28eme Open Rapide de Nantes takes place on April 12, 2026 in Nantes, France and offers a strong one-day rapid chess tournament for players who want fast, competitive, and officially rated games. The event runs at Salle Festive Nantes-Nord and uses a 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment time control over 9 rounds. In addition, the tournament follows the Swiss system and counts for both FFE Rapid and FIDE Rapid rating lists, which gives the event clear value for ambitious club players and experienced competitors alike.
The 28eme Open Rapide de Nantes also brings a substantial confirmed cash prize fund, a practical Sunday schedule, and a clear registration structure for seniors and youth players. Moreover, the Cercle d’Echecs de Nantes continues its annual rapid event in Nantes, France, which strengthens the tournament’s local identity and appeal. Because the event combines rated play, a central city venue, and a full day of competition, the 28eme Open Rapide de Nantes stands out as an attractive international chess tournament in western France.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | April 12, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Nantes, France |
| ♟️ Format | Rapid chess tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FFE Rapid rated; FIDE Rapid rated |
| ⏱️ Time control | 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | Seniors: EUR 15; Youth: EUR 7; on April 12, 2026: Seniors EUR 20, Youth EUR 10 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 1,516 (approx.) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Annual open rapid tournament organized by Cercle d’Echecs de Nantes |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Prize / Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st place | EUR 450 |
| 2nd place | EUR 350 |
| 3rd place | EUR 250 |
| 4th place | EUR 150 |
| 5th place | EUR 100 |
The organizer also awards four Elo category prizes. However, the published tournament details do not confirm the exact amount for each Elo prize.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The 28eme Open Rapide de Nantes uses a 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment time control and runs over 9 rounds. In addition, the tournament follows the Swiss pairing system. The event also counts for the FFE Rapid May 2026 rating list and the FIDE May 2026 rating list.
The published event details do not confirm the tie-break system, default time, byes policy, rating list used for pairings, or acceleration method.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament uses one open rapid section for all participants.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 08:45-09:30 | Registration check-in |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 10:00 | Round 1 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register online through the club website |
| Entry fee details | Seniors: EUR 15; Youth: EUR 7 |
| Deadlines | On-site registration on April 12, 2026 costs Seniors EUR 20 and Youth EUR 10 |
| Confirmation / check-in rules | Registration check-in runs from 08:45 to 09:30 |
👥 Organizer
Cercle d’Echecs de Nantes organizes the 28eme Open Rapide de Nantes in Nantes, France. In addition, Sophie Lasne serves as the listed organizer, while David Moreau serves as arbiter. The club also provides online registration and practical event information for players who want to join this rapid chess tournament in Nantes.
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Website: http://www.cercle-echecs-nantes.org
🏨 Venue
Salle Festive Nantes-Nord, 73 avenue du Bout des Landes, 44300 Nantes, France
Salle Festive Nantes-Nord hosts the tournament in Nantes and gives players a clear venue for a full day of rated rapid chess. Moreover, the published address helps participants plan arrival easily for this annual event.
🚗 How to Get There
Players should travel directly to Salle Festive Nantes-Nord at 73 avenue du Bout des Landes in Nantes, France. Therefore, an early arrival will help participants complete check-in before 09:30 and get ready for the first round at 10:00.
The 28eme Open Rapide de Nantes offers rated rapid chess, a strong prize structure, and a proven annual format for players who want a competitive spring tournament in Nantes.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $1,516
Organizer
Cercle d’Échecs de Nantes is an established chess club and active chess organizer based in Nantes, France. The club plays a visible role in the local chess scene and supports both community participation and competitive development. Moreover, it has built a strong identity through regular events, public chess activities, and sustained work with players of different ages.
The club runs weekly play, coaching, and a broad calendar of competitions during the season. In addition, it organizes rapid chess, youth events, and a well-known open chess tournament program in Nantes. The 28ème Open Rapide de Nantes belongs to this same event structure and highlights the club’s role as a reliable tournament organizer for major local competition.
Beyond tournament play, the club also promotes junior chess, public outreach, and broader chess training activity. Furthermore, it has developed a strong community presence through school-related work, city events, and club growth in recent years. As a result, Cercle d’Échecs de Nantes stands out as an important FIDE-rated tournament organizer in western France.
