One unusual rule has put GothamChess at the center of attention ahead of a major chess event.
A strange rule ahead of the Speed Chess Championship Finals has put GothamChess (Levy Rozman) in the spotlight. The popular chess streamers' book, How to Win at Chess, is not allowed inside the event venue, and his community is going crazy over it.
A Very Unexpected Banned Item
The rule appeared on the official list of prohibited items for the Speed Chess Championship Finals in London. According to the guidelines, both physical and digital copies of "How to Win at Chess" are banned from the venue. That immediately raised eyebrows, since bringing a chess book to watch a chess tournament is usually not an issue.
Levy Rozmans 'How to win at Chess' is on the banned items list at the 2026 Speed Chess Championship in both its digital and physical format.
by u/JamesHayes101 in chess
What makes it even stranger is that the book is aimed mainly at beginners. It focuses on fundamentals and common mistakes, rather than advanced preparation that would matter at a top-level speed chess event.
Fans Start Joking And Speculating
Once the news spread online, reactions came in fast. Some fans joked that the organizers might be worried about players getting secret tips from the crowd. Others suggested it could be a way to avoid autograph chaos if people brought stacks of books to get signed.
"it's so good they are considering it a PED"
"Theory is that fans might go him ask sign book can create mass crowd."
"Who tf you piss off to get a beginners book banned from a chess tournament??"
It Is Ridiculous
Levy himself did not hide his confusion. He openly questioned why a beginner-friendly book would be treated as a problem at an elite chess event. From his point of view, it makes little sense that a book like that could affect anything happening over the board.
Straight up ridiculous. It's a book for beginners. How is this going to help the players? @chesscom
— GothamChess (@GothamChess) January 19, 2026
Chess.com Responds To The Backlash
As the situation continued to spread online, Chess.com also stepped in with an official response. Danny Rensch, the platform’s chief chess officer, addressed the controversy on X and made it clear that the decision will not be changed.
— Chess.com (@chesscom) January 21, 2026
The post effectively shut down any hopes of the rule being reversed and confirmed that the ban is still fully in place.
GothamChess Rallies His Fans
In response to the statement, Levy has now publicly encouraged fans attending the event to bring copies of his book anyway, urging them to “defy” the rule. He pleaded to his supporters, asking them to show up with his book despite the prohibition.
“I plead with you, please bring your book. Let’s show solidarity and stand up to this nonsense together.”
What do you think about this decision? Is it just a harmless rule or completely pointless? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.