7th International E. Lasker Rapid Chess Festival 2026 takes place on August 29, 2026, in Barlinek, Poland. The event honors Emanuel Lasker, the world chess champion who was born in Barlinek.

This is a chess tournament in Barlinek, Poland, in 2026. Players can compete in a one-day rapid chess tournament with 9 Swiss-system rounds, an Open section, and a separate youth tournament.

The festival takes place at Europejskie Centrum Spotkań. In addition, the entry fee includes a lunch snack and coffee buffet, which makes the compact Saturday schedule easier for players and families.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Tournament A – Open

Tournament A runs as a 9-round Swiss event. Each player receives 12 minutes for the game, plus a 3-second increment per move.

The Open section counts for FIDE Rapid rating. Therefore, players need a FIDE ID to enter Tournament A.

Tournament B – Youth

Tournament B also runs over 9 rounds. Each player receives 15 minutes for the game.

The youth tournament is open to players under 18. In addition, the organizer provides separate youth awards within the section.

The festival follows current FIDE rules. Final standings depend first on points. If players finish level, Buchholz, Buchholz Cut 1, and further tie-breaks set by the arbiter decide the order.

💰 Prize Fund

The confirmed cash prize fund is 2,100 PLN, approximately $570. Cash prizes apply to Tournament A, while Tournament B offers trophies, certificates, and non-cash prizes.

Tournament-A Prizes

Tournament-B Awards

Tournament B awards trophies, certificates, and non-cash prizes for youth classifications. In addition, the organizer may add further special non-cash prizes depending on the number of participants.

Prizes are not cumulative.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The total field is limited to 90 players. As a result, early registration is recommended, especially for players who plan to travel from Germany or other regions.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players from Germany may pay the entry fee by bank transfer to the euro account of the Barlinek Cultural Centre. However, cash payment on the tournament day costs more, so advance payment gives players the better fee.

🏛️ Organizer

Barlineker Kulturzentrum, the Stadtverwaltung von Barlinek, and Schachklub LASKER Barlinek organize the 7th International E. Lasker Rapid Chess Festival. The event preserves the memory of Emanuel Lasker and brings players to his birthplace for a friendly international chess day.

Email: Hans-Juergen.Hochgraefe@hs-wismar.de
Phone: +48 662 635 134

📍 Venue

Europejskie Centrum Spotkań, ul. Leśna 1, 74-320 Barlinek, Poland

The tournament takes place at Europejskie Centrum Spotkań in Barlinek. Players should use the full ul. Leśna 1 address for navigation and arrive before the registration period closes.

🏨 Accommodation

Accommodation guidance for German participants is available on request. Players who need support with overnight options should contact the registration email before making travel plans.

🚆 How to Get There

Barlinek is located in northwestern Poland. Players can reach the town by car or regional transport from nearby Polish and German cities.

The venue address gives players a clear navigation point on the tournament day. Because registration closes at 9:45, visitors should allow enough time for travel, parking, and check-in.

ℹ️ Other Information

The entry fee includes a lunch snack and a coffee buffet. Therefore, players can stay close to the playing hall during the main break.

FA Arkadiusz Korbal serves as arbiter. The tournament also receives support from the German Chess Federation, ChessBase, and the Emanuel Lasker Society in Berlin.

The 7th International E. Lasker Rapid Chess Festival offers a meaningful rapid chess day in Barlinek, with rated play, youth chess, and a strong historical connection to Emanuel Lasker.