2026 Faculty of Computer Science Dalhousie Atlantic Cup (DAC) runs from May 22-31, 2026 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This is a chess tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2026. The event combines a seven-round over-the-board chess tournament qualifier, an emerging players section, and a final eight-player bracket held one week later. Dalhousie University’s Goldberg Computer Science Building hosts the festival, and the full program offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 1,650.

Moreover, this chess tournament in Halifax stands out because it blends serious rated competition with a broader chess festival atmosphere. The 2026 Faculty of Computer Science Dalhousie Atlantic Cup includes a FIDE rated chess tournament qualifier, a CFC-rated emerging section, and a separate final bracket for the top eight players from the main section. In addition, the week between the qualifier and the final includes side activities such as a chess quiz, Bughouse, and community events. As a result, this chess event in Halifax is an appealing option for titled players, ambitious club competitors, and emerging players who want a festive but competitive classical chess tournament in Atlantic Canada.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The total confirmed cash prize fund is CAD 2,250. Prize amounts are based on 30 entrants per section.

In addition, the DAC Qualifier awards medals for 6th, 7th, and 8th place, while the DAC Final also awards medals for 6th, 7th, and 8th place. Money prizes are split equally among tied participants. However, qualification places and non-cash awards use the published tie-break system.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The DAC Qualifier and DAC Emerging Players sections both use a 7-round Swiss system. Each player receives 60 minutes for the game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, both sections follow a compact classical chess tournament format across the full weekend.

The DAC Final uses a multi-level bracket system for the top eight qualifier finishers. Each match consists of two games, one with White and one with Black, with colors decided by coin flip before the first game. If a match ends level, the players contest a two-game playoff at 3 minutes plus 2 seconds. If the playoff also ends tied, the winner is decided by Armageddon. In addition, the default time is 30 minutes after the scheduled start of the round.

Players may request up to two half-point byes in the qualifier events, but those requests must be submitted to the chief arbiter before the tournament begins. The published tie-break order for qualification and non-money prizes is Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, direct encounter, greater number of wins, and greater number of wins with Black.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

The Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University sponsors this Halifax chess festival and supports both the competitive and community sides of the event. In addition, the organizing team manages registration, side activities, and tournament operations across the qualifier, emerging section, and final bracket.

• Address: Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 1W5, Canada

🏨 Venue

Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 1W5, Canada

The main festival takes place inside Dalhousie University’s Goldberg Computer Science Building. The qualifier is held in Room 143, the emerging section is held in Room 134, and side events use Auditorium C127 and nearby spaces in the building. Moreover, the DAC Final also returns to Room 143 one week later.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue is on Dalhousie University’s Studley campus in Halifax. In addition, players can use the campus address on University Avenue to reach the building directly and then follow the internal room guidance for each event.

🧾 Other

The week between the qualifier and the final includes a chess quiz, a musical event, Bughouse, and a friendly soccer match at Gorsebrook Park. These activities give the DAC a festival character beyond standard tournament play.

Enjoy a full chess week in Halifax and take part in a unique Atlantic event that combines rated competition, side activities, and a final bracket for the top qualifier finishers.