4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi takes place on April 12, 2026 in Pisignano, Italy and offers a competitive one-day FIDE rated rapid chess tournament for players who want fast and serious over-the-board games in Apulia. The event runs at Palazzo Severini-Romano and uses a 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment time control over 6 rounds. In addition, the tournament counts for FSI Rapid Elo changes, which gives the event clear value for players seeking official rapid chess in southern Italy.
The 4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi combines a compact afternoon schedule, a confirmed cash prize fund, and a simple registration process for local players and visitors. Moreover, the event welcomes all players and honors Alessandro Verardi through a well-structured memorial tournament in Pisignano, Italy. As a result, the 4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi stands out as an attractive rapid chess tournament for spring 2026.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | April 12, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Pisignano, Italy |
| ♟️ Format | Open rapid chess tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FSI Rapid rated |
| ⏱️ Time control | 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment |
| 💳 Entry fee | EUR 15; EUR 12 for members of Accademia Salentina degli Scacchi and Lecce Scacchi |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 325 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to all players with valid FSI 2026 membership |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | FIDE Rapid rules apply |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Prize / Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st place | EUR 120 + cup |
| 2nd place | EUR 80 + cup |
| 3rd place | EUR 60 + cup |
| 4th place | EUR 40 |
Prize money is not cumulative. In addition, a 20% withholding tax applies to cash prizes according to current regulations.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The 4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi uses a 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment time control and runs over 6 rounds. In addition, the tournament follows the Swiss system and applies the current FIDE Rapid rules.
Tie-breaks follow this order: direct encounter, Buchholz Total, and Buchholz Cut 1. A player who is absent at the start of a round loses the game when the flag falls.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament uses one open section for all participants.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 15:45 | Registration closes and Round 1 pairing |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | 16:00 | Round 1 |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | After Round 1 | Following rounds |
| April 12, 2026 | Sunday | After the last round | Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Pre-register by email or phone/SMS |
| Entry fee details | EUR 15; EUR 12 for members of Accademia Salentina degli Scacchi and Lecce Scacchi |
| Membership requirement | FSI 2026 membership required; Junior for U18 players and Ordinary for adults |
| Confirmation / check-in rules | Entries are accepted until 15:45 on April 12, 2026 |
👥 Organizer
A.S.D. Accademia Salentina degli Scacchi di Pisignano organizes the 4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi in Pisignano and continues to support competitive rapid chess in the Lecce area. Moreover, the club offers players a practical memorial event with official rating validity, a compact format, and a clear prize structure.
-
Phone: +39 339 306 0033
-
Website: https://federscacchipuglia.it/
🏨 Venue
Palazzo Severini-Romano, Via Lecce 1, Pisignano (LE), Italy
Palazzo Severini-Romano hosts the tournament in Pisignano and gives players a clear playing venue for this one-day rapid chess event. In addition, the central location makes the event practical for participants arriving from nearby towns in the Lecce area.
🚗 How to Get There
Players should travel directly to Palazzo Severini-Romano at Via Lecce 1 in Pisignano, Italy. Therefore, an early arrival will help participants complete registration by 15:45 and get ready for the first round at 16:00.
The 4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi offers rated rapid chess, a focused memorial format, and a strong local competitive setting for players who want spring tournament action in Pisignano.
🧾 Other
Players must keep mobile phones and other electronic devices completely switched off in the playing area. Moreover, any violation of the electronic device rule results in loss of the game.
Participation also implies acceptance of the tournament regulations and consent to the publication of player data, photographs, and videos on the official website and related channels.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $325
Organizer
Accademia Salentina degli Scacchi is an established chess club and active chess organizer based in Pisignano, in the province of Lecce, Italy. The association plays a prominent role in the Salento chess scene and has developed a strong reputation for community engagement and competitive activity. Moreover, it serves as an important local center for organized chess in southern Apulia.
The club runs a broad calendar of events and supports both recreational and serious tournament players. In addition, it organizes rapid chess, blitz chess, festival events, and other open chess tournament competitions throughout the year. The 4° Memorial Alessandro Verardi belongs to this same event structure and reflects the club’s role as a reliable tournament organizer for official rated play.
Beyond tournament organization, the association also promotes chess training and youth development through its federal chess school and long-term club activity. Furthermore, it has built a visible identity through recurring events, educational work, and strong participation in regional chess life. As a result, Accademia Salentina degli Scacchi remains an important FIDE-rated tournament and community chess organizer in Salento.
