Golden Knight IM-GM norm achieving tournament
Titled norm seekers can target IM and GM results at the Golden Knight – Chess tournaments for IM and GM norms from Monday, February 9 to Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Hajdúszoboszló, Hungary. The organizer runs these norm events as 9-round round-robin groups under FIDE rules, giving ambitious players a structured environment for norm attempts. The tournament takes place in the Hotel Hőforrás Conference Hall, which supports a focused playing setup for a full week of classical chess.
The event runs two parallel groups, an IM group and a GM group, with entry fees set by the player’s February FIDE rating. Each game uses a classical control of 2 × 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move from move 1, and the schedule alternates morning and afternoon rounds across six days. The organizer also provides accommodation options in Hajdúszoboszló and clear refund rules for withdrawals.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | February 9-14, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Hajdúszoboszló, Hungary |
| 🏨 Venue | Hotel Hőforrás Conference Hall, 21 Mátyás király sétány, 4200 Hajdúszoboszló, Hungary |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Round Robin |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated (norm event format) |
| 📂 Sections | IM Group; GM Group |
| ⏱️ Time control | 2 × 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Default time 30 minutes; no round postponements |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a single classical time control for every game: 2 × 90 minutes with a 30-second increment per move from move one. The organizer applies FIDE Laws of Chess and runs each group as a 9-round round-robin, which means every participant plays each opponent in their group once.
The organizer enforces a 30-minute default time. The event does not allow round postponements.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IM Group | Norm-seeking players (entry fee depends on February FIDE rating) | Round-robin, 9 rounds |
| GM Group | Norm-seeking players (entry fee depends on February FIDE rating) | Round-robin, 9 rounds |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 9, 2026 | Monday | 16:00 | Round 1 |
| February 10, 2026 | Tuesday | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| February 10, 2026 | Tuesday | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| February 11, 2026 | Wednesday | 10:00 | Round 4 |
| February 12, 2026 | Thursday | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| February 12, 2026 | Thursday | 16:00 | Round 6 |
| February 13, 2026 | Friday | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| February 13, 2026 | Friday | 16:00 | Round 8 |
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 | Round 9 |
📝 Registration
Players register by email and must provide their name, FIDE ID, and requested group.
Email: hsisakkiskola@gmail.com
The organizer sets entry fees based on the player’s February FIDE rating. Players must hold a valid 2026 playing license or HPL.
HPL option:
• Hungarian Playing Licence (HPL): €20, valid for 365 days from the payment date
Entry fee – IM Group:
| February FIDE rating | Entry fee |
|---|---|
| 2400+ | €100 |
| 2351–2400 | €150 |
| 2301–2350 | €175 |
| 2251–2300 | €225 |
| 2201–2250 | €325 |
| 2151–2200 | €400 |
| 2100–2150 | €500 |
Entry fee – GM Group:
| February FIDE rating | Entry fee |
|---|---|
| 2501+ | €200 |
| 2451–2500 | €275 |
| 2401–2450 | €325 |
| 2351–2400 | €425 |
| 2301–2350 | €500 |
| 2250–2300 | €600 |
The organizer requires part of the entry fee in advance by bank transfer (agreed via email). Players pay the remaining amount in cash before Round 1.
Refund rules:
• Until December 31: full refund
• January 1–31: 50% refund
• From February 1: no refund
👥 Organizer
Dominik Herka organizes Golden Knight to support norm opportunities in eastern Hungary and to provide strong playing chances for top Hungarian youth players and international participants.
Email: hsisakkiskola@gmail.com
Phone: +36 30 279 4250
🏨 Venue
Hotel Hőforrás Conference Hall hosts the tournament at 21 Mátyás király sétány, 4200 Hajdúszoboszló, Hungary. The conference setting supports a dedicated playing space suitable for round-robin norm groups and consistent daily scheduling.
🛎️ Accommodation
Players can book accommodation through the following options:
Magyar Apartman: https://magyar-apartman.hu
Hotel Hőforrás: https://www.hotelhoforras.hu
Hotel Hőforrás special offer for players:
• 19,900 HUF per person per night + local tax
Other options:
https://www.booking.com
For accommodation help:
Email: hsisakkiskola@gmail.com
Phone: +36 30 279 4250
🚗 How to Get There
Hajdúszoboszló sits within driving distance of multiple airports, which makes travel practical for international players.
Airports by car:
• Debrecen Airport (DEB): about 30 minutes
• Oradea Airport (OMR): about 60 minutes
• Budapest Airport (BUD): about 150 minutes
Public transport options:
Bus schedules: https://menetrendek.hu/mobile/?lng=en
Train tickets and schedules: https://jegy.mav.hu
Bring your best preparation to Hajdúszoboszló and pursue IM or GM norms in a structured round-robin format with a clear schedule and classical time control.
🧾 Other
The organizer accepts written appeals within 10 minutes after a round ends and requires a 15,000 HUF deposit, which the organizer refunds when the appeal is accepted. The organizer announces the Appeals Committee before Round 1.
By paying the entry fee, participants agree to filming and photography during the event, and the organizer may publish that material to promote the competition.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Hotel Hőforrás
Organizer - Dominik Herka
Organizer Phone - 06302794250
Organizer email - hsisakkiskola@gmail.com
Regulations -