Chess life comes to Greece’s Pieria coast with the Katerini Chess Open – 3rd International Open Chess Tournament of Katerini from Friday, March 20 to Monday, March 23, 2026 in Paralia Katerinis, Greece. The Katerini Chess Club runs this multi-group Swiss open with seven rounds and clear rating-based entry groups that fit both experienced Elo players and developing competitors. The event also adds a strong holiday-style setting by hosting all rounds at a five-star seaside hotel and spa.

Competitors can play for cash prizes totaling €3,250 (based on the published prize list), plus trophies, medals, and special junior awards. The organizers rate Groups A and B for Greek rating and international Elo based on the rating lists valid on Sunday, March 1, 2026. A structured schedule with two rounds on Monday helps players complete seven classical rounds in four days.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Group A cash prizes (total €2,550)

Group A also awards a trophy to the winner and medals to the top 3.

Group B cash prizes (total €700)

Group B also awards a trophy to the winner and medals to the top 3.

Group B special non-cash prizes

• U16, U14, U12, U10: 1st place wins a trophy, a medal, and a chessboard; 2nd–3rd place win a medal and a chess book.

• Girls in each age group: 1st place wins a trophy and a chessboard; 2nd–3rd place win a medal and a chess book.

Group C prizes

• The winner receives a trophy.

• The top 3 receive medals.

• Girls: 1st place receives a trophy and a medal; 2nd and 3rd receive medals.

Prize rules

• The organizers do not share prizes in case of ties and apply tie-breaks to determine the final order.

• A player receives only the highest cash prize they qualify for.

• Winners must attend the closing ceremony to receive prizes.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs seven Swiss rounds in each group.

Time control

• Each player receives 90 minutes for the whole game and gains 30 seconds per move.

Key playing rules

• Players must record moves throughout the game and hand both original scoresheets to the organizers after the game.

• Players may not offer a draw before Black completes move 30.

• A player who arrives more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time loses the game.

Byes

• Each player may take up to two byes.

• Byes requested up to and including Round 3 score ½ point.

• Byes requested after Round 3 score 0 points.

Tie-break criteria

• Results between tied players

• Median Buchholz

• Sonneborn-Berger

• Cumulative score progression

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players register online, by phone, or by email.

Registration deadline:

• Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 20:00

Online form:

• https://forms.gle/FgHqwTRUoKteMihD6

Phone registration:

• Dimitrios Gkoutzios: +30 697 2367111

Email registration:

• Email: registrations@katerinichess.gr

Entry fees:

• Group A: €50

• Group B: €40

• Group C: €30

Free entry:

• GM

• Players with Elo over 2300

• Women with Elo over 2100

Discounts:

• Second family member: €10 discount

• Third and additional family members: 50% discount

• Disabled persons: 50% discount

Payment and confirmation:

• Players pay the entry fee at the secretariat on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 15:30 to 17:00.

• Players must confirm participation during the same window, and the organizer removes unconfirmed players from Round 1 pairings.

👥 Organizer

The Katerini Chess Club organizes the event in collaboration with the Regional Unit of Pieria and ESSKEDYM, delivering a structured international open designed for fair competition, reliable scheduling, and strong playing conditions.

Email: contact@katerinichess.gr
Phone: +30 697 2367111
Website: http://www.katerinichess.gr

🏨 Venue

Mediterranean Village Hotel & SPA ***** hosts the tournament in Paralia Katerinis, Greece.

🛎️ Accommodation

The organizer recommends staying at the Mediterranean Village Hotel & SPA with special rates (the hotel applies the same rates to companions and coaches).

Notes:

• The hotel does not allow pets.

• The hotel adds the climate resilience tax on arrival.

• The rate includes safe, beach umbrella/sunbed, parking, and Wi-Fi.

Booking:

• https://mediterraneanvillage.reserve-online.net/?checkin=2025-03-21&rooms=1&nights=2&adults=2&bkcode=CHESS26

🚗 How to Get There

You can reach Paralia Katerinis by car or public transport and continue locally to the Mediterranean Village Hotel & SPA. Plan arrival on Friday afternoon so you can complete confirmation before Round 1.

Play seven serious rounds by the sea, compete for major cash prizes, and enjoy a full chess weekend in Paralia Katerinis.

🧾 Other

• The organizers apply FIDE Fair Play regulations and may scan players and belongings, conduct random post-game checks, and apply additional fair-play measures.

• Players must submit any appeal in writing within 15 minutes after the end of the round and deposit €60 with the Tournament Director.

• The organizers allow only authorized photographers to take photos or video, and the organizers may use material for promotion.