Chess players can take part in the 44th Open International de Clermont-Ferrand from Thursday, February 19 to Sunday, February 22, 2026 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This seven-round international open uses a classical time control and Swiss pairings, and organizers submit results to FIDE for the March 2026 rating list. The tournament offers a strong regional field in central France with a clear prize structure and multiple category awards.

The event takes place at Espace Municipal La Diode on boulevard Gustave Flaubert, with two rounds per day on most days and a single morning round on Sunday. Players can compete for a total prize fund of €3,900, including a top prize of €1,000, plus numerous category prizes for rating groups, women, juniors, and veterans. Affordable entry fees for adults and young players make the tournament accessible while still providing attractive rewards.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The organizers announce a total prize fund of €3,900, with the main prizes guaranteed if at least 80 paying players participate.

Main overall prizes:

Additional category prizes cover Elo rating groups as well as special prizes for the best woman, best junior, and best veteran, ensuring competitive interest across the entire field.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a classical time control of 1 hour 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move from the first move. Players compete over seven rounds using a Swiss pairing system.

Results count for FIDE ratings on the March 2026 list and for national French ratings. Organizers publish pairings between the morning and afternoon rounds and follow standard federation rules for pairings, late arrivals, and forfeit losses.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players can pre-register by contacting the organizing team in advance and then confirm their presence during on-site check-in on Thursday from 08:30 to 09:00. The entry fee is €50 for adults and €25 for young players.

Pre-registrations go through the main contact person, who collects names and basic information. Players pay their entry fee at the venue before the first round. The organizers reserve the right to manage the final player list to ensure a smooth and timely start of the tournament.

👥 Organizer

The organizing team led by Claude Champier and Bernard Fourche coordinates the event, manages registrations, and oversees the smooth running of all seven rounds. Local volunteers and arbiters support pairings, results, and player services throughout the tournament.

Contact (pre-registration):
Phone: +33 6 74 75 42 59
Email: c.champier@wanadoo.fr

Additional tournament contacts:
Phone: +33 6 05 29 99 93 (Bernard Fourche)
Phone: +33 6 08 72 54 90 (Jean-Loup Bertin)
Email: jeanloup.bertin63@gmail.com

🏨 Venue

The games take place at Espace Municipal La Diode, located at 190–194 boulevard Gustave Flaubert in Clermont-Ferrand. The venue sits near a major shopping area with a Leclerc ice-rink car park opposite and an entrance next to local stores, giving players easy access to parking and nearby amenities between rounds.

🚗 How to Get There

Clermont-Ferrand lies in central France and connects well by highway and rail. Drivers can reach the city via the regional motorway network and follow local signs toward boulevard Gustave Flaubert and the La Diode municipal complex. Players arriving by train can travel to Clermont-Ferrand’s main station and continue to the venue by local bus, tram, or taxi.

Players who join the 44th Open International de Clermont-Ferrand can enjoy a solid FIDE-rated open with clear prizes and a convenient venue, all in a welcoming chess atmosphere in the heart of Auvergne.