Introduction

The idea of livestreaming the restart or continuation of the Candidates Tournament 2020 on Twitch has been brought up to generate more hype and to draw in a broader audience to competitive chess. This article explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a decision.

Live Streaming: A Well-being Tradition

First, if we are discussing the concept of broadcasting the moves and providing commentaries on the games, the answer is undoubtedly yes. Major chess companies like and Chess24 have already been doing exactly that for significant chess events.

In fact, during the first half of the Candidates tournament, both platforms featured some of the world's top experts. For example, F_gruber and Nakamura Tak hilarious debates with Levon Aronian provided a unique and engaging viewing experience.

Expert Commentary

brought in notable players like Aleksey Shirov, Hikaru Nakamura, and Boris Gelfand during their commentary. Meanwhile, Chess24 featured the legendary Magnus Carlsen for the majority of rounds, bringing an unparalleled depth to the commentary. Such expert input adds value to the viewing experience and helps to generate enthusiasm among chess enthusiasts of all levels.

The Drawbacks of Online Chess

However, if we are considering the idea of holding the tournament live on Twitch with players streaming from their homes, the answer is a resounding no. Here are the reasons behind this stance:

Substitution or Alternative?

Online chess cannot serve as a substitute for traditional over-the-board play. While it offers a convenient and convenient alternative for casual or remote play, it will always be second-best to the real-life experience. Competitive chess is a highly social and dynamic game, and missing out on the in-person interaction and energy is a significant loss.

Experiments and Traditional Tournaments

High-stakes tournaments like the Candidates are not the place for experimentation with new formats or types of play. These tournaments are designed to be rigorous, challenging, and intense, and any deviation from the established norms could detract from their integrity and prestige. The traditional format of face-to-face competition is what makes this tournament a hallmark of the chess world.

Confidentiality and Strategy

Regarding players streaming during the most crucial stages of the tournament, it is a highly impractical and unappealing idea. In such high-profile events, disclosing the thought process and strategic moves is unacceptable. Consider the critical nature of these matches, where the outcome could significantly impact the player's future and even a world championship match against Magnus Carlsen. Streamed thoughts and moves would undermine the strategic and psychological advantages that players need to retain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while live streaming the commentary during the Candidates Tournament on platforms like Twitch is a valuable and acceptable approach, streaming the tournament itself in an online format is not. The traditional format of over-the-board play offers an irreplaceable experience, and the integrity and confidentiality of such high-stakes competition should be maintained.