The 2024 edition of Morocco Chess Week commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the Casablanca Stock Exchange on May 18, 2024. This prestigious event is held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and has grown to international prominence since its inception in 2021. The festival, initiated by Casablanca Events & Animation and the Casablanca Stock Exchange, is organized in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation.
The highlight of the week is the Casablanca Chess
Tournament, featuring chess legends Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura,
Viswanathan Anand, and Amin Bassem. These grandmasters will engage in the novel
“Casablanca chess variant,” which celebrates the rich history of chess. This
unique format involves starting their rapid games from positions derived from
historical games selected by GMs Hicham Hamdouchi and Laurent Fressinet,
promising an intriguing blend of strategy and historical homage.
A Unique Chess Variant
The Casablanca Chess Tournament introduces an
innovative twist to traditional play. The four invited players will compete in
a double round-robin format with a 15+10 time control. Each round will start
from different pre-selected positions based on notable historical games. The
positions for rounds three and six will be chosen by spectator votes, adding an
interactive element to the tournament. Points are awarded based on performance,
with 1 point for a win, 0.5 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. The player with the
highest score at the end of the tournament will be crowned the champion.
Honoring FIDE’s Centenary
This year marks the centenary of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and Casablanca has been chosen as the African city to celebrate this milestone. As part of the celebrations, the Chess Olympiad Torch Relay will make its way through Casablanca, leading up to the Chess Olympiad in Budapest this September. A significant event will be organized at the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, featuring various activities for the public, including a simultaneous exhibition with 100 players.
A Celebration of Community and Chess
Morocco Chess Week is not just about high-level
competition; it embodies the spirit of learning, sharing, and community growth.
It aims to foster the values of chess within the wider community, aligning with
the social values upheld by Bourse de Casablanca and its partners. This
festival has become a beacon for chess enthusiasts worldwide, bringing together
people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the timeless game.
The Casablanca Chess Tournament is set to provide a unique and memorable experience, combining competitive play with a deep appreciation for chess history. As the games unfold on May 18th and 19th, chess fans around the world will be watching closely to see how these grandmasters navigate the historical positions and what new insights and strategies they will bring to the table.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating
the rich heritage and future of chess at the 2024 Morocco Chess Week in
Casablanca!
Please share your thoughts in the comments.
INNOVATION CORRIDOR LLC ❤️❤️❤️
"THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING OUR GIFT STORE"