The Rapide de Brignoles 2026 takes place on May 3, 2026, in Brignoles, France. This is a chess tournament in Brignoles, France, in 2026.
The event offers a full day of rapid chess with 9 Swiss rounds and a 12-minute time control plus a 3-second increment. It also includes three parallel sections, so both experienced players and younger competitors can find a suitable field.
L’Échiquier Brignolais organizes the tournament at the Salle Polyvalente of the Complexe du Vabre. Moreover, the event is held in memory of Ghislaine Montella and brings together a competitive format, clear section rules, and practical on-site conditions.
🏁 Event Details
| Item |
Details |
| Dates |
May 3, 2026 |
| Location |
Brignoles, France |
| Format |
3-section rapid tournament, 9-round Swiss system |
| Time control |
12 minutes + 3 seconds per move |
| Rating |
FIDE Rapid rated |
| Sections |
Tournoi A, Tournoi B, Tournoi C |
| Prize fund |
EUR 2,000 (approx. USD 2,270) |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system in all three sections. Pairing software handles the pairings, and the event follows current FIDE rapid rules.
Each player gets 12 minutes plus a 3-second increment from move one. As a result, the pace stays lively throughout the day. In addition, the published tie-break order starts with truncated Buchholz, then Buchholz, and then performance.
The organizer does not allow byes in this event. Therefore, players need to be ready for the full schedule from the first round onward.
💰 Prize Fund
The published total prize fund is EUR 2,000 (approx. USD 2,270).
♟️ Sections / Groups
| Section |
Details |
| Tournoi A |
Open to players with an Elo rating above 1600 |
| Tournoi B |
Reserved for players with an Elo rating below 1700 |
| Tournoi C |
Reserved for young players from U8 to U14 with an Elo rating below 1500 |
📅 Schedule
| Date |
Time |
Activity |
| May 3, 2026 |
08:30 |
Reception opens |
| May 3, 2026 |
09:30 |
Registration closes |
| May 3, 2026 |
09:45 |
Round 1 starts |
| May 3, 2026 |
09:45-17:15 |
Tournament play |
| May 3, 2026 |
17:30 |
Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item |
Details |
| Registration method |
Email, phone, or official online entry |
| Entry fee |
Adults: EUR 20 |
| Youth entry fee |
Young players under 20: EUR 10 |
| Late fee |
Adults: EUR 22 after May 1, 2026 |
| Late youth fee |
Young players under 20: EUR 12 after May 1, 2026 |
| Title-holder concession |
IM and GM enter free |
| Payment note |
Players must complete licence control and entry payment before round 1 |
| Parking |
Free parking available on site |
| On-site amenities |
Refreshments and sandwiches available |
👤 Organizer
L’Échiquier Brignolais runs this annual rapid event in Brignoles. In addition, the club keeps the format practical with three sections, one venue, and a full Sunday schedule for players of different levels.
Phone: +33 6 74 59 80 10
Email: echiquier.brignolais@gmail.com
📍 Venue
Salle Polyvalente, Complexe du Vabre, côté de la piscine, Place Gros Gérau, 83170 Brignoles, France
The venue gives the tournament a practical setup for a full day of rapid chess. It also offers free parking, which makes arrival easier for local players and visitors alike.
🚗 How to Get There
Use Place Gros Gérau, 83170 Brignoles, in your navigation and aim to arrive before 09:30. That way, you have enough time for check-in before the first round begins.
It is a practical rapid event for players who want a full Sunday of rated chess in Brignoles.