26th Open Senior Individual Chess Championship Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 2026 takes place from November 25 – December 3, 2026, at Hotel Kaiserhof Heringsdorf in Ostseebad Heringsdorf, Germany. The event offers a 9-round Swiss tournament at a seaside hotel venue on Usedom.

This is a chess tournament in Heringsdorf, Germany, in 2026. Players will compete in a classical open championship for eligible older players, with Elo and DWZ rating calculation.

The tournament combines rated chess, hotel-based playing conditions, free drinks in the playing hall, and accommodation packages with half board. In addition, the venue offers wellness facilities and a planned leisure program on the Baltic Sea coast.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Players receive 90 minutes for the first 40 moves. After that, they receive 30 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, every move adds 30 seconds from move one.

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. It will count for Elo and DWZ rating, which makes it suitable for players who want official rating calculation.

The starting list uses the higher available number between Elo and DWZ as of November 20, 2026. In addition, FIDE ranking correction rules apply.

Tie-breaks follow this order: rating performance, Buchholz with one cut, and then cumulative score.

The default time is 30 minutes. Therefore, players should reach the board early and check the pairings before each round.

💰 Prize Fund

The organizer publishes prizes from 130 participants. The main prize list starts at approximately €2,025+, which equals approximately USD 2,350+. Additional prizes are planned for women players, Nestoren players, and rating groups.

Prize Fund Overview

No double prizes are awarded. Therefore, a player can receive only one prize.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The tournament has one open championship section. It welcomes players who meet the published age and club conditions.

Women born in 1971 or earlier may participate. Men born in 1966 or earlier may also participate.

The event is open to players organized in chess clubs. However, the organizer may decide whether players without a club can enter.

There is no participant limit. As a result, the event can accept a broad field of eligible players.

📅 Schedule

The schedule uses one round per day after the opening round. Therefore, players have time for preparation, rest, and seaside activities during the tournament week.

📝 Registration

Players should register before the deadline and transfer the entry fee within four weeks after registration. In addition, they should provide all required data completely, especially the FIDE ID and club information.

The entry fee includes free coffee and non-alcoholic drinks in the playing hall during the rounds.

👥 Organizer

Landesschachverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e.V. organizes the 26th Open Senior Individual Chess Championship Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 2026. The event offers a classical 9-round format, official rating calculation, and a seaside playing venue in Heringsdorf.

Phone: +49 3834 254313
Email: senioren.lem@lsvmv.de

🏛️ Venue

Hotel Kaiserhof Heringsdorf – Kulmstraße 33, 17424 Ostseebad Heringsdorf/Usedom, Germany

The tournament takes place in the Kaiserbädersaal at Hotel Kaiserhof Heringsdorf. The hotel sits directly on the Baltic Sea coast and gives players a convenient base for chess, accommodation, meals, and rest.

The hotel has 143 rooms and suites. Many rooms offer sea views, and several rooms were renovated in 2024. In addition, the hotel offers a restaurant, café, bar, and wellness facilities.

🛏️ Accommodation

Hotel Kaiserhof Heringsdorf offers special chess rates under the keyword “Schach 2026.” The rates include half board and depend on the room category available at the time of booking.

The local visitor tax is not included and costs €2.90 per overnight stay. Hotel garage parking costs €18 per day.

Players should book directly with Hotel Kaiserhof Heringsdorf and mention the chess event.

Hotel Phone: +49 38378 650
Hotel Email: info@kaiserhof-usedom.de

🚆 How to Get There

Players should travel to Hotel Kaiserhof Heringsdorf at Kulmstraße 33 in Ostseebad Heringsdorf on Usedom.

Those arriving by train can travel toward Heringsdorf and then continue to the hotel by local transport, taxi, or on foot, depending on their arrival point.

Drivers should use the hotel address for navigation and plan parking in advance. The hotel garage has a published parking fee, so players staying on site should confirm availability before arrival.

ℹ️ Other Information

The hotel offers a wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools, several saunas, a rooftop outdoor sauna, and spa treatments. Therefore, players can combine the tournament with rest and recovery between rounds.

The planned leisure program includes guided walks through the Kaiserbäder, Aqua-Fit, yoga, and Kneipp-style water treading. Details may change and will be confirmed on site.

26th Open Senior Individual Chess Championship Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 2026 offers a full rated chess week on Usedom, with classical games, hotel-based comfort, and a practical seaside tournament setting.