The mask asterisk

Unless someone is cheating, chess tournaments are usually a contest between 2 human players. Players that are uncomfortable rarely play at their best. With this in mind, should OTB tournaments that require masks be given a special designation or category, with possible rating point allowances for having to wear a mask hour after hour, while trying to concentrate on the complicated tactical positions in front of them?

Thoughts?

At this point in time, I would feel more uncomfortable sitting face to face, two feet from some person for hours who was not wearing a mask than wearing a mask. If wearing a mask is uncomfortable for you, find another mask that fits better.

@byedidia said
At this point in time, I would feel more uncomfortable sitting face to face, two feet from some person for hours who was not wearing a mask than wearing a mask. If wearing a mask is uncomfortable for you, find another mask that fits better.

If wearing a mask is uncomfortable for you, find another mask that fits better.


I'm not referring to myself. I'm referring to GM's playing in top tournaments, with money and/or world championship qualifying possibilities on the line. These people can't be expected to play at their best with a mask on.

Put on a mask, surrender all your electronic devices.

Play outdoors with knee-high-sized pieces. Easier for everyone to socially distance and not have to wear masks if they feel uncomfy in them.

And surrender all electronic devices, including radios concealed in hearing aids.

My glasses would keep fogging up so I think my opponents should have to start without the F pawn 🤔

Fair is Fair.

@mchill

How do you know that top GMs are more comfortable being breathed on by an unmasked opponent than they are wearing a mask? I'm pointing out that the opposite is true for me, and may be for them as well. They also cannot be expected to play their best WΙΤΗΟUT a mask. Perhaps all tournaments during the pandemic should be given a special designation regardless of masking mandates?

Surgeons can sometimes spend many hours masked up in surgery conducting
very delicate operations requiring skill, dexterity, and knowledge.

If they can do it then I'm sure wood pushers can do the same.

(Idea for a visual gag there. Chess player masked up with a nurse on either
side of him, one to mop his sweating brow, the other to write down his moves
....think I'll see if I can set one up though I'm sure I've seen something like it before.)