Nur-Sultan to host World Rapid and Blitz Championships

A million dollar in prizes

Press release by FIDE

We are pleased to announce that the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz will take place in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The event will be held on its traditional dates: December 25-30, 2021.

Understanding Middlegame Strategies Vol.1 and 2

These DVDs are about Understanding Middlegame Strategies. In the first DVD dynamic decisions involving pawns are discussed. The second DVD deals with decision making process concerning practical play.

As in previous editions, the World Rapid and Blitz Championships will have a total prize fund of 1,000,000 USD:

$350,000 for the Open Rapid Championship
$350,000 for the Open Blitz Championship
$150,000 for the Women's Rapid Championship
$150,000 for the Women's Blitz Championship

The World Rapid and Blitz is one of the most awaited events in the chess calendar for most chess fans. After the force majeure cancellation in 2020, FIDE is happy to bring it back in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

Just like in 2019, the Rapid and Blitz Championships will take place as Swiss tournaments:

Rapid Open - 13 rounds
Rapid Women - 11 rounds
Blitz Open - 21 rounds
Blitz Women - 17 rounds

The time control will be 15 minutes plus 10-second increments per move in the rapid, and 3 minutes plus 2-second increments in the blitz.

Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan | Photo: Alexey Tarakanov

Open competition eligibility

Players rated at least 2550 in any FIDE rating lists (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) from January 1st to December 1st, 2021.

The reigning National Champions representing their National Federation, regardless of their title or rating.

The Organiser is entitled to invite up to 15 additional players of his/her own choice.

Women's competition eligibility

Players rated at least 2250 in any FIDE rating lists (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) from January 1st to December 1st, 2021.

The reigning National Champions representing their National Federation, regardless of their title or rating.

The Organiser is entitled to invite up to 15 additional players of his/her own choice.

Master Class Vol.2: Mihail Tal

On this DVD Dorian Rogozenco, Mihail Marin, Oliver Reeh and Karsten Müller present the 8. World Chess Champion in video lessons: his openings, his understanding of chess strategy, his artful endgame play, and finally his immortal combinations.