FIDE Qualification Commission decided to ban the awarding of the FIDE title norms at Scheveningen* and Schiller** format events from the 1st of March 2024. The decision was made as Schiller and Scheveningen format events do not meet the criteria that all players in the event play under the same conditions, explains FIDE Qualification Commission. Moreover, from 1st March 2024, FIDE Qualification will not consider Schiller and Scheveningen games played between rated and unrated players valid.
*The Scheveningen pairing system is mainly used for team competitions where each player of one team meets each player of the opposing team. Therefore, the number of rounds was equal to the number of players in a team.
**The Schiller Pairing system, created as an experimental format by FM Eric Schiller, was based on the Scheveningen pairings principle but for multiple teams participating in the same tournament. The Shiller tournament is basically a team tournament where each member of a team plays every member of the opposing teams, but not their own teammates.
The complete announcement by the FIDE Qualification Commission can be read below:
From the 1st March 2024, Schiller Format Events and Scheveningen Format Events* will no longer be valid for the awarding of FIDE Title Norms (FIDE Handbook B.01.1.4.2e).
The FIDE Qualification Commission has taken this decision as it regards FIDE Titles as being earned as a result of competitive play, where all players in an event are playing under the same conditions and are aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes. Schiller and Scheveningen format events do not meet this criteria for all players involved in such tournaments.
Valid formats to be used in title tournaments are:
- Swiss System
- Round Robin
- Double Round Robin
- Knockout
From the 1st March 2024 games by unrated players in Schiller Format Events and Scheveningen Format Events* will no longer be valid for inclusion of the FIDE Rating List. Games between rated players will still be included.
*Federations can apply for approval for Scheveningen and Schiller Format Events if they are National or International events which are organised directly by a Federation or organised directly between FIDE Federations (ie International matches, or National Teams Championships).
