Let's play classical rated games online at the local chess club!

Do you know online chess matches will be the future of our game as we approach the most innovative period in history?  In the wake of January 2020, people changed their ways of doing things because of the world pandemic coronavirus. They had to become more innovative and find alternative methods for attaining their goals. The main concern was to break the circle of the novel virus and perhaps later go back to our usual way. Our area of the sport was also touched. Many challenges came on our way, especially when holding tournaments owing that COVID measures must be respected. As a result of the increased need to continue our matches in the abnormal time, I propose online chess matches as the best strategy that every player will love and embrace.

I propose online chess matches as the most suitable strategy because it will create efficiencies in many ways. Previously, physical participation required a player to incur many costs in travel, renting hotels, food, and entry fee. If in a white’s collar job, a player could also seek permission for the time he will not be at work, which deemed impossible for the long tournament period. However, participating in online chess matches will solve almost all the costs starting from the time of travel, renting a hotel, food, and entry fee. I would suggest a player to be allowed to attend his local club near him. Under the local chess club director's supervision, he should play the match live, or tournament short or long, using a computer on the internet. I am proposing for a local club to minimize the chances of cheating among players.

Some may raise the issue of colluding and cheating, but I have some thoughts that can help resolve them. To resolve the issue of cheating, we should have two zoom cameras attached to resemble that of the World Open 2020 online in August. They will be directed to the playing location to ensure there no person who has used a shortcut to attain the points. How come it,s alright for the World Open to do it and not Ok for us?  And we will have  no prize funds involved, making sure no one cheats or conspires, not even the chess club director. The main objectives for participation are acquiring the points and becoming a FIDE Master and improving your game, etc. It will be an official process because the real points will be the determinant of my title. I believe it will be the most valuable process that will keep us going despite the pandemic.

Concerning my idea, we can open up the chess club and allow a maximum of three or four players sitting. I believe it will be the best idea because it will enable even the young upcoming players to participate and acquire the experience. Yes, a person may say that we are yet there to conduct an online match. However, the decision will provide alternative; physical and online participation.  Each player will choose a favorable platform according to his tasks. The turn points will come soon when technology is a requisite. It is incredible to see chess websites and local clubs taking initiatives by organizing matches at this period of COVID-19. By the way I totally agree with GM Korneev and GM Dubov in regards of current elite and how Fide does little to support the rest of us. And how tired I am of seeing the same faces over and over trading the rating points one to another. In the event if these organisations continue to do nothing I invite everyone to gather and create our own organisation with it,s own rating.  

That’s great to hear Mr. Akopian!