A peculiar rule has banned Levy Rozman's book 'How to Win at Chess' from the Speed Chess Championship Finals in London. The popular chess streamer, known as GothamChess, expressed confusion over the decision. Fans have reacted with humor and speculation online.
The Speed Chess Championship Finals, set to take place in London, have introduced an unusual restriction on prohibited items. According to official guidelines, both physical and digital copies of 'How to Win at Chess' by Levy Rozman—better known as the streamer GothamChess—are not allowed inside the venue. This rule has drawn significant attention, especially since chess books are typically permitted at tournaments.
Rozman's book targets beginners, emphasizing fundamentals and common mistakes rather than advanced strategies relevant to elite speed chess competitions. The ban has puzzled observers, as it seems unlikely such content could influence top-level play. GothamChess himself voiced his bewilderment on social media, stating, "Straight up ridiculous. It's a book for beginners. How is this going to help the players?" He directed the comment at @chesscom, the event organizer.
News of the prohibition spread quickly online, sparking reactions from Rozman's community. Some fans joked that organizers might fear players receiving 'secret tips' from spectators. Others speculated it could prevent chaos from autograph seekers bringing stacks of books. The incident highlights the quirks of event security in competitive chess, where even beginner materials face scrutiny ahead of the finals.
