2nd Schwaigern Open 2026 runs from May 14-17, 2026 in Schwaigern, Germany. This is a chess tournament in Schwaigern, Germany, in 2026. It takes place over the Ascension weekend and returns after a strong first edition.

SchachFreunde Schwaigern 2009 e.V. stages the event at Horst-Haug-Halle in Schwaigern. Moreover, the tournament combines a classical format, three rating-based sections, and a prize fund of more than EUR 6,000.

Players can choose the open A tournament, the B tournament for players under DWZ 1800, or the C tournament for players under DWZ 1400. In addition, the event keeps the flexible bye system that proved popular in 2025. As a result, the open offers both serious chess and practical scheduling.

🏁 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

All three sections use the same classical Fischer time control. Therefore, every round gives players enough time for deep standard chess.

The event follows the FIDE Laws of Chess. Meanwhile, the A and B tournaments count for both Elo and DWZ, while the C tournament counts for DWZ only. For section eligibility, the organizer uses the FIDE and German rating lists available on May 7, 2026.

The flexible bye rule returns in 2026. Players may take up to two byes during the tournament. However, they must request each bye before pairings are made. Also, no player may take a bye in the last two rounds. For round one, the request must go by email in advance. After that, any player who starts in round two must report to the tournament desk by 2:00 PM.

The grace period is 30 minutes in every section. In addition, players must hand in their score sheets at the result desk after each game. Otherwise, the organizer may score the game 0-0. During play, phones, smartwatches, and similar devices must remain fully switched off and must not stay on the body.

💰 Prize Fund

The event advertises a total prize fund of more than EUR 6,000. Even so, the fixed main prizes alone already reach EUR 5,450. On top of that, the organizer adds rating prizes and special prizes. Consequently, the overall prize package moves beyond the EUR 6,000 mark.

A rating-prize system adds more depth to the event. For the A tournament, the rating groups cover players under 2100 and under 1900. The B tournament uses under 1700 and under 1500 groups, while the C tournament uses under 1000 and unrated groups. The organizer posts the exact rating-prize amounts in the tournament hall.

Special prizes also broaden the structure. Depending on participation, the published categories include players aged 60 and above, women, several youth age groups, the best SF Schwaigern player, the oldest participant, and the youngest participant.

The organizer guarantees the published main and rating prizes from these thresholds: 60 paying players in A, 50 in B, and 40 in C. Finally, prize money follows the Hort system, no double prizes are allowed, and players must attend the prize ceremony to receive prize money.

♟️ Sections / Groups

This three-section setup gives the tournament broad appeal. On one side, stronger Elo players can compete in the open section. On the other side, club players, juniors, and improving competitors can choose rating-based groups that fit their level more closely.

📅 Schedule

The schedule includes three double-round days. Nevertheless, the bye rule still gives players some flexibility when needed.

📝 Registration

Players with DWZ or Elo above 2400 first register like everyone else. Then, after the event, the organizer refunds their entry fee if they do not forfeit games and do not withdraw. The same refund rule also applies to SF Schwaigern members.

The cancellation policy is clear as well. Until April 30, the organizer refunds the full entry fee. From May 1 to May 10, the organizer keeps a €10 processing fee. After May 10, no refund applies. If the organizer cancels the tournament, paid entry fees are refunded in full. However, in cases of force majeure or an official order, the organizer may still keep a €10 processing fee.

👤 Organizer

SchachFreunde Schwaigern 2009 e.V. runs the event with a clearly structured local team. Ottmar Seidler and Michael Müller lead the open, while Tobias Hermann and Thomas Berger handle tournament operations and the hotline. Because of that setup, players get clear contacts before the first round and during the event.

Phone: +49 176 58865901
Email: tobias.hermann2802@gmx.de

📍 Venue

Horst-Haug-Halle, Falltorstraße 22, 74193 Schwaigern, Germany

The tournament takes place in the Horst-Haug-Halle near the local sports ground. Moreover, the venue offers drinks, lunch, and dinner on site. Because of that catering setup, self-catering is not allowed inside the playing hall.

🚗 How to Get There

Schwaigern is easiest to reach by car from the Heilbronn area. At the same time, the early hall opening on the double-round days makes an earlier arrival the safer choice, especially on Thursday morning.

It is a strong holiday-weekend open for players who want classical chess, flexible scheduling, and a well-defined section structure.