13th Potsdamer Sommeropen takes place from May 14-17, 2026 in Potsdam, Germany. This is a chess tournament in Potsdam, Germany, in 2026. The event features one main over-the-board chess tournament section, seven rounds, and a full classical chess tournament format with Elo and DWZ rating. The games are played at the gym of Zeppelin Primary School, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 2,800.
Additionally, this chess tournament in Potsdam gives players a strong Ascension weekend option with a clear schedule, a large player limit, and a practical venue in western Potsdam. The 13th Potsdamer Sommeropen also combines international rating value, guaranteed main prizes from the stated participation threshold, and additional special awards announced during the event. As a result, this chess event in Potsdam is an appealing choice for titled players, club competitors, juniors, seniors, and ambitious amateurs who want a serious FIDE rated chess tournament in Germany.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 14-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Potsdam, Germany |
| ♟️ Format | 7-round Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | Elo rated and DWZ rated |
| 📂 Sections | 1 section |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | Adults: EUR 50; Youth U18: EUR 40 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 2,800 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to organized and non-club players from Germany and abroad; FIDE ID is mandatory |
| 👥 Capacity | 150 players |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | No personal check-in on site is required; players on the published entry list are paired automatically for round 1 |
🏆 Prize Fund
The confirmed main cash prize fund is based on a minimum of 100 participants. In addition, the organizer will announce extra special prizes after the field size is finalized. Each player may win only one prize, and the higher-value prize takes priority.
| Prize category | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| 1st place | EUR 800 |
| 2nd place | EUR 600 |
| 3rd place | EUR 500 |
| 4th place | EUR 400 |
| 5th place | EUR 300 |
Additionally, the event confirms further special prizes for the best female player, the best youth player, the best senior player, and DWZ rating categories. However, the exact amounts for those additional prizes will be announced before round 3.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 7-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves and then 15 extra minutes for the rest of the game, together with a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the event follows a full classical chess tournament structure across the entire holiday weekend.
In addition, the event counts for both Elo and DWZ rating. FIDE rules apply throughout the tournament, and the published tolerance time is 30 minutes from the official start of the round. Recording moves remains compulsory until the end of the game.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one main open section. In addition, the organizer will award extra special prizes for female players, youth players, seniors, and DWZ rating groups once the final field is confirmed.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | 9:00 AM | Round 1 |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | 3:00 PM | Round 2 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 9:00 AM | Round 3 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 3:00 PM | Round 4 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 3:00 PM | Round 6 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 9:00 AM | Round 7 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | Around 2:30 PM | Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register by email and complete payment by bank transfer |
| Entry fee | Adults: EUR 50; Youth U18: EUR 40 |
| Deadline | Registration and payment by May 12, 2026 |
| Payment | Bank transfer |
| Check-in | No personal on-site registration is required |
| Registration details | Name, first name, club, and FIDE ID must be sent by email |
| Special note | Registration becomes valid only after the entry fee reaches the organizer’s account |
👥 Organizer
Potsdamer Schachverein-Mitte e.V. organizes this established Ascension weekend event and continues to support competitive rated chess in Potsdam. In addition, the club manages registration, player communication, and tournament operations for the full four-day schedule.
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Email: Anmeldung.Sommeropen@web.de
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Phone: +49 1775724163
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Website: https://psv-mitte.de/
🏨 Venue
Turnhalle der Zeppelin-Grundschule, Haeckelstraße 74, 14471 Potsdam, Germany
The tournament takes place in the gym of Zeppelin Primary School in Potsdam. Moreover, the venue gives players one central playing site for the full seven-round schedule. Separate analysis rooms are also available during the event.
🚗 How to Get There
Players can travel to Potsdam and then continue locally to Haeckelstraße 74 for the playing hall. In addition, using one fixed school venue for all rounds makes daily access straightforward for both local participants and visiting players.
🧾 Other
The organizer provides on-site catering at moderate prices throughout the weekend. In addition, food, alcohol, and technical devices are not allowed inside the tournament hall, and this rule also applies to guests.
Take part in a strong Ascension weekend tournament in Potsdam and enjoy four days of competitive rated chess in one of Brandenburg’s established open events.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $2,800