Verona opens the new chess year with the IX Open Internazionale di Verona 2026, a two-section classical festival (Open A and Open B) from 2–6 January 2026 at the elegant Hotel Leopardi, Via Leopardi 16, Verona, Italy. Seven thoughtful rounds, clear regulations, and a friendly, centrally located venue make this winter open ideal for ambitious club players and titled guests alike.

The event runs as a compact long-weekend: check-in on 2 January, double-round days on 3 & 5 January, and prize-giving on Epiphany (6 January). Both sections are FIDE-rated, use the same classical time control, and apply transparent tie-breaks and prize policies.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund (Rimborsi spese – €2,340 total)

Prizes are indivisible and non-cumulative (except where explicitly stated). Prizes over €300 are subject to 20% withholding. Attendance at the closing ceremony is required to receive prizes.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• 90′ + 30″/move from move 1, 7 rounds (both sections).

• Swiss-system pairings; results submitted for FIDE Elo.

• Notation is mandatory until the end of the game.

• Arbiters’ decisions are final.

📂 Sections / Groups

Section | Eligibility | Notes
—|—
Open A | FIDE Elo > 1799 | May draw from Open B (highest Elo) to balance if odd numbers
Open B | FIDE Elo < 1800 | Foreign unrated should show a document from their federation; the Chief Arbiter may assign a provisional rating

All Italian players without FIDE Elo must provide an email address to the organizer at confirmation for rating purposes.

📅 Schedule (both sections)

📝 Registration & Fees

• Pre-registration (mandatory): via vesus.org by 30 December 2025.

• Entry fee: €70 by bank transfer no later than 15 December 2025.

  • Transfers 16–30 December 2025: +€10 (late).

  • On-site “last minute” (if places remain): +€20 over the base fee.

• Discounts (non-cumulative):

  • –€20: GM / WGM

  • –€15: IM / WIM and all Battinelli under-18 members

  • –€10: FM, women, over-65 (born ≤ 31/12/1961), under-18 (born ≥ 01/01/2008), and all Battinelli adult members

• Refunds: 100% for cancellations by 15 December; 50% thereafter.

• Payment (bank transfer):

  • IBAN: IT74 O080 1634 3100 0000 0300 235 (the 5th character is capital “O”)

  • Account name: “Comitato Organizzatore Manifestazioni Scacchistiche”

  • Include Name, Surname, and chosen Open (A/B) in the payment reference.

• Membership / IDs: Italian players must have FSI 2026 membership (agonistica/juniores). Foreign players without FIN must obtain it from their federation before registering.

👥 Organizer & Contacts

• Organizers: Edizioni Ediscere & Comitato Organizzatore Manifestazioni Scacchistiche, in collaboration with Circolo Scacchistico Verona Battinelli 1911.

• Info & assistance:

  • Valerio Luciani: +39 347 040 8707 • info@edizioniediscere.com

  • Cristina Rigo: +39 327 496 2713 • info@arcoworldchess.com

🏨 Venue & Accommodation

Hotel Leopardi** — fully accessible; special rates for players & companions when booking directly.

Hotel contacts: +39 045 810 1444 • booking@leopardi.vr.it

🚗 Practical Information

• Arrival & check-in: Confirm your presence at 14:30 on 2 January at the venue desk.

• Fair play: No electronic devices in the playing area; anti-cheating systems may be used.

• Conduct: Dress and behavior must comply with the FSI Code of Conduct (26 Sept 2015).

• Insurance & liability: The organizer accepts no responsibility for personal/property damage before, during, or after the event; regulations may be adjusted for optimal organization.

Start your year in a classic Italian setting — seven serious rounds, a welcoming venue, and Verona’s charm all at once. Choose Open A (>1799) or Open B (<1800) and play the IX Open Internazionale di Verona (2–6 January 2026)!