Chess enthusiasts are in for a treat as two of the game’s greatest minds, Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov, face off once again in a special exhibition match titled Clutch Chess: The Legends. The event is set to take place at the Saint Louis Chess Club from October 7 to 11, 2025.
This 12-game series will feature Chess960 (Fischer Random), a variant that randomizes the back-rank pieces, ensuring a departure from traditional opening theory. The match will be played under both rapid and blitz time controls:
- Rapid Games: 25 minutes per game with a 10-second increment from move one.
- Blitz Games: 5 minutes per game with a 3-second increment from move one.
A unique scoring system will be employed:
- Day 1: Win = 1 point, Draw = 0.5 points, Loss = 0 points.
- Day 2: Win = 2 points, Draw = 1 point, Loss = 0 points.
- Day 3: Win = 3 points, Draw = 1.5 points, Loss = 0 points.
Kasparov, known for his sharp wit, recently jested about Anand’s current form, saying, “It’s entertaining. I think I should give Vishy a chance to improve our score!” Despite his playful remark, Kasparov acknowledged Anand’s impressive play and expressed eagerness for the upcoming matches.
This event not only rekindles a historic rivalry but also showcases the evolution of chess, blending tradition with innovative formats.
