VCH Neujahrsturnier 2026
The VCH Neujahrsturnier 2026 takes place from 2-4 January 2026 in Greifswald, Germany, bringing together chess players of all ages and rating levels at the VCH Hotel Greifswald. Organized by Schach Events in cooperation with VCH Hotel Greifswald, the tournament features classical time control, DWZ evaluation, and the possibility of rating-group sections depending on the number of participants.
With a friendly atmosphere, optional bowling evening, and a well-structured 5-round Swiss format, the event is ideal for players seeking a competitive yet enjoyable start to the new chess year.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-4 January 2026 (Fri–Sun) |
| 📍 Location | Greifswald, Germany (VCH Hotel Greifswald, W.-Holtz-Str. 5–8, 17489 Greifswald) |
| ♟️ Format | 5-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | DWZ-rated |
| 📌 Sections | Possible grouping by DWZ (16–28 players per group if ≥33 entrants) |
| 🎯 U12 Group | Separate U12 group if ≥6 children (born 2014 or later) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 min / 40 moves + 30 min |
| 📏 Default Time | 15 minutes |
| 💻 Pairings | SwissManager (computer pairings) |
| ⚖️ Tie-Breaks | Buchholz (1 discard) • Progress • Opponents’ average |
| 📚 Rules | FIDE Rules, incl. 15-minute waiting time (FIDE 6.7.1) |
🏆 Prize Fund
Main Prizes (per group, guaranteed from 40+ players or single-group event)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 € |
| 2 | 75 € |
| 3 | 60 € |
| 4 | 50 € |
| 5 | 40 € |
Category Prizes
• Three category prizes of 30 € each (e.g., Women, Youth, DWZ categories—depending on entries)
U12 Group
• Trophy & certificates
• Additional material prizes (Sachpreise)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• 5 rounds, Swiss system in all groups.
• Time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes.
• 15-minute default time according to FIDE guidelines.
• Tie-breaks: Buchholz (1 discard), Fortschrittswertung (progress), opponents’ average DWZ.
• FIDE rules apply; DWZ evaluation included.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Groups | DWZ-based groups (if ≥33 players, 16–28 per group) |
| U12 Section | Separate group for U12 players (born 2014+), if ≥6 players |
📅 Schedule
Tournament Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 17:00-17:45 | On-site registration |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 18:00 | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 09:00 | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 14:00 | Round 3 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 19:00–21:00 | Bowling evening (8.50 € per person) |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 09:00 | Round 4 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 14:00 | Round 5 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | ~18:30 | Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
• Registration deadline: 15 December 2025
• Entry fee: 25 €
• Bank transfer details:
• IBAN: DE43 3002 0900 5350 9370 80
• BIC: CMCIDEDDXXX
• Account holder: Schachlehrer Guido Springer
• Payment reference: Neujahrsturnier 2026, participant name
Registration must include:
• Name and surname
• Club and current DWZ
• Address
• Date of birth
• Accommodation preference
👥 Organizer
The event is organized by Schach Events with support from VCH Hotel Greifswald, ensuring a well-run tournament with a strong local tradition.
Contacts:
• Guido Springer – Phone: (03834) 254313 – Mobile: 01520 1912093 – Email: https://mailto:GuidoSpringer@schachevents.de
• Website: https://schachschule-greifswald.de
🏨 Venue
The tournament is held at VCH Hotel Greifswald, W.-Holtz-Str. 5–8, 17489 Greifswald. The venue offers a comfortable playing environment and optional on-site accommodation.
🛎️ Accommodation
Accommodation provided via Schach Events at VCH Hotel Greifswald:
| Room Type | Price (per night, incl. breakfast) |
|---|---|
| Double Room | from 68 € |
| Single Room | from 51 € |
Notes:
• Rooms are apartment-style: two rooms share one bathroom.
• Single bathroom use can be booked for an additional 14 € per person per night.
• Prices subject to tax changes.
🚗 How to Get There
Greifswald is accessible by regional trains and highways. The VCH Hotel Greifswald is located in the northern part of the city, reachable by local transport or taxi from Greifswald railway station.
Start the new chess year with a friendly and competitive weekend tournament in the historic Hanseatic city of Greifswald!
