I’d argue that it’s not gate keeping. Anyone can get a very cheap pair of smart trousers at a charity shop. I bought a blazer worth £200 in perfect condition for £7 the other day.
I’d argue it’s more of an image issue. They want the tournament to look smart and professional, and whilst I get that, there’s a big movement within the chess community to make the game more attractive to new players, and part of that is to make look less like a “stiff old man’s game”.
I’d argue that it’s not gate keeping. Anyone can get a very cheap pair of smart trousers at a charity shop. I bought a blazer worth £200 in perfect condition for £7 the other day.
I’d argue it’s more of an image issue. They want the tournament to look smart and professional, and whilst I get that, there’s a big movement within the chess community to make the game more attractive to new players, and part of that is to make look less like a “stiff old man’s game”.