Teams, key players, schedule, live streaming and everything else you need to know – Firstpost

Chess has suddenly become a major buzzword among Indian sports fans of late since the country claimed a historic victory at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest last month. And with the word suddenly becoming popular in the cricket-loving nation, anticipation for the sport's next big event is only growing.

With the World Championship showdown between D Gukesh and China's Ding Liren still some time away and set to take place in Singapore next month, the second edition of the Global Chess League couldn't have come at a better time.

Chess' answer to cricket's cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) made a successful debut in Dubai last year and hopes to capitalize on the recent surge in interest in India as the second edition begins.

Here's everything you need to know about the second season of the Global Chess League:

When will the second edition of the Global Chess League take place?

The second edition of the Global Chess League begins on October 3rd, with the final round scheduled to take place eight days later on the 11th.

After the inaugural edition took place in Dubai, the second season will take place in London.

What is the format of Global Chess League Season 2?

The tournament takes place in a double round-robin format, meaning a team plays each of the remaining five teams twice, once with each color. In contrast to other team events, in the GCL the entire team plays with one color. The time control for the games is set at 20 minutes for the entire game without any increase.

The color of the pieces also determines the points for victory – a win with black pieces earns four points, compared to three with white ones. A draw is worth 1 point, while a loss is worth a blank. Additionally, a team win results in three match points, while a draw results in one match point and a loss is worth nothing.

The two teams with the most match points meet in the final, which is played over two games. In the event of a draw, blitz playoffs take place.

As far as team composition is concerned, each team must consist of at least two players and at least one player born in 2003 or later.

How many teams are taking part in the second season?

The number of teams remains the same as in the first season at six. Five of the six teams that took part last year are slated for a second season, namely Alpine SG Masters, upGrad Mumba Masters, PBG Alaskan Knights, Ganges Grandmasters and Triveni Continental Kings.

However, the Chingari Gulf Titans were replaced by American Gambits in the second season.

Which team won the first edition of the GCL?

The Triveni Continental Kings were crowned the inaugural champions last year after defeating the upGrad Mumba Masters in the final. They had to win both a blitz tiebreak match and a sudden death game.

Which players should you keep an eye on in the second season?

The biggest names taking part in the second season of the Global Chess League are Indian chess legend GM Viswanathan Anand and reigning world number one GM Magnus Carlsen. Anand's is the iconic player of the Ganges Grandmasters, while five-time world champion Carlsen is the iconic player of the Alpine SG Pipers.

Here are some of the other Icon players from the other teams:

upGrad Mumba Masters – GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

American Gambits – GM Hikaru Nakamura

PBG Alaskan Knights – GM Anish Giri

Triveni Continental Kings – Alireza Firouzja

GCL 2 will also feature several members of the Indian squad who won gold at the Chess Olympiad. World No. 3 GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM R Vaishali will play alongside Anand at the Ganges Grandmasters, while GMs Vidit Gujrathi and Harika Dronavalli will represent the upGrad Mumba Masters.

Where can I watch the second season of the Global Chess League live?

You can watch the live broadcast of the second season of the Global Chess League on the JioCinema app and website.