The new year of German chess kicks off in style with the 36. Staufer-Open 2026 in Schwäbisch Gmünd, uniting two classical tournaments – A-Open and B-Open – under one roof from 2-6 January 2026. Held in the air-conditioned Congress-Centrum Stadtgarten (Peter-Parler-Saal), the festival delivers nine FIDE-rated rounds, professional arbiting, and a smooth, player-friendly schedule with double-round days.

Whether you’re pushing for top places in the A-Open or sharpening your form in the B-Open, you’ll enjoy generous playing space, clear regulations, and a festive winter atmosphere in Baden-Württemberg. A-Open uses Baku acceleration, both groups are Elo & DWZ rated, and the prize list includes rating, special and even team awards.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

A-Open — Main Prizes (EUR)

A-Open Rating Prizes (DWZ): <2151 • 2151–2300 → €100 / €75 each

B-Open — Main Prizes (EUR)

B-Open Rating Prizes (DWZ): <1351 • 1351–1500 • 1501–1650 • 1651–1800 → €100 / €75 each

Special Prizes (both Opens): Women • Seniors (Women ≤1971 / Men ≤1966) • Juniors (≤2007) • Students (≤2010) — awarded according to entries.
Team Prizes (German clubs, 4 players combined across A & B): €260 / €160 / €100; Youth team: €120 / €80.
Guarantees: First prizes guaranteed; other prizes guaranteed with ≥200 total participants.
Prize policy: Hort system on ties; one prize per player; unrated players cannot win rating prizes.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Both Opens: 40 moves in 90 minutes + 30″/move, then 30 minutes + 30″/move to finish.

• System: 9-round Swiss (pairings with Swiss-Chess).

• A-Open: Baku Acceleration applied.

• Default time: 30 minutes (Round 1 may have different tolerance as announced).

• Final standings: Buchholz Cut-1 (FIDE correction; lowest opponent removed).

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule (A-Open & B-Open)

📝 Registration

• Online entry: via the organizer’s registration page (choose A-Open or B-Open).

• Deadline for bank transfer rates: 19 December 2025 (receipt of payment).

• Titles: GM / WGM / IM / WIM – free entry.

• On-site late entry (if space remains): +€10 surcharge (90/80/70/60).

• Check-in: All players (incl. pre-registered) must submit the completed player form on 2 Jan by 09:00 (forms available from 08:00). An early pick-up option is available 1 Jan, 17:00–19:00 at the tournament office.

• Bank transfer details:

  • Account holder: SGEM Gmünd 1872 e.V.

  • IBAN: DE76 6136 1722 0074 7870 04

  • BIC: GENODES1HEU

  • Reference: Player name + “A-Open” or “B-Open” + FIDE ID (or club)

• Withdrawals: Up to 15 Dec → €10 admin fee; after that 50% of the entry fee retained.

👥 Organizer

Organized by SGEM Schwäbisch Gmünd 1872 e.V.

• Tournament Director / Organization: Andreas Strohmaier — +49 (0)152-0475-4415 — a.strohmaier@sgem-gmuend.de

• Chief Arbiter: IA Yves Mutschelknaus • Deputy: IA Roland Katz • Arbiter: IA Andreas Klein

🏨 Venue

All rounds take place in the Congress-Centrum Stadtgarten (Peter-Parler-Saal), Rektor-Klaus-Straße 9, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd — a spacious, fully air-conditioned congress hall offering generous table spacing and a professional playing environment.

🛎️ Accommodation

Recommended options with special tournament conditions (book directly and mention “36. Staufer-Open”):

For broader lodging info and guest services, you may also contact iPunkt Schwäbisch Gmünd at +49 7171 603 4250 or tourist-info@schwaebisch-gmuend.de.

🚗 How to Get There

• By train: Travel to Schwäbisch Gmünd (regional connections from Stuttgart and Aalen), then short bus/taxi to Congress-Centrum Stadtgarten.

• By air: Fly to Stuttgart (STR); onward by rail to Schwäbisch Gmünd.

• By car: Convenient access via B29 (from Aalen/Stuttgart); public parking available near the Congress-Centrum.

Set your 2026 season in motion at the 36. Staufer-Open — choose A-Open for accelerated, top-level battles or B-Open for competitive club play, and enjoy nine rounds of classical chess in Schwäbisch Gmünd!