11. Internationales Bad Schwartauer Schachopen is a year-end classical chess open in Bad Schwartau, Germany. The 2026 edition takes place from December 27 – 30, 2026, with seven rated rounds at the Krummlandhalle.

This is a chess tournament in Bad Schwartau, Germany, in 2026. The event gives players a compact four-day schedule between Christmas and New Year, with two rounds on the first three playing days and a final morning round on December 30.

The tournament offers FIDE Elo and German DWZ rating calculation, a confirmed cash prize fund, and a clear Swiss-system format. Therefore, it is a practical option for club players, titled players, and ambitious competitors who want classical chess near Lübeck at the end of the year.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a seven-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, each move adds a 30-second increment from move one.

The tournament counts for both FIDE Elo and German DWZ rating. For the starting rank, the organizer uses Elo where available. Otherwise, the national rating applies.

For tie-breaks, the event uses Buchholz with one cut as the second criterion. The cumulative score works as the third criterion. If players finish level on points for cash prizes, the Hort system applies.

Players must follow the current FIDE Laws of Chess. They also need to keep notation throughout the game. The default waiting time is 30 minutes, so players should arrive early for every round.

💶 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The confirmed cash prize fund is €2,630 / approx. $3,044. The main prizes are guaranteed from 100 participants, while rating and special prizes will be announced after the tournament begins, depending on the final number of players.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The 11. Internationales Bad Schwartauer Schachopen runs as one open tournament. The field is limited to 201 players, so early registration gives players a better chance to secure a place.

Grandmasters and International Masters can enter without paying the entry fee. However, the organizer does not offer additional conditions. Youth players born in 2006 or later receive the reduced entry fee.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players register by paying the entry fee. The regular payment deadline is December 15, 2026. Later bank transfers and on-site payments remain possible, but the organizer adds a €10 late fee per player.

By registering, players agree to the processing and publication of tournament data, results, games, and reports for DWZ and FIDE rating purposes.

👤 Organizer

Schachverein Bad Schwartau von 1930 e.V. organizes the tournament in Bad Schwartau. The club is active around Bad Schwartau and Lübeck, and it runs this year-end open with a clear schedule, published regulations, and rated classical games.

Phone: +49 175 4448654
Email: info@schachinschwartau.de
Website: www.schwartauer-open.de

📍 Venue

Elisabeth-Selbert-Gemeinschaftsschule, Krummlandhalle, Schulstr. 8–10, 23611 Bad Schwartau, Germany

The venue is located in Bad Schwartau, close to Lübeck. Players should use the full address for navigation, especially on the first day, because check-in ends before the opening ceremony and the first round.

🏨 Accommodation

Useful accommodation areas include Bad Schwartau, Stockelsdorf, and Lübeck. Since the tournament takes place during the holiday period, players should book early and choose a location with practical access to Schulstr. 8–10.

🚆 How to Get There

Bad Schwartau sits near Lübeck in northern Germany. Players can travel by train to Bad Schwartau or Lübeck and continue locally to the venue. Drivers should use the Krummlandhalle address, Schulstr. 8–10, 23611 Bad Schwartau, for route planning.

ℹ️ Other

Mobile phones and electronic communication devices are not allowed with players during the game. A violation leads to the loss of the game. In addition, the tournament director may treat unfinished games as adjourned for pairing purposes if they continue until 30 minutes before the next round.

Play classical chess in Bad Schwartau and finish the year with a strong rated tournament near Lübeck.