The Amsterdam Chess Open 2026 takes place from October 23–25, 2026, at the Apollohal in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The fourth edition features six classical rounds across a compact three-day weekend, with two games played on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Players compete in rating-based groups using an accelerated Swiss system. All groups are FIDE Standard and KNSB rated. The time control is 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one.
The published main prize schedule totals €10,755 (approximately $12,470) and is guaranteed when the tournament reaches 650 participants. In addition, eligible members of Schaakbond Groot-Amsterdam compete for separate prizes in the SGA Personal Championship.
📌 Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | October 23–25, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 🏛️ Venue | Apollohal – Apollolaan 4, 1077 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 🏢 Organizer | Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open |
| ♟️ Format | Classical – Accelerated Swiss |
| 🔢 Rounds | 6 |
| 🧩 Groups | A, B, C and D |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Standard and KNSB |
| ⌛ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 🌓 Half-Point Byes | Maximum 2 during Rounds 1–4 |
| 💰 Main Prize Fund | €10,755 (approximately $12,470) at 650 participants |
| ⚖️ Chief Arbiter | IA Sernin van de Krol |
| 👤 Chief Organizer | Jan Timmerman |
Official Website:
https://www.chessopen.amsterdam/en
Tournament Regulations:
https://www.chessopen.amsterdam/en/toernooireglement
Registration:
https://www.toernooiregistratie.nl/en/tournaments/tm_t996kdnx9h8rjcgq9na3eyv4c5/registrations/new
Participants:
https://www.toernooiregistratie.nl/tournaments/tm_t996kdnx9h8rjcgq9na3eyv4c5
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All groups play six rounds. Pairings use an accelerated Swiss system based on FIDE rating.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Accelerated Swiss |
| Rounds | 6 |
| Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Increment | From move 1 |
| Rating | FIDE Standard and KNSB |
| Pairing Basis | FIDE rating |
| Default Time | 30 minutes |
A player who first arrives at the board more than 30 minutes after the scheduled starting time loses the game unless the arbiter decides otherwise.
🌓 Half-Point Byes
Players may request a maximum of two half-point byes during Rounds 1–4.
Each approved bye gives 0.5 points. The request must be submitted to the arbiter of the relevant group before the end of the preceding round.
🔢 Final Ranking
The official regulations determine the final standings using the following order:
| Priority | Criterion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Score |
| 2 | Direct encounter, where applicable |
| 3 | Resistance / Buchholz points |
| 4 | Sonneborn-Berger |
| 5 | Progressive score |
| 6 | Drawing of lots |
Cash prizes are shared when players finish with the same number of points, except for rating prizes.
If a player qualifies for more than one cash prize, only the highest-value prize is awarded.
🏆 Prize Fund
The published main prize schedule totals €10,755 (approximately $12,470) when the tournament reaches 650 participants.
The organizer guarantees this prize schedule at 650 participants. If participation is lower, the prize money will be adjusted proportionally to the number of registrations.
The complete final prize fund, including rating prizes, will be announced during Round 1. Prize money is transferred electronically and is not paid in cash.
🥇 Group A Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €2,000 |
| 2nd | €1,000 |
| 3rd | €750 |
| 4th | €375 |
| 5th | €125 |
🥈 Group B1 & B2 Prizes
The following prizes apply separately to both B1 and B2.
| Place | Prize per Section |
|---|---|
| 1st | €500 |
| 2nd | €250 |
| 3rd | €187.50 |
| 4th | €100 |
| 5th | €75 |
🥉 Group C1 & C2 Prizes
The following prizes apply separately to both C1 and C2.
| Place | Prize per Section |
|---|---|
| 1st | €375 |
| 2nd | €150 |
| 3rd | €115 |
| 4th | €75 |
| 5th | €60 |
🏅 Group D1 & D2 Prizes
The following prizes apply separately to both D1 and D2.
| Place | Prize per Section |
|---|---|
| 1st | €250 |
| 2nd | €100 |
| 3rd | €80 |
| 4th | €60 |
| 5th | €50 |
⭐ Rating Prizes – Group A
| Rating Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Up to 2175 | €400 |
| Up to 2100 | €200 |
⭐ Rating Prizes – Group B1
| Rating Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Up to 1945 | €150 |
| Up to 1890 | €75 |
⭐ Rating Prizes – Group B2
| Rating Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Up to 1945 | €150 |
| Up to 1900 | €75 |
⭐ Rating Prizes – Groups C1 & C2
The following rating prizes apply separately to both C1 and C2.
| Rating Category | Prize per Section |
|---|---|
| Up to 1775 | €100 |
| Up to 1700 | €50 |
⭐ Rating Prizes – Groups D1 & D2
The following rating prizes apply separately to both D1 and D2.
| Rating Category | Prize per Section |
|---|---|
| Up to 1500 | €100 |
| Up to 1000 / Unrated | €50 |
♟️ Sections / Groups
Players compete in rating groups according to their playing strength.
| Group | Eligible Rating |
|---|---|
| Group A | 2050 and above |
| Group B | 1850–2100 |
| Group C | 1650–1900 |
| Group D | 1700 and below |
The published rating ranges intentionally overlap. Therefore, some players may be eligible for more than one group. Players may only enter a group for which their rating makes them eligible.
For group classification, the organizer uses the higher of the player’s FIDE rating and KNSB rating from the October 1, 2026 rating lists.
If neither rating is available, another current national rating may be used. The organizer may also estimate a player’s playing strength from other available information.
Players without an established rating are generally placed in Group D. However, the organizer may make a different classification when there is a specific reason to do so.
🔀 Parallel Sections
Large groups may be divided into parallel sections. Accordingly, the tournament can use B1/B2, C1/C2 and D1/D2.
The published prize schedule already provides separate prizes for these parallel sections.
📅 Schedule
All times are local time in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| Date & Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 23 · 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| Fri, Oct 23 · 3:30 PM | Round 2 |
| Sat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM | Round 3 |
| Sat, Oct 24 · 3:30 PM | Round 4 |
| Sun, Oct 25 · 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| Sun, Oct 25 · 2:30 PM | Round 6 |
| After Round 6 | Prize Giving Ceremony |
The prize-giving ceremony will begin as soon as possible after the conclusion of the final round.
📝 Registration
Registration for the Amsterdam Chess Open 2026 is open. Registration becomes final after the applicable entry fee has been paid.
💳 Entry Fees
| Player Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Player | €50 |
| GM / WGM | Free |
| IM / WIM | Free |
| FM / WFM | €50 |
FM and WFM players were offered a 50% early-registration discount through September 1, 2026. That discount period has now ended.
🪪 Players Without KNSB / FIDE ID
Players who are not members of the KNSB or another chess federation may still register.
An additional €12.50 fee applies because the organizer must arrange the necessary federation registration. The player will subsequently receive KNSB and FIDE identification for future tournaments.
↩️ Cancellation & Refunds
Players may deregister and request a refund until October 9, 2026.
The official FAQ states that a €5 administration fee applies to deregistrations from October 1.
✈️ Invitation Letters
Players who require an invitation letter for a visa application must first register and complete payment.
They may then contact the organizer. Additional information can be requested, and the organizer determines whether an invitation letter can be issued.
👕 Amsterdam Chess Open Sweater
Players may also pre-order an official pink Amsterdam Chess Open sweater through the registration form for €45.
🔗 Official Registration
https://www.toernooiregistratie.nl/en/tournaments/tm_t996kdnx9h8rjcgq9na3eyv4c5/registrations/new
👥 Participant List
https://www.toernooiregistratie.nl/tournaments/tm_t996kdnx9h8rjcgq9na3eyv4c5
👤 Organizer
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer Name | Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open |
| Contact Person | Tournament Team |
| play@amsterdamchessopen.com | |
| Phone / WhatsApp | +31 40 720 1727 |
The email address and WhatsApp number are shared tournament contacts and are handled by different members of the organizing team rather than by one individual.
Tournament Team:
https://www.chessopen.amsterdam/en/wiezijnwij
📍 Venue
Apollohal – Apollolaan 4, 1077 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Amsterdam Chess Open 2026 takes place at the Apollohal in Amsterdam-Zuid. The municipal sports complex includes one large sports hall and two additional gym halls.
The building has national-monument status and a long history as an Amsterdam sports venue.
The venue is wheelchair accessible. It has a step-free entrance, an elevator and accessible toilet facilities.
The Apollohal also offers on-site catering facilities and free Wi-Fi.
🚆 How to Get There
Apollohal is well connected by public transport. Since parking directly next to the venue is very limited, public transport or cycling is generally the most practical option.
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro | De Pijp station is approximately a 15-minute walk from Apollohal |
| 🚋 Tram 5, 24 & 25 | Gerrit van der Veenstraat |
| 🚋 Tram 12 | Van Hillegaertstraat |
| 🚌 Bus 246 | Apollolaan |
| 🚲 Bicycle | Uncovered bicycle parking is available next to the venue |
| 🚗 Car | Small paid parking area next to Apollohal |
The parking area beside Apollohal has only 12 spaces: eight regular spaces, two electric-vehicle spaces and two accessible spaces.
ℹ️ Other Information
🏅 SGA Personal Championship
The Personal Championship of Schaakbond Groot-Amsterdam – PK SGA is incorporated into the Amsterdam Chess Open.
Players who are members of an SGA-affiliated chess club before the start of the tournament are eligible for the championship.
The highest-ranked eligible SGA player in Group A becomes SGA Champion and receives the Wil Haggenburg Challenge Cup.
The champion also earns the right to participate in the qualification tournament for two places in the 2027 Dutch Championship.
💰 SGA Prizes
These prizes are separate from the main Amsterdam Chess Open prize schedule.
| Eligible Section | Prize |
|---|---|
| Group A | €250 |
| Group B1 | €75 |
| Group B2 | €75 |
| Group C1 | €50 |
| Group C2 | €50 |
| Group D1 | €50 |
| Group D2 | €50 |
♟️ Playing Equipment
Players do not need to bring their own chess sets or clocks. The organizer provides the required playing equipment.
📵 Electronic Devices
Players may not carry active mobile phones, smartwatches or other electronic communication devices during play.
A switched-off device may be stored in a permitted location, such as a bag or jacket.
If a stored device is found switched on, the tournament regulations provide a penalty for the first violation. A second violation results in loss of the game.
⏳ Games Exceeding 4.5 Hours
A game that remains unfinished after 4.5 hours may be considered a draw by tournament management for classification and pairing purposes.
This administrative provision allows the next-round pairings to be prepared on schedule.
⚖️ Appeals
Players may appeal a decision of the tournament management.
An appeal must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes after the relevant game ends.
Appeals are considered by a three-member Appeals Committee, with two alternate members available when necessary. The committee’s decision is binding.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $12,470
Organizer
♟️ About Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open
Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open is a non-profit chess event organization based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Founded in 2023, the foundation develops ambitious and accessible over-the-board chess tournaments and events in the Dutch capital. Its activities bring together club players, international competitors, titled players, students, newcomers, volunteers, and the wider Amsterdam chess community.
The foundation was established around the creation of the Amsterdam Chess Open, a new large-scale weekend tournament for the city. The inaugural edition in 2023 welcomed 250 players. Participation increased to approximately 460 players in 2024, while the third edition in 2025 attracted around 650 participants. This rapid growth established the Amsterdam Chess Open as the largest weekend chess tournament in the Netherlands.
Today, Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open has expanded beyond a single annual tournament. In addition to the Amsterdam Chess Open, the foundation organizes the Amsterdam Chess Festival and co-organizes the Sport Pride Amsterdam Chess Open. Through these projects, it combines competitive chess with accessibility, community building, diversity, and new approaches to live chess events.
👥 Board & Organization
The current Board of Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open consists of four members:
Jan Timmerman – Chairman
Jan Timmerman is Chairman of Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open and has played a central role in developing the Amsterdam Chess Open since its creation.
Marjolein Aarten – Executive Producer and Treasurer
Marjolein Aarten is responsible for production and financial management and is actively involved in the foundation’s tournaments and other chess projects.
Yali Hendrix – Student Recruitment & Marketing
Yali Hendrix works on marketing, communication, student engagement, and the wider presentation of the foundation’s events.
IA Sernin van de Krol – Chief Arbiter
International Arbiter Sernin van de Krol leads the tournament’s arbiting operations and also contributes to the technical and organizational development of the foundation’s chess events.
The foundation works with a broader team of organizers, arbiters, coordinators, volunteers, and partners for individual events. Therefore, people involved in the Amsterdam Chess Open tournament weekend are not necessarily members of the Board of Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open.
🏆 Amsterdam Chess Open
The Amsterdam Chess Open is the foundation’s flagship autumn tournament. The event was first held in 2023 and has grown substantially with every edition.
The first tournament welcomed 250 players in 2023. The second edition increased to approximately 460 participants in 2024, while the 2025 edition attracted around 650 players, including grandmasters, international masters, other titled players, and competitors from many countries.
As a result, the Amsterdam Chess Open became the largest weekend chess tournament in the Netherlands. The tournament combines several rating groups, FIDE-rated classical chess, substantial prize funds, and the Personal Championship of Schaakbond Groot-Amsterdam.
The fourth Amsterdam Chess Open takes place from October 23–25, 2026, at the Apollohal in Amsterdam.
Official Website:
https://www.chessopen.amsterdam/
🌍 Amsterdam Chess Festival
Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open also organizes the Amsterdam Chess Festival, a major summer chess event in Amsterdam.
The first Amsterdam Chess Festival took place from July 10–19, 2026, at Montessori Lyceum Oostpoort. The festival succeeded the Amsterdam Science Park Chess Tournament and continues Amsterdam’s tradition of hosting a major annual summer chess tournament.
Its program includes a nine-round classical Swiss tournament together with blitz chess, smaller round-robin tournaments, Freestyle Chess activities, student championships, masterclasses, and other chess events.
The foundation works with Bar Blitz on the organization and presentation of the festival. The inaugural edition also featured appearances by leading Dutch chess figures, including GM Anish Giri and IM Eline Roebers.
Amsterdam Chess Festival:
https://www.amsterdamchessfestival.nl/
🏳️🌈 Sport Pride Amsterdam Chess Open
The foundation is also involved in the Sport Pride Amsterdam Chess Open, an inclusive tournament designed to bring together chess players of different backgrounds and playing levels.
The event began in 2024 and has been organized in cooperation with Sport Pride and other chess-community partners. In 2026, the third edition formed part of the Sport Pride World Games during WorldPride Amsterdam 2026.
The project reflects the foundation’s broader goal of making over-the-board chess welcoming and accessible while connecting established chess communities with new audiences.
🎵 Chess, Community & Cultural Events
Stichting Amsterdam Chess Open also supports chess events that move beyond the traditional tournament-hall format.
Its activities include collaborations that combine chess with Amsterdam’s social and cultural scene. These initiatives introduce over-the-board chess to new audiences and create informal settings where competitive play, music, community, and social interaction can come together.
Information about related techno and chess events can also be found through Resident Advisor:
https://ra.co/promoters/189690
📚 Chess Training & Community Activities
The foundation also promotes chess development outside its major tournaments.
Through the Amsterdam Chess Open platform, players can find chess training opportunities at several locations around Amsterdam. Sessions are offered for different playing levels and include activities for beginners, developing club players, adults, and children.
These initiatives support the foundation’s wider objective of strengthening the local chess community and helping more people move from casual chess into organized over-the-board play.
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