Today FIDE announced a change in what is considered a classic time control. A “Fast Classic” time control has been introduced by FIDE as a pilot project. FIDE Council has approved of rating the games played with 45min+30sec inc for standard ratings. The time control is very similar to the Top Chess Engine Championship time controls in lower divisions and a little slower than the TCEC Swiss. Read the full FIDE press release here
World Women’s Team Chess Championship 2025 will be one of the first events to be in the pilot project with Fast Classic time control. Michael Rahal says, “The Women’s World Team Chess Championship, scheduled for November in Linares, will be played at a 45′ + 30 second time control, and will compute for standard ratings.” The tournament is a major event in The Chess Calendar and the Women Chess Calendar
About the Women’s World Team Chess Championship 2025
The FIDE World Women’s Team Championship 2025 is set to take place in the legendary chess city of Linares, Spain, from November 17 to 24. Known as one of the most iconic venues in chess history, Linares will once again be in the global spotlight as it welcomes 12 of the world’s strongest women’s national teams to compete for the prestigious world title.
First held in 2007, the FIDE World Women’s Team Championship has become one of the most important events on the women’s chess calendar. Previous winners include China, Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia (reigning champion), with China claiming a record four titles. The event not only crowns the best national women’s team in the world, but also showcases rising stars and team spirit.
The 12 teams competing in Linares are:
* Semi-finalists of the 2023 edition:
- Georgia
- France
- Kazakhstan
- USA
* Top-rated teams from each continent:
- China (Asia)
- Ukraine (Europe)
- Peru (Americas)
- Egypt (Africa)
* Top federations by average rating (August 2025):
- India
- FIDE Team
* Host nation: Spain
* FIDE President’s nomination: To be announced
The championship features 12 teams, split into two pools of six for a round-robin stage. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, consisting of semi-finals and a final.
Each match between two teams consists of four boards, and matches are played under the standard time control: 45 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move one.
