A New Chess Era Dawns in Prague: Celebrating Vlastimil Hort with Rapid Play

Prague, a city steeped in history and intellectual tradition, is set to become the stage for a new annual chess tradition. On **Sunday, September 28, 2025**, the Hotel Don Giovanni will host the inaugural **Vlastimil Hort Rapid Chess Tournament**. Organized by Czech Inn Chess, this event marks a significant milestone, paying homage to one of the Czech Republic`s most revered chess grandmasters, Vlastimil Hort, and offering a dynamic platform for both seasoned players and emerging talent.

Honoring a Czech Chess Icon: Vlastimil Hort

For decades, Grandmaster Vlastimil Hort has been synonymous with Czech chess excellence. A titan of the chessboard, his career spanned eras, marked by brilliant victories, tenacious defense, and an unwavering passion for the game. Hort`s legacy extends beyond his numerous tournament wins; he is celebrated for his engaging personality, his analytical depth, and his role as an ambassador for chess, inspiring generations of players. This tournament isn`t just another competition; it`s a living tribute, ensuring that his immense contributions to the chess world continue to resonate.

It`s a rather fitting irony that a “rapid” tournament is named after a player whose strategic depth often unfolded over many hours of classical play. Yet, the choice underscores the modern evolution of chess, embracing faster formats that still demand precision, quick thinking, and nerves of steel—qualities Hort himself possessed in spades.

The Allure of Rapid Chess in Prague

The rapid chess format, with its 2×15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move, strikes a compelling balance. It`s fast enough to keep the adrenaline pumping and the spectators engaged, yet substantial enough to allow for intricate strategic planning. For players, it`s a test of intuition, calculation under pressure, and adaptability—skills that are arguably more crucial in today`s fast-paced world than ever before.

The tournament, which is FIDE/Elo-rated, offers a valuable opportunity for players to improve their ratings and compete in a professionally organized environment. Prague, with its rich cultural tapestry and accessibility, provides an ideal backdrop for such an international gathering. The Hotel Don Giovanni, known for its elegant ambiance, promises a comfortable and inspiring venue for this intellectual battle.

Tournament Details at a Glance

A Day of Intense Competition

The schedule is meticulously planned to ensure a smooth flow of play and a well-deserved break:

• **Registration:** 8:00 – 8:45
• **Rounds 1 – 3:** 9:00 – 12:00
• **Lunch Break:** 12:00 – 13:00 (Catering available at Hotel Don Giovanni)
• **Rounds 4 – 7:** 13:00 – 17:00
• **Award Ceremony:** 17:15

Prizes and Recognition

While the glory of victory is often reward enough, tangible recognition adds another layer of excitement. The Vlastimil Hort Tournament offers attractive prizes:

• **1st Place:** 2000 CZK
• **2nd Place:** 1500 CZK
• **3rd Place:** 1000 CZK

Beyond the monetary rewards, material prizes will include books authored by Grandmaster Vlastimil Hort himself—a thoughtful gesture connecting participants directly with the legend they are celebrating. In the spirit of fair play, prizes will not be shared, with comprehensive tie-breaking procedures in place to determine clear winners, including points, median Buchholz, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, and a drawing of lots if absolutely necessary. The organizers clearly understand that a clear winner is always more satisfying, even if it requires a random draw in the rarest of cases.

Prague: A Chess Destination

The selection of Prague, a city famed for its architectural marvels and intellectual heritage, adds a layer of prestige to this event. Chess has always held a special place in Czech culture, and events like the Vlastimil Hort Rapid Chess Tournament reinforce Prague`s position as a significant hub on the international chess circuit. For participants traveling from afar, discounted accommodation rates at the Hotel Don Giovanni make it an even more appealing proposition, combining high-level competition with the chance to explore one of Europe`s most beautiful capitals.

The inaugural Vlastimil Hort Rapid Chess Tournament promises to be more than just a competition; it will be a celebration of a great mind, a showcase of chess talent, and the beginning of a vibrant new tradition in Czech chess. Aspiring champions and dedicated enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure their spot for what is sure to be an unforgettable day of intellectual sport.

For detailed inquiries and registration, please contact Czech Inn Chess directly via the provided email address.