FIDE has approved shorter time controls of 60 minutes and 45 minutes per player, with a 30-second increment per move, for standard ratings and title norms. The new regulations, announced on 13 November 2026, come into effect immediately.
Under the revised regulations, 60 minutes + 30 seconds will be recognised as a standard time control. Tournaments using this format will no longer require special approval and will be eligible for standard ratings as well as title norms.
The 45 minutes + 30 seconds format will also be permitted for tournaments eligible for the FIDE Circuit and events in which no player rated above 2400 participates.
However, FIDE has introduced certain restrictions. Tournaments counting towards standard ratings and title norms can have a maximum of two rounds per day. For events conducted purely for rating purposes, without the possibility of earning norms or titles, the total playing time is limited to 12 hours per day, allowing more than two rounds.
Additionally, a maximum of one norm achieved in tournaments using these shorter time controls can be counted towards a single title.
The decision follows a pilot project launched by FIDE in 2025 to test shorter classical time controls. After gathering feedback from players, organisers and leading Grandmasters, FIDE has moved towards making faster classical chess more accessible and practical to organise.
The regulations are now in effect, but further discussions are expected. FIDE's Qualification Commission will study the impact of the changes and recommend whether the 45+30 format should become a permanent standard time control and whether the restrictions on norms should be relaxed.
National federations have also been invited to review the changes ahead of an extraordinary General Assembly scheduled for December 2026, where further amendments may be proposed.
Read the complete resolution issued by FIDE here.
