International Hessian Rapid Chess Championship 2026 – Werner-Adolar-Falck Memorial takes place on August 23, 2026, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The event offers a one-day rapid chess championship at SAALBAU Griesheim.

This is a chess tournament in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in 2026. Players can compete in a FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament with 9 Swiss-system rounds and a 15 minutes + 5 seconds time control.

The tournament gives players a focused Sunday schedule, cash prizes, rating prizes, and qualification value for eligible Hessian club players. In addition, the venue offers good public transport access through Frankfurt-Griesheim station.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 15 minutes for the game, plus a 5-second increment from move one.

The event follows the FIDE rapid rules. Therefore, it offers a structured rapid chess tournament format with clear championship value.

If two players tie for first place, a playoff game decides the title. The color allocation for that playoff game will be drawn. If more than two players tie, Buchholz decides the title and the remaining places.

The default time is 15 minutes from the actual start of the round.

💰 Prize Fund

The listed cash prize fund is €1,410, approximately $1,650. The first three main prizes are guaranteed. The remaining main prizes apply from 100 total participants.

Main Prizes

Rating Prizes

The three rating groups will be divided into equal groups during the break. The rating-group division uses Elo first and DWZ if no Elo rating exists. Unrated players cannot receive a rating prize.

Prizes are not cumulative. Prize distribution follows this order: main prizes, rating prizes, and special prizes. Prize money may be shared by the Hort system when players tie within prize places.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The event runs as one open rapid championship.

The winner receives the title “International Hessian Rapid Chess Champion 2026.” In addition, the best eligible players with active playing rights for a Hessian Chess Federation club qualify for the 2027 German Rapid Chess Championship.

📅 Schedule

Pre-registered players with confirmed payment do not need extra on-site registration. They will be included in the first-round pairings.

📝 Registration

Players should pay the entry fee within one week after registration. Otherwise, the organizer may release the reserved place. The payment must reach the Hessischer Schachverband account by August 20, 2026.

The entry fee includes free water for players. The amount is limited and calculated at up to 2 liters per player.

🏛️ Organizer

SV Frankfurt Griesheim 1934 hosts the International Hessian Rapid Chess Championship 2026 for the Hessischer Schachverband. The event brings players to Frankfurt for a competitive rapid championship with rating value, cash prizes, and qualification opportunities.

Email: tlfe@hessischer-schachverband.de
Phone: +49 176 57234522

📍 Venue

SAALBAU Griesheim, Schwarzerlenweg 57, 65933 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The tournament takes place at SAALBAU Griesheim in the Frankfurt-Griesheim district. Players should use the full venue address for navigation and arrive early enough before the on-site registration deadline.

🚆 How to Get There

The S-Bahn station Frankfurt-Griesheim is about five minutes on foot from the venue. This makes public transport a practical option for players arriving from Frankfurt city center or nearby areas.

Parking is available through a parking garage near the venue. However, players arriving by car should still allow extra time for parking and check-in before the first round.

ℹ️ Other Information

The tournament does not offer catering. However, a nearby REWE market and bakery give players a practical self-service option during the day.

Players who withdraw later than 24 hours before the scheduled tournament start lose the right to an entry fee refund. The withdrawal must be made in written form.

Players currently suspended or excluded by FIDE, the German Chess Federation, or a member federation cannot take part. The organizer may also refuse or remove players in serious rule-related cases.

Parents or club representatives remain responsible for players under 18 during the event.

The International Hessian Rapid Chess Championship 2026 offers a sharp one-day rapid event with title, prizes, and strong regional chess value in Frankfurt.