SCHAFFHAUSEN NEW YEAR CHESS OPEN
SCHAFFHAUSEN NEW YEAR CHESS OPEN returns in Schaffhausen, Switzerland for a compact weekend festival at Hotel Kronenhof. With a five‑round classical format, FIDE rating, and a clear prize structure (including rating‑group awards), the event is a crisp start to the 2026 chess calendar.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 16 – 18 January 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Schaffhausen, Switzerland |
| 🏟️ Venue | Hotel Kronenhof, Kirchhofplatz 7, CH‑8200 Schaffhausen |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE‑rated International Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| 🏢 Organizer | Schaffhausen New Year Open Organizing Team |
| 👤 Check‑in | 16 Jan, 19:00–19:50 (on‑site attendance required) |
| 💺 Capacity | Max. 100 participants |
| 💳 Entry Fee | CHF 100 (U16 / IM / GM: CHF 80) |
| 🔖 Rating | FIDE / Swiss Chess (FL‑CH) / DWZ |
| ⏰ Default Time | 60 minutes |
| 🔁 Byes | One ½‑point bye available in Rounds 1–3 (request ≥12h before start) |
| 🔢 Tiebreaks | Buchholz |
💰 Prize Fund
Total prize fund: CHF 2,050 (from 40+ players; otherwise pro‑rata).
Overall (Top 4): CHF 400 · 300 · 200 · 150
Rating‑Group Awards (each group)
Groups: 2000–2199, 1800–1999, 1600–1799, <1600
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | CHF 150 |
| 2nd | CHF 100 |
| 3rd | Book prize |
Minimum entries per prize level: 1st ≥3 players · 2nd ≥5 players · 3rd ≥8 players.
⏱️ Time Control & Tournament System
- System: 5‑round Swiss
- Time Control: 90′ + 30″ from move 1
- Rated: FIDE / FL‑CH / DWZ
- Default (waiting) time: 60 minutes
- Bye policy: One ½‑point bye may be requested for Rounds 1–3 (at least 12 hours before start)
📅 Schedule
| Date | Round / Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 16 Jan | Check‑in / Attendance Control | 19:00 – 19:50 |
| Fri, 16 Jan | Round 1 | 20:00 |
| Sat, 17 Jan | Round 2 | 09:00 |
| Sat, 17 Jan | Round 3 | 15:00 |
| Sun, 18 Jan | Round 4 | 09:00 |
| Sun, 18 Jan | Round 5 | 14:00 |
| Sun, 18 Jan | Awards | After Round 5 |
📝 Registration
- On‑site check‑in is mandatory on 16 Jan (19:00–19:50) to be paired for Round 1.
- Entry fee: CHF 100 (reduced CHF 80 for U16 / IM / GM).
- Capacity: Maximum 100 participants; places allocated in order of confirmed entry.
🏢 Organizer
The Schaffhausen New Year Open is hosted by the local organizing team with support from the regional chess community. The event emphasizes fair play, professional round management, and a friendly atmosphere in the historic old town setting.
🏟️ Venue
Hotel Kronenhof, Kirchhofplatz 7, CH‑8200 Schaffhausen
— Central location near the old town and Rhine promenade
— Comfortable playing halls and amenities suitable for a weekend open
🛏️ Accommodation
Players often choose to stay on‑site at Hotel Kronenhof or at nearby hotels/guesthouses within walking distance of the venue. Early booking is advisable due to limited winter availability in the city center.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Train: Frequent SBB services to Schaffhausen; short walk or local bus to Kirchhofplatz.
- By Air: Zurich Airport (ZRH) → direct rail to Schaffhausen (~40–50 minutes).
- By Car: Easy access via A4; follow city signs to the old town. Public parking available nearby.
Kick off your year with a focused five‑round classical open in one of Switzerland’s most picturesque towns. With clean pairings, sensible time control, and both overall and rating‑group prizes, Schaffhausen 2026 is the perfect way to shake off the holiday rust and get your rating moving.
