The SixDays Budapest January–February 2027 GM–IM–U2250 international chess tournament will take place from January 31 to February 5, 2027, at the Hungarian Chess Federation Tournament Hall in Budapest, Hungary. This six-day classical chess event features three round-robin groups offering opportunities for Grandmaster norms, International Master norms, and FIDE rating improvement.
Organized by SixDays Chess under the direction of FM Miklós Halák, the competition brings together titled players, ambitious juniors, and experienced international competitors. Each group consists of ten participants who play nine rounds against one another. Furthermore, the compact schedule provides opportunities for players to pursue their competitive goals within a relatively short international trip.
The tournament takes place in central Budapest, near the Hungarian Parliament and the Danube River. Participants can choose from several nearby hotels, with convenient access to the playing hall, public transportation, restaurants, and the city’s main attractions.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | January 31 – February 5, 2027 |
| 🌍 Country | Hungary |
| 📍 City | Budapest |
| 🏛️ Venue | Hungarian Chess Federation Tournament Hall |
| 👤 Organizer | SixDays Chess |
| ♟️ Tournament Director | FM Miklós Halák |
| 🧩 Groups | GM, IM, U2250 |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ♟️ Tournament System | Round Robin |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| 🌐 Rating | FIDE Standard |
| 🎯 Main Objectives | GM norms, IM norms, FIDE rating improvement |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | €300 (approximately $340), U2250 group |
| 📝 Registration | Contact the organizer |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://sixdayschess.hu/ |
| 📋 Official Regulations | https://sixdayschess.hu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SixDays-BP-Feb-2027.pdf |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a classical time control of 90 minutes per player for the entire game, with a 30-second increment from the first move.
All three groups follow the round-robin system. Each group consists of ten players, meaning every participant is scheduled to play nine games against the other competitors in their section.
The GM and IM groups are designed to provide international title-norm opportunities. However, achieving a norm depends on individual performance, the final participant field, international federation representation, and compliance with the applicable FIDE regulations.
The official regulations establish a 30-minute waiting time. Additionally, postponement of scheduled rounds is not permitted.
Players should carefully review the schedule before registering, particularly because several days include two classical games.
🏆 Prize Fund
The organizer confirms a €300 prize fund (approximately $340) for the U2250 Rating Tournament.
U2250 Prize Distribution
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | €150 (approx. $170) |
| 🥈 2nd Place | €100 (approx. $120) |
| 🥉 3rd Place | €50 (approx. $60) |
| Total | €300 (approx. $340) |
The official tiebreak criterion is Sonneborn-Berger.
The published regulations do not specify separate cash prizes for the GM and IM groups. These sections primarily focus on international title-norm opportunities and FIDE rating improvement.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The tournament offers three separate round-robin competitions, with ten players in each group.
| Group | Participants | Main Objective |
|---|---|---|
| GM Tournament | 10 players | GM norm opportunities |
| IM Tournament | 10 players | IM norm opportunities |
| U2250 Tournament | 10 players | FIDE rating improvement |
🥇 GM Tournament
The Grandmaster group is designed for strong international players seeking competitive classical chess and potential GM norms.
The organizer assembles the group with attention to player ratings, titles, and international representation. Consequently, applicants should confirm their eligibility and the group’s expected composition before registering.
The ten-player round-robin format allows participants to face every other competitor in the section.
🥈 IM Tournament
The International Master group provides opportunities for players pursuing IM norms and additional FIDE-rated classical chess experience.
The tournament director considers current ratings, existing titles, and the requirements for international norm tournaments when forming the group.
Players seeking an IM norm should contact the organizer before making travel arrangements to discuss the expected playing conditions.
♟️ U2250 Rating Tournament
The U2250 group is primarily intended for players rated between 1800 and 2250 FIDE.
However, the official regulations allow a limited number of participants rated below 1800, subject to the organizer’s approval.
This group offers nine classical games against a fixed field of opponents. Moreover, participants can compete for a published €300 prize fund while gaining international tournament experience.
📅 Schedule
The tournament takes place over six calendar days. All times are local Budapest time (Central European Time, CET).
| Date | Round | Starting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, January 31 | Round 1 | 17:00 |
| Monday, February 1 | Round 2 | 10:00 |
| Monday, February 1 | Round 3 | 16:00 |
| Tuesday, February 2 | Round 4 | 10:00 |
| Tuesday, February 2 | Round 5 | 16:00 |
| Wednesday, February 3 | Round 6 | 16:00 |
| Thursday, February 4 | Round 7 | 10:00 |
| Thursday, February 4 | Round 8 | 16:00 |
| Friday, February 5 | Round 9 | 10:00 |
The schedule includes three double-round days on February 1, February 2, and February 4.
Therefore, players should plan sufficient time for rest, preparation, and meals between rounds. In addition, participants should avoid arranging travel immediately after their final game because the finishing time will depend on the duration of play.
📝 Registration
Players interested in participating should contact SixDays Chess directly.
Registration Email: info@sixdayschess.hu
Phone / WhatsApp: +36 20 329 8335
Official Tournament Information: https://sixdayschess.hu/future-events/
Applicants should provide their full name, FIDE ID, national federation, current rating, existing title, and preferred tournament group.
Participation is subject to confirmation by the tournament director, particularly for the GM and IM norm groups.
Entry Fees — GM Tournament
| FIDE Rating | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| 2501+ | €200 (approx. $230) |
| 2451–2500 | €300 (approx. $340) |
| 2401–2450 | €350 (approx. $400) |
| 2351–2400 | €450 (approx. $510) |
| 2301–2350 | €550 (approx. $620) |
| 2251–2300 | €650 (approx. $730) |
Players outside the listed rating ranges should contact the organizer to confirm their eligibility and applicable entry fee.
Entry Fees — IM Tournament
| FIDE Rating | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| 2400+ | €150 (approx. $170) |
| 2351–2400 | €200 (approx. $230) |
| 2301–2350 | €250 (approx. $280) |
| 2251–2300 | €300 (approx. $340) |
| 2201–2250 | €400 (approx. $450) |
| 2151–2200 | €500 (approx. $560) |
| 2101–2150 | €600 (approx. $680) |
Players rated below 2100 FIDE must contact the organizer to discuss participation and the applicable fee.
Entry Fees — U2250 Rating Tournament
| FIDE Rating | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| 2150–2250 | €50 (approx. $60) |
| 2000–2149 | €75 (approx. $90) |
| 1900–1999 | €100 (approx. $120) |
| 1800–1899 | €150 (approx. $170) |
Players below 1800 should contact the tournament director directly.
The published regulations allow participants to pay their entry fees in cash before the first round.
USD conversions are approximate planning figures, rounded upward to the next $10. The official fees are denominated in euros.
Hungarian Chess Federation Fee
The tournament regulations specify an additional €20 annual Hungarian Chess Federation fee for players competing in Hungary.
Players participating in multiple tournaments during the same year should confirm whether they have already fulfilled this requirement.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: SixDays Chess
Contact Person: FM Miklós Halák
Email: info@sixdayschess.hu
Phone / WhatsApp: +36 20 329 8335
SixDays Chess organizes regular international classical chess competitions in Budapest, with a particular focus on title-norm opportunities and FIDE rating improvement.
The tournament series was founded by FM Miklós Halák, who also serves as tournament director. Through its recurring events, SixDays provides players from different countries with opportunities to compete in carefully organized round-robin and other classical formats.
Official Website: https://sixdayschess.hu/
📍 Venue
Hungarian Chess Federation Tournament Hall – Falk Miksa utca 10, 1055 Budapest, Hungary.
The playing hall is situated in Budapest’s central District V, near the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Pest bank of the Danube River.
The surrounding neighborhood provides restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and several accommodation options. Furthermore, the location allows players to reach the tournament using Budapest’s extensive public transportation network.
The venue is convenient for international competitors who prefer to stay in central Budapest throughout the six-day event.
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main international airport serving Budapest.
Visitors can travel from the airport toward the city center by the 100E Airport Express bus, taxi, or private transfer. After reaching central Budapest, they can continue toward Falk Miksa Street using local transportation.
Travelers should check the latest airport bus routes, fares, and operating hours before departure.
By Public Transportation
The tournament venue is accessible from several important public transportation points.
Kossuth Lajos tér provides access to Metro Line M2 and services near the Hungarian Parliament.
Jászai Mari tér is another useful connection point, particularly for tram and bus services.
Nyugati pályaudvar railway station also provides convenient connections for players arriving by train.
Budapest Public Transport: https://bkk.hu/en/
By Car
Drivers can navigate to Falk Miksa utca 10, 1055 Budapest.
Because the venue is located in central Budapest, street parking may be limited or subject to local charges. Players arriving by car should check parking arrangements at their accommodation or nearby parking facilities.
🏨 Accommodation
Budapest offers a wide range of hotels and serviced apartments near the playing venue. Several comfortable properties are located within walking distance of the Hungarian Chess Federation Tournament Hall.
For the January 31 – February 5, 2027 tournament, players may consider the following hotels, which are also among the accommodation options recommended by SixDays Chess.
Recommended Nearby Hotels
| Hotel | Address | Approx. Price / Night |
|---|---|---|
| Marmara Hotel Budapest | Nagy Ignác utca 21, 1055 Budapest | $70–130 |
| NH Budapest City | Vígszínház utca 3, 1137 Budapest | $90–160 |
| Ikonik Parlament | Kálmán Imre utca 19, 1054 Budapest | $110–180 |
Prices are indicative estimates in USD per room per night, not confirmed quotations for January 31 – February 5, 2027. Actual rates depend on room category, occupancy, availability, taxes, cancellation conditions, and booking dates.
Marmara Hotel Budapest
Marmara Hotel Budapest is a four-star boutique hotel located on Nagy Ignác Street, near Nyugati railway station and the Hungarian Parliament area.
The property offers standard, deluxe, superior, and family rooms. Additionally, its central location makes it a practical option for chess players who want to stay near the tournament venue.
Family rooms may be particularly useful for junior participants traveling with parents or accompanying family members.
Official Hotel Website: https://www.marmara.hu/en/
NH Budapest City
NH Budapest City is a four-star hotel situated near Jászai Mari tér and the Danube River.
The hotel offers guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and parking options. Moreover, its location provides convenient access to central Budapest and the tournament hall.
This property may suit international competitors who prefer the facilities of a full-service city hotel.
Official Hotel Website: https://www.nh-hotels.com/en/hotel/nh-budapest-city
Ikonik Parlament
Ikonik Parlament is a four-star design hotel located on Kálmán Imre Street, in central Budapest.
The property features contemporary guest rooms and wellness facilities. It is particularly convenient for visitors who want to stay near the Hungarian Parliament and explore Budapest outside tournament hours.
Its central location also provides access to restaurants, cafés, and public transportation connections.
Official Hotel Website: https://www.ikonikparlament.com/
Accommodation Booking Information
Players are responsible for arranging and booking their accommodation. However, SixDays Chess can provide information and guidance about staying near the tournament venue.
The organizer indicates that accommodation options in central Budapest may start from approximately €40 per person per night, although actual prices vary by property and booking conditions.
Participants are encouraged to book early, particularly if they require flexible cancellation conditions, family rooms, or additional nights before or after the tournament.
Accommodation Assistance: info@sixdayschess.hu
ℹ️ Other Information
Appeals Procedure
Players may submit a written appeal to the chief arbiter within 15 minutes after the relevant game finishes.
The official appeal fee is €100 (approximately $120). This fee is refunded if the appeal is successful.
FIDE Title-Norm Opportunities
The GM and IM groups are intended to provide opportunities for international title norms.
Nevertheless, a player’s eligibility for a norm depends on the final composition of the group, opponents’ ratings and titles, federation representation, and individual results.
Therefore, applicants pursuing a specific FIDE title norm should confirm the relevant conditions with the tournament director before committing to travel arrangements.
Consecutive SixDays Tournaments
The event begins immediately after the SixDays Budapest January 2027 Open Norm Edition, which runs from January 25 to 30, 2027.
Players interested in both events can contact the organizer about participating in consecutive competitions. However, acceptance into either tournament depends on its respective entry requirements and available places.
Tournament Results & Participant Lists
The organizer publishes tournament information and, when available, participant lists and results through Chess-Results.
Players can follow official announcements for updates about the GM, IM, and U2250 groups.
Official Website: https://sixdayschess.hu/
Official Tournament Schedule: https://sixdayschess.hu/future-events/
Official Tournament Regulations: https://sixdayschess.hu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SixDays-BP-Feb-2027.pdf
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $340
Organizer
♟️ About SixDays Chess
SixDays Chess is an international chess tournament organization based in Budapest, Hungary. It specializes in compact FIDE-rated classical tournaments for GM and IM norms, international rating development, and high-level competitive experience. The organization’s main project is the recurring SixDays Budapest series. Rather than operating as a conventional chess club or federation, SixDays Chess functions as a dedicated tournament organization for players seeking structured international competition in Budapest.
The standard SixDays Budapest program features GM, IM, and U2250 groups, normally organized as nine-round tournaments over only six days. In addition, SixDays Chess has expanded the concept with an Open Norm Swiss format. The organization constructs its fields around ratings, titles, federation representation, and FIDE requirements. Its official norm records list numerous GM, IM, and WIM norm performances, while participants come from Hungary and many other national federations.
FM Miklós Halák is the Founder and Tournament Director of SixDays Budapest and remains the principal contact for SixDays Chess. He manages player applications, tournament composition, scheduling, practical enquiries, and communication with international participants. SixDays Chess has a particularly active program in September 2026: the SixDays Budapest September 2026 Open Norm Edition is scheduled for September 14–19, followed immediately by the regular GM, IM, and U2250 edition from September 20–25. Another SixDays Budapest tournament is scheduled for November 9–14, 2026.
📜 Development of the SixDays Budapest Series
The SixDays Budapest concept was created to provide ambitious players with frequent opportunities for international classical chess while keeping the total tournament period relatively short. Its compact structure allows participants to complete nine rated games within approximately one week.
Over time, SixDays Chess developed a regular program of closed GM and IM norm tournaments together with rating groups for developing players. Budapest is particularly suitable for this format because it attracts a steady flow of Hungarian and international titled players.
The organization’s published norm records demonstrate the tournament series’ role in title development. Players listed by SixDays Chess as having achieved norms through its events include Harry Grieve, Akshay Borgaonkar, Artem Uskov, Tao Pang, Florian Kaczur, Srihari L R, Vantika Agrawal, Leonardo Costa, Moritz Weishaeutel, and numerous other international competitors.
🏆 GM, IM and U2250 Tournaments
The established SixDays Budapest format normally consists of 10-player round-robin groups. GM groups are assembled with the objective of creating appropriate conditions for Grandmaster norms, while IM groups are structured around International Master norm requirements.
The U2250 group provides FIDE-rated classical competition primarily for players rated between approximately 1800 and 2250. However, the organizer may accept a limited number of lower-rated participants. This creates a pathway for developing players who want international opposition and opportunities to improve their standard rating.
Games use a time control of 90 minutes for the entire game plus a 30-second increment from move one. The compact schedule usually includes several double-round days, allowing nine games to be completed within six days.
SixDays Chess also works with experienced international arbiters. For the September 2026 tournaments, IA Attila Kása is listed as Chief Arbiter, with IA Csaba Horváth serving as Deputy Arbiter.
🌍 International Player Development
A defining feature of SixDays Chess is its focus on players who are actively pursuing FIDE titles and rating progress. The organization therefore pays particular attention to the composition of each group.
Players applying for the tournaments provide their FIDE ID, federation, title, rating, and preferred tournament group. SixDays Chess can then construct fields that meet the sporting and regulatory requirements of the relevant competition.
The organization also helps international visitors with practical information about staying in Budapest. Players arrange their own accommodation, while SixDays Chess provides guidance on hotels and apartments close to the tournament area.
This structure makes the events particularly suitable for ambitious juniors, titled players seeking higher titles, and adults who want concentrated international classical competition without committing to a longer festival.
🌟 SixDays Budapest September 2026
SixDays Chess is introducing an important variation to its program with the SixDays Budapest September 2026 Open Norm Edition, scheduled for September 14–19, 2026.
Unlike the traditional closed round-robin norm groups, the principal section uses a nine-round Swiss system. The event is FIDE-rated and designed to provide opportunities for title performances in an open tournament environment. A separate U2250 tournament runs alongside it.
The Open Norm tournament has a guaranteed €2,000 prize fund when at least 40 players participate. First prize is guaranteed at €800 and increases to €1,000 with at least 50 players and €1,200 with at least 60 players.
Immediately afterward, SixDays Chess will organize its traditional tournament from September 20–25, 2026. The published program includes GM, IM, and U2250 competitions, with nine rounds in each tournament. Chess-Results currently lists two GM groups as expected, demonstrating the scale of demand for the September edition.
📅 Continuing 2026 Tournament Program
SixDays Chess already organized several events earlier in 2026, including tournaments in February, March, and July/August. The late-July edition included multiple GM and IM groups alongside the U2250 competition and attracted players from a wide range of federations.
After the two September events, the series continues with another SixDays Budapest tournament from November 9–14, 2026.
Therefore, SixDays Chess provides repeated opportunities throughout the year rather than relying on one annual festival. This frequent schedule is central to its tournament model and allows players to plan several attempts at rating gains or title norms within the same season.
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