Updated 9 Oct 2026

The Countdown: rules

The Countdown is a daily chess puzzle that runs until Opening Day. Correct answers add to the Opening Pot; nobody is paid for answering.

  1. No deposit or purchase is needed to take part. You must be 18 or older.
  2. Puzzles open daily at 13:00 UTC from Mon 12 Oct to Fri 23 Oct 2026. Each puzzle closes when the next one opens; the last closes Sat 24 Oct 2026, 13:00 UTC.
  3. Answers count only when sent on chessbit.io/countdown. Send the first move of the solution.
  4. One answer per person per puzzle. Your first answer is final.
  5. A correct answer counts once your email is verified. We send one confirmation link per address.
  6. Each counted answer adds $1 to the Opening Pot, up to $500 in total. Nobody receives money for answering.
  7. The Opening Pot is shared by Quick Play results in Opening Week (Sat 24 Oct 14:00 UTC – Sun 1 Nov 21:00 UTC) under its own rules: it is split by wins, 5 wins are needed to qualify, and it is paid after review.
  8. Solve 8 or more counted puzzles and, if you make your first deposit during the campaign, your deposit match goes up to $20 instead of $10. It is credited $1 per Quick Play game, as the match always works.
  9. Answers made by automation, from multiple accounts, or shared answers submitted for others don't count. We may exclude entries that break these rules. ChessBit team members are excluded.
  10. We use your email to run the Countdown and, only if you tick the box, to email you about Opening Day. See our Privacy Policy.
  11. The Countdown is skill-based. There is no chance element.
  12. Our Terms of Service apply, including section 15 (Promotions & Promotional Funds), which covers deposit-match credits.
  13. Not available where prohibited.

Questions? Contact us.

Go to today’s puzzle

18+ · Not available where prohibited