41st National Age Group Chess Championships 2026 will take place from December 1 to 6, 2026, in Singapore. The Singapore Chess Federation organizes the championship with support from One Punggol.

The National Age Group Chess Championships, also known as NAG, is one of Singapore’s main youth chess events. The tournament welcomes eligible players with a FIDE ID, and participation is open to both Singapore-based players and foreign players.

The championship uses a classical time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment from move one. It has 9 rounds, six age groups, Open and Girls awards, and qualification value for the SCF National Training Programme and National Junior Squad pathways.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The championship uses a 9-round FIDE-rated classical format. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.

Players should use their time carefully because this is a classical event. In addition, parents and coaches should remind young players to calculate patiently and avoid playing too quickly.

Players who default a round will not receive a pairing for the next round unless they inform the Tournament Director about their absence.

Tie-Breaks

🏆 Awards and Recognition

The championship gives awards, titles, training opportunities, and cash prizes.

Only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can receive the title of Singapore National Champion in their respective age groups.

Cash Prizes

The organizer awards these cash prizes to the top 3 Open and top 3 Girls in each age category.

📂 Sections / Groups

The championship has six age categories. Boys and girls play in the same pool within their age category, but Open and Girls prizes are awarded separately.

Players may enter a higher category if their age allows it. However, they cannot enter a lower age category.

Each player may enter only one category. Multiple entries will be voided.

📅 Schedule

The tournament begins on Tuesday, December 1, with a tournament briefing at 8:45 AM.

Most days have one or two classical rounds. The final round takes place on Sunday, December 6, followed by the prize presentation and possible play-offs.

♟️ Play-Offs

A play-off will take place only if players tie for the title of Singapore National Champion.

A maximum of 4 players, based on Buchholz Cut 1, may enter the play-off.

If three players qualify, the second and third players by tie-break compete in the semi-final. The player with the best tie-break goes directly to the final.

If four players qualify, the semi-finals are 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd based on tie-break order.

📝 Registration

Players must register through the official SCF registration page.

Entries without proof of payment will be voided. In addition, the organizer may accept or reject entries without assigning reasons.

Entry Fees

Fees include GST.

Payment Methods

Players should save a screenshot or proof of payment because the registration form requires payment evidence.

👥 Organizer

The Singapore Chess Federation organizes the 41st National Age Group Chess Championships 2026 as one of its key youth chess events.

The championship gives young players a serious classical tournament environment. Moreover, strong results can support selection into Singapore’s youth training structure, including the National Training Programme and National Junior Squad.

Foreign players can also participate if they meet the age eligibility and have a FIDE ID. This gives the event an international youth chess character while keeping its main national championship function for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

📍 Venue

One Punggol, Level 5 Auditorium – 1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629.

The championship takes place at One Punggol, with games scheduled in the Level 5 Auditorium.

Players should use the full venue address when planning their route to the playing hall.

🏨 Accommodation

Players traveling from outside Singapore may look for accommodation in Punggol, Sengkang, Serangoon, Pasir Ris, Tampines, or central Singapore.

Staying near the North East Line or near Punggol can reduce daily travel time during the six-day championship.

🚆 How to Get There

One Punggol is accessible by MRT, LRT, bus, taxi, and rideshare.

Players arriving by MRT can travel to Punggol MRT Station and continue to One Punggol. Alternatively, players can use Sam Kee LRT Station for closer access.

Players arriving by car or rideshare should use the full venue address:

One Punggol, Level 5 Auditorium – 1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629.

ℹ️ Other Information

Players must keep mobile phones, watches, wallets, and other personal belongings in their bags. They must place their bags beneath the table during games.

Arbiters and Fair Play Officers may conduct metal-detector or manual searches before, during, or after games. Players must also seek arbiter permission before leaving the playing area.

Once players finish their games, they become spectators and must leave the playing area. Parents, accompanying persons, and other non-players cannot enter the playing area during rounds.

SCF does not tolerate abusive behavior toward organizers, arbiters, volunteers, players, parents, or other stakeholders. The organizer may take disciplinary action if needed.

Join the 41st National Age Group Chess Championships 2026 in Singapore and compete in one of the country’s key youth classical chess championships.