4th International Chess Open “Cidade de Lagos” will take place from October 31 to November 7, 2026, in Lagos, Portugal. This classical chess tournament brings players to the Algarve for a full week of rated over-the-board chess.

The event belongs to the Portugal Chess Tour 2026/2027 and uses a 9-round Swiss system. Players compete with a classical time control of 90 minutes for the game plus 30 seconds increment per move.

In addition, the tournament offers a total prize fund of €4,100 / approx. $4,756, free entry for several titled-player categories, youth trophies, rating prizes, and senior prizes. Therefore, it is a strong option for titled players, club players, youth players, senior players, and international participants looking for a serious chess tournament in Portugal.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the whole game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one.

The default time is 30 minutes after the start of each round. A player who arrives later may lose the game by default.

Moreover, players may request up to three byes, subject to approval by the organization. Half-point byes apply only to the first two rounds and only if the player requests them before the pairing of Round 1. Other approved byes score zero points.

Invited players may not request byes.

🏆 Prize Fund

The total prize fund is €4,100 / approx. $4,756. The organizer offers main prizes, rating-category prizes, senior prizes, special awards, and youth category trophies.

Prizes are not cumulative. If a player qualifies for more than one prize, the player receives only the highest-value prize.

Players must attend the prize ceremony to receive their prize.

Main Prizes

Special Prizes

Youth Category Awards

📂 Sections / Groups

The tournament has one open classical section.

The event welcomes players registered with the Portuguese Chess Federation.

Foreign players who do not have Portuguese Chess Federation registration need to request free registration through Associação Filatélica e Numismática Gil Eanes.

During registration, players should provide their full name, FPX or FIDE number, age category, club, and nationality.

📅 Schedule

The tournament starts on October 31, 2026, with accreditation and the welcome ceremony. Round 1 follows at 4:00 PM.

The schedule includes two rounds on November 1. After that, players continue with one afternoon round per day from November 2 to November 6.

Finally, the event ends on November 7, 2026, with Round 9 at 10:00 AM and the prize ceremony at 2:00 PM.

📝 Registration

Registration remains open until October 21, 2026. The organizer limits entries to the available places, so early registration can help players secure participation.

Players should preferably register through the official registration link. However, they may also contact the organizer by email.

Payment confirms registration. In addition, players must send proof of payment by email.

Entry Fees

Special Entry Fees

Bank Account

The early registration fee applies only if the player completes payment within the early registration period.

👥 Organizer

Associação Filatélica e Numismática Gil Eanes organizes the 4th International Chess Open “Cidade de Lagos” with support from Portuguese chess and local institutions.

The tournament forms part of the Portuguese Chess Federation National Classical Circuit Portugal Chess Tour. As a result, players receive a structured classical event within Portugal’s national chess circuit.

The organizer handles player registration, payment confirmation, tournament direction, arbitration, and communication with participants.

📍 Venue

Lagos Municipal Sports Hall – Lagos Sports Complex, Largo do Rossio de S. João Batista, 8600-324 Lagos, Portugal.

The tournament takes place at the Lagos Municipal Sports Hall, inside the Lagos Sports Complex in Lagos, Algarve.

Players should use the full venue address when planning their route to the playing hall.

🏨 Accommodation

Lagos offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and holiday stays.

Players may look for accommodation near the Lagos Sports Complex, in Lagos city center, or around the marina area. These areas offer practical access to the playing venue, restaurants, shops, and local transport.

Early booking is recommended for players who want to stay close to the tournament hall.

🚆 How to Get There

Lagos lies in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

International players can usually arrive through Faro Airport, the main airport serving the Algarve. From Faro, they can continue to Lagos by train, bus, rental car, or private transfer.

Players traveling by train can arrive at Lagos railway station and then continue locally to the Lagos Sports Complex.

Players arriving by car should use the full venue address:

Lagos Municipal Sports Hall – Lagos Sports Complex, Largo do Rossio de S. João Batista, 8600-324 Lagos, Portugal.

ℹ️ Other Information

Players must follow the tournament regulations, as well as FPX and FIDE rules.

Players must not bring electronic devices into the playing area. The organizer provides a reception desk in the entrance hall where players may leave electronic devices.

The organizer may remove a player who fails to appear for one round without plausible justification.

Moreover, participants authorize the organizer to use photographs and videos from the event for publication on the internet and in the media.

Join the 4th International Chess Open “Cidade de Lagos” in Portugal and play a full week of FIDE-rated classical chess in the Algarve.