The Rheinland-Pfalz Open 2025 invites chess enthusiasts of all levels to take part in a high-energy tournament from June 19 to June 22, 2025, in the vibrant city of Neuwied, Germany. This prestigious open event, held in one of the most active chess regions in Germany, brings together international players, rising stars, and club-level competitors in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. The tournament blends fast-paced classical chess with great hospitality, exciting prizes, and a relaxed summer setting along the Rhine.

📅 Tournament Dates and Schedule

You will compete in a 7-round Swiss system tournament packed into four exciting days.

• Thursday, June 19: Round 1 – 18:00
• Friday, June 20: Rounds 2 & 3 – 09:30 and 15:00
• Saturday, June 21: Rounds 4 & 5 – 09:30 and 15:00
• Sunday, June 22: Rounds 6 & 7 – 09:00 and 13:30
• Award Ceremony: Sunday, June 22 – 16:30

Organizers will publish full pairings and standings online throughout the event.

🏛️ Venue Information

The event takes place at the Heinrich-Haus Neuwied, a modern venue offering comfortable playing conditions, easy accessibility, and plenty of parking. The venue lies close to cafés, shops, and beautiful walking trails along the Rhine.

Venue Address:
Heinrich-Haus Neuwied
Stettiner Straße 12
56564 Neuwied, Germany

⏱️ Time Control

The tournament uses a FIDE-rated classical time control, suitable for high-quality games and official rating calculation:

• 90 minutes for the entire game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one

This format ensures that players have enough time to plan, calculate, and enjoy every move.

🗂️ Format and Number of Rounds

Organizers structure the tournament as a 7-round Swiss system, which allows for exciting pairings between players of similar strength and provides fair conditions for all rating levels.

The tournament is open to players from all federations and will submit games for FIDE and German national rating.

🏆 Prize Fund and Awards

The Rheinland-Pfalz Open 2025 offers a total prize fund of approximately €4,000, distributed across general standings and special categories.

Top Overall Prizes:

• 🥇 1st Place: €1,000
• 🥈 2nd Place: €700
• 🥉 3rd Place: €500

Category Prizes Include:

• Best Woman
• Best Senior (60+)
• Best Youth (U18)
• Best Local Player
• Elo Performance Prizes (U2000, U1800, U1600)

The tournament also awards trophies and medals for outstanding performances.

📝 Registration and Participation

You can register online or via email by submitting your full name, FIDE ID, rating, and birth year. The tournament has limited capacity, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Deadline for Registration: June 16, 2025
Eligibility: All players with a valid FIDE ID
Maximum Participants: 150 players (estimated)

💳 Entry Fees

• Standard Entry Fee: €50
• Youth Players (U18): €35
• Titled Players (GM/IM/WGM/WIM): Free with advance confirmation
• Late Registration Fee (after June 10): +€10 surcharge

Organizers accept bank transfer or in-person payment before Round 1.

✈️ Travel and 🛌 Accommodation

Getting There:
You can reach Neuwied easily by train via Koblenz Central Station, with regional connections and bus routes to the tournament venue. By car, Neuwied lies just off the A48 and A3 highways.

Where to Stay:
Neuwied offers a wide selection of hotels and guesthouses close to the venue. Recommended accommodations include:

• Food Hotel Neuwied – modern rooms and amenities
• City Hotel Neuwied – near the Rhine promenade
• Neuwieder Hof – ideal for budget-conscious travelers

Organizers suggest booking early due to limited summer availability.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter

• Tournament Director: Dr. Dirk Becker
• Chief Arbiter: IA Thomas Wiedman

🧩 About the Organizer – Chess Federation of Rheinland-Pfalz

The Schachbund Rheinland-Pfalz e.V. (Chess Federation of Rheinland-Pfalz) promotes chess across the region through league competitions, youth development programs, and major events such as the Rheinland-Pfalz Open. With a strong commitment to chess education, inclusivity, and excellence, the federation continues to raise the bar for organized chess in western Germany.

Organization Name: Schachbund Rheinland-Pfalz e.V.
Address: Postfach 2345, 55013 Mainz, Germany
Email: info@rlp-open.de
Phone: +49 261 123456

🔥 Why You Should Play in the Rheinland-Pfalz Open 2025

You should play in the Rheinland-Pfalz Open 2025 because it offers the perfect balance of competitive chess, excellent organization, and welcoming summer ambiance. Whether you’re a seasoned club player or an ambitious youth, this tournament gives you the chance to sharpen your skills, win attractive prizes, and enjoy a cultural and scenic region rich in chess tradition. Make your move in Neuwied and experience chess at its finest!