9th International Spandauer Weihnachtsopen 2026 – A-Open
9th International Spandauer Weihnachtsopen 2026 – A-Open takes place from December 27 – 30, 2026, at Bürgersaal, Rathaus Spandau in Berlin-Spandau, Germany. The tournament is the A-Open of the 2026 Spandauer Christmas Festival.
This is a chess tournament in Berlin, Germany, in 2026. Players will compete in a 7-round Swiss open with FIDE and German national rating calculation.
The event offers a published prize fund of €2,650 / approx. $3,085. In addition, the tournament has rating prizes, special prizes for women and youth players, and a clear post-Christmas schedule in the historic Spandau old town area.
♟️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | 9th International Spandauer Weihnachtsopen 2026 – A-Open |
| 📅 Dates | December 27 – 30, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Berlin-Spandau, Germany |
| 🏛️ Venue | Bürgersaal, Rathaus Spandau – Carl-Schurz-Straße 2/6, 13597 Berlin, Germany |
| ♟️ Format | 7-round Swiss open |
| 🧩 Section | A-Open |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Elo and German national rating |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes per player + 30 seconds per move |
| 👥 Organizer | SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. |
| 👤 Organization Team | Manfred Strzeletz, Reinhard Giese, Alexander Heimann |
| 👨⚖️ Chief Arbiter | Matthias Bandlow |
| 💰 Prize Fund | €2,650 / approx. $3,085 |
| 📌 Player Limit | 120 players |
| 🎯 Eligibility | Open to players with DWZ / Elo above 1700 |
| 📝 Registration Deadline | Payment received by December 23, 2026 |
| ⏳ Default Time | 30 minutes |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment per move. This gives the A-Open a classical tournament format across four playing days.
The tournament uses a 7-round Swiss system with Swiss Chess tournament software. Moreover, the event counts for FIDE Elo and German national rating.
Pairings and rating prizes use the player’s higher available rating. Therefore, players should submit accurate FIDE Elo, national rating, and FIDE ID details during registration.
The default time is 30 minutes. Tie-breaks follow this order: Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, and drawing of lots.
💰 Prize Fund
The A-Open offers a published prize fund of €2,650 / approx. $3,085.
The prize fund is guaranteed from 100 paying participants. If fewer paying players enter the tournament, the tournament director may adjust the prizes according to the size of the field.
Prize Fund Overview
| Prize Information | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total published A-Open prize fund | €2,650 / approx. $3,085 |
| Main prizes | €2,100 / approx. $2,445 |
| Additional rating and special prizes | Included in the published total |
Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st place | €800 |
| 2nd place | €500 |
| 3rd place | €300 |
| 4th place | €200 |
| 5th place | €150 |
| 6th place | €100 |
| 7th place | €50 |
Additional Prizes
The tournament also includes special prizes for women and youth players born in 2008 or later.
Rating prizes apply for players under DWZ / Elo 2100 and under DWZ / Elo 1900. These include €100, €50, and material prizes.
Players cannot receive double prizes. In addition, prize winners must attend the award ceremony to receive their prizes.
🧩 Sections / Groups
This page covers the A-Open of the 9th International Spandauer Weihnachtsopen 2026.
The A-Open is open to players with DWZ / Elo above 1700. It suits stronger club players, experienced tournament players, and ambitious rated competitors who want a classical event between Christmas and New Year.
The wider Spandauer Christmas Festival also includes a B-Open with separate conditions. Therefore, players should choose the correct section before registering.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, December 27 | 09:00–09:45 | Mandatory personal registration |
| Sunday, December 27 | 10:00 | Welcome and Round 1 |
| Sunday, December 27 | 15:30 | Round 2 |
| Monday, December 28 | 10:00 | Round 3 |
| Monday, December 28 | 15:30 | Round 4 |
| Tuesday, December 29 | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| Tuesday, December 29 | 15:30 | Round 6 |
| Wednesday, December 30 | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| Wednesday, December 30 | approx. 15:30 | Prize ceremony |
| Wednesday, December 30 | After the prize ceremony | Blitz tournament |
Players must complete personal registration between 09:00 and 09:45 on December 27. After 09:45, the organizer may fill available places from the waiting list in registration order.
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Method | Email registration and bank transfer |
| Registration Email | turnier@zitaschach.de |
| Payment Deadline | December 23, 2026 |
| Required Data | First name, last name, nationality, date of birth, club, Elo, and valid FIDE ID |
| Adult Entry Fee | €60 |
| Adult Early Entry Fee | €50 if payment arrives by November 30, 2026 |
| Youth Entry Fee | €50 for players born in 2008 or later |
| Youth Early Entry Fee | €40 if payment arrives by November 30, 2026 |
| Free Entry | GM and IM titleholders |
| Late / On-site Surcharge | +€10 on the higher entry fee, if accepted |
| Bank Account Holder | Schachclub Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. |
| IBAN | DE18 8601 0090 0608 4399 07 |
| BIC | PBNKDEFFXXX |
Players should register by email and pay the entry fee before the deadline. The payment reference should include the player’s first name, last name, and “A-Open 2026.”
A valid FIDE ID is mandatory. After December 23, the organizer may accept registration only at the venue during attendance confirmation, in cash, and with the late surcharge.
👥 Organizer
SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. organizes the 9th International Spandauer Weihnachtsopen 2026 – A-Open. The club runs the tournament as part of the Spandauer Christmas Festival and welcomes players to a rated post-Christmas event in Berlin-Spandau.
Email: turnier@zitaschach.de
Website: https://www.zitaschach.de/weihnachts-festival-2026/
🏛️ Venue
Bürgersaal, Rathaus Spandau – Carl-Schurz-Straße 2/6, 13597 Berlin, Germany
The tournament takes place in the Bürgersaal at Rathaus Spandau. The venue gives players a central playing site in Spandau’s old town area.
Drinks and small snacks will be available at the venue for a modest charge. In addition, the location has strong public transport access through the Spandau rail, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn connections.
🚆 How to Get There
Players should travel to Bürgersaal, Rathaus Spandau – Carl-Schurz-Straße 2/6, 13597 Berlin, Germany.
Berlin-Spandau station connects long-distance trains, regional trains, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn services. The venue is close to the Rathaus Spandau transport hub, so public transport is a practical option for many players.
From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the journey to Spandau takes about 15 minutes by rail. From Alexanderplatz, the journey takes about 20 minutes by public transport.
Drivers can use the full venue address for navigation. Paid parking spaces are available in the area, but players should still allow extra time before the first morning registration.
ℹ️ Other Information
Players may not receive double prizes. Also, foreign players who are not taxable in Germany may fall under German tax rules for prize payments.
Two missed games lead to exclusion from the tournament. Therefore, players should inform the organizer quickly if a serious travel or health issue affects attendance.
By registering, players or their legal guardians agree that the organizer may take photos and videos at the venue and use them for club publicity in online and printed media.
9th International Spandauer Weihnachtsopen 2026 – A-Open offers a compact FIDE-rated Christmas tournament in Berlin-Spandau, with classical games, a central venue, and a clear 7-round schedule.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $3,085
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. is an active chess club based in Berlin-Spandau, Germany. The club is one of the best-known chess organizations in Spandau and supports regular over-the-board chess, youth training, club tournaments, team competition, and open chess activity in western Berlin.
The club’s main playing venue is Seniorenclub Lindenufer, close to Rathaus Spandau and the local U-Bahn and S-Bahn connections. This central location makes the club easy to reach for players from Spandau, Berlin, and the surrounding Brandenburg area. The club welcomes members, players from other clubs, and unaffiliated chess players who want regular games or tournament experience.
SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. has a broad player base with many adult members and a strong youth section. Its activity combines club tradition with a lively modern chess program. As a result, the organizer offers a practical chess home for beginners, improving juniors, club players, and experienced tournament competitors.
🏆 Chess Events and Activities
SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. organizes many chess activities throughout the year. Its program includes free play, internal tournaments, club championship events, rapid chess, blitz chess, Chess960, class tournaments, and open tournaments. This variety gives players several ways to stay active and improve through regular over-the-board practice.
The club is also closely connected with the Spandauer Weihnachtsopen and the wider Spandauer Weihnachts-Festival. The 2026 festival includes the 9th Spandauer Weihnachtsopen, a Christmas rapid tournament, and a Christmas blitz tournament. The main open is split into A-Open and B-Open sections, which helps more players compete in suitable rating groups.
Team chess is another important part of the club’s identity. SC Zitadelle Spandau takes part in the Berliner Mannschaftsmeisterschaft, Berliner Feierabendliga, and youth team competitions. In addition, the club supports youth chess through training groups, junior events, Kidsblitz activity, and youth tournament participation. Therefore, the organizer plays an important role in both adult and junior chess in Berlin-Spandau.
🌍 Player Experience and Community
Players who join SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. can expect an open and active chess environment. The club offers regular Tuesday chess at Lindenufer, including children’s training before the main evening activity. It also supports additional youth and training locations in Spandau and Falkensee, which helps more young players access chess close to home.
The club’s structure works well for different player types. Beginners can enter through youth training or casual play. Club players can join internal tournaments and team matches. Stronger competitors can take part in open events, Berlin team chess, and rated tournaments. This gives members a clear path from first games to serious competition.
For players searching for chess in Spandau, chess tournaments in Berlin, or a reliable chess club with strong youth activity, SC Zitadelle Spandau 1977 e.V. offers a strong local option. Its mix of regular club evenings, youth training, team chess, internal events, and public tournaments gives the organizer a clear place in the Berlin chess community.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
