XVII Chess Tournament “Szklarska Poręba”
Mountain chess week returns to Lower Silesia with the XVII Chess Tournament “Szklarska Poręba” from Sunday, March 1 to Sunday, March 8, 2026 in Szklarska Poręba, Poland. The event runs as a nine-round classical festival with two FIDE-rated groups and a full week of over-the-board play in a dedicated holiday center. Group A targets players with higher international ratings, while Group B welcomes developing competitors and players without FIDE Elo.
Organizers host the tournament at OW “HALNY” and combine serious classical rounds with a relaxed training-camp atmosphere. The schedule features single and double-round days, online transmission from five boards in Group A, and an additional blitz side event. Clear entry fees, accommodation packages with meals, and a single time control across both groups make planning straightforward for players traveling with friends or family.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | March 1-8, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | OW “HALNY”, ul. Słowackiego 11a, Szklarska Poręba, Poland |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss in two groups |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated (both groups) |
| 📂 Sections | Group A (FIDE Elo ≥ 1600); Group B (FIDE Elo < 1600 and players without FIDE Elo) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| 💳 Entry fee | Group A: 250 PLN (GM/WGM/IM/WIM free); Group B: 200 PLN |
| 💰 Prize fund | Group A 1st prize 2,000 PLN; Group B 1st prize 1,500 PLN |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Arrival March 1 after 15:00; technical meeting March 1 at 20:00; online transmission from 5 boards in Group A |
🏆 Prize Fund
Group A:
1st prize: 2,000 PLN
Organizers award prizes to 15% of participants.
Organizers announce the remaining prize amounts after the technical meeting.
Organizers award cups and diplomas.
Group B:
1st prize: 1,500 PLN
Organizers award prizes to 15% of participants.
Organizers announce the remaining prize amounts after the technical meeting.
Organizers award cups and diplomas.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Both groups play 9 rounds under Swiss pairings and count for FIDE rating. The tournament uses one classical time control for every game: 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move.
Group A features online transmission from five boards. The organizers also schedule a blitz tournament as a side event.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | FIDE Elo ≥ 1600 | Online transmission from 5 boards |
| Group B | FIDE Elo < 1600 and players without FIDE Elo | Open to lower-rated and unrated FIDE players |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | Sunday | 20:00 | Technical meeting (arrival from 15:00) |
| March 2, 2026 | Monday | 14:30 | Round 1 |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | 09:00 | Round 2 |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | 14:30 | Round 3 |
| March 4, 2026 | Wednesday | 14:30 | Round 4 |
| March 5, 2026 | Thursday | 09:00 | Round 5 |
| March 5, 2026 | Thursday | 14:30 | Round 6 |
| March 6, 2026 | Friday | 14:30 | Round 7 |
| March 7, 2026 | Saturday | 14:30 | Round 8 |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | 09:00 | Round 9 |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | 14:30 | Closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
Players must register by email with the organizer.
Registration deadline: February 10, 2026
Contact for entries:
Email: anmodz@gmail.com
Phone: +48 606 92 11 88 (Andrzej Modzelan)
Entry fees:
Group A: 250 PLN (GM/WGM/IM/WIM free)
Group B: 200 PLN
The entry fee includes current federation and FIDE rating fees. Players can pay by bank transfer to the organizer’s club account or pay in cash to the organizer.
👥 Organizer
Klub Szachowy “STILON” Gorzów Wlkp. and the Szachowy Belfer initiative led by Andrzej Modzelan organize the tournament and manage entries, accommodation coordination, and on-site operations.
Email: anmodz@gmail.com
Phone: +48 606 92 11 88
🏨 Venue
OW “HALNY”, ul. Słowackiego 11a in Szklarska Poręba hosts all rounds in one location. The holiday center provides accommodation and meals on site, which allows players to focus on preparation and recovery between rounds during the full tournament week.
🛎️ Accommodation
The organizer offers an accommodation package at OW “HALNY” with meals included.
| Room type | Package | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2-, 3-, 4-person rooms and studios | 7 days with meals | 1,295 PLN (7 × 185 PLN) |
| Single room | 7 days with meals | 1,575 PLN (includes 40 PLN per day supplement) |
The organizer confirms reservations after the player pays the entry fee. Guests staying at OW “HALNY” during the tournament receive free parking.
🚗 How to Get There
You can reach Szklarska Poręba by road through Lower Silesia and continue to ul. Słowackiego, where OW “HALNY” is located. Travelers arriving by rail or regional bus can continue from local stations by taxi or local transport to the holiday center.
Bring your best classical form and enjoy a full chess week in Szklarska Poręba with FIDE-rated rounds, strong prizes, and a focused training-camp atmosphere.
🧾 Other
• Minors must stay under the supervision of an accompanying adult.
• Players arrange their own insurance.
• The organizer may interpret the regulations and make changes if needed for the smooth running of the event.
• The tournament includes a blitz side event.
Additional Details
Regulations -