Fast chess

Fast chess, also known as speed chess, is a type of chess in which each player is given less time to consider their moves than classical chess time controls allow. Fast chess is subdivided, by decreasing time controls, into rapid chess, blitz chess, and bullet chess. Armageddon chess is a particular variation of fast chess in which different rules apply for each of the two players.

As of January 2024, the top-ranked blitz chess player in the open section is Magnus Carlsen from Norway, who is also the top-ranked classical chess player, reigning World Rapid Chess Champion, as well the reigning World Blitz Chess Champion. The top-ranked rapid chess player as of January 2024 is Ding Liren from China who is also the current World Chess Champion in classical chess.

As of January 2024, Ju Wenjun of China is the women's top-ranked rapid player, who is also the current Women's World Chess Champion in classical chess. The women's top-ranked blitz player and also the top-ranked classical chess player is Hou Yifan, also from China. The defending Women's World Rapid Chess Champion is Anastasia Bodnaruk of Russia and the Women's World Blitz Chess Champion is Valentina Gunina, also from Russia.