5
Standard bout
3× chess · 2× boxing- 01 Chess 3 min
- 02 Boxing 3 min
- 03 Chess 3 min
- 04 Boxing 3 min
- 05 Chess 3 min
Rules for spectators and competitors
Chessboxing rules
A chessboxing bout alternates chess and boxing rounds. It ends as soon as one competitor decides either discipline; the exact number and conditions of the rounds depend on the event format.
Format used at CBX Czechia events. The five- and seven-round formats below are known from Czech CBX events. A particular bout may use a different number of rounds or different individual conditions.
Bout formats
Five rounds for a regular bout. Seven for the main event.
Both formats begin and end at the chessboard. Between rounds, competitors have one minute to change equipment and switch modes.
7
Main event
4× chess · 3× boxing- 01 Chess 3 min
- 02 Boxing 3 min
- 03 Chess 3 min
- 04 Boxing 3 min
- 05 Chess 3 min
- 06 Boxing 3 min
- 07 Chess 3 min
How the bout unfolds
How chess and boxing rounds alternate
Chess and boxing rounds each last three minutes. During the one-minute break, competitors remove or put on gloves, return to the same position and shift from physical pressure back to calculation.
- 01Chess
The bout begins with speed chess on the clock.
- 02Transition
One minute to change equipment and switch modes.
- 03Boxing
The same contest continues in the ring.
- 04Back to the game
The pieces stay on the same squares and the clock continues.
How to win
How to win a chessboxing bout
Checkmate
The chess game ends in checkmate.
Chess clock
An opponent runs out of time on the chess clock.
KO / TKO
The action in the ring decides the bout.
Resignation
An opponent does not continue in the bout.
Disqualification
The referee ends the bout after a rules violation.
Points after a draw
Boxing points can decide the result after a draw in chess.
If the chess game ends in a draw
In the format described here, boxing points decide the result. If the boxing score is also level, the competitor who played with the black pieces wins. Other competition formats may resolve a draw differently.
Chess rounds
Rules for the chess rounds
- The chess rounds use a blitz time control on a digital clock.
- A move and the press of the clock must be made with one hand.
- A competitor may not receive advice or any other outside assistance.
- For deliberate stalling, the arbiter may start a count to ten; letting it expire can result in disqualification.
Boxing rounds
Rules for the boxing rounds
- The boxing rounds follow modified amateur boxing rules.
- Required equipment includes gloves, a mouthguard and a groin protector.
- Low blows, punches to the back of the head, holding, elbows and headbutts are prohibited.
- After a knockdown, the referee counts to ten.
- In the format described here, a third knockdown in one round or a fourth in the entire bout ends the contest.
Officials and fair play
Who oversees the bout
A rules violation can result in point deductions or disqualification. Self-control, respect for the opponent and sportsmanship remain essential.
Chess arbiter
Oversees the game, clock and rules of the chess rounds.
Boxing referee
Controls the action in the ring and protects the competitors.
Timekeeper
Times the rounds, breaks and transitions between disciplines.