Echiquier Couronnais welcomes players back to the 3rd Open des Valois, a FIDE-rated long-play Swiss held on May 23-25, 2026 in La Couronne, France. The tournament runs six rounds at a classical Fischer cadence and pairs the field with an integral Swiss system, which suits competitive club players who want serious games in a compact weekend format. The organizer also ties the event to the Charente championship, which adds extra sporting value alongside the main standings.

The Open des Valois 2026 offers a strong cash payout when participation reaches the published threshold, and it also includes non-cumulative category and special prizes. The organizer hosts the event in a spacious Salle des Fêtes and provides a separate analysis space, which helps players keep the playing hall calm and focused. If you want a well-structured French weekend open near Angoulême with FIDE rating, clear round times, and a meaningful top prize, La Couronne delivers a reliable competitive setting.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The organizer publishes a €4,000 total cash prize fund when at least 80 players register and lists additional non-cumulative prizes (including women, veteran, rating categories, special prizes, and Charente championship prizes).

The organizer applies a non-cumulative prize policy and awards general prizes using the Hort system. The organizer displays the full prize list in the playing hall no later than before Round 4, awards certain special prizes without splitting, and withholds prizes below €10. The organizer gives prizes during the ceremony and requires winners to attend unless they request an exception in advance.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs six rounds in an integral Swiss System and uses a 90-minute time control with a 30-second increment per move. The organizer pairs Round 1 only after it verifies the player’s license and receives the entry fee by the registration deadline on site; the organizer pairs any player who arrives after 10:30 AM into Round 2 with 0 points. Players may request one ½-point bye in one of the first four rounds if they inform the arbiter in advance.

The organizer uses these tie-breaks in order: cumulative score, cut Buchholz, then performance if needed. The arbiter posts official pairings on site at least 20 minutes before each round, applies a 30-minute default time for forfeits, and requires arbiter approval for agreed draws before 25 moves.

📂 Sections / Groups

The event runs a single open section.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Register online and pay through HelloAsso:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/echiquier-couronnais/evenements/open-des-valois-2026

You can also pre-register via the event platform, then complete payment online:
https://chessevent.echecs-bretagne.fr/public/inscrForm1.php?event=NAQ_16_Open_Valois_2026

The pre-registration platform lists a registration closing date of May 22, 2026. The organizer validates registration only after payment. If you cannot access the links, register by SMS or email and provide your last name, first name, and FFE number.

👥 Organizer

Echiquier Couronnais organizes the Open des Valois and runs the tournament operations, on-site check-in, and participant communications through its official club contacts and the dedicated event website.

• Email: echiquier.couronnais@gmail.com

• Phone: +33 6 02 33 24 43

🏨 Venue

Salle des Fêtes, Place du 14 Juillet, 16400 La Couronne, France
The organizer hosts all rounds in the municipal Salle des Fêtes in central La Couronne. The venue offers a large playing space and supports focused tournament conditions across the full weekend schedule. The organizer also provides a separate analysis space near the playing hall.

🛎️ Accommodation

The organizer highlights multiple nearby hotel options around La Couronne and Angoulême, including several budget brands:

• https://all.accor.com/

• https://www.appartcity.com/

• https://www.hotel-bb.com/

🚗 How to Get There

Arrive by train to La Couronne station, then walk to the venue in under 10 minutes. You can also arrive at Angoulême station and take the Möbius rapid line A toward LA COURONNE Gallands, then get off at “Etang des Moines” near the venue. If you drive, route directly to Place du 14 Juillet in La Couronne and plan to arrive before the Saturday registration closing time.

Take advantage of the long-play cadence, stay disciplined through six rounds, and push for a top finish in La Couronne.

🧾 Other

The organizer requires arbiter approval for agreed draws before 25 moves and may penalize violations. The organizer bans smoking, vaping, and alcohol in the playing area and forbids analysis inside the playing hall while providing a separate analysis room. The organizer prohibits electronic communication devices in the playing hall and tolerates them only if players keep them fully switched off inside a bag; any sound leads to an immediate loss.