XXI Torneo de Promoción de Ajedrez Almansa will take place from July 31 – August 2, 2026, in Almansa, Spain. This is a chess tournament in Almansa, Spain, in 2026.

The tournament continues one of Almansa’s traditional summer chess events. Moreover, it offers two FIDE-rated groups for different rating levels.

In addition, the event takes place at the Centro de Innovación Empresarial y Formación Aniceto Coloma. Therefore, players can expect a compact three-day chess weekend with clear sections, cash prizes, and practical access in Almansa.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Tournament A

Tournament A is for players rated 2399 Elo or lower. Players receive 60 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment per move.

The section uses a 7-round Swiss System. Therefore, players get a serious rated format within a short three-day schedule.

Tournament B

Tournament B is for players rated 1799 Elo or lower. Players receive 30 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment per move.

This group uses an 8-round Swiss System. In addition, it gives lower-rated players a separate and faster tournament rhythm.

Pairings and Byes

Computer software handles the pairings. Moreover, pairing appeals are not accepted unless a human operating error occurs.

Players may request up to two half-point byes in writing before the tournament starts. However, Tournament A allows byes only in the first five rounds, while Tournament B allows them only in the first six rounds.

Tie-Breaks

The first four tie-break systems are drawn in order before use. The listed tie-breaks are Buchholz Cut 1, Median Buchholz, Total Buchholz, Average Rating of Opponents, direct encounter, and number of wins.

In addition, early agreed draws may affect tie-break scoring. As a result, players should avoid short peaceful results and compete seriously in every round.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total listed prize fund is more than €3,600, approx. $4,230. The prize list includes main prizes in both sections and extra category prizes.

Prizes are not cumulative. Therefore, if a player qualifies for more than one cash prize, the highest-value prize applies.

Tournament-A U2400 Prizes

Tournament-B U1800 Prizes

Tournament-A Special Prizes

Tournament-B Special Prizes

The Tournament A rating categories are not closed groups. For example, a player rated below 1800 can also qualify for U2200 and U2000 category prizes.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Tournament A U2400

Tournament A is the stronger section. Therefore, it suits experienced club players, titled players below the rating cap, and ambitious competitors.

Tournament B U1800

Tournament B gives developing players a separate field. Moreover, it includes youth trophy categories for U14, U12, and U10 players.

📅 Schedule

Tournament B U1800 Schedule

Tournament A U2400 Schedule

Both sections start on Friday afternoon. Therefore, players should complete payment confirmation before 15:00 on July 31.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players confirm participation by sending proof of payment to the organization. After that, they do not need to confirm again on the tournament day.

Players who do not confirm before 15:00 on July 31 will not enter the first-round pairing. Therefore, early payment and written confirmation are important.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Club de Ajedrez Almansa organizes the XXI Torneo de Promoción de Ajedrez Almansa. As a result, the event continues a long-running local chess tradition with international participation and FIDE-rated sections.

Moreover, the two-group format gives players a clear choice by rating level. The tournament also supports youth players, local players, women players, and different rating categories through its prize structure.

Email: gilgonzalez26@hotmail.com
Phone: +34 627 438 197

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Centro de Innovación Empresarial y Formación Aniceto Coloma – C. Velázquez, 25, Polígono Industrial El Mugrón, 02640 Almansa, Albacete, Spain

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at the Centro de Innovación Empresarial y Formación Aniceto Coloma. Therefore, players should use the C. Velázquez 25 address when planning local arrival.

The playing venue is in the El Mugrón industrial area of Almansa. As a result, players should plan local transport in advance, especially before early Saturday and Sunday rounds.

🏨 Accommodation

Accommodation Options

The organizer lists several local accommodation options for tournament visitors. Players should contact the providers directly before traveling.

Early booking is useful because the tournament takes place during a summer weekend. Moreover, staying in Almansa can make the compact schedule easier.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Almansa

Almansa is located in the province of Albacete, in Castilla-La Mancha. Therefore, players can travel by car, rail, or regional transport from Albacete, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, and nearby areas.

The town sits on important road and rail routes between southeastern and central Spain. In addition, visitors arriving from larger airports can continue by train, bus, rental car, or private transfer.

Local Planning

The tournament has several rounds each day. Therefore, players should keep local travel simple and arrive at the venue before the short default time.

The first round allows a 30-minute default time, while later rounds allow 15 minutes. As a result, punctual arrival matters throughout the weekend.

ℹ️ Other Information

Playing Hall Rules

Players must record moves throughout the game in algebraic notation. In addition, players may not stop writing moves under these time controls.

Mobile phones, watches, and other communication devices are not allowed in the playing area unless the arbiter authorizes them. Smoking is also prohibited in the playing hall.

Prize Ceremony and Drawings

During the awards ceremony, the organizer will draw two hams and one chess-material set among players who complete the tournament. Players must stay in the playing hall to receive these drawing prizes.

Practical Notes

Spanish players must hold a valid federation license. Meanwhile, players with a non-Spanish flag must have the required international player code.

Finally, the XXI Torneo de Promoción de Ajedrez Almansa offers two FIDE-rated sections, clear prize categories, and a compact chess weekend in Almansa.