V Open Chess Menorca 2026 (7–12 April, Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain)
V Open Chess Menorca 2026 returns to the Balearic Islands with a high-profile spring classic in Ciutadella de Menorca. Two rating-based opens (A/B) run over 9 classical rounds, plus a late-night FIDE-rated Blitz Open. Play takes place across two four-star hotels in Cala’n Bosch, combining professional conditions with a relaxed Mediterranean setting.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 7 – 12 April 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Ciutadella de Menorca (Cala’n Bosch), Balearic Islands, Spain |
| 🏟️ Venue | Hotel MarSenses Paradise Club**** & Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa**** |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Open (Groups A & B) + FIDE Blitz Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Open A & B: 9-round Swiss · Night Blitz: 9-round Swiss |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 (A/B) · 9 (Blitz) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Classical: 90′ + 30″ from move 1 · Blitz: 3′ + 2″ |
| ⏰ Default Time | 30 minutes (classical) · 5 minutes (blitz) |
| 🧮 Fair Play | Sofia Rule: no draw offers before move 30; anti-cheating checks |
| 🏢 Organizer | Open Chess Menorca (Director: David Pons Carreras) |
| 👩⚖️ Arbiter Team | Chief Arbiters: IA José F. Suárez Roa, IA Eduardo López |
| ✉️ Contact | info@openchessmenorca.com |
💰 Prize Fund
Total: €26,000+ in cash prizes + €10,000 in Chessable courses.
Open A — Top Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €6,000 + Trophy |
| 2nd | €4,000 + Trophy |
| 3rd | €2,500 + Trophy |
| 4th | €2,000 |
| 5th | €1,500 |
| 6th | €1,000 |
| 7th | €700 |
| 8th | €600 |
| 9th | €500 |
| 10th | €400 |
Extra categories (Open A): Women (1st €900), Seniors 50+/65+, U18, rating-band prizes down to <1850, Chessable packages.
Open B — Top Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €500 + Trophy |
| 2nd | €300 + Trophy |
| 3rd | €200 + Trophy |
| 4th | €150 |
| 5th | €125 |
| 6th–7th | €100 each |
| 8th–9th | €75 each |
| 10th | €50 |
Extra categories (Open B): Women awards, U18/U14, Seniors 50+/65+, rating bands (1600–1800, 1400–1599).
🧩 Sections / Regulations
- Open A: FIDE Elo > 1850
- Open B: FIDE Elo < 2000
- Byes: Up to two ½-point byes (not in last 2 rounds).
- Tie-breaks: Buchholz-1 → Sonneborn-Berger → rounds chosen → performance average → wins. If tied: 2 rapid 5+3, then Armageddon 5 vs 4.
📅 Schedule
- Tue, 7 Apr — Round 1
- Wed, 8 Apr — Round 2
- Thu, 9 Apr — Round 3 & Blitz Night
- Fri, 10 Apr — Round 4
- Sat, 11 Apr — Rounds 5 & 6
- Sun, 12 Apr — Rounds 7–9 & Closing
Blitz Night
Thu, 9 Apr — 22:00 start, 9 rounds, 3′+2″, at Hotel MarSenses Paradise Club.
📝 Registration
- Register via info@openchessmenorca.com
- IBAN: ES61 2056 0014 1120 9758 2221 (add player name in transfer).
- Payment required for confirmation.
- FIDE ID mandatory.
🏟️ Venue
Hotel MarSenses Paradise Club**** & Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa****, Cala’n Bosch, Ciutadella — modern 4-star hotels with playing halls and recreation rooms, near the marina and beaches.
🛏️ Accommodation
Onsite hotels (MarSenses Paradise Club & Sagitario Princesa Playa) and many apartments/resorts nearby. Early booking advised due to Easter demand.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Air: Menorca Airport (MAH), 50–60 minutes by road.
- By Bus/Car: Buses and taxis serve Cala’n Bosch; parking available.
- By Ferry: Connections from Barcelona and mainland ports to Ciutadella/Maó, then road transfer.
The V Open Chess Menorca 2026 combines serious competitive chess with holiday charm: €26,000+ prize fund, strong regulations, and a vibrant Balearic setting. A must-play festival blending chess excellence with Mediterranean relaxation.