49 OPEN INTERNACIONAL “CIUTAT DE BADALONA2”
Elevate your summer chess calendar with the 49th International Chess Open, City of Badalona, a nine-round Swiss-Dutch festival running August 3–11, 2025, in Badalona, Spain. Hosted by Chess Cor de Marina with support from the Spanish and Catalan Chess Federations and the Consell Català de l’Esport, this Open splits into two rating-based groups—Group A (FIDE 1950+) and Group B (FIDE 1949 and below)—and offers norm-eligible conditions for title seekers. Whether you aim for IM or GM norms in Group A or vibrant competition in Group B, you’ll enjoy professional pairings, live standings, and a welcoming seaside-city atmosphere.
Across nine classical rounds—one per day—you’ll test your strategic mettle under the 90 min + 30 sec increment format. Between games, explore Badalona’s historic Old Town, sample Catalan cuisine, or relax on the city’s beaches. This Open combines high-level competition with the cultural charm of Barcelona’s coastal neighbor, making it a must-play summer destination.
🎯 EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | August 3 – 11, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tournament Type: | Classical Swiss-Dutch (9 rounds; two groups) |
| Place: | Badalona, Spain |
| Venue: | Centre Cultural El Carme |
| Address: | Plaça de la Vila, 1, 08911 Badalona, Barcelona |
| Organizer: | Chess Cor de Marina |
| Federation: | FIDE, Spanish Chess Federation, Catalan Chess Federation |
| Time Control: | 90 min + 30 sec increment |
| Number of rounds: | 9 |
| Official website: | escacscormarina.com/en/open-international |
⏱ TIME CONTROL
Each classical game grants 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment from move one, balancing deep calculation with a steady pace across back-to-back rounds.
🗓 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Date | Round | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, Aug 3 | Round 1 | 17:00 |
| Mon, Aug 4 | Round 2 | 17:00 |
| Tue, Aug 5 | Round 3 | 17:00 |
| Wed, Aug 6 | Round 4 | 17:00 |
| Thu, Aug 7 | Round 5 | 17:00 |
| Fri, Aug 8 | Round 6 | 17:00 |
| Sat, Aug 9 | Round 7 | 17:00 |
| Sun, Aug 10 | Round 8 | 10:00 |
| Sun, Aug 10 | Round 9 | 17:00 |
| Mon, Aug 11 | Closing & Awards Ceremony | 11:00 |
Players may request up to two half-point byes in Rounds 1–4 by written application before the round.
💰 PRIZE FUND
Prize amounts for top finishers and category prizes (Best Woman, Best Veteran, Best U18/U14) will be published in the final bulletin and awarded at the Closing Ceremony.
📝 REGISTRATION
- Entry fees:
- €60 (general) if paid by July 20
- €75 standard (July 21–Aug 2)
- €90 on-site (Aug 3)
- Free entry for GMs/WGMs/IMs/WIMs (show title certificate)
- How to register: Complete the online form on the official site or email info@escacscormarina.com
- Payment: Bank transfer details provided on registration confirmation; cash accepted on-site before Round 1
✈️ TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Badalona lies just 10 km northeast of Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), reachable via metro L2 to Badalona–Pompeu Fabra or local buses. Centre Cultural El Carme sits in the Old Town next to Badalona Town Hall.
Nearby hotels:
- Hotel Jamaica Badalona (0.3 mi)
- Ibis Badalona (~1 mi)
- Airbnbs across the beachfront promenade
🏛️ ORGANIZER
Chess Cor de Marina is a centennial club dedicated to promoting chess in Badalona. Each year it organizes the International Chess Open, City of Badalona, club championships, rapid and blitz series, and scholastic programs in partnership with local schools. The club’s certified arbiters and coaching staff provide weekly training sessions, masterclasses, and tournaments that nurture talent from grassroots to title norms.
📞 CONTACT DETAILS
- Website: escacscormarina.com
- Email: info@escacscormarina.com
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The 49th International Chess Open, City of Badalona blends high-level, FIDE-rated competition with Catalan seaside flair. Rigorous nine-round play, norm-eligible conditions in Group A, and vibrant Group B battles combine with cultural outings, beachside relaxation, and easy access from Barcelona. Whether you’re chasing a title norm or seeking a summer chess getaway, this historic Open delivers unforgettable games and a warm, international community. Secure your entry today and make your move in Badalona!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Centre Cultural El Carme
Organizer Name - Chess Cor de Marina
Organizer Email - info@escacscormarina.com
Time control - 90 min + 30 sec increment
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Chess Cor de Marina is Badalona’s premier chess institution, born in 2019 from the merger of Club Ajedrez San José and local enthusiasts. As a centennial club, it proudly organizes the annual International Chess Open – City of Badalona (now in its 49th edition), the Badalona Club Championship, rapid and blitz series (Friday Night Blitz, Simultaneous Exhibitions), and youth programs—drawing grandmasters, titled players, and rising stars to its historic venue each year.
Beyond major tournaments, Cor de Marina sustains a vibrant weekly calendar: Friday classes for juniors, Saturday club nights, master lectures, and school outreach across Catalonia. Their certified FIDE arbiters and dedicated coaching staff deliver structured training camps, scholastic leagues, and community events, fostering player development from grassroots through title norms in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
