Asociación de Ajedrez Social y Terapéutico de la Comunidad Valenciana

♟️ About Asociación de Ajedrez Social y Terapéutico de la Comunidad Valenciana

The Asociación de Ajedrez Social y Terapéutico de la Comunidad Valenciana (ASTCV) is a chess-based social, educational, and therapeutic organization based in Castellón, Valencian Community, Spain. Founded in December 2016, the association uses chess not only as a competitive sport but also as a structured tool for cognitive, emotional, and social development. Its work is designed for a broad range of participants rather than exclusively for experienced chess players. ASTCV develops personalized programs, workshops, courses, and conferences that apply chess concepts to areas such as cognitive stimulation, emotional management, social interaction, education, and personal development. Its methodology combines chess expertise with psychology and educational practice. Moreover, the association promotes tournament chess throughout the Valencian Community and works with experienced organizers, trainers, psychologists, and chess professionals. Francisco Cuevas Povedano is one of ASTCV’s principal tournament organizers and the most relevant current contact for its competitive events. A former President of the Federación de Ajedrez de la Comunidad Valenciana, he has extensive experience organizing regional, national, and international chess competitions. In 2026, he serves as Tournament Director of ASTCV’s flagship IV International Chess Open Hotel Cap Negret, scheduled for November 7–14, 2026 in Altea.

🧠 Social and Therapeutic Chess

ASTCV expanded its mission significantly in 2022, developing a stronger focus on the social and therapeutic applications of chess. The association designs programs intended to train cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal skills through structured chess-based exercises. Participants do not need previous chess experience. Instead, activities can introduce basic concepts of the game while using specific exercises, challenges, games, and group interaction to work on broader skills. The association’s methodology emphasizes structured progression, personalized exercises, social interaction, practical challenges, evaluation, recognition of progress, and continued follow-up. Programs can also be adapted to the requirements of schools, associations, institutions, and specific participant groups. This approach allows ASTCV to work with people whose principal objective may not be competitive chess. Consequently, chess becomes a practical educational and developmental resource as well as a sport.

🎓 Professional Team and Educational Activity

ASTCV brings together professionals with complementary backgrounds in chess, psychology, education, and event organization. Carlos Martínez specializes in psychology applied to chess. He is a psychologist, FIDE Trainer, chess coach, and Candidate Master who has worked with both the Spanish and Valencian chess federations. His work covers sports performance, education, therapeutic chess, cognitive and emotional development, and decision-making. Alejandro Pérez contributes extensive experience in educational and recreational projects. His work connects chess with education, culture, project development, and community activities in the Valencian Community. Meanwhile, Francisco Cuevas Povedano provides extensive tournament-management experience. He served as President of the Valencian Chess Federation during two periods and has organized Spanish championships, international tournaments, educational chess congresses, and other major events.

🏆 Tournament Organization

Although social and therapeutic chess is central to its mission, ASTCV also maintains an important role as a tournament organizer. The association has supported competitive chess projects across the Valencian Community and is the official organizer of the International Chess Open Hotel Cap Negret in cooperation with Hotel Cap Negret in Altea. This tournament focuses specifically on experienced older players and provides separate competitions for the 50+ and 65+ categories. As a result, it complements the association’s broader objective of making organized chess accessible to different age groups and communities. The event has developed into an international competition attracting players from Spain and numerous other federations. Its combination of classical chess, age-based sections, and a hotel tournament setting also makes it suitable for players who combine competition with a longer stay on the Costa Blanca.

🌟 IV International Chess Open Hotel Cap Negret 2026

The IV International Chess Open Hotel Cap Negret is scheduled from November 7–14, 2026 at Hotel Cap Negret in Altea, Alicante. ASTCV organizes the tournament in cooperation with Hotel Cap Negret. Players compete in two separate sections: 50+ and 65+, according to the age requirements established in the regulations. Both competitions use a nine-round Swiss system and a classical time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move. Results count for FIDE Standard rating. Francisco Cuevas Povedano serves as Tournament Director. IA Eduardo López Rodríguez is Chief Arbiter, while FA Aaron Bendayan Claros serves as Deputy Chief Arbiter. The tournament runs over eight days, with most rounds played in the afternoon. In addition, the organizers plan complementary activities for players and accompanying guests during the event.