SCHAFFHAUSEN NEW YEAR CHESS OPEN returns in Schaffhausen, Switzerland for a compact weekend festival at Hotel Kronenhof. With a five‑round classical format, FIDE rating, and a clear prize structure (including rating‑group awards), the event is a crisp start to the 2026 chess calendar.

📌 Event Details

💰 Prize Fund

Total prize fund: CHF 2,050 (from 40+ players; otherwise pro‑rata).

Overall (Top 4): CHF 400 · 300 · 200 · 150

Rating‑Group Awards (each group)

Groups: 2000–2199, 1800–1999, 1600–1799, <1600

Minimum entries per prize level: 1st ≥3 players · 2nd ≥5 players · 3rd ≥8 players.

⏱️ Time Control & Tournament System

• System: 5‑round Swiss
• Time Control: 90′ + 30″ from move 1
• Rated: FIDE / FL‑CH / DWZ
• Default (waiting) time: 60 minutes
• Bye policy: One ½‑point bye may be requested for Rounds 1–3 (at least 12 hours before start)

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

• On‑site check‑in is mandatory on 16 Jan (19:00–19:50) to be paired for Round 1.
• Entry fee: CHF 100 (reduced CHF 80 for U16 / IM / GM).
• Capacity: Maximum 100 participants; places allocated in order of confirmed entry.

🏢 Organizer

The Schaffhausen New Year Open is hosted by the local organizing team with support from the regional chess community. The event emphasizes fair play, professional round management, and a friendly atmosphere in the historic old town setting.

🏟️ Venue

Hotel Kronenhof, Kirchhofplatz 7, CH‑8200 Schaffhausen
— Central location near the old town and Rhine promenade
— Comfortable playing halls and amenities suitable for a weekend open

🛏️ Accommodation

Players often choose to stay on‑site at Hotel Kronenhof or at nearby hotels/guesthouses within walking distance of the venue. Early booking is advisable due to limited winter availability in the city center.

🚉 How to Get There

• By Train: Frequent SBB services to Schaffhausen; short walk or local bus to Kirchhofplatz.
• By Air: Zurich Airport (ZRH) → direct rail to Schaffhausen (~40–50 minutes).
• By Car: Easy access via A4; follow city signs to the old town. Public parking available nearby.

Kick off your year with a focused five‑round classical open in one of Switzerland’s most picturesque towns. With clean pairings, sensible time control, and both overall and rating‑group prizes, Schaffhausen 2026 is the perfect way to shake off the holiday rust and get your rating moving.