42nd Open Untergrombach
Celebrating one of Baden-Württemberg’s most respected classical tournaments, the 42nd Open Untergrombach, held from 2-6 January 2026 in Untergrombach, Germany, brings together strong club players, ambitious youth talents, and experienced competitors for a 7-round classical event. Organized by Schachclub 46 Untergrombach e.V., the tournament features two sections (A and B), attractive prize funds, full catering at the venue, and both DWZ and ELO evaluation.
Played inside the spacious Bundschuhhalle, the Open Untergrombach offers reliable organization, high-quality playing conditions, and a long-standing tradition of welcoming players from across the region and beyond. With guaranteed prize funds from 130 participants and additional special categories, the event remains an important fixture in the German New Year chess calendar.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2-6 January 2026 (Fri-Tue) |
| 📍 Location | Bundschuhhalle Untergrombach, Germany |
| ♟️ Format | 7-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | A-Open: FIDE Elo + DWZ • B-Open: DWZ |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 40 moves in 90 min + 30 min rest + 30 sec increment from move 1 |
| 📏 Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 📂 Groups | A-Open (DWZ/Elo ≥1500) • B-Open (DWZ <1650) |
| ➕ Byes | ½-point bye once in rounds 1–5 (must be requested before prior round ends) |
| 🍽️ Catering | Full meals, snacks, coffee, and cake available daily |
| 🧩 Pairings | Swiss-system, tiebreak via opponent average (Gegnerschnitt) |
🏆 Prize Fund
A-Open (DWZ / Elo ≥1500)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,000 € |
| 2 | 700 € |
| 3 | 450 € |
| 4 | 250 € |
| 5 | 150 € |
Rating Prizes (A-Open)
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Elo 2099–1950 | 100 € / 60 € |
| Elo 1949–1800 | 100 € / 60 € |
| Elo <1800 | 100 € / 60 € |
B-Open (DWZ <1650)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | 300 € |
| 2 | 250 € |
| 3 | 200 € |
| 4 | 150 € |
Rating Prizes (B-Open)
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| DWZ 1499–1350 | 50 € / 30 € |
| DWZ <1350 | 50 € / 30 € |
Additional Prizes
• Best result from the last 3 rounds: 50 €
• Youth prizes (separate cash awards)
• Women’s / Seniors’ prizes (if sufficient participation)
• No double prizes
• Prizes only for players present at the award ceremony
• Prize fund guaranteed with 130 participants
• 2025 payout total was 6,670 €
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest, with 30-second increment from move one.
• 7 rounds, Swiss system.
• A-Open: Elo & DWZ rated; B-Open: DWZ only.
• One ½-point bye allowed in rounds 1–5.
• Electronic devices are prohibited in the playing area.
• Player data (names, clubs, photos) may be published.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| A-Open | Elo/DWZ ≥1500 |
| B-Open | DWZ <1650 |
📅 Schedule
Full Tournament Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | Until 15:00 | On-site check-in |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 16:30 | Round 1 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 10:00 | Round 4 |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 16:00 | Round 6 |
| Tue, Jan 6 | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| Tue, Jan 6 | 16:30 | Award ceremony |
📝 Registration
• Registration: Online at
https://sc-untergrombach.de/anmeldung.html
Entry Fees
| Group | Adults | Youth* | Late Payment (+10 €) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Open | 60 € | 45 € | +10 € |
| B-Open | 50 € | 40 € | +10 € |
*Youth born after 02.01.2008
(W)GM / (W)IM enter free (no other special conditions)
Payment Details
• IBAN: DE41 6729 2200 0072 6919 03
• BIC: GENODE61WIE
• Recipient: Schachclub 46 Untergrombach e.V.
• Reference: Player name
👥 Organizer
The event is organized by Schachclub 46 Untergrombach e.V.
Contacts:
• Heiko Schleicher – Phone: 0721 579514 or 0721 1335220
• Email: schleicher.nied@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.sc-untergrombach.de/
🏨 Venue
The tournament takes place in the Bundschuhhalle Untergrombach, offering a spacious hall suitable for classical chess and located within the Untergrombach district of Bruchsal.
🛎️ Accommodation
Untergrombach and nearby Bruchsal offer hotels and guesthouses across various price categories. Accommodation directories and travel links are available on the organizer’s website:
http://www.sc-untergrombach.de/
🚗 How to Get There
Untergrombach is accessible via regional rail connections and major roads. Parking and public transport options are available near the Bundschuhhalle. Additional travel information can be found in the FAQ:
https://sc-untergrombach.de/haeufige-fragen-faq.html
Start your 2026 chess year with a well-organized classical event and enjoy competitive rounds in the friendly setting of Untergrombach!
🧾 Other
• Full catering available every day (hot meals, cold meals, snacks, coffee, cake).
• Additional information and FAQ available on the website.