Selestat stages the 31st Open de Sélestat – Tournament A (1700+) from Thursday, February 26 to Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Sélestat, France. This classical FIDE-rated open runs over seven Swiss rounds at the Espace Sportif Charlemagne and targets players with a rating of at least 1700. The event forms the top group of the Sélestat Open weekend and offers a strong first prize of €1,200 plus numerous category prizes.

The organizers schedule full playing days with morning and afternoon rounds, use a 90+30 time control, and allow one or more half-point byes in the early part of the tournament. Clear advance-registration rules, an on-site check-in window, and online payment through the local club website make participation straightforward for visiting and regional players alike.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The 31st Open de Sélestat – Tournament A offers a strong top prize and broad category coverage.

Organizers distribute category prizes according to their detailed regulations and ensure that the advertised first prize remains the main financial target for the top finishers.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Tournament A uses a single classical time control:

• 90 minutes for the entire game
• 30-second increment per move from move one

Players compete in 7 rounds under the Swiss system. Results count for both the FIDE April 2026 rating list and the French Chess Federation list.

The regulations allow players to request one or more half-point byes in certain rounds, with the restriction that byes cannot be taken in the last two rounds. A bye grants ½ point without playing that round and must follow the organizer’s deadline and notification rules.

📂 Sections / Groups

The Sélestat event includes several rating groups overall, but this fiche covers Tournament A only.

📅 Schedule

Organizers schedule the seven rounds between Thursday and Sunday using morning rounds at 09:00 and afternoon rounds at 14:30, and they confirm the detailed round-by-round timetable on site.

📝 Registration

Players must register in advance and complete payment before the start of the tournament.

Entry fees:

Key rules:
• Advance registration is mandatory.
• Players must attend the on-site check-in on Thursday, February 26, between 07:45 and 08:30 to appear in the first-round pairings.
• Registration and payment are available online through the club website.

Online registration and payment:
Website: https://ceselestat.fr

For any changes, withdrawals, or questions about byes and eligibility, players should contact the organizer directly by phone or email.

👥 Organizer

The 31st Open de Sélestat – Tournament A is organized by the local chess team led by Antoine Roth-Vouaux, who coordinates registrations, payments, and event logistics.

Organizer: Antoine Roth-Vouaux
Phone: +33 6 08 18 11 77
Postal address: 2 Rue du Sand, 67600 Sélestat, France
Email: open.selestat@gmail.com

🏨 Venue

All games in Tournament A take place at Espace Sportif Charlemagne, 17 avenue du Docteur Houllion, 67600 Sélestat, France. This sports hall provides a spacious playing area and modern facilities, with easy access from the town and surrounding region.

🚗 How to Get There

Sélestat lies in the Bas-Rhin department of eastern France, between Strasbourg and Colmar. Drivers can follow regional routes to Sélestat and then head to avenue du Docteur Houllion, where Espace Sportif Charlemagne is located. Rail travelers can reach Sélestat station and continue by local bus or taxi to the venue.

Players who choose the 31st Open de Sélestat – Tournament A can expect a focused four-day FIDE-rated Swiss with a strong top prize, clear regulations, and a well-organized playing environment in Alsace.

🧾 Other

• Half-point byes are available only outside the last two rounds and must follow the organizer’s request deadlines.
• Prize guarantees apply once the total number of participants across all Sélestat open tournaments reaches the stated threshold.