This decision has been taken after consultation with all the players who have already qualified for the competition. A majority of them favoured a play-off over the tie-break system used in previous editions. The play-off will be played no matter how many players tie for first. The system includes rapid and blitz games, in case only rapid is not enough.
The key points of a new playoff system
In case of a tie for first place in the Candidates Tournament, a play-off will be played that may consist of up to three stages.
Stage I
If there are two players tied for the first place they will play a match of two rapid games (15 min + 10 sec).
In case of a 3-6-way tie, a round-robin rapid tournament will be played (15 min + 10 sec).
Stage II (played in case of a tie after Stage I)
If there are two players tied they will play a match of two blitz games (3 min + 2 sec).
In case of a three-way tie (or more), a round-robin blitz tournament will be played (3 min + 2 sec).
Stage III (played in case of a tie after Stage II)
In case of a tie, depending on the number of players, either a knockout match or a knockout tournament will be played. Each match consists of a single blitz game (3 min +2 sec). The colours are determined by drawing of lots. In case of a draw, another game will be played with the colours reversed. If there is another draw, the opponents will play until the decisive outcome.
The Regulations for the event have been updated with the new rules and they can be found under paragraph 4.4.2.