Total Chess pilot in Budapest launches with new fast‑classical format

World No. 1 <b>Magnus Carlsen</b> and 23 other top players will compete in the Total Chess World Championship Tour pilot starting <b>November 10</b> at the Anantara New York Palace in Budapest. The event opens with a nine‑round blitz Swiss, followed by a fast‑classical group stage that decides the four semi‑finalists. Total Chess chief Kjell Madland explained that qualification is based solely on the fast‑classical round‑robin, while rapid and blitz are used only in the knockout phase. He said the format aims to modernise chess, attract wider audiences and test the new 45‑minute plus 30‑second increment time control. The semi‑finals, third‑place match and final are scheduled for November 20, featuring rapid, blitz and fast‑classical games over two days.