Landeseinzelmeisterschaft Niedersachsen 2026
The Landeseinzelmeisterschaft Niedersachsen 2026 (LEM 2026) will take place from 2-5 January 2026 in Verden (Aller), Germany, bringing together top regional players for the Meisterturnier and a wide field of competitors in the Open A, B, and C groups. Hosted at the modern Hotel Niedersachsenhof, this championship offers a classical 7-round Swiss tournament across all groups with Elo and DWZ evaluation in most sections.
Organized by the Niedersächsischer Schachverband (NSV), the event also includes the annual Problem Solving Championship open to all. With structured qualification rules, clear grouping criteria, and strong prize funds, LEM 2026 is one of the premier classical chess events in Lower Saxony.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 2–5 January 2026 (Fri–Mon) |
| 📍 Location | Hotel Niedersachsenhof, Lindhooper Str. 97, 27283 Verden/Aller |
| ♟️ Format | 7-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | Meisterturnier, A-Open, B-Open: Elo & DWZ rated • C-Open: DWZ rated |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 min for 40 moves + 30 min rest + 30 sec increment per move |
| 📏 Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 🧭 Sections | Meisterturnier • A-Open • B-Open • C-Open |
| 🎯 Eligibility | Specific DWZ/Elo rules per group; Meisterturnier qualification rules apply |
| 👥 Max Participants | Open groups combined max 260 players |
| 📌 Attendance | All players must check in by 02 Jan, 09:00 |
🏆 Prize Fund
Meisterturnier
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €900 |
| 2 | €600 |
| 3 | €400 |
| 4 | €300 |
| 5 | €200 |
| 6 | €100 |
A-Open
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €400 |
| 2 | €200 |
| 3 | €120 |
| 4 | €80 |
| 5 | €40 |
B-Open
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €250 |
| 2 | €150 |
| 3 | €100 |
| 4 | €60 |
| 5 | €30 |
C-Open
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €150 |
| 2 | €100 |
| 3 | €70 |
| 4 | €40 |
| 5 | €20 |
Additional prizes in all Open groups: women, seniors, youth, and rating prizes.
Prizes require personal presence at the award ceremony.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
• 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest, with 30 seconds increment from move one.
• 7-round Swiss system across all groups.
• Elo and DWZ evaluation except C-Open (DWZ only).
• FIDE-ID required for Elo-rated events; must be obtained prior to tournament start.
• NSV tournament regulations apply.
• Electronic devices are not allowed in the playing area.
• Data (games, photos, results) may be published and forwarded for rating purposes.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Meisterturnier | Qualification-based field (Elo/DWZ ≥2300, prior results, NSV nominations, etc.) |
| A-Open | DWZ >1700 |
| B-Open | DWZ 1900–1300 |
| C-Open | DWZ ≤1500 |
| Problem Solving Championship | Open to all (03 Jan, 20:30) |
📅 Schedule
Main Tournament Schedule
| Date | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Sat, Jan 3 | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 09:30 | — |
Award ceremony follows immediately after the final round on 05 January.
Problem Solving Championship
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 3 | 20:30 | 1-hour problem-solving contest |
Prizes include €50 + book prizes for 1st place, €20 + book prizes for 2nd, additional book prizes, and youth prizes (U18).
📝 Registration
• Deadline: 10 December 2025
• Registration via NSV online tool (official website)
• Entry fees:
• Meisterturnier & A-Open: €70 adults
• B-Open: €60 adults
• C-Open: €50 adults
• Youth (born 2008 or younger): 50% discount
• Payment:
• IBAN: DE45 2415 1116 0000 1236 79
• Holder: NSV
• Purpose: “LEM 2026, First name + Last name”
• Entry is confirmed only upon payment received before 10 December.
• No refund for cancellations after 10 December.
👥 Organizer
The championship is organized by the Niedersächsischer Schachverband (NSV).
Contacts:
• NSV Office – Email: geschaeftsfuehrer@nsv-online.de (Bernd Laubsch)
• NSV President – Email: mailto:praesident@nsv-online.de (Michael S. Langer)
• Official website: http://nsv-online.de/LEM/
🏨 Venue
The event takes place at Hotel Niedersachsenhof, Lindhooper Str. 97, 27283 Verden/Aller, offering modern playing halls and accommodation directly on-site.
🛎️ Accommodation
Hotel Niedersachsenhof (with breakfast)
| Room Type | Price per Night |
|---|---|
| Single | €85 |
| Double | €130 |
Youth Hostel (with half-board)
| Room Type | Price per Night |
|---|---|
| Shared rooms | €46.20 (no single rooms available) |
• Reservations through NSV only after payment is received by 10 December 2025.
🚗 How to Get There
Verden/Aller is well connected by regional trains and major roads. The venue (Hotel Niedersachsenhof) offers convenient access via Lindhooper Straße and provides accommodation directly at the playing site.
Enjoy four days of high-level classical chess in Verden and compete for the championship titles of Lower Saxony!
🧾 Other
• Total Open participants capped at 260 across A, B, C groups.
• Meisterturnier target size: 24 players.
• No supervision for minors; guardians are responsible for oversight.
• NSV problemists meeting after the problem-solving event (open to guests).
Organizer
The Niedersächsischer Schachverband e.V. is the state federation for Lower Saxony and a leading chess tournament organizer in northern Germany. Working with six district associations and hundreds of member clubs, NSV coordinates FIDE- and DSB-rated classical, rapid, and blitz events, runs leagues and youth circuits, and supports arbiter/coach education. Clear regulations, experienced arbiters, and player-first logistics provide reliable pathways for juniors, adult improvers, and titled players—anchoring open chess tournaments in Lower Saxony and strengthening the wider German chess ecosystem.
NSV’s calendar features state championships (individual, team, youth, seniors), regional festivals, and qualification events that funnel players toward national competitions. Collaborations with municipalities, schools, and clubs ensure welcoming venues and smooth organization year-round, making Lower Saxony a consistent hub for competitive play and community development.
Contact
Phone: +49 5331 61346; +49 163 8475812
Website: https://nsv-online.de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsvonline24/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nsvschach/