Iarna Șahistă Bucureșteană 2026
Returning to the Romanian capital in mid-winter, Iarna Șahistă Bucureșteană 2026 runs from 5-14 January 2026 in Bucharest, Romania. This is a compact, classical-chess festival tailored to sub-2200 Elo players, played as all-play-all round robins in a quiet, focused venue. The format emphasizes quality game time, balanced pairings, and a consistent late-afternoon rhythm—convenient for local players and visiting competitors alike.
Hosted by ACS Jocul Celor 3 Cai, the competition is split into three 10-player groups ranked by the FIDE Elo list of 1 January 2026. Each group plays a full 9-round round-robin at 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move. Straightforward entry conditions, transparent tie-breaks, and a simple prize structure make this an excellent early-January choice for rating stability and match-play practice in Bucharest, Romania.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 5-14 January 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Asociația Nevăzătorilor din România (ANR) – Headquarters, Str. Vatra Luminoasă 106 Bis, Sector 2, Bucharest |
| ♟️ Format | Classical chess, Round Robin • 3 groups × 10 players (A/B/C), ranked by the 1 Jan 2026 FIDE Elo list |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move, from move 1 |
| 💵 Entry Fee | 350 lei (per player) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Elo <2200; minors may participate only with registration by a parent/legal representative |
| 👥 Capacity | 30 players total (three groups of 10) |
| 🧩 Tie-breaks | Direct Encounter • Sonneborn-Berger • Number of Wins • Koya |
| 🧾 Notes | Civil conduct and decent attire required; standard data & image-use consent applies upon entry |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Group | 1st Prize | 2nd Prize | 3rd Prize | Trophies/Medals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 600 lei | 500 lei | 400 lei | 1st: Cup + Medal • 2nd/3rd: Medal |
| B | 600 lei | 500 lei | 400 lei | 1st: Cup + Medal • 2nd/3rd: Medal |
| C | 600 lei | 500 lei | 400 lei | 1st: Cup + Medal • 2nd/3rd: Medal |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
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All groups play 9 rounds, Round Robin (all-play-all).
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Cadence: 60′ + 30″ per move from move 1.
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Tie-break order: Direct Encounter → Sonneborn-Berger → Number of Wins → Koya.
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Players must observe hall rules and device etiquette as announced by the arbiter/organizer.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Group | Composition | Seeding Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Turneul A | Players ranked 1-10 on the entry list | FIDE Elo list 1 Jan 2026 |
| Turneul B | Players ranked 11-20 | FIDE Elo list 1 Jan 2026 |
| Turneul C | Players ranked 21-30 | FIDE Elo list 1 Jan 2026 |
📅 Schedule
| Date (2026) | Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Jan | Mon | 15:00 | Technical meeting & drawing of lots |
| 5 Jan | Mon | 16:30 | Round 1 |
| 6 Jan | Tue | 16:30 | Round 2 |
| 7 Jan | Wed | 16:30 | Round 3 |
| 8 Jan | Thu | 16:30 | Round 4 |
| 9 Jan | Fri | 16:30 | Round 5 |
| 10 Jan | Sat | 16:30 | Round 6 |
| 12 Jan | Mon | 16:30 | Round 7 |
| 13 Jan | Tue | 16:30 | Round 8 |
| 14 Jan | Wed | 16:30 | Round 9 |
| 14 Jan | Wed | 20:00 | Awards ceremony |
📝 Registration
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Deadline: 3 January 2026 or until the 30 available places are filled.
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How to enter: send your name, Elo, and contact to the organizer.
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Contacts: Phone: 0747.044.000 (Florin Coman) • Email: weekend.sah@gmail.com
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Notes: The organizer reserves the right to refuse entry. Entry implies consent to standard data processing and the use of event photos/video for promotional purposes. Minors must be entered by a parent/guardian (legal representative).
👥 Organizer
ACS Jocul Celor 3 Cai – a Bucharest-based club organizing classical and weekend events with a focus on fair play, clear schedules, and accessible formats for sub-2200 Elo players.
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Phone: 0747.044.000 (Florin Coman)
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Email: weekend.sah@gmail.com
🏨 Venue
Asociația Nevăzătorilor din România (ANR) – Headquarters
Str. Vatra Luminoasă 106 Bis, Sector 2, Bucharest
A central, quiet address in the Vatra Luminoasă area of Sector 2, offering a calm playing environment and late-afternoon start times that suit workday schedules. Shops and services are available in the surrounding neighbourhood.
🚗 How to Get There
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Public transport: Multiple city bus/taxi options serve Sector 2; allow a few extra minutes for afternoon traffic.
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By car: Navigate to Str. Vatra Luminoasă 106 Bis; plan for local street parking as available.
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Practical tip: Arrive by 15:00 on 5 January for the technical meeting if you need on-site clarifications before Round 1.
Step into the new year with nine thoughtful classical games in a friendly, well-run setting—Iarna Șahistă Bucureșteană 2026 is Bucharest’s winter round-robin for focused improvement and stable rating progress.
