict health and safety protocols, such as testing, vaccination, masking, distancing, and sanitizing. The event is also being held without spectators or visitors, to minimize the risk of infection.
However, the pandemic has also created some opportunities and innovations for the Chess Olympiad. The event is being held in a hybrid format, where some teams are playing online from their home countries, while others are playing over-the-board in Chennai. This allows more teams to participate without traveling or facing visa issues. The event is also being broadcasted online on various platforms, such as FIDE's official website, YouTube channel, Twitch channel, and social media accounts. This allows more people to follow and enjoy the games from anywhere in the world.
Who are the main contenders and stars of the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022?
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 features some of the best chess players in the world, who will compete for individual and team glory. Here are some of the main contenders and stars of the event:
The top seeds and favorites in the open and women's sections
In the open section, the top seed and favorite is Russia (average rating: 2767), which has won seven gold medals in the past nine editions. The Russian team consists of Ian Nepomniachtchi (2792), Alexander Grischuk (2776), Sergey Karjakin (2758), Daniil Dubov (2714), and Andrey Esipenko (2701). Nepomniachtchi is the current world number two and challenger for Magnus Carlsen's world title later this year.
The second seed and main rival is China (average rating: 2755), which won its first gold medal in 2012 and repeated it in 2018. The Chinese team consists of Ding Liren (2791), Wang Hao (2763), Wei Yi (2732), Yu Yangyi (2709), and Bu Xiangzhi (2685). Ding Liren is the current world number three and one of Carlsen's toughest opponents.
The third seed and dark horse is USA (average rating: 2749), which won its first gold medal in 1970 and tied for first in 2018. The USA team consists of Fabiano Caruana (2820), Wesley So (2770), Hikaru Nakamura (2736), Leinier Dominguez (2758), and Sam Shankland (2709). Caruana is the current world number four and former world title challenger in 2018.
In the women's section, the top seed and favorite is China (average rating: 2544), which has won six gold medals in the past nine editions. The Chinese team consists of Hou Yifan (2658), Ju Wenjun (2560), Zhao Xue (2504), Lei Tingjie (2502), and Tan Zhongyi (2511). Hou Yifan is the current women's world number one and four-time world champion.
The second seed and main rival is Russia (average rating: 2523), which has won four gold medals in the past nine editions. The Russian team consists of Aleksandra Goryachkina (2596), Kateryna Lagno (2542), Alexandra Kosteniuk (2479), Valentina Gunina (2436), and Olga Girya (2464). Goryachkina is the current women's world number two and former world title challenger in 2020.
The third seed and dark horse is Ukraine (average rating: 2489), which has won two gold medals in the past nine editions. The Ukrainian team consists of Anna Muzychuk (2535), Mariya Muzychuk (2544), Natalia Zhukova (2422), Inna Gaponenko (2387), and Iulija Osmak (2415). Anna Muzychuk is the current women's world number three and former rapid and blitz world champion.
The rising talents and dark horses to watch out for
The Chess Olympiad is also a platform for discovering and showcasing new talents and dark horses who can surprise and challenge the established stars. Here are some of the players who can make an impact in the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022:
Alireza Firouzja (Iran, 2759): The 18-year-old prodigy is the youngest player in the top 10 of the world rankings. He has a dynamic and aggressive style that can create problems for anyone. He is playing on board one for Iran, which is seeded ninth in the open section.
Abdusattorov Nodirbek (Uzbekistan, 2636): The 16-year-old sensation is the second youngest grandmaster in history, having achieved the title at the age of 13. He has a solid and mature style that belies his age. He is playing on board one for Uzbekistan, which is seeded 25th in the open section.
Polina Shuvalova (Russia, 2485): The 20-year-old talent is the reigning women's world junior champion and one of the rising stars of Russian chess. She has a versatile and creative style that can adapt to any situation. She is playing on board five for Russia, which is seeded second in the women's section.
Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan, 2471): The 16-year-old phenomenon is one of the most promising players of her generation. She has a sharp and adventurous style that can produce brilliant attacks. She is playing on board one for Kazakhstan, which is seeded 12th in the women's section.
The legends and icons of the chess world
The Chess Olympiad is also a tribute to the legends and icons of the chess world, who have contributed to the development and popularity of the game. Here are some of the players who are participating in the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 as honorary guests, special invitees, or honorary team members:
Viswanathan Anand (India, 2753): The 51-year-old legend is one of the greatest players of all time, having won five world titles, six Olympiad gold medals, and numerous tournaments. He is widely regarded as India's chess hero and ambassador. He is playing on board six for India, which is seeded fourth in the open section.
Judit Polgar (Hungary, retired): The 45-year-old icon is widely regarded as the strongest female player of all time, having achieved the highest rating and ranking among women, and having competed successfully against the best male players. She is the only woman to have won an Olympiad gold medal in the open section. She is participating as a special guest and commentator for the event.
Magnus Carlsen (Norway, 2847): The 30-year-old superstar is the current world champion and world number one, having held both titles since 2013. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won four world titles, three Olympiad gold medals, and numerous tournaments. He is participating as an honorary team member for Norway, which is seeded fifth in the open section.
Hou Yifan (China, 2658): The 27-year-old prodigy is the current women's world number one and four-time world champion. She is widely regarded as the best female player of her generation, having won two Olympiad gold medals and numerous tournaments. She is participating as an honorary team member for China, which is seeded first in the women's section.
How to follow and enjoy the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022?
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 is a must-watch event for chess fans and enthusiasts. Here are some of the ways to follow and enjoy the event:
The schedule and venues of the event
The Chess Olympiad 2022 runs from July 28 to August 10, 2022, with one round per day and two rest days on August 1 and August 7. The opening ceremony was held on July 28 at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, while the closing ceremony will be held on August 10 at the same venue. The games are taking place at Hotel Four Points by Sheraton, Mamallapuram, which is about 50 km south of Chennai.
The rounds start at 15:00 local time (IST), which is 09:30 GMT or 05:30 EDT. Each round lasts for about four hours, depending on the results of the games. The pairings for each round are announced one hour before the start of the round.
The live broadcast and commentary options
The Chess Olympiad 2022 is being broadcasted live online on various platforms, such as FIDE's official website ( YouTube channel ( Twitch channel ( and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). The broadcast features live video and audio of the games, as well as expert commentary and analysis by some of the best chess commentators in the world, such as Judit Polgar, Peter Leko, Tania Sachdev, Daniel King, Yasser Seirawan, Anna Rudolf, and others.
The broadcast also features interviews with players, coaches, officials, and guests, as well as reports on the cultural and social aspects of the event. The broadcast is available in multiple languages, such as English, Russian, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Tamil, and others.
The official song and anthem of the event
The Chess Olympiad 2022 has an official song and anthem that capture the spirit and theme of the event. The official song is called "Chess Is Life", composed by A.R. Rahman, one of India's most famous and acclaimed music composers. The song features vocals by Rahman himself, along with several other singers from different countries. The song is a fusion of Indian and Western musical styles, with lyrics in English and Tamil. The song celebrates chess as a game that transcends boundaries and unites people.
The official anthem is called "The Game Of Kings", composed by Ilaiyaraaja, another one of India's most famous and acclaimed music composers. The anthem features instrumental music that blends classical and modern elements, with a catchy and uplifting melody. The anthem conveys the excitement and passion of chess as a sport that challenges and inspires people.
The official song and anthem of the Chess Olympiad 2022 are available for download on various platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and others. They are also played during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as before and after each round.
Conclusion
The 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 is a once-in-a-lifetime event that no chess fan should miss. It is a celebration of chess and culture, featuring some of the best players and teams in the world, competing for glory and honor. It is also a showcase of India's chess heritage and hospitality, as well as its resilience and innovation amid the pandemic. The Chess Olympiad 2022 is a testament to the power and beauty of chess, as a game that transcends boundaries and unites people.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Chess Olympiad 2022:
Q: How can I watch the Chess Olympiad 2022 live online?
A: You can watch the Chess Olympiad 2022 live online on FIDE's official website ( YouTube channel ( Twitch channel ( and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). You can also watch it on other platforms that offer live broadcast and commentary, such as Chess.com, Chess24, Chessbase, etc.
Q: How can I support my favorite team or player in the Chess Olympiad 2022?
A: You can support your favorite team or player in the Chess Olympiad 2022 by following their games online, cheering for them on social media, sending them messages of encouragement, or donating to their crowdfunding campaigns. You can also buy official merchandise of the Chess Olympiad 2022, such as T-shirts, caps, mugs, etc., to show your support.
Q: How can I learn more about the Chess Olympiad 2022?
A: You can learn more about the Chess Olympiad 2022 by visiting FIDE's official website ( where you can find information about the event, such as the schedule, venues, teams, players, results, standings, news, photos, videos, etc. You can also follow FIDE's social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for updates and highlights. You can also read articles and blogs about the event on various chess websites and magazines.
Q: How can I participate in the Chess Olympiad 2022?
A: You can participate in the Chess Olympiad 2022 by playing in one of the side events that are organized alongside the main event. These include online tournaments for amateurs and professionals, chess simuls with grandmasters, chess puzzles and quizzes, chess exhibitions and workshops, etc. You can also participate in the online voting for the best game, best move, best combination, best endgame, etc., of each round.
Q: How can I download the official song and anthem of the Chess Olympiad 2022?
A: You can download the official song and anthem of the Chess Olympiad 2022 on various platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and others. You can also listen to them on FIDE's official website ( YouTube channel ( and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). The official song is called "Chess Is Life", composed by A.R. Rahman, while the official anthem is called "The Game Of Kings", composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
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