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 HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³, 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 HΕforrΓ‘s 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 playerβs February FIDE rating. Each game uses a classical control of 2 Γ 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 HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³ and clear refund rules for withdrawals.
ποΈ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| π Dates | February 9-14, 2026 |
| π Location | HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³, Hungary |
| π¨ Venue | Hotel HΕforrΓ‘s Conference Hall, 21 MΓ‘tyΓ‘s kirΓ‘ly sΓ©tΓ‘ny, 4200 HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³, Hungary |
| βοΈ Format | 9-round Round Robin |
| β Rating | FIDE-rated (norm event format) |
| π Sections | IM Group; GM Group |
| β±οΈ Time control | 2 Γ 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| π§© Organizer notes | Default time 30 minutes; no round postponements |
β±οΈ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a single classical time control for every game: 2 Γ 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.
π 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 |
π 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 |
π 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 playerβs February FIDE rating. Players must hold a valid 2026 playing license or HPL.
HPL option:
β’ Hungarian Playing Licence (HPL): β¬20, valid for 365 days from the payment date
Entry fee β IM Group:
| February FIDE rating | Entry fee |
|---|---|
| 2400+ | β¬100 |
| 2351β2400 | β¬150 |
| 2301β2350 | β¬175 |
| 2251β2300 | β¬225 |
| 2201β2250 | β¬325 |
| 2151β2200 | β¬400 |
| 2100β2150 | β¬500 |
Entry fee β GM Group:
| February FIDE rating | Entry fee |
|---|---|
| 2501+ | β¬200 |
| 2451β2500 | β¬275 |
| 2401β2450 | β¬325 |
| 2351β2400 | β¬425 |
| 2301β2350 | β¬500 |
| 2250β2300 | β¬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:
β’ Until December 31: full refund
β’ January 1β31: 50% refund
β’ From February 1: no refund
π₯ 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
π¨ Venue
Hotel HΕforrΓ‘s Conference Hall hosts the tournament at 21 MΓ‘tyΓ‘s kirΓ‘ly sΓ©tΓ‘ny, 4200 HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³, Hungary. The conference setting supports a dedicated playing space suitable for round-robin norm groups and consistent daily scheduling.
ποΈ Accommodation
Players can book accommodation through the following options:
Magyar Apartman: https://magyar-apartman.hu
Hotel HΕforrΓ‘s: https://www.hotelhoforras.hu
Hotel HΕforrΓ‘s special offer for players:
β’ 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
π How to Get There
HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³ sits within driving distance of multiple airports, which makes travel practical for international players.
Airports by car:
β’ Debrecen Airport (DEB): about 30 minutes
β’ Oradea Airport (OMR): about 60 minutes
β’ 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 HajdΓΊszoboszlΓ³ and pursue IM or GM norms in a structured round-robin format with a clear schedule and classical time control.
π§Ύ 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.
Tournament organizer Dominik Herka Read moreRead less
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