GothamChess’s beginner book was just banned from a major chess event, and nobody can explain why

The Speed Chess Championship Finals have banned a beginner chess book authored by popular YouTuber GothamChess, a move that has confused fans and players alike. As first highlighted by Dexerto, physical and digital copies of the book will not be allowed inside the venue.

The ruling applies to Levy Rozman’s instructional guide How to Win at Chess, which is aimed squarely at new players. The ban will be enforced when the Speed Chess Championship Finals take place in London on February 7 and 8.

The finals are expected to feature elite competitors, including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, both longtime fixtures of the event. While excitement around the matches remains high, attention has shifted to the tournament’s list of prohibited items, where Rozman’s book appears alongside standard safety and anti-distraction restrictions.

The ban makes little sense for a grandmaster event

Event organizers have barred obvious hazards such as weapons, illegal substances, and animals, as well as items like laser pointers and noisemakers that could disrupt play, the kind of broad precautionary approach also seen in coverage of a Lexus engine issue rattling driver concerns. The inclusion of a beginner chess book among those items has stood out, given that all competitors are Grandmasters with no practical use for entry-level instruction.

Rozman publicly criticized the decision, calling it “straight up ridiculous” and questioning how a novice-focused guide could provide any competitive advantage, echoing confusion similar to reactions about a Trump administration embarrassment in NATO drills. Online discussion has produced a few theories, though none have been confirmed.

Some fans suggested the rule could be intended to avoid logistical issues if Rozman attends, preventing large autograph lines from interfering with the event, while others questioned why other novelty chess books are not restricted. The tournament’s FAQ offers little clarification beyond noting that objects used to signal players are prohibited, with organizers reserving the right to inspect signs or materials.

As of now, no official explanation has been provided for why How to Win at Chess was singled out, leaving the ban unexplained ahead of the London finals.