FIDE’s rapid and blitz fee waiver: what it means for your next event
On 23 October, FIDE announced that its Council had extended the rapid and blitz rating-fee waiver through 2027. Its stated aim is to support participation. This is a continuation of a waiver, rather than a new promise of free tournament entry. Read FIDE’s announcement.
Which fee has been waived?
The distinction matters when choosing an event. The FIDE Handbook places rating fees on national federations and records a waiver for over-the-board rapid and blitz tournaments held in 2025–2027. It lists tournament entry fees separately. The announcement says the decision takes effect immediately, but does not give the Council’s vote date. See Appendix 2, sections 1 and 2.
The practical conclusion: do not read the headline as a guarantee that a particular tournament is free. Ask the organizer what entry includes, whether any federation membership is required, and which rating list the event uses. Those answers belong to the event you are considering.
Choose a format you can actually enjoy
Our suggestion for a first visit is to choose by the playing experience, rather than by the word “rated”. Read the advertised time control, round schedule and arrival instructions. Leave room to learn how the event works instead of packing the day around an ambitious result.
Before going, practise one ordinary game at a pace that lets you finish your thoughts. Afterward, choose one moment where you moved before checking your opponent’s threat. Write down the threat and the move you would reconsider. That gives the next game a concrete purpose without turning every loss into a complete rebuild of your chess.
Bring one useful question
A first club or tournament visit can start with something small: “Is this session suitable for someone new to playing here?” You do not need to pretend you already know the routine.
Try one practice game in Vibe Chess 3D, then explain one decision you would change before seeking a rematch. The app session is practice; this article is not an announcement of a Vibe Chess event or a claim that app games earn FIDE ratings.