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

🏆 Prize Fund

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• All groups play 9 rounds, Round Robin (all-play-all).

• Cadence: 60′ + 30″ per move from move 1.

• Tie-break order: Direct Encounter → Sonneborn-Berger → Number of Wins → Koya.

• Players must observe hall rules and device etiquette as announced by the arbiter/organizer.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

• Deadline: 3 January 2026 or until the 30 available places are filled.

• How to enter: send your name, Elo, and contact to the organizer.

• Contacts: Phone: 0747.044.000 (Florin Coman) • Email: weekend.sah@gmail.com

• 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.

• Phone: 0747.044.000 (Florin Coman)

• 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

• Public transport: Multiple city bus/taxi options serve Sector 2; allow a few extra minutes for afternoon traffic.

• By car: Navigate to Str. Vatra Luminoasă 106 Bis; plan for local street parking as available.

• 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.