2nd Chess Tournament in Gournay-en-Bray
2e tournoi fermé à norme de MI du Pays de Bray takes place from May 10-17, 2026 in Gournay-en-Bray, France. This is a chess tournament in Gournay-en-Bray, France, in 2026. The event is a closed international chess tournament organized for IM norm chances, and it uses a full classical chess tournament format with nine rounds. The competition is held at L’Atelier, and it follows a round-robin system rather than a Swiss format.
Moreover, this chess tournament in Gournay-en-Bray offers a focused high-level setting for norm seekers and titled players in Normandy. In addition, the 2e tournoi fermé à norme de MI du Pays de Bray combines a clear daily schedule, FIDE rules, and a dedicated playing venue across a full week of serious over-the-board chess tournament play. As a result, this chess event in Gournay-en-Bray stands out as a strong IM norm opportunity in France.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 10-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Gournay-en-Bray, France |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round round-robin tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| 📂 Sections | 1 section |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | €150 for norm candidates |
| 👤 Eligibility | Closed IM norm tournament; conditions for titled and invited players are arranged individually |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Pairings are drawn in advance and published before the event |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a round-robin pairing system with nine rounds. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves and then 30 additional 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 week.
In addition, the regulations apply the FIDE Laws of Chess in force from January 1, 2023. The organizer uses PAPI 3.3.8 for computerized pairings, while the full draw is completed before the tournament begins. The default time is 30 minutes from the start of the round. Tie-breaks follow this order: number of wins, Sonneborn-Berger, Koya, and direct encounter.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one closed IM norm section.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2026 | Sunday | 3:00 PM | Round 1 |
| May 11, 2026 | Monday | 9:30 AM | Round 2 |
| May 11, 2026 | Monday | 4:00 PM | Round 3 |
| May 12, 2026 | Tuesday | 3:00 PM | Round 4 |
| May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | 3:00 PM | Round 5 |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | 3:00 PM | Round 6 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 3:00 PM | Round 7 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 3:00 PM | Round 8 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 AM | Round 9 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 3:00 PM | Closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Apply directly to the organizer by email |
| Entry fee | €150 for norm candidates |
| Special conditions | Terms for titled players and foreign players are negotiated individually |
| Registration details | Applicants should send FIDE ID, Elo, and any relevant supporting information |
👥 Organizer
L’Echiquier du Pays de Bray organizes this closed IM norm tournament and continues to develop higher-level rated chess activity in Gournay-en-Bray. In addition, the club manages invitations, player communication, and tournament operations for the full event week.
🏨 Venue
L’Atelier, 44 avenue du Général Leclerc, 76220 Gournay-en-Bray, France
The tournament takes place at L’Atelier in Gournay-en-Bray. Moreover, the venue gives the event one dedicated playing site for the entire nine-round schedule. This setup keeps the week practical and focused for a closed norm tournament.
🚗 How to Get There
Players can travel to Gournay-en-Bray and then continue locally to avenue du Général Leclerc for the playing hall. In addition, using one fixed venue for the full event makes daily access simpler for all participants.
🧾 Other
Smoking is prohibited in the playing room. Analysis is also forbidden inside the tournament hall, and players must avoid conversation during games. Electronic communication devices are not allowed in the playing area unless they are handed to the arbiter before the round begins.
Any appeal must be submitted in writing to the chief arbiter no later than one hour after the end of the round. The event also forms an appeals committee with an arbiter, an organizer, and a players’ representative.
Spend a focused chess week in Normandy and compete in a serious IM norm event with clear playing conditions and a full classical schedule.
Date And Time
17-05-2026
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Organizer
L’Echiquier du Pays de Bray is a Gournay-en-Bray-based chess club and active tournament organizer in Normandy, France. It plays a visible role in the local chess scene and supports both leisure players and serious competitors. Moreover, the club has built a strong regional identity through regular activity and well-established over-the-board events.
The organization runs weekly club sessions, team competition, and a broad calendar of classical chess, youth events, and rapid chess tournaments. In addition, it is known for its recurring Pays de Bray festival and international open events in Gournay-en-Bray. As a result, the club stands out as a reliable chess organizer for players looking for structured competition in northern France.
Beyond tournament hosting, the club also supports junior chess and ongoing player development through local instruction and school-related activity. Furthermore, its sustained presence in league play strengthens its profile as a community-rooted chess association with lasting regional impact.
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