5th Blue Chevaliers International Open 2026 takes place on September 7-13, 2026, in Phuket, Thailand. The event offers a 9-round classical Swiss tournament at Novotel Phuket Resort, Patong Beach.

This is a chess tournament in Phuket, Thailand, in 2026. Players can compete in a FIDE-rated chess tournament with a 90 minutes + 30 seconds classical time control and a strong international field.

The tournament also includes Bami’s Blitz on September 10. In addition, players can use discounted resort accommodation, a venue shuttle service, and a full week of chess near Patong Beach.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Main Tournament

The main tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one.

The event counts for FIDE Standard rating. Therefore, it offers a serious classical chess tournament for players who want long games, rating value, and international competition.

Players may request up to two half-point byes in Rounds 2–7. They must request the bye at the arbiter table before the pairing for the relevant round appears.

The tournament allows draw offers at any time. Tie-breaks follow the procedures listed on the Chess-Results tournament page.

Bami’s Blitz

Bami’s Blitz takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2026. It uses 10 rounds with a time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move.

The blitz tournament counts for FIDE Blitz rating. As a result, players can add a fast blitz chess tournament to their Phuket chess week.

💰 Prize Fund

The confirmed total prize fund is 413,000 THB, approximately $13,000. The main tournament prizes, female prizes, sectional prizes, and Bami’s Blitz prizes are all included in this total.

All listed cash prizes are guaranteed. In addition, each player may win only one cash prize.

Open Championship Prizes

Female Championship Prizes

Sectional Group Prizes

From the 21st seed, the field will be divided into three equal groups by Elo rating.

Bami’s Blitz Prizes

Trophy and medal awards also apply for the open, female, players aged over 50, junior, and sectional categories.

🧩 Sections / Groups

Players from any federation may enter the main open. However, they must have a FIDE ID and a minimum standard Elo rating of 1400.

Players under 18 on September 7, 2026 may enter subject to the tournament’s competitive fairness review.

📅 Schedule

Prize winners must attend the ceremony to collect their prizes.

📝 Registration

Players should email their name, FIDE ID, and date of birth before payment. After acceptance, Thailand-based players must transfer the entry fee within five business days and send the payment receipt by email.

Players not based in Thailand may confirm entry by emailing an image of their flight booking by July 7, 2026. They then pay their entry fee in cash during registration on September 7.

Bami’s Blitz Registration

🏛️ Organizer

Blue Chevaliers and Red Knight Chess Club present the 5th Blue Chevaliers International Open 2026. The event brings international players to Phuket for a full week of classical chess, strong prizes, FIDE-rated blitz, and high-quality resort playing conditions.

Email: peter.frost3@yahoo.com.au

📍 Venue

Novotel Phuket Resort, 282 Phrabaramee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

The tournament takes place in the Siam Conference Centre inside Novotel Phuket Resort. The playing rooms are modern, carpeted, and fully air-conditioned, which gives players comfortable conditions during long classical games.

The playing area involves a short uphill walk. However, a continuous tuk-tuk shuttle will run from the base of the hill from 30 minutes before each round.

🏨 Accommodation

Novotel Phuket Resort

Discounted tournament room rates apply for players during September 6–14, 2026. The rates include all taxes, charges, and full breakfast.

Players should book directly with the resort by email and quote “Blue Chevaliers International Open Participant.” The discounted rates remain valid until August 15, 2026, subject to room availability.

Hotel booking emails: H1965-RE1@accor.com and H1965-RE@accor.com

Grandmaster Accommodation

A limited Grandmaster package offers selected GM titleholders a 2,000 THB nightly rate, breakfast included, with automatic upgrade to a Deluxe Seaview room. The offer applies to up to six rooms and requires a minimum standard Elo rating of 2450.

🚆 How to Get There

Players should use Novotel Phuket Resort, 282 Phrabaramee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, as the main navigation address.

Phuket International Airport serves the island. From the airport, players can continue to Patong by taxi, private transfer, airport transport, or rental car.

Novotel Phuket Resort sits near Patong Beach, so players staying nearby can also reach the venue by local taxi or hotel transport.

ℹ️ Other Information

The top ten boards will have games available online within 24 hours after the relevant round finishes.

Players may not possess a mobile phone or other electronic device at the board. In addition, digital watches will be confiscated and returned after play.

The organizers may conduct random scans for electronic devices. They also check rest rooms during the tournament.

Players should wear appropriate clothing with sleeved shirts in public resort areas and playing rooms.

Spectators may watch games, but they should avoid disturbing players or staying fixed on one board. The chief arbiter may clear spectators from a playing room if needed.

Photography is not allowed once play starts. However, the official photographer and arbiter may take player photos during selected rounds.

The 5th Blue Chevaliers International Open 2026 offers a full Phuket chess week with classical games, blitz action, strong prizes, and a relaxed Andaman Sea setting.