SERPIANO WEEKEND OPEN 2026 (1–3 May, Serpiano, Switzerland)
SERPIANO WEEKEND OPEN 2026 is a lakes-and-mountains weekend tournament at Hotel Serpiano above Lake Lugano. Five FIDE-rated classical rounds in three days, spa access for hotel guests, and a friendly schedule ideal for a spring chess getaway.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 1 – 3 May 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Serpiano (Ticino), Switzerland |
| 🏟️ Venue | Hotel Serpiano, Via Serpiano, CH-6867 Serpiano |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | 5-round Swiss |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| ⏰ Default Time | 60 minutes |
| 📝 Byes | ½-point bye available in R1–R3 (advance request) |
| 🧮 Tie-break | Buchholz |
| 🏢 Organizer | Swiss Chess Tour (Coordinator: Claudio Boschetti) |
| 👩⚖️ Chief Arbiter / Director | IA Tiziana Balzarini |
💰 Prize Fund
Total prize fund: CHF 2,000 (pro-rata if entries are low).
Main Prizes
| Place | Prize (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 600 |
| 2nd | 400 |
| 3rd | 300 |
| 4th | 200 |
Category Prizes
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 2000–2199 | CHF 100 |
| 1800–1999 | CHF 100 |
| 1600–1799 | CHF 100 |
| <1600 | CHF 100 |
| Best Junior U18 | Special prize |
| Best Woman | Book prize |
⏱️ Time Control & Regulations
- 90′ + 30″/move, FIDE Standard rated.
- 5 rounds, FIDE & Swiss rated.
- ½-point bye available in R1–R3 (advance request, once only).
- Tie-break: Buchholz system.
- FIDE Laws of Chess & anti-cheating rules enforced.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 1 May | Check-in | 19:00–19:50 |
| Fri, 1 May | Round 1 | 20:00 |
| Sat, 2 May | Round 2 | 09:30 |
| Sat, 2 May | Round 3 | 15:00 |
| Sun, 3 May | Round 4 | 09:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | Round 5 | 14:00 |
| Sun, 3 May | Awards | After Round 5 |
📝 Registration & Fees
- Entry fee: CHF 110
- Reduced: CHF 90 for U16 / IM / GM
- FIDE ID required for all players.
- Early registration recommended due to hall capacity.
🏢 Organizer
Swiss Chess Tour — trusted circuit of Swiss weekend events, known for professional arbiters and inclusive categories.
Coordinator: Claudio Boschetti · Chief Arbiter: IA Tiziana Balzarini.
🏟️ Venue
Hotel Serpiano, Via Serpiano, CH-6867 Serpiano — a tranquil mountain hotel overlooking Lake Lugano, with bright tournament halls and panoramic terraces.
🛏️ Accommodation
- Comfort Single: CHF 99 / night (incl. breakfast & VAT).
- Comfort Double: CHF 148 / night (incl. breakfast & VAT).
- City tax: CHF 4.10 per person/night.
- Hotel guests enjoy free SPA access (pool, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool), bathrobe included, free Wi-Fi, free parking.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Train: SBB to Lugano or Mendrisio, then bus/taxi to Hotel Serpiano.
- By Air: Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Zurich (ZRH) → train to Bellinzona/Lugano, then local transfer.
- By Car: A2 motorway → Mendrisio/Capolago → Serpiano; free hotel parking.
The Serpiano Weekend Open 2026 blends competitive chess with the serene atmosphere of Ticino’s mountains. Play, relax, and enjoy spa comforts in one of Switzerland’s most scenic venues.