The 2026 Christmas Special — FIDE & ACF Classical takes place on December 12–13, 2026, at Grace Lutheran College in Rothwell, Queensland, Australia. Organized by Queensland Women’s Chess League (QWCL), the tournament offers a six-round classical competition over one weekend. All six rounds count toward FIDE, ACF and Queensland Junior ratings. The official tournament flyer names the F and J Blocks near the college swimming pool as the playing venue.

Each player receives 60 minutes plus 30 seconds per move from move one. The organizer has announced A$4,950 in cash awards (approximately US$3,480), including a first prize of A$1,500 and three additional rating-group prizes for players below 1600 ACF. Competitors can also pursue a noncash Unrated prize: entry into the 2027 Wendy Terry Memorial. Consequently, the weekend offers competitive opportunities for experienced players and developing entrants.

Registration opens from 8:00 to 8:30 AM on Saturday, December 12, before the first game at 9:00 AM. The tournament continues with three rounds each day, although later starts may shift depending on the length of games. Queensland entrants must belong to the Chess Association of Queensland (CAQ), while overseas entrants require a FIDE ID from their home federation. The organizer closes entries at 8:00 PM on Friday, December 11.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Christmas Special uses a six-round Swiss system, with three rounds scheduled on Saturday and another three on Sunday. Each player starts with 60 minutes on the clock and receives an additional 30 seconds after every move. This classical format allows time for deeper calculation and endgame planning. Nevertheless, the actual length of games can vary substantially between pairings.

The official brochure confirms FIDE, ACF and Queensland Junior rating status. Queensland players must hold the required CAQ membership, and international entrants need a FIDE identification number issued by their home federation before entering. The event is supervised by International Arbiters Michael D’Arcy and David Esmonde, alongside FIDE Arbiter Max Kershaw. Their decisions govern play under the event regulations.

Half-Point Byes

Players may request up to two half-point byes in Rounds 1–5. Requests must be sent to acfratings@gmail.com, the address specified in the official flyer. A half-point bye is not advertised for Round 6. Accordingly, competitors with known travel or personal commitments should arrange eligible byes before the relevant round.

🏆 Prize Fund

The organizer advertises a total of A$4,950 in cash prizes, equivalent to approximately US$3,480 using the indicative November 2, 2026 AUD/USD rate. The main five places share A$4,500, while three additional prizes of A$150 each are assigned to under-1600 ACF rating groups. All cash winnings are paid by direct deposit. A separate noncash award recognizes the best eligible unrated entrant.

The rating prizes are designated for three under-1600 ACF categories. The flyer does not define their precise group boundaries, so entrants should confirm the allocation rules with the organizer. The unrated prize is distinct from the cash pool and provides free entry to a future tournament. Players can review the complete prize announcement in the official regulations.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The Christmas Special is advertised as a weekend classical event rather than a collection of independently scheduled divisions. The main prize list ranks the five leading overall finishers. In addition, the organizer provides three rating-based awards for eligible players under 1600 ACF and a separate unrated-player prize. This approach creates additional competitive incentives without changing the published six-round schedule.

The official entry materials do not give exact rating-group cutoff ranges beyond under 1600 ACF. Players entering the competition should therefore check their eligibility with QWCL before assuming a specific prize category. The organizers and arbiters administer the event’s official pairing and award decisions. In particular, the cash and noncash awards are distinct.

📅 Schedule

Six rounds are scheduled across Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, 2026. Each day has an initial game at 9:00 AM, followed by two afternoon starting slots. Since the tournament uses classical clocks, the second and third rounds may begin later if earlier games run long. All times are local Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10), which applies in Queensland year-round.

*The published 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM slots may begin later depending on the duration of the previous rounds. The organizer does not specify an exact prizegiving time. Therefore, players should avoid booking onward travel too close to the final Sunday game. The official event listing uses a general 5:00 PM calendar end, but the 4:00 PM final-round start means games may finish later.

📝 Registration

Download the official 2026 Christmas Special flyer and entry form to register. The organizer asks competitors to complete the form and submit it by email, together with confirmation of the required bank transfer. The official flyer contains the payment instructions and account information. Players should verify payment details directly with the organizer before transferring any funds.

For payments in instalments, the organizer invites players to contact Gail Young by email. The entry form requests standard identification and contact details, including date of birth and FIDE ID where applicable. Overseas participants must obtain a FIDE ID from their home federation before entering. Queensland-based players must also have current Chess Association of Queensland membership.

Membership, FIDE ID and Bye Requests

CAQ membership is compulsory for players entering from Queensland. Foreign participants must provide their own federation-issued FIDE identification number. The organizers direct requests for up to two half-point byes in Rounds 1–5 to acfratings@gmail.com. Players with questions about the entries or payment process should use the event contact details rather than the venue’s school administration.

🏛️ Organizer

Queensland Women’s Chess League is the official tournament organizer listed by the Chess Association of Queensland. It has a long history of involvement in competitive chess across the state. Gail Young is its named public contact and also appears in state association records for chess administration. QWCL organizes a recurring Christmas Special and has longstanding links with the Wendy Terry Memorial competition.

The event’s arbiter team consists of IA Michael D’Arcy, IA David Esmonde and FA Max Kershaw. Their presence supports the official FIDE, ACF and junior rating requirements. QWCL communicates entry information through CAQ event listings, downloadable regulations and direct organizer correspondence. The contact for the December event is Gail Young at qwclqwcl@gmail.com.

📍 Venue

The playing venue is Grace Lutheran College, F and J Blocks, Buchanan Street, Rothwell QLD 4022, Australia. The official tournament notice directs drivers to park near the swimming pool. The college’s general Rothwell campus address is at Anzac Avenue and Mewes Road, but that is not the recommended chess-event arrival point. Therefore, players should follow the Buchanan Street access instructions when navigating to the playing blocks.

Grace Lutheran College is an established secondary school serving the Moreton Bay region. The tournament uses school buildings for the weekend, rather than the full campus as a chess venue. Visitors should allow time to find the designated blocks and check-in desk. The campus coordinates are approximately -27.218343, 153.057888; they represent the broader campus, not the exact chess-room entrance.

🏨 Accommodation

Travelers can find established hotel options in Rothwell’s neighboring suburbs, including North Lakes, Redcliffe and Margate Beach. No official hotel partnership or tournament room rate appears in the event regulations. However, each of the properties below has an address confirmed on its official website. Compare the actual route to the Buchanan Street campus entrance when planning travel.

Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel

The Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel is located at 22 Lakefield Drive, North Lakes. The property advertises rooms and apartments, on-site dining, parking and access to the Lake Eden area. It may suit visitors driving from Brisbane or arriving via the Bruce Highway. Nevertheless, guests should confirm weekend check-in hours and the journey to Grace Lutheran College.

Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites

The Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites hotel is situated at 99 Marine Parade, Redcliffe. It offers apartment-style accommodation near the Moreton Bay waterfront, with various room layouts and on-site parking. The location may be convenient for visitors combining chess with time on the Redcliffe Peninsula. However, travelers should check the route to the Rothwell playing venue for both morning starts.

The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach

The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach is located at 1 McCulloch Avenue, Margate. It provides beachside accommodation with dining options and nearby waterfront attractions. The hotel can be considered by players who prefer to stay along Moreton Bay. Booking conditions and the onward trip to Buchanan Street should be checked in advance.

Accommodation availability and rates for December 11–13, 2026 can change as the event approaches. These properties are independent suggestions rather than official QWCL partners. Compare cancellation policies, parking arrangements and room access when booking. A Friday-night stay may be preferable for competitors traveling from outside southeast Queensland because registration opens early on Saturday.

🚆 How to Get There

The tournament is held at Grace Lutheran College in Rothwell, Queensland, north of Brisbane. The official brochure directs players to the school’s F and J Blocks near the pool, using the Buchanan Street side. Drivers should therefore distinguish the tournament arrival instructions from the college’s general Anzac Avenue and Mewes Road address. The directions below cover the most practical travel methods.

✈️ Arriving via Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the principal air gateway for interstate and international players. Travelers can rent a car, book a taxi or rideshare, or use public transport services toward the Moreton Bay region. The venue lies north of central Brisbane in Rothwell. Consequently, players should leave adequate transfer time before the Saturday morning check-in.

🚆 By Train: Rothwell Station

The Rothwell railway station serves the suburb on the Redcliffe Peninsula line. Grace Lutheran College states that Rothwell station is approximately 800 metres from the campus, although the route to F and J Blocks may differ. Check schedules and disruptions using Queensland Translink. In addition, confirm the walking approach to Buchanan Street before setting out.

🚌 Bus Connections and Local Travel

Local buses provide additional connections around Rothwell, Kippa-Ring and nearby communities. Translink publishes updated route and stop details, including services around the school and Rothwell station. However, some school transport services do not operate as ordinary weekend public buses. Therefore, check a Saturday or Sunday itinerary rather than relying on weekday school timetables.

🚘 Driving and Parking

Drivers should navigate toward Buchanan Street, Rothwell QLD 4022 and follow the event signs for Grace Lutheran College F and J Blocks. The official flyer explicitly advises parking near the swimming pool. The wider college campus lies at approximately -27.218343, 153.057888. Allow additional time to reach the chess rooms and complete registration between 8:00 and 8:30 AM.

Arrival and Departure Advice

Saturday check-in begins at 8:00 AM and closes at 8:30 AM, ahead of the first game at 9:00 AM. The Sunday schedule includes a last round listed for 4:00 PM, but the actual conclusion depends on game duration. Therefore, avoid scheduling a tightly timed Sunday evening flight or train. Competitors should consult the organizers if they need to coordinate an early departure.

ℹ️ Other Information

🏅 Rating and Membership Requirements

The event is advertised as FIDE, ACF and Queensland Junior rated. Queensland entrants must belong to the Chess Association of Queensland, while international players must hold a FIDE ID from their home country. These requirements should be completed before registration. Players uncertain about eligibility can contact QWCL using the details in the official flyer.

📝 Requests for Half-Point Byes

The tournament permits at most two half-point byes in Rounds 1–5. The organizer’s dedicated address for these requests is acfratings@gmail.com. The final round is not included in the half-point-bye allowance. Requests should be made in advance so the arbiter can account for them in pairings.

💰 Prize Payments

The published prize fund includes five overall cash awards and three under-1600 ACF rating prizes. All cash winners will be paid by direct deposit according to the organizer’s regulations. A separate noncash award grants an eligible unrated competitor free entry to the 2027 Wendy Terry Memorial. The league will communicate any necessary prize collection instructions to winners.

🔗 Useful Official Links

Please read the organizer’s official PDF before entering, particularly the payment and FIDE ID requirements. Tournament schedules can shift when games run long, so later start times should be treated as provisional. Competitors should follow the chief arbiter’s instructions on tournament day. This independent guide is intended to help with planning, while the organizer’s current regulations remain authoritative.