48 Trusts Chess Open 2026 takes place from May 30-June 1, 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand. This is a chess tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2026. The event is a major over-the-board chess tournament with four separate sections, six rounds, and a full classical chess tournament format over King’s Birthday weekend. Te Pai Centre in Henderson hosts the competition, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 5,700.

Moreover, this chess tournament in Auckland stands out as one of New Zealand’s best-known weekend events. The 48 Trusts Chess Open 2026 combines clear section choices, a strong prize structure, and a practical West Auckland venue close to hotel accommodation. In addition, the event includes bonus prizes, grade prizes, and upset prizes across several groups. As a result, this chess event in Auckland appeals to top players, club competitors, juniors, and developing talents who want a serious holiday weekend tournament in New Zealand.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The published cash prize fund totals NZD 4,510, plus bonuses and round upset prizes. However, the organizers reserve the right to adjust the prize fund if entries are substantially lower than in previous years.

In addition, the A Tournament offers a NZD 150 bonus for a perfect 6/6 score, three NZD 100 grade prizes, and a NZD 20 upset prize in each round. The B Tournament adds a NZD 100 bonus for 6/6, three NZD 75 grade prizes, and a NZD 20 upset prize in each round. The C Tournament adds a NZD 50 bonus for 6/6, three NZD 50 grade prizes, and a NZD 20 upset prize in each round.

The Junior Tournament also includes extra age prizes. The top Under 10 player receives NZD 60 for first place and NZD 40 for second place. Meanwhile, the top Under 8 player receives NZD 60 for first place and NZD 40 for second place.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The event uses four separate 6-round Swiss tournaments. Each player receives 90 minutes for the full game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the event follows a full classical chess tournament structure across the entire weekend.

In addition, the organizers apply a positive-chess rule. Agreed draws under 30 moves are not permitted. A first breach results in the loss of 50% of any prize money, while a second breach results in the loss of 100% of any prize money.

📂 Sections / Groups

Players rated between 1800 and 1999 may enter either the A Tournament or the B Tournament. In addition, other players may enter a higher tournament, although the organizers reserve the right to move them if the chosen section is inappropriate.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Waitakere Chess Club organizes this long-running Auckland weekender and continues to run one of the best-known standard tournaments in New Zealand. In addition, the club manages entries, section administration, and tournament operations across all four groups.

• Address: Te Pai Centre, Corner of Lincoln Road and Te Pai Place, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand

• Phone: +64 20 4111 9751

• Website: https://waitakerechess.co.nz/tournaments/trusts-open-2026/

🏨 Venue

Te Pai Centre, Corner of Lincoln Road and Te Pai Place, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand

The tournament takes place at Te Pai Centre in Henderson, opposite Quality Hotel Lincoln Green. Moreover, the venue gives the event one practical playing site for the full King’s Birthday weekend schedule. Players also benefit from a West Auckland location with nearby accommodation and dining options.

🛎️ Accommodation

Quality Hotel Lincoln Green offers a discount for tournament participants. Players should quote “the 48 Trusts Open” when booking.

🚗 How to Get There

Players can reach the venue in Henderson through West Auckland road connections. In addition, the Te Pai Centre location near Lincoln Road makes local arrival straightforward for players staying in Auckland or nearby hotel accommodation.

🧾 Other

Complimentary coffee, tea, and chilled water will be available throughout the event. In addition, the organizers recommend dinner at the nearby Quality Hotel Lincoln Green.

Take on a full King’s Birthday weekend of rated chess in Auckland and enjoy one of New Zealand’s leading classical weekend tournaments.