Clutch Chess Champions Showdown 2026

Format

• 9-round, 18-game tournament consisting of three double round-robins (2 rapid games per round)
• Time control: 10 minutes per game, with a 5-second increment from move 1
• Draw offers are not permitted before the completion of Black's 60th move.
• Day 1 – October 27, 2026
• Games 1-6 (Double round-robin 1)
• Players earn 1 point for a win, 0.5 points for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
• Each win is worth $1,000 USD.
• Day 2 – October 28, 2026
• Games 7-12 (Double round-robin 2)
• Players earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
• Each win is worth $2,000 USD.
• Day 3 – October 29, 2026
• Games 13-18 (Double round-robin 3)
• Players earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
• Each win is worth $3,000 USD.
• The bonus money from all drawn games (out of $72,000 USD in total possible bonus earnings) accumulates each day into the Champion's Jackpot, which is added to the overall winner's prize.
• Playoffs
• If there is a tie for first place after 18 games, a playoff determines the winner only. Places second through fourth are determined by the players' final scores in the initial 18 games.
• Two-player tie: A single Armageddon game is played, where Black has draw odds. Players secretly bid the time they wish to have with the Black pieces (up to a maximum of 10 minutes). The player bidding the lowest time plays Black with their bid time, while the other player plays White with 10 minutes. Both players receive a 2-second increment per move starting after move 60.
• Three- or four-way tie: A round-robin Armageddon tournament is held between all tied players using the same bidding procedure.

Common questions about Clutch Chess Champions Showdown 2026