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Gukesh vs Praggnanandhaa: Tata Steel chess tiebreak scenarios explained

Here are what the tiebreak rules state at Tata Steel Masters with Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa tied on 8.5 points with one game left (and with Nodirbek Abdusattarov one point behind).

As interest in chess grows, the path to joining the elite has become far more demanding. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are deadlocked at the top of the standings in the Tata Steel masters section after the final round on Sunday. While Gukesh lost to Chess Olympiad teammate Arjun Erigaisi in the 13th round today, Praggnanandhaa lost to Gukesh’s World Championship second Vincent Keymer.

So what now?

Here are what the tiebreak rules state at Tata Steel Masters with Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa tied on 8.5 points after the final round.

Gukesh in Round 12 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

Tata Steel Chess tiebreak format and time control

The time control of the tiebreak games is 3 minutes with a 2 seconds increment per move as of the first move, with an exception for ‘sudden death’ tiebreak games. The time control of the ‘sudden death’ tiebreak games is 2½ minutes for white and 3 minutes for black with a 2 seconds increment per move as of the first move for both players.

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The tiebreak games will be played as soon as possible after all (potential) players in the tiebreak games have finished their games in the main tournament. Every player will have a minimum rest period of 30 minutes before the start of the tiebreak games.

In principle, there will not be a rest period between tiebreak games, i.e. the next games will be played as soon as possible. However, the chief arbiter may decide on granting a limited rest period.

Praggnanandhaa in Round 12 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

What happens if there are two players in tiebreaks?

If there are two players in the tiebreak, the following playing schedule will apply: A play-off match of two games will be played. A drawing of lots will decide which player will start with white. If the play-off match results in a tie, a ‘sudden death’ game will be played. If this game is a draw, the next ‘sudden death’ game will be played. This will continue until a player wins a game. A drawing of lots will decide which player will start with white. The other player will play white in the next two ‘sudden death’ games. After three ‘sudden death games’ the first player will play white in the next two games, and so on.