# Nepal's Dolakha Open Kicks Off With Classical Chess in the Mountains
The 6th Dolakha Open International Chess Tournament starts today in Charikot, Nepal, bringing together serious classical players for a nine-round Swiss battle. This isn't a blitz festival or a rapid grinding session. We're talking 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. Real chess.
The location matters here. Charikot sits in Nepal's Dolakha district, far from the usual tournament circuits. Yet the event keeps attracting competitors willing to make the journey. That speaks to the organizers' credibility and the players' hunger for rated classical games that actually count.
Swiss format means every round brings different opponents, which rewards consistency over a single devastating loss. After nine rounds, the field sorts itself out. You can't hide in Swiss chess.
The 90-minute time control lets players think deeply without the tournament stretching into a month-long endurance test. These are the conditions where preparation meets calculation, where a solid opening repertoire meets practical problem-solving at the board.
Watch how the first round shapes the narrative. Early results always matter in Swiss tournaments. A strong 1-0 start builds momentum. A draw feels like lost time. Losses? They force players to fight harder in subsequent rounds.
The Dolakha Open starts today. Classical chess in the mountains. No shortcuts.