The fashion police of the chess world want to outlaw baseball caps and sunglasses, even for teenagers.
The world chess federation (FIDE) is considering instituting a dress code for all of its events, including youth and junior championships.
Players would not be allowed to compete if they wear banned items, such as sports caps, torn jeans, cut-off shorts, sunglasses — or even clothing with holes in it.
At awards ceremonies, the rules would be stricter. Winners would be barred if they show up in sneakers, jeans or T-shirts.
The aim is to “promote a good and positive image for chess,” according to its author, FIDE vice president Beatrice Marinello, an American who holds the women’s international master title.
The proposal may come as a shock to US players, such as the nation’s top-rated grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, who is known for wearing a baseball cap at the board.
In this week’s game, White challenges the Berlin Defense, banking on his superior development, e.g. 10 . . . b6? 11 Bxh7+! Kxh7 12 Qh5+ and 13 Rh3.
White might have sacrificed more soundly with 18 Nc7 Qxc7 19 Rxf7. But after Black missed 20 . . . Qb6!, with defensive chances, White found a mate (23 . . . Bxf6 24 Rxe8).