World Blitz/Rapid Championship vs Millionaire Chess

All Things Chess
1

FIDE has accepted a bid to hold the 2015 World Blitz and Rapid Championship in Berlin on October 9-15. That conflicts with the second Millionaire Chess tournament, which is October 8-12.

That seems kind of obnoxious. Isn’t the Blitz/Rapid Championship usually help in June?

Anyone know if there is some interesting story behind this? Trouble finding bidders, and so had to settle for what they could get even if the dates are bad? FIDE President annoyed with the MC people for some reason and wanting to rain on their parade?

2

For the moment, as we used to say in CCD when confronted with an issue that had no apparent answer, “It’s a Mystery.” :slight_smile:

3

Meh. We as a community wring our hands about schedule conflicts, real or perceived, too much.

Players have choices. That’s a good thing.

4

As I understand it, FIDE was having trouble finding a sponsor. The sponsor who eventually stepped up to underwrite the event dictated the dates. It’s obviously not an optimal situation, but there probably isn’t much overlap between the two events, either in terms of geography or style of play.

5

Why not make it so that players can compete in the Blitz online (under supervision) while playing in the Millionaire Open. GM Nakamura is one player that should have no trouble with this idea.

6

Because then it wouldn’t be the World Blitz/Rapid Championship, it would be the World Blitz/Rapid ONLINE Championship, and the two are very different.