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What is Armageddon in chess

July 14, 2024

In this article, we will consider what Armageddon is as a chess format.

What is Armageddon in chess

Sometimes in chess tournaments and matches, the prize place is divided between several participants: according to the results of the games and additional indicators, the chess players were unable to determine the winner. In this case, the strongest is determined in a tie-break.

Tie-breaks are often held in blitz or rapid formats, but they can also have inconclusive games. The best way to determine the winner in just one game is Armageddon.

The right to choose pieces in Armageddon is determined by lot. Black always gets less time than White. Most often, White has 5 minutes for the entire game, and Black has only 4.

There can be no draw in Armageddon: White must checkmate the opponent's king or win by time, otherwise they will be awarded a loss.

Thus, Armageddon in chess is a special format of the deciding game, which is used to determine the winner in case of a draw in the main series of games.