Not because of its novelty on the board, this move by Wesley So might well remain a highlight of Tata Steel Chess India 2026 in Kolkata. He could have won the game by default when R Praggnanandhaa pressed the clock without having made a move.
This was in the closing stages of a sixth-round game of the rapid segment. Already low on time, the Indian spent precious moments thinking and with a second remaining, pressed the clock, not realising he had not actually moved his piece. Going by the letter of the law, the player representing USA could have claimed the point. He refused to do that and agreed to a draw instead.
“I’m not sure about the rules,” said So after that round. “First of all, I don’t want to win a game like that. I don’t want to win a dirty play. I mean, I want to win on the board,” he explained.
There is enough at stake, including a first prize of $10,000. The player originally from the Philippines reached four points following that draw. A win would have put him level with joint-leaders Viswanathan Anand and Nihal Sarin, who have 4.5 each. It handed a lifeline to Praggnanandhaa too, as he moved to 3.5.
Such decisions are sometimes the discretion of the players, especially when the line is thin. The arbiters implement rules, but nothing satisfies the opponents more if they reach a consensus and there is no lingering bitterness. That’s easier said than done because at the highest level of sports, ego often becomes a barrier.
So is an elite chess player. A former world No. 2, one of about a dozen-odd to have crossed 2800 in ELO ratings, the 32-year-old is ranked 11th in the classical format. He is 16th in rapid and sixth in blitz. Winner of several top titles, he last year beat Magnus Carlsen to lift the World Freestyle crown.
He couldn’t be faulted had he raised an objection against Praggnanandhaa and demanded the point. By not treading that path, So set an example rare in the days of banging tables in frustration or tossing the rival king into the crowd in celebration.
“I had opponents who would knock their pieces over and then press the clock. Obviously, it’s unintentional. I never complained,” said So. “I didn’t feel like I deserved to win this game. I thought I was going to get the win. But the arbiters said I only get a minute or two on the clock. And the position was equal, like I wasn’t better.”
There is emphasis on fair play in all events. The FIDE has strict guidelines to control corrupt practices. Had there been a fair play trophy in this competition that deals with the spirit of play, So might have clinched it with rounds to spare.
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