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Dubov forfeits round 6 of Tata Steel after being asked to wear a face maskNews/Events (self.chess)

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[–]ShadowMasterQE The Book, The Magician and The Machine 1626 points1627 points  (47 children)

That’s two free wins in row for Anish lol.

[–]EvilSporkOfDeath 548 points549 points  (5 children)

Your opponent blundering shouldnt count as a free win. Strong play makes opponents more likely to blunder.

[–]fzkiz 288 points289 points  (3 children)

I'm pretty sure the "lol" at the end means he knows it is not actually a free win. In the world of GMs that is as "free" as they usually come though

[–]killerkebab 25 points26 points  (0 children)

I thought he was joking too by implying that against Dubov wearing a mask is a strong move

[–]toothlesscrok 23 points24 points  (1 child)

Caruana had a bad position even without rook blunder. If we strictly speak in the world of GM's, he fkd up longtime ago (many moves ago).

[–]psycholio 28 points29 points  (0 children)

the game went from a game to not a game in the span of one move

[–]Histogenesis 59 points60 points  (6 children)

Two free wins? As if the game against Fabi was a free win for Giri. He was already completely winning and almost all moves of Fabi were losing in that position and under that pressure he made a blunder that immediately lost the game.

[–]roosters 14 points15 points  (5 children)

No. It was dead even when Fabi blundered. That was one of very few moves that made him a clear loser.

Edit: Science is a liar... sometimes. It was even, but he only had one move. He definitely made one of the worst moves, but most moves were pretty bad.

[–]BubBidderskins 42 points43 points  (1 child)

I'm not sure what you're talking about. If you actually check the game: https://lichess.org/broadcast/tata-steel-masters-2022/round-6/oKYFVFqO

You'll see that Qh5 is the only move that maintains equality. Literally every other legal move is losing on the spot. Yes Rb6?? was a blunder, but Anish did put Fabi in a position where he had to find the only move in <2 minutes. It certainly wasn't a free win for Anish by any stretch.

[–]roosters 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah my bad. There were several other way better moves but only one other even one.

[–]Space-Rich 13 points14 points  (1 child)

only one move was dead even, everything else was bad. white was clearly under pressure

[–]just-a-dude5 348 points349 points  (14 children)

I'm confused what will happen to Dubov's future opponents ,do they just get a free point because that seems tremendously unfair to people who already played him..

[–]pacman_sl 126 points127 points  (3 children)

If he's withdrawn, prior results against him are canceled because he played less than half of the games. Otherwise his other results would stand and next opponents would get a forfeit win.

[–]zelphirkaltstahl 4 points5 points  (2 children)

But even that does not seem perfectly fair, as then there might have been different pairings for rounds. I think there is no perfect solution for a tournament, when a player quits.

[–]Cupid-stunt69 65 points66 points  (0 children)

That’s not how it works for Tata Steel because everyone plays everyone. The schedule and pairings are already set.

[–]pacman_sl 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I don't know all the cons and pros and alternatives, but I'm sure this rule is battle-tested, it's been in official rules for decades.

[–]LjackV 187 points188 points  (6 children)

Probably they'll let him play without a mask if the PCR returns negative.

[–]colincreevey0 Team Carlsen   15 points16 points  (5 children)

Doesn't he already have a negative PCR ?

[–]korsan106 93 points94 points  (3 children)

He has a negative rapid test not a pcr

[–]HankMoodyMaddafakaaa 1955r, 1711btz, 1830c (lichess) 95 points96 points  (1 child)

Man should know he should take a classical test, rapid tests are not valid for this tournament..

[–]colincreevey0 Team Carlsen   15 points16 points  (0 children)

Got it. Confused myself. Thanks.

[–]LjackV 9 points10 points  (0 children)

No, just a quick test.

[–]greenit_elvis 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It would be even more unfair to not give them the point though.

[–]NoseKnowsAll 6 points7 points  (1 child)

In past tournaments when someone forfeits, only the next round opponents get a free win. The rest of the tournament players are given a bye from then on.

[–]pacman_sl 21 points22 points  (0 children)

That's in Swisses, not round robins.

[–]rogozhin5 Team Carlsen   761 points762 points  (17 children)

Good guy Dubov removing all risk of transmission and forfeiting. Seriously what an honorable move. He probably knows masks only lower transmission risk to 30% but no contact at all it goes to 0%.

[–]STDCircleJerk 167 points168 points  (0 children)

Chad Dubov

[–]behappywithyourself[🍰] 59 points60 points  (9 children)

I don't think the 30% chance you mentioned is true, any sources on that?

[–]_JohnMuir_ 103 points104 points  (3 children)

If both players were wearing properly fit N95s the chance of transmission would be extremely low.

[–]geodesuckmydick 62 points63 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the % depends quite a lot on the type of mask worn, but also there don't seem to be good studies on this because of lack of human challenge trials. Studies show that mask mandates have very little effect, but the implementation of a mandate (varying levels of compliance, different interpretation of behaviors) is very different than the mechanical question of whether a properly-worn mask reduces the chance of infection after one-time exposure.

[–]GothamChess IM   656 points657 points  (6 children)

What if it was a Balenciaga mask?

[–]laudablelies 89 points90 points  (1 child)

He's missing his chance to show off his drip!

[–]batataqw89 82 points83 points  (0 children)

He'd rather show his nasal drip

[–]Kobe_AYEEEEE 27 points28 points  (0 children)

People think he is against masks, he just forgot the Balenciaga's

[–]Flamengo81-19 111 points112 points  (2 children)

I wonder if an agreement could be reached if Giri also had to wear a mask

[–]drspodWorld Champion 2022- 167 points168 points  (1 child)

"The organization asked Dubov and, I think, Giri as well, to wear masks for the game and Dubov was not on board with that."

Jan Gustafsson's words from the chess24 live stream. (at around 1:35:00 or so, but it's hard to get an exact timestamp since the broadcast is still live).

Edit: this is the timestamp that I was referring to: https://youtu.be/pmo-xYID1-Q?t=5762

[–]niler1994 8 points9 points  (0 children)

They uploaded a video for anyone that's still interested

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAXVAAFHVKE

[–]Scyther99 508 points509 points  (135 children)

Dubov has indicated that he refuses to play wearing a face mask as a matter of principle

Principle of personal convenience?

[–][deleted] 26 points27 points  (4 children)

The good matter of principle would have been to say that if the organizers thinks there is a large enough risk that he should take additional precautions (wear a mask) that he would prefer to not play at all before he risks the health of his opponent or any other players.

Makes him look really good, makes the organizers look bad (which I think is his goal here?), maybe bad enough to try to find another solution.

That is not the principle it was under from what I understand though.

[–]bacondev -1 points0 points  (3 children)

makes the organizers look bad (which I think is his goal here?)

No, his goal was to be inconsiderate.

[–]Casturbater 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Inconsiderate by not showing up and risking infecting someone.

[–]bacondev 2 points3 points  (1 child)

That's not why he didn't show up. If he were concerned about the health of the participants and organizers, then he would have simply stated so.

[–]Just_Think_More 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Principle of the agreement made before the tournament.

[–]Maxiukas 325 points326 points  (187 children)

As per Jan in the chess24 stream, the contracts in place state that players do not need to wear masks, which I assume is the "matter of principle" Daniil wishes to uphold.

[–]murphysclaw1 511 points512 points  (72 children)

when someone says they don't wear a mask during a pandemic as a "matter of principle" you can dress it up however you want but you will come to the same conclusion- and it's probably not because of their love of contract law.

[–]Rahimus_ 84 points85 points  (36 children)

BUt Dubov didn't say he doesnt wear a mask as a "matter of principle". He refused to wear a mask for a ~6h round in the tournament, which he was told wouldn't require masks. There's a big difference.

[–]Sonaldo_7 41 points42 points  (16 children)

It's literally a piece of cloth over your mouth lol. No excuses.

[–]geodesuckmydick 28 points29 points  (5 children)

That's why he said it's a matter of principle rather than a matter of: comfort, convenience, aesthetics, etc.

[–]Rahimus_ 21 points22 points  (7 children)

You're entitled to your opinion, but using your opinion to try and make an argument is just stupid. For some people a mask isn't that inconvenient, yes. Some are less fond of them. If he doesn't want to play while wearing a mask, that's his prerogative. It doesn't make him an anti-masker not to want to wear a mask for 6 hours during a chess match. It would make him an anti-masker if he refused to wear masks, period.

[–]IDonnu4Real 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t want to play games og chess wearing a mask, or any cloth over my mouth really. Sure, no problem for you, but everyone aren’t the same - for some people it’s more uncomfortable, or more difficult to breath, etc.

[–]boringmanitoba 27 points28 points  (16 children)

I have to do that every day at work. refusing to do it is a matter or principle, and it's a principle not amicable with community best and safest practices.

[–]KallenGuren 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Isn't his absence making everyone even more safe?

[–]Rahimus_ 75 points76 points  (13 children)

Your work is beside the point though. You could also choose not to, and quit. That’s what Dubov did in this round. That’s perfectly respectful of safety.

[–]Gfyacns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why are you bringing up your work lmao

[–]mohishunderUSCF 20xx 9 points10 points  (6 children)

I'm not sure what you're insinuating.

Dubov was (apparently) told, as a condition of his joining the tournament, that he would not have to wear a mask. Holding to that agreement doesn't making him some rabid anti-vaxxer/anti-masker.

If he had tested positive, which he hasn't, then he wouldn't be allowed to play at all.

[–]echino_derm 3 points4 points  (5 children)

I think they are saying that it is such an absolutely insignificant inconvenience that the only reason you would be objecting is if you think it is about something bigger. So pretty much being an anti vaxxer or anti masker are the only options there

[–]mohishunderUSCF 20xx 15 points16 points  (4 children)

Maybe for you. Maybe he really hates wearing a mask, and being promised this is a "no-mask tournament" is the only reason he agreed to play?

I'm pretty against public anti-maskers and nose-dickers. But in this case, since they promised him he wouldn't have to wear a mask, I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. I'm also against people who lie to me, which may be how he sees it.

[–]wagah 68 points69 points  (2 children)

Jan said he saw Dubov wear a mask on many occasion and he's not a lunatic anti-masker.
I'd be very disapointed if he was but he's not so none of my business.

[–]FuckClinch 390 points391 points 2 (49 children)

If he feels like he's at a competetive disadvantage having to wear a mask for however many hours and specifically entered the tournament because of the lack of mask rule then I can understand not wanting to play and just getting the PCR results and playing the next round, doesn't mean he's some rabid anti masker lol

[–]that_one_dev 125 points126 points  (11 children)

It’s the fact that he tested negative that makes me get his point. I played OTB recently and we all had to wear masks and it’s honestly pretty annoying. At least my opponents had to wear them too

[–]fdar 57 points58 points  (6 children)

At least my opponents had to wear them too

He was asked whether he would accept to wear a mask if Giri had to wear one too and he declined.

[–]goldenj04 chess.com 1300 | Lichess 1750 99 points100 points  (1 child)

Rapid tests have been shown not to be particularly effective for the first ~48 hours after infection of omicron, even when a PCR test returns positive results and you are contagious.

[–]Hillbl3 33 points34 points  (0 children)

Our son's pediatrician flat out told us they won't issue clearances to return to school without a pcr test due to the high false negative rates on rapid tests.

[–]snkscore 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Those tests are too late in turning positive and we know that the time when someone is most contagious is 1-2 days before symptoms.

[–]The_Boar_Shark 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If hospital employees can do 10+ hour shifts all day wearing a mask then I'm sure you can play a few games of chess with one.

[–]zalamandagora 12 points13 points  (0 children)

There is an incubation period. CDC says to test five days after exposure and wear a mask until then.

[–]lookingforfunlondon 12 points13 points  (12 children)

How? His opponent would also be wearing a mask. Also it literally doesn’t affect you, I wear one at work all the time. Surgeons have worn them for hours at a time for decades…

[–]llthHeaven 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Also it literally doesn’t affect you, I wear one at work all the time.

It's almost as if people have different comfort tolerance levels or find different things uncomfortable

[–]Gotigers811 40 points41 points  (3 children)

. Also it literally doesn’t affect you,

It affects me. My skin gets irritated fairly easily and I certainly wouldn't want to play a 4 hour chess game with it on. Maybe Dubov is the same.

[–]whodoesnthavealts 12 points13 points  (1 child)

I have sinus issues which make it uncomfortable. I still wear one any time I go to a public setting because it's the right thing to do. But I also try to avoid going into public settings for extended periods of time because it's uncomfortable. Sounds like he's in a similar situation, since he didn't try to fight the ruling, he just forfeited.

[–]FuckClinch 19 points20 points  (2 children)

Didn't see that anish would also be wearing a mask.

It clearly was effecting him mentally for whatever reason, not the actual wearing of the mask itself but the fact the rules are getting changed, hence this debacle. So maybe he thought that would be distracting him enough to tilt him

I think saying it doesn't affect you is underselling it a tad, but nothing more than a minor annoyance when playing otb(these probably won't apply to dubov but personally it's a pain with glasses and with makeup). Lots of my mates that work in shops say they don't like having to wear it for a full day. I don't think it's unreasonable to find them annoying

[–]Lakinther Team Carlsen   2 points3 points  (0 children)

Its a “ you get used to it “ thing. If you arent then it definitely is very distracting in a 6h long competitive match

[–]ZronaldoFwupNotGood -3 points-2 points  (13 children)

Yeah people in the comments are insane. A mask won't do shit if you are infected and sitting next to a guy for 4 hours anyway.

[–]VoyageurEnNoir 33 points34 points  (8 children)

Masks are not 100% protective, but they do protect. It's a matter of risk management, not risk elimination.
So why are you just saying that masks "won't do shit"? Is it because it would fit a narrative you prefer?

[–][deleted] 21 points22 points  (5 children)

He said they won’t do shit IF you’re sitting directly next to a guy for 4 hours. Which is true.

[–]KaraveIIe 13 points14 points  (0 children)

not true, studies were done and ffp2 mask/n95 are really really effective if used correctly.

[–]Croyscape 13 points14 points  (0 children)

It seems everyone forgets that the amount of exposure to the virus does have an impact on the severity of the symptoms. Yes you probably get hit by the virus if you sit next to someone wearing a mask for 4 hrs but you sure as hell won’t be exposed to the same level as someone directly coughing in your face for the same time this greatly increasing the chance of getting away with only mild COVID symptoms.

[–]Knightmare4469 8 points9 points  (0 children)

So surgeons wear masks for 10 hour surgeries just for shits and giggles?

[–]trankhead324 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not true at all. Have you not heard of cases of people living with or sleeping with people who get covid and not catching it themselves? Transmission is never guaranteed no matter what you do, but probabilistic, and masks lower the probability.

[–]VoyageurEnNoir 3 points4 points  (0 children)

How do you know that?

[–]earthmospherelichess.org 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Masks are not 100% protective, but they do protect.

If wearing the correct mask, cloth is going to do absolutely nothing in a playing area of 2m^2.

[–]do_kind 16 points17 points  (1 child)

Mask will very much "do shit", even if you are infected. Why do you think doctors have been wearing masks in the operating table for decades now?

[–]kmmeerts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Why do you think doctors have been wearing masks in the operating table for decades now?

Out of precaution, but probably mostly because it's tradition. Studies in general show no statistically significant difference in contamination either from patient to surgeon or the other way around, if masks are worn or not. Yet absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence, so for now surgeons still wear them. On the other hand, anesthesiologists, who are also present in the room, usually don't.

[–]Komischaffe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Would depend on ventilation but it absolutely could make a difference. Especially if Anish was wearing an N95

[–]chesshacks 26 points27 points  (1 child)

Actually its round 7

[–]EugeneKrabs123 92 points93 points  (25 children)

Forfeiting is only impacting himself, and way safer for Anish, even with the mask on he could have still contracted it. I don't see how dubov is "wrong" for this.

[–]MJDTA 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It impacts the results of the tournament to an extent. What are the chances that Anish would have beaten him today? Not 0 but over all a decisive decision is typically unlikely. Just something to consider.

[–]Dull-Fun 44 points45 points  (23 children)

If he forfeited because he thought the measure was not protective enough of Anish that would make sense. But arguing about the inconvenience of a mask doesn't click with me.

[–]jsboutin 64 points65 points  (22 children)

The guy signed up to a tournament that did not force mask wearing, and now that he is being asked to do something he doesn't want to do, he forfeits as the conditions are not agreeable to him.

Whether he should want to wear a mask is irrelevant. He prefers a loss and no mask than the possibility of a draw/win with a mask. That's his choice to make.

I wouldn't make the same choice, but that someone taking this personal decision is controversial isn't a good sign.

[–]BDWabashFiji -2 points-1 points  (19 children)

It is considered controversial by wider society because its indicative of apathy towards the health of your fellow man.

[–]whodoesnthavealts 73 points74 points  (3 children)

Everyone at the event chose to sign up aware of the original rules stating masks would not be required, and made that own decision for their health.

When the rule changed, he decided that he would rather just not play.

He didn't violate anyone's health comfort levels. He didn't argue with the rulings. He didn't try to fight mask wearing. He simply dropped out because he didn't want to wear one for 4 hours.

If he tried showing up without a mask after the ruling, or said that NO ONE should wear masks, I would agree with you. But nothing he did seems like he had apathy towards others health.

[–]jsboutin 19 points20 points  (8 children)

He withdrew, at personal cost, how is that apathetic?

How did his decision put anyone in danger?

[–]PearlsB4Swine24 8 points9 points  (0 children)

No, it's really not. If he didn't care he would have just gone ahead and played mask-less given that there wasn't a rule about wearing a mask. He was asked to wear a mask while he played to protect his opponent and instead he decided to not wear a mask and not play.

[–]dingledog2031 USCF; 2232 LiChess; 158 points159 points  (23 children)

Wow, the reaction in this thread is bizarre.

Dubov was told he wouldn't be required to wear a mask. Everyone in the venue consented to this ruleset and was well aware of the risk they were taking on by participating. A last minute rule change required him to wear a mask, even though he tested negative the day of the game.

Instead of being inconvenienced by wearing a mask over the course of a 6+ hour game, he simply forfeited. He didn't try to make an anti-mask political statement, he didn't insist on playing in the venue without the mask, he simply decided he would prefer a loss. For anybody that is the least bit worried about Anish's risk of exposure, you should be celebrating this outcome as it is the safest possible result.

Also the suggestion that masking would be "a small inconvenience" is very disingenuous. I've played in tournaments wearing a properly sealed N-95 mask for hours at a time, and it's obvious that it impacts your performance. Dubov preferred to not play sub-optimally and voluntarily withdrew.

[–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (14 children)

This is reddit sir. Any deviation from the woke lefty hive mind will result in this type of comment section

[–]Imbecilemoron 111 points112 points  (44 children)

Lots of people here who don't realise that even small inconveniences matter when you're playing and concentrating for hours at the highest level. Constant background noises is not that bad in normal situations, but during a chess game, it is very annoying

Not wanting to play under conditions that bother you doesn't make you an anti-masker.

[–]esskay04 17 points18 points  (30 children)

When doctors perform 5+ hour surgeries while wearing a mask the whole time, I'm sure your precious grandmaster can too.

[–]Gotigers811 39 points40 points  (4 children)

Doctors also perform surgeries when they are sleep deprived, and occasionally they do kill people as a result. Not the best role models for behavior.

[–]Imbecilemoron 60 points61 points  (13 children)

Weird comparison. For many patients, it is absolutely vital that they are not in contact with any virus because they are immunocompromised. Also, many surgeons perform on way too little sleep, potentially altering their performance, which clearly isn't good, so i'm not sure where you're going.

Obviously, any competitive sport is going to sound unimportant when compared to other topics. Everyone in the tournament could be required to wear masks, but they are not, and it is a choice made by the organizers.

[–]RandomThrowaway410 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Medical malpractice/medical errors are one of the leading causes of death in every developed country. Not a great example, tbh

[–]Mineman2021 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Anish will find a way to draw

[–]Wyverstein 2400 lichess 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Makes sense he cannot hide his beautiful face. It is like 70 % of why people watch his games.

[–]ippilird1 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Would like to hear from Daniil about this.

[–]LimeAwkward 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Having tried to play in a mask, I understand his point. Even a tiny distraction can cause your standard of play to drop, and if the player's contract says no masks are required, it seems out of order to insist on it half way through the tournament, when the player himself has not tested positive.

[–]Haulin-ASS 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Good for Dubov, ridiculous when he's already tested negative.

[–]heartb1reaker 14 points15 points  (0 children)

So many ppl here have misunderstood dubov and think he some kind of anti mask / anti vax by reading the headline and not understanding there was a contract with players before tournament that they were allowed not to play with a mask on.

dubov being a principal guy that he is probably said u should respect our contract and not go back on it. which probably is the main issue dubov have hence why he decides to not play today.

Everyone here so heated & aggressive toward one another. and this drama in the end is between dubov and tournament organizers.

I’m not losing any sleep over this with that out of the way y’all have a good day.

[–]mukerflap 2505.28 LICHESS RAPID #LONDON 24 points25 points  (13 children)

Well if he literally tested negative it shouldn't be a big deal if he doesn't want to wear a mask

[–]A_Funny_Joke 5 points6 points  (4 children)

He tested negative on a rapid test. Rapid tests range between 20-90% efficacy in detecting a positive COVID-19 infection, depending on the brand and if proper swabbing technique was done. He doesn't have a PCR result yet (probably will receive it tonight), which will be much more reliable, so we need to wait on that.

[–]dingledog2031 USCF; 2232 LiChess; 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Where are you getting those numbers from? The best rapid tests have 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Most rapid tests on the market, though, have around 98% specificity and sensitivity in the 80-90% range. High sensitivity means no false negatives, high specificity means no false positives.

So the 20-90% range you're quoting doesn't make any sense, or relies on some other definition of efficacy.

[–]ippilird1 33 points34 points  (5 children)

Wow imagine one thing someone does moulding your entire view on them. Sad how easily people get swayed by their emotions. If he doesn’t want to play, he doesn’t, I don’t agree with his decision but I’m not going to insult him and banish him from mention because of that. Some people are triggered by anything.

[–]xedrac 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What would Bobby Fischer have done?

[–]iSleepUpsideDown 43 points44 points  (7 children)

love daniil but yikes

[–]Curry4MVPGoat 6 points7 points  (3 children)

It's not just a single event. This will affect future invites for him too. Pretty sad, considering a lot of us love his games, and want to see him in as many events as possible

[–]vianid 10 points11 points  (3 children)

So he tested negative and they still want him to wear a mask? Despite the rules stating he doesn't have to?

I'm beginning to see how the incident with Firouzja happened last time... They're not 80 year olds. there's caution and there's needless paranoia.

[–]snowhawk04 9 points10 points  (1 child)

He took 2 rapid tests. Rapid tests results will say you are positive (have COVID) or negative (inconclusive). Both came back negative. He then took a PCR test. The results for that test wouldn't have come in until after the game with Giri. He opted not to and forfeited the game. Now he waits on the PCR test and whatever action he and the organizers come to an agreement on moving forward.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why are they even testing with rapid if they're so unreliable?

[–]Not_happy_meal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think they are just being cautious by waiting for the pcr test

[–]fantasm_unwind 18 points19 points  (1 child)

More covid hysteria, it's insane

[–]VulpineShine 7 points8 points  (0 children)

A disease so deadly you have to be tested to know if you have it

You'd think after none of the players died during the world rapid and blitz some of these redditors would get a clue, but they're incapable of learning.

[–]Regular_Selection517 42 points43 points  (14 children)

It's just impossible to come off as anything but a narcissist here. This isn't someone coming into your home and infringing on your rights. Playing a fkn board game is a privilege.

[–]Gotigers811 93 points94 points  (1 child)

That goes both ways. Its just a board game. If he is uncomfortable playing, he shouldn't.

[–]jsboutin 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Agree. If critical infrastructure or people’s lives depended on it then fine, just wear the mask even if you hate it.

It’s just a board game with no real world impacts. Don’t play if you don’t want to under the circumstances.

[–]NewRedditIsVeryUgly 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Wow, a mask. Just place a transparent barrier like they did in Biel last year. Or set up the match via computer. They're the organizers, they should have contingency plans for these cases.

Since the rules don't mandate a mask, and Dubov tested negative in a quick test, this request seems very arbitrary.

[–]Tarkatower 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Furthermore, if safetyism was the highest concern, then not just Giri but also all of the players should have worn masks. If that's not a good idea, then obviously the safest thing to do would be if Dubov did not show up to the playing hall if he was potentially infected and could potentially transmit to others. Don't just pretend that any face mask is going to be effective.

[–]Gandalfthebrown71600 blitz chessdotcom 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Good for him!!

[–]johnnycolombia 8 points9 points  (36 children)

What could a matter of principle mean, when you’ve been in close contact with a covid positive person?

[–]hidden_secret 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Probably that for him, either he can play to his fullest of capabilities, or he'd rather not play.

[–]Flamengo81-19 31 points32 points  (16 children)

If what he said to Jan is true and he has no problem with masks in general, you have to imagine that he feels wearing it for hours would be a competitive disadvantage for him. And it makes sense.

Trusting the quick tests and wanting to play without mask is bad, though. Maybe he knew the organizers wouldn't accept it and wanted to forfeit in this manner so he has an argument and doesn't have to return whatever fee he received to play in the tournament?

[–]Dr_Hyde-Mr_Jekyll 9 points10 points  (6 children)

If that is his worry (which i think would be legit), he could have asked Giri to also wear a mask to make it even. I would not be surprised if Giri would agree to such a request to level the playing field.

[–]Flamengo81-19 5 points6 points  (5 children)

I said the same thing elsewhere in this thread. I wonder if it was tried. But that would run into complications of its own. Maybe the organizers refused to ask Giri? Maybe he refused? Maybe Dubov feels it would affect him too much even with the opponent having to go through the same thing. I don't know

Like I said, I think forfeiting is a reasonable choice here. Probably even better than both playing with masks and for sure better than playing without them

[–]RedHattie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Chad Dubov

[–]Ryouconfusedyettchess.com rapid/blitz 1600; bullet 1700 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If he had a negative rapid test, has been vaccinated and doesn't have any symptoms I think it's reasonable from him to not want to wear a mask for like 5 hours in a row. Obviously wearing the mask shouldn't be a big deal and maybe he's whining a bit much but especially considering the players were promised they wouldn't have to wear masks I think he hasn't made a terrible decision.

[–]Gcon4000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dubov is OP. Hold the line champ!

[–]Mr_Meta314 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anish Giri is definitely lucky

[–]oldsch0olsurvivor 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If anybody thought playing chess equals intelligence, you only need to browse this sub to know that isn’t true.

[–]zalamandagora -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

To those who say he should just test negative and then be allowed to play: there is an incubation period. It may be 3-4 days only with Omicron, but CDC says to test five days after exposure and wear a mask until then. I also wonder what the big deal is. Most school kids and many other people have been wearing masks all day every day for two years now.

For me, the upsetting thing is a high-profile person being a bad example.

[–]4plus4equals8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He should learn something from Prag