CHALLENGE STAGES
Stage 1 — Preliminary Round
All registered participants compete in preliminary matches. Results are tracked on a bracket board visible to everyone in the venue. Top performers from this round move forward to the knockout stage.
Stage 2 — Knockout Rounds
Remaining participants compete in individual knockout matches. The bracket is updated after every match. A visible countdown timer runs on the projector so the room feels the pressure alongside the players.
Stage 3 — Final Match
The two finalists compete on a board projected live on screen through a camera feed or digital board. Light commentary from the MC keeps the audience engaged. The winner of the final match is declared Chess Arena Champion.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
- This is an individual event.
- Standard international chess rules apply throughout all rounds.
- Each match has a 10-minute time control. Players must manage their own time.
- Players must compete independently. Coaching or signals from spectators during a match are not permitted.
- Players must be at their board within 3 minutes of being called. Absence beyond that is a forfeit.
- In the event of a draw, the result is decided by the tiebreak format announced at the start of the event.
SCORING AND EVALUATION
- Standard Match Result: Win advances to next round; Loss is eliminated.
- Material Value on Clock Expiry (Timeout Resolution): Queen (9 pts), Rook (5 pts), Bishop (3 pts), Knight (3 pts), Pawn (1 pt).
- The participant who wins the Final Match is declared Chess Arena Champion.