Breña Baja Mágica International Chess Tournament 2026
A vibrant chess celebration returns to the Canary Islands with the Breña Baja Mágica International Chess Tournament 2026, held from 2-7 January 2026 in Breña Baja, La Palma (Spain). Hosted at the well-known H10 Taburiente Playa hotel, this FIDE-rated open brings together titled players, rising stars, and chess enthusiasts from around the world for a high-quality 9-round Swiss competition.
Players will enjoy an expertly organized event supported by regional institutions and chess federations, offering an excellent opportunity to earn FIDE norms, gain rating points, and experience the beautiful environment of La Palma. With strong competition, generous prizes, and comfortable accommodation options, the tournament is designed for a smooth and memorable start to the 2026 chess season.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-7 January 2026 (Fri–Wed) |
| 📍 Location | Breña Baja, La Palma, Spain (Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa, Los Cancajos) |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated, valid for FIDE norms |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 min + 30 sec increment per move |
| 👥 Max Participants | 100 players |
| ✅ Eligibility | Spanish players: valid 2025 federation license • Foreign players: must have FIDE-ID |
| 📏 Default Time | 30-minute tolerance |
| 🎗️ Byes | Up to 3 byes (½-point for rounds 1–6; U14 may request until round 7) |
| 🔍 Anti-Cheating | Electronic devices are prohibited in the playing hall |
| ⚖️ Tie-Breaks | AOB • Buchholz Cut 1 • Games Played • Direct Encounter • Opponents’ Elo • Number of Wins |
🏆 Prize Fund
Total: 8,610 €
General Classification
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,500 € |
| 2 | 1,000 € |
| 3 | 900 € |
| 4 | 600 € |
| 5 | 500 € |
| 6 | 350 € |
| 7 | 250 € |
| 8 | 230 € |
| 9 | 220 € |
| 10 | 200 € |
| 11 | 150 € |
| 12 | 140 € |
| 13 | 130 € |
| 14 | 120 € |
| 15 | 110 € |
Rating & Age Categories
| Category | Prizes |
|---|---|
| <2200 | 100 €, 50 €, 50 € (female) |
| <2000 | 100 €, 50 €, 50 € (female) |
| <1800 | 100 €, 50 €, 50 € (female) |
| Sub-18 | 100 €, 50 €, 50 € (female) |
Special Prizes
| Group | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Best Woman | 80 €, 50 €, 40 € |
| Best Veteran | 80 €, 50 €, 40 € |
| Best Canarian | 80 €, 50 €, 40 € |
| Best Palmero | 80 €, 50 €, 40 € |
| Best Tenerife | 80 €, 50 € |
| Best Gran Canaria | 80 €, 50 € |
| Best players of 5 La Palma clubs | 50 € each |
| Special hotel-guest prizes | 100 €, 70 €, 50 € |
| Sub-8 / Sub-10 / Sub-12 / Sub-14 | Special awards |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• 90 minutes per player + 30 seconds per move from the first move.
• Swiss system, 9 rounds.
• FIDE Laws of Chess and FIDE Ethics Code apply.
• Draws are allowed only after 30 moves unless approved by the arbiter.
• Electronic devices prohibited inside the playing area.
• Up to 3 byes can be requested (½-point for rounds 1–6, and up to round 7 for U14).
• One unexcused absence results in disqualification; two absences = automatic removal.
• Appeals require a written request plus a 50€ deposit (returned if successful).
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Tournament | Single Open (FIDE-rated, 9 rounds, norm-eligible) |
📅 Schedule
Main Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 17:00 | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 17:00 | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 10:00 | Round 4 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 17:00 | Round 5 |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 17:00 | Round 6 |
| Tue, Jan 6 | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| Tue, Jan 6 | 17:00 | Round 8 |
| Wed, Jan 7 | 09:30 | Round 9 |
| Wed, Jan 7 | 14:00 | Prize Giving Ceremony |
📝 Registration
• Deadline: 29 December 2025
• Entry fees:
• General: 60 €
• Early payment before 1 Dec 2025: 50 €
• Hotel guests: 50 €
• Under-12: 25 €
• Max 100 players (order of payment determines entry).
• Payment details:
• Bank Account: ES29 2100 7112 9322 0008 4607
• Holder: Centro Insular de Ajedrez de La Palma
• Concept: Full name + birth year + country/province + FIDE-ID
👥 Organizer
The event is organized by the Centro Insular de Ajedrez de La Palma and the Federación Canaria de Ajedrez with the support of multiple regional institutions, ensuring a professionally run international competition.
Contacts:
• José Carlos Martín — Phone: 652 492 488 • Email: https://mailto:josecarmar1965@gmail.com
• Diego Del Rey — Phone: 653 922 661 • Email: https://mailto:bersuit64@hotmail.com
🏨 Venue
The tournament takes place at Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa, located at Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma. The venue is in a beachfront area with comfortable facilities for both players and families.
🛎️ Accommodation
Official Hotel – H10 Taburiente Playa ****
| Type | Full Board (with water) | Bed & Breakfast | Half Board (with water) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Room | 170 €/night | 132 €/night | 140 €/night |
| Double (Single Use) | 127.50 €/night | 101 €/night | 105 €/night |
| Triple Room | 238 €/night | 226 €/night | 196 €/night |
• Hotel booking contact: José Carlos Martín – 652 492 488 • https://mailto:josecarmar1965@gmail.com
• Apartments also available in Centro Cancajos: 85 €/night (1–3 people).
🚗 How to Get There
Breña Baja is easily reached via La Palma Airport (SPC), located only a few minutes from Los Cancajos. Taxis and local buses operate frequently, making transportation to the hotel simple and fast for arriving participants.
Starting the chess year on a beautiful Atlantic island makes every round even more inspiring – good luck and enjoy the magic of Breña Baja!
