How Magnus Carlsen's jeans sparked a chess controversy

The world's top chess player Magnus Carlsen will return to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after initially withdrawing because he refused to take off a pair of jeans.

The 34-year-old was eliminated from the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after violating the dress code and selecting not to vary his clothes.

However, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Sunday that Carlsen would return to the World Blitz Championship. The organization's president, Arkady Dvorkovich, confirmed that while the official dress code would remain in place, it might be relaxed to accommodate “elegant minor variations.”

A post on Carlsen's X account said: “Oh, I'm definitely playing in jeans tomorrow.”

“I'll play at least one more day here in New York and, if I'm feeling well, another day after that,” said the Norwegian in an interview with Take, Take, Take.

Why did Carlsen retire?

FIDE concluded that Carlsen had violated the dress code for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships by wearing jeans on Friday.

He was initially fined US$200 and asked to transfer, but he refused and was subsequently not fielded for the ninth round of the World Rapid Chess Championship.

Carlsen claimed he wore jeans to a gathering and “didn’t even think about” becoming a special pair of pants for the tournament. He said he offered to vary for the following day, but this was not accepted.

“I had a nice lunch before I came here. I barely had time to go into the room and change, so I just put on a shirt and jacket. “I didn’t even think about the jeans – I even changed my shoes,” he said Take, take, take.

“I got a warning that if I didn’t change I wouldn’t be paired. They said I could do it today after the third round. I said I'll change tomorrow if that's okay. They said you have to change now. From that point on it became a matter of principle for me.”

He then said he had no intention of returning to defend his title within the World Blitz Championship, which begins on Monday.

“I’ll probably go somewhere where the weather is a little nicer than here,” he added. “I don’t know what would have to change for that to happen, but no (I won’t be playing in the Blitz).”

Carlsen continued: “They can enforce their rules, that’s fine with me. My response is, that’s fine, I’m out the fuck.”

OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 28, 2024

Carlson was the defending rapid chess champion, but was behind the leaders on the time of his withdrawal.

The 18-year-old Russian grandmaster Volodar Murzin eventually won the tournament and have become the second-youngest rapid chess world champion in history.

Why is there a dress code in chess?

FIDE says its tournament rules, including dress code, are “designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.”

The FIDA regulations for the 2024 Rapid and Blitz Championships state: “No players wearing T-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, baseball caps or inappropriate clothing will be allowed to enter the playing area.” All requests to wear national or traditional clothing have to be approved by the FIDE Supervisor.”

Players are allowed to wear: “Dark pants, long-sleeved light colors (white, light blue, beige, brown, etc.), blue or black shirt, definitely solid color.” Dark jacket, vest or cardigan with buttons: black, navy blue, gray, Beige, brown, definitely plain. Jacket, vest or cardigan could also be removed in the course of the game. Ties usually are not compulsory.”

Participating players, FIDE staff, officials and representatives must all adhere to the dress code.

A primary breach of the regulations will end in a superb and the sanctioned player being allowed to play in the present round, before a second breach will end in him not being included in a pairing for the next round.

Did anyone else violate the dress code?

Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi was also fined on Friday for violating the dress code by wearing sports shoes. However, he placed on the “approved clothing” and took part within the tournament.

How was the Carlsen situation resolved?

Carlsen said on Sunday that “fruitful discussions” had taken place with FIDE President Dvorkovich.

“I love playing Blitz,” he told Take, Take, Take. “I want to give the fans the opportunity to see that… At the moment I'm here and there have been some minor changes to the rules, I think. Basically, I’ll definitely play in jeans tomorrow.”

An announcement from Dvorkovich said: “I sincerely regret that this situation escalated without both sides finding a timely solution to prevent Magnus' withdrawal.”

He added that Carlsen's concerns “highlight the need for further discussion on how to modernize the current approach to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess.”

Dvorkovich explained that the World Blitz Championship will take a versatile approach to decorate code.

“I decided to test an approach that would give FIDE officials more flexibility in assessing the suitability of clothing,” he continued. “Special assistants will be asked to assist in these judgments and draw final conclusions if doubts arise.

“The principle is simple: it is still necessary to adhere to the official dress code, but elegant minor deviations (which can in particular include jeans that match the jacket) are permitted. Ultimately, it is time for New Year and I sincerely hope that no one will try to undermine the festive spirit, including by abusing this additional flexibility.”