3rd Lehrter Comitec-Open will take place from July 20 – 26, 2026, in Lehrte, Germany. This is a chess tournament in Lehrte, Germany, in 2026.

The tournament offers a full 9-round classical open at the Kurt-Hirschfeld-Forum. Moreover, players can choose between three Elo-based sections.

In addition, the event counts for both FIDE Elo and DWZ rating. Therefore, it gives players a clear summer opportunity for serious classical chess near Hannover.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Format

Players receive 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, each player receives a 30-second increment from move 1.

The tournament uses the Swiss System with 9 rounds. Therefore, players can expect a full classical event across one week.

Pairings and Rating

The open has three Elo-based sections. Moreover, results are submitted for both FIDE Elo and DWZ rating calculation.

The tie-break order starts with middle Buchholz. After that, the number of wins applies. If players still tie, the prize is shared.

Default Time

The default time is 60 minutes from the scheduled round start. Therefore, players should arrive early and avoid unnecessary forfeit risk.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The listed Open prize fund is €5,875, approx. $6,910. The prize list includes main ranking prizes and special prizes in all three sections.

Players cannot receive double prizes. Therefore, the final prize allocation follows the tournament’s prize rules.

A-Open Prizes

B-Open Prizes

C-Open Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

A-Open

The A-Open is the strongest section. Therefore, it suits titled players, strong club players, and ambitious competitors who want a higher-rated field.

B-Open

The B-Open offers a balanced middle section. Moreover, it gives many club players a suitable group for competitive classical games.

C-Open

The C-Open supports lower-rated and developing players. As a result, the tournament can serve several rating levels within the same event.

📅 Schedule

Opening Day

Main Rounds

Prize-Giving

The schedule includes two double-round days. Therefore, players should plan meals, rest, and preparation carefully on July 21 and July 23.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players should register online before the deadline. In addition, the entry fee must be transferred within one week after registration or by July 13 at the latest.

Players must also confirm their presence by 12:00 on July 20. Therefore, arrival planning is important, especially for players traveling on the first tournament day.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Schachklub Lehrte organizes the 3rd Lehrter Comitec-Open in Lehrte. As a result, the tournament continues the club’s growing international open series near Hannover.

Moreover, the event gives players three rating-based sections in one venue. This structure helps create suitable competition for stronger players, club players, and developing participants.

Email: comitec-open@sk-lehrte.de
Phone: +49 176 45953779

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Kurt-Hirschfeld-Forum – Burgdorfer Str. 16, 31275 Lehrte, Germany

Venue Notes

All open tournaments take place at the Kurt-Hirschfeld-Forum in Lehrte. Therefore, players should use the Burgdorfer Str. 16 address when planning local arrival.

The venue gives the event a central playing site for all three open sections. As a result, players can follow the full tournament program from one location.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Lehrte

Lehrte is located in Lower Saxony, close to Hannover. Therefore, many visitors can travel through Hannover and continue to Lehrte by regional train, car, or local transport.

Players arriving from outside the region should allow enough time before the on-site confirmation deadline on July 20. In addition, Round 1 starts at 13:00, so opening-day travel needs careful timing.

Local Planning

The tournament lasts seven days and includes two double-round days. Therefore, staying near Lehrte or with easy access to the venue can make the week more comfortable.

Players should also check transport options for the early 09:00 rounds. This is especially useful on July 21 and July 23.

ℹ️ Other Information

Tournament Website and Live Games

Pairings, results, tournament information, and live games are available through the tournament website. Therefore, players and spectators can follow the event online during the week.

Parallel IM Tournament

A closed IM tournament runs in parallel with the open events. However, registration for that closed tournament is not open.

Practical Notes

The organizers may offer appearance fees or other support to titled players upon request. In addition, GM, IM, WGM, and WIM players can enter the open without an entry fee.

Finally, the 3rd Lehrter Comitec-Open offers a full classical chess week with three rating-based sections, FIDE and DWZ rating calculation, and a practical tournament venue near Hannover.