Regulations

Masters (Grandmasters Triathlon)

Tournament Director IA Laurent Freyd
Chief Arbiter IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates July 11–24, 2026
Venue Main stage, Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Format
The Masters is played as a Triathlon in three time controls:
 
Qualification phase:
- Classical: single round robin
- Rapid: single round robin, with colours reversed from the classical games
- Blitz: double round robin
 
Final phase:
A second classical round robin among the top four players, or top three if the fourth player trails the leader by more than 12 points. Points from the qualification phase are carried forward.
Pairings
During the Opening Ceremony, a drawing of lots will determine the starting numbers for the ACCENTUS Chess960 tournament and for the blitz games. Both tournaments will therefore use the same pairing numbers, with reversed colours.
After the ACCENTUS Chess960 tournament, players will choose their starting numbers for the classical tournament in the order of the ACCENTUS Chess960 standings. The rapid tournament will use the same pairing numbers as the classical tournament, with colours reversed.
Time control Classical: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 41.
Rapid: 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move.
Blitz: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move.
Schedule July 11, 10.30 am: Technical meeting
July 11, 11.30 am: Opening Ceremony
July 12, 2 pm: Rapid
July 13: Rest day
July 14–18, 2 pm: Classical qualification phase
July 19, 2 pm: Blitz
July 20: Rest day
July 21–23, 2 pm: Final phase
July 24, 10.30 am: Closing Ceremony
Player conduct
Out of respect for their opponents, photographers and sponsors, players are expected to be present at the board in good time before the start of each game.
Prizes
CHF 10'000 / 7'500 / 5'000 / 3'000 / 2'000 / 1'000.
Total prize fund: CHF 28'500.
Scoring system
Classical: win = 4 pts, draw = 1½ pts, loss = 0 pts
Rapid: win = 2 pts, draw = 1 pt, loss = 0 pts
Blitz: win = 1 pt, draw = ½ pt, loss = 0 pts
The final standings are based on the total number of points scored across all phases of the Triathlon.
Tie-break
In case of a tie, the final ranking of the ACCENTUS Chess960 tournament will decide the final ranking of the Triathlon and the corresponding prizes.
Rating Each series is rated for the respective FIDE rating list: Standard, Rapid or Blitz.

The tournament is part of the FIDE Circuit 2026–2027 , and its results count towards the official Circuit standings.

Regulations
Any player arriving at the board more than 10 minutes after the start of a classical game, 5 minutes after the start of a rapid game, or 2 minutes after the start of a blitz game will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
Draw offers are not permitted before move 41 in classical games.
Players are not allowed to carry or use any electronic devices during their games.
They are advised to enter the playing hall without such devices or to deposit them at the arbiter's desk.
Fair play measures, including the use of a detector, may be applied in accordance with FIDE anti-cheating guidelines.
Declaration of consent
By participating in the tournament, players agree that photographic and video material may be recorded and used for communication and promotional purposes.

Generation Challenge (invitational Triathlon)

Tournament Director IA Laurent Freyd
Chief Arbiter IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates July 11–24, 2026
Venue Main stage, Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Format
The Generations Challenge is played as a Triathlon in three time controls:
 
Qualification phase:
- Classical: single round robin
- Rapid: single round robin, with colours reversed from the classical games
- Blitz: double round robin
 
Final phase:
A second classical round robin among the top four players, or top three if the fourth player trails the leader by more than 12 points. Points from the qualification phase are carried forward.
Pairings
During the Opening Ceremony, a drawing of lots will determine the starting numbers for the ACCENTUS Chess960 tournament and for the blitz games. Both tournaments will therefore use the same pairing numbers, with reversed colours.
After the ACCENTUS Chess960 tournament, players will choose their starting numbers for the classical tournament in the order of the ACCENTUS Chess960 standings. The rapid tournament will use the same pairing numbers as the classical tournament, with colours reversed.
Time control Classical: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 41.
Rapid: 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move.
Blitz: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move.
Schedule July 11, 10.30 am: Technical meeting
July 11, 11.30 am: Opening Ceremony
July 12, 2 pm: Rapid
July 13: Rest day
July 14–18, 2 pm: Classical qualification phase
July 19, 2 pm: Blitz
July 20: Rest day
July 21–23, 2 pm: Final phase
July 24, 10.30 am: Closing Ceremony
Player conduct
Out of respect for their opponents, photographers and sponsors, players are expected to be present at the board in good time before the start of each game.
Prizes
CHF 5'000 / 3'500 / 2'500 / 1'500 / 1'000 / 500.
Total prize fund: CHF 14'000.
Scoring system
Classical: win = 4 pts, draw = 1½ pts, loss = 0 pts
Rapid: win = 2 pts, draw = 1 pt, loss = 0 pts
Blitz: win = 1 pt, draw = ½ pt, loss = 0 pts
The final standings are based on the total number of points scored across all phases of the Triathlon.
Tie-break
In case of a tie, the final ranking of the ACCENTUS Chess960 tournament will decide the final ranking of the Triathlon and the corresponding prizes.
Rating Each series is rated for the respective FIDE rating list: Standard, Rapid or Blitz.
Regulations
Any player arriving at the board more than 10 minutes after the start of a classical game, 5 minutes after the start of a rapid game, or 2 minutes after the start of a blitz game will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
Draw offers are not permitted before move 41 in classical games.
Players are not allowed to carry or use any electronic devices during their games.
They are advised to enter the playing hall without such devices or to deposit them at the arbiter's desk.
Fair play measures, including the use of a detector, may be applied in accordance with FIDE anti-cheating guidelines.
Declaration of consent
By participating in the tournament, players agree that photographic and video material may be recorded and used for communication and promotional purposes.

ACCENTUS Chess960 (ACC)

Tournament Director IA Laurent Freyd
Chief Arbiter IA Ana Srebrnič
Date Saturday, July 11, 2026
Venue Main stage, Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Format
Round robin over five rounds, followed by two additional rounds.
Chess960: the starting position will be drawn before each round.
Time control 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move.
Schedule 2 pm–7.30 pm
Player conduct Out of respect for their opponents, photographers and sponsors, players are expected to be present at the board in good time before the start of each game.
Triathlon tie-break The final ranking of this tournament is used as the tie-break in case of a tie on points in the Grandmaster Triathlons.
Tie-break The following tie-breaks will be used to establish the final standings:
1. Direct encounter
2. Number of wins with Black
3. Number of wins
4. Age, from younger to older
Regulations Any player arriving at the board more than 5 minutes after the start of the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
Players are not allowed to carry or use any electronic devices during their games.
They are advised to enter the playing hall without such devices or to deposit them at the arbiter's desk.
Fair play measures, including the use of a detector, may be applied in accordance with FIDE anti-cheating guidelines.
Declaration of consent By participating in the tournament, players agree that photographic and video material may be recorded and used for communication and promotional purposes.

Masters Open (MTO)

Main Arbiter
IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates
July 13–23, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
10 rounds, Swiss system.
Time control
100 minutes for the first 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game + 30 seconds increment per move.
Schedule
July 13–18, 2 pm: rd 1–6
July 19: Rest day
July 20–23, 2 pm: rd 7–10
July 23, 15' after the end of the last game: Prize-giving (except for the first three players*)
July 24, 10.30 am: Prize-giving for the first three players
Prizes
CHF 6'000, 4'500, 3'500, 2'800, 2'300, 1'800, 1'500, 1'400.
Non-cash prize for the best U16, the best player without title (GM/IM/WGM/WIM) and the best Swiss player.
Total prize fund: CHF 23'800 + non-cash prizes.
Prizes are valid with 100 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
Prizes will be awarded according to the final ranking ("Hort System" won’t be applied).
Prizes are non-cumulative.
Eligible for the title as best Swiss player are Swiss citizens and settled foreigners (settlement permit C) with FIDE Federation SUI.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three winners are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving ceremony.
Each day, the best game of the round is rewarded with a non-cash prize.
Ranking 
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (Fide standard)
Eligibility
FIDE rated players (lists May, June or July 2026) with at least 1900 standard FIDE rating.
The admission of a player player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 250 (born 2010+: CHF 150), by bank transfer until July 08, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 13, 12:15 pm.
For GM, IM, WGM and WIM the participation is free of charge. Titled players must also confirm their participation until 12:30 pm at the latest on Monday, July 13.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 12:30 pm at the latest on Monday, July 13.
Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round. Only players with confirmed status (marked in green) on the players list will be paired for the 1st round: 
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 30 minutes after the start of the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results 
The starting list is based on the July 2026 FIDE standard rating list.
The pairings for the first round will be published at 1:45 pm. For all subsequent rounds, the pairings will be published online until one hour after the end of the previous round. Pairing of Round 7 will be published at 8 pm in the evening after rest day.
Players may request a maximum of one bye (½ point) until 6th round included. Request for a bye must be made on the previous day until 5 minutes after the end of the round by sending an e-mail to the arbiter.
Players have to deliver the original copy of the scoresheet and register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately.
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
The tournament will be submitted for the FIDE standard and German rating list.
It is possible to achieve a FIDE norm.
Tournament’s results are counting for the FIDE Circuit 2026-2027.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Amateurs Tournament (ATO)

Main Arbiter
IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates
July 14–23, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
9 rounds, Swiss system.
Time control
90 minutes for the first 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
Schedule
July 14–18, 2 pm: rounds 1–5
July 19: Rest day
July 20–23, 2 pm: rounds 6–9
July 23, 15' after the end of the last game: Prize-giving (except for the first three players*)
July 24, 10.30 am: Prize-giving for the first three players
Prizes
CHF 1'200, 1'000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200.
Non-cash prize for the best U16.
Total prize fund: CHF 5'000 + non cash prize.
Prizes are valid with 100 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
Prizes will be awarded according to the final ranking ("Hort System" won’t be applied).
Prizes are non-cumulative.
Each day, the best game of the round is rewarded with a non-cash prize.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three finishers are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (Fide standard)
Eligibility
Players without standard FIDE rating (but registered by a national federation) or with FIDE standard rating not higher than 2000 Elo in all three rating lists of May, June and July 2026.
Players who like to participate, but don’t have a FIDE ID yet, should contact the corresponding officer of their federation or the tournament arbiter by e-mail, in order to receive the FIDE ID needed for the online registration in time.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 180 (born 2010+: CHF 100), by bank transfer until July 08, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 14, 12:15 pm.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 12:30 pm at the latest on Tuesday, July 14.
Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st roundOnly players with confirmed status (marked in green) on the players list will be paired for the 1st round: 
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 30 minutes after the start the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The starting list is based on the July 2026 FIDE standard rating list.
The pairings for the first round will be published at 1:45 pm. For all subsequent rounds, the pairings will be published online until one hour after the end of the previous round. Pairings of Round 6 will be published at 8 pm in the evening after the rest day.
Players may request a maximum of one bye (½ point) until 5th round included. Request for a bye must be made on the previous day until 5 minutes after the end of the round by sending an e-mail to the arbiter.
Players have to deliver the original copy of the scoresheet and register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately.
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
The tournament will be submitted for the FIDE standard and German rating list.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Fast Standard 1700+ (WT1)

Main Arbiter
IA Florian Zarri
Dates
July 20–24, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
9 rounds, Swiss system.
Time control
60 minutes for the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
Schedule
July 20-23, first round of the day 10 am; second round 2 pm.
July 24, last round 10 am; prize-giving 15' after the end of the last game.

 

Prizes
CHF 800, 600, 500.
Non-cash prize for the best U16.
Total prize fund: CHF 1'900 + non cash prize.
Prizes are valid with 50 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
If 30 participants or fewer are registered by the start of the tournament, the WT1 will be merged with the WT2. In this case, category prizes will be awarded separately for players rated 1700+ Elo.
Prizes are non-cumulative.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three finishers are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (FIDE standard)
Eligibility
Open to all players with at least 1700 Elo (FIDE standard list) on July 01, 2026.
Players rated 1700+ Elo at the time of registration before 01.07.26, and who have 1699- on this date will be automatically moved into the list of participants for the WT2.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 100 (born 2010+: CHF 50), by bank transfer until July 15, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 20, 09:15 am.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 9:30 am at the latest on Monday, July 20. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 30 minutes after the start the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The start list is based on the July 2026 FIDE standard rating list.
The pairings for the first round will be published at 09:45 am. For all subsequent rounds, the pairings will be published online until one hour after the end of the previous round.
Players may request a maximum of one bye (½ point) until 5th round included. Request for a bye must be made at the latest just after the last game of the previous round ended by direct communication to the main arbiter or by sending an e-mail.
Players have to register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
The tournament will be submitted for the FIDE standard rating list.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Fast Standard Elo 1699- (WT2)

Main Arbiter
IA Florian Zarri
Dates
July 20–24, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
9 rounds, Swiss system.
Time control
60 minutes for the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
Schedule
July 20-23, first round of the day 10 am; second round 2 pm.
July 24, last round 10 am; prize-giving 15' after the end of the last game.  
Prizes
CHF 600, 500, 400.
Non-cash prize for the best U16.
Total prize fund: CHF 1'500 + non cash prize.
Prizes are valid with 50 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
If 30 participants or fewer are registered by the start of the tournament, the WT2 will be merged with the WT1. In this case, category prizes will be awarded separately for players rated under 1700 Elo.
Prizes are non-cumulative.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three finishers are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (FIDE standard)
Eligibility
Open to all players with no more than 1699 Elo (FIDE standard Elo, unrated players included) on July 01, 2026.
Players rated 1699- Elo at the time of registration, and who have 1700+ after June 30, 2026, will be automatically moved into the list of participants for the WT1.
Players who like to participate, but don’t have a FIDE ID yet, should contact the corresponding officer of their federation or the tournament arbiter by e-mail, in order to receive the FIDE ID needed for the online registration in time.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 80 (born 2010+: CHF 40), by bank transfer until July 15, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 20, 9:15 am.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 9:30 am at the latest on Monday, July 20. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 30 minutes after the start the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The start list is based on the July 2026 FIDE standard rating list.
The pairings for the first round will be published at 9:45 am. For all subsequent rounds, the pairings will be published online until one hour after the end of the previous round.
Players may request a maximum of one bye (½ point) until 5th round included. Request for a bye must be made at the latest just after the last game of the previous round ended by direct communication to the main arbiter or by sending an e-mail.
Players have to deliver the original copy of the scoresheet and register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
The tournament will be submitted for the FIDE standard rating list.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Free Style Chess Tournament [960] (FSC)

Main arbiter
IA Florian Zarri
Dates
July 13 - 19, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
7 rounds, Swiss system.
Time control
60 minutes for the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
Schedule
10 am
Prize-giving: 15' after the end of the last game in the playing hall
Prizes
CHF 800, 600, 500.
Non-cash prize for the best U16.
Total prize fund: CHF 1'900 + non cash prize.
Prizes are valid with 50 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
Prizes are non-cumulative.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three finishers are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (FIDE standard)
Eligibility
Open to all players.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 140 (born 2010+: CHF 70) by bank transfer until July 08, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 13, 09:15 am.
 
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 9:30 am at the latest on Monday, July 13. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess Any player arriving at the board more than 30 minutes after the start of the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
The start list is based on the July 2026 FIDE standard rating list.
Pairings and results
The pairings for the first round will be published at 9:45 am. For all subsequent rounds, the pairings will be published online until one hour after the end of the previous round. The initial position will be announced 5 minutes before the start of the round. Players will be asked to set up their board in accordance.
Players may request a maximum of one bye (½ point) until 5th round included. Request for a bye must be made on the previous day before 2 pm by sending an e-mail to the arbiter.
Players have to deliver the original copy of the scoresheet and register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Rapid Fischer Random Swiss Championship (960)

Main Arbiter
IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates
July 11, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
7 rounds, Swiss system.
Chess960: The starting position will be drawn before each round.
Time control
15 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move. 
Schedule
2 pm
Prize-giving: 15' after the end of the last game in the playing hall
Prizes
CHF 250, 150, 100.
Cup for the best Swiss player. 
Total prize fund: CHF 500.
Prizes will be allocated according to the final ranking ("Hort System" won’t be applied).
Eligible for the title of the best Swiss player are Swiss citizens as well as settled foreigners (settlement permit C) with FIDE Federation SUI.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three winners are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (FIDE standard)
Eligibility
Open to every player, included those not registered in a federation.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 20 (born 2010+ and GM/IM/WGM/WIM: CHF 10), by bank transfer until July 08, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail during the online registration. After this date, cash payment on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 11, 1 pm.
No surcharge for GM/IM/WGM/WIM.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 1:30 pm at the latest on Saturday, July 11. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 15 minutes after the start the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The start list is based in priority on the July 2026 FIDE rapid rating list, then on FIDE standard rating. Unrated players are listed in alphabetical order at the end of the start list.
Players have to enter the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be counted as 0-0.
An arbiter's decision may be appealed orally to the main arbiter immediately in case of disagreement. The decision of the main arbiter is final.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Rapid Tournament (RAP)

Main Arbiter
IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates
July 12, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
9 rounds, Swiss system.
Time control
15 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move.
Schedule
Start round 1: 10:45 am
Lunch break after round 3
Start round 4: 2 pm
Prize-giving: 15' after the end of the last game of round 9
Prizes
CHF 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100.
Non-cash prize for the best player without title (GM/IM/WGM/WIM), the best Swiss player, the best U16 and the best player <2000 Elo.
Total prize fund: CHF 3'600 + non-cash prizes.
Prizes are valid with 120 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
Prizes will be awarded according to the final ranking ("Hort System" won’t be applied).
Prizes are non-cumulative.
Eligible for the title of the best Swiss player are Swiss citizens and settled foreigners (settlement permit C) with FIDE Federation SUI.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three winners are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (FIDE standard)
Eligibility
Open to all. Players who like to participate, but don’t have a FIDE ID yet, should contact the corresponding officer of their federation or the tournament arbiter by e-mail, in order to receive the FIDE ID needed for the online registration in time.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 50 (born 2010+ and GM/IM/WGM/WIM: CHF 20), by bank transfer until July 08, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 12, 10:00 am.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 10:15 am at the latest on July 12. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 15 minutes after the start of the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The start list is based in priority on the July 2026 FIDE rapid rating list, then on FIDE standard rating. Unrated players are listed in alphabetical order at the end of the start list.
Players have to register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
An arbiter's decision may be appealed orally to the main arbiter immediately in case of disagreement. The decision of the main arbiter is final.
The tournament will be submitted for the FIDE rapid rating.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Blitz Tournament (BTZ)

Main Arbiter
IA Ana Srebrnič
Dates
July 19, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament type
13 rounds, Swiss system
Time control
3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move
Schedule
Start round 1: 1.30 pm
Two short breaks planned (after round 6 and 10)
Prize giving: 15' after the end of the last game of round 13.
Prizes
CHF 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100.
Non-cash prize for the best player without title (GM/IM/WGM/WIM), the best Swiss player, the best U16 and the best player <2000 Elo.
Total prize fund: CHF 3'600 + non-cash prizes.
Prizes are valid with 120 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
Prizes will be awarded according to the final ranking ("Hort System" won’t be applied).
Prizes are non-cumulative.
Eligible for the title as best Swiss player are Swiss citizens and settled foreigners (settlement permit C) with FIDE Federation SUI.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three winners are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Ranking
1. Points scored
2. Direct encounter
3. Rounds one Elected to Play (REP)
4. Fore Buchholz Cut 1 (worst score excluded)
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Elo average of opponents (FIDE standard)
Eligibility
Open to all. Players who like to participate, but don’t have a FIDE ID yet, should contact the corresponding officer of their federation or the tournament arbiter by e-mail, in order to receive the FIDE code needed for the online registration in time.
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 50 (born 2010+ and GM/IM/WGM/WIM: CHF 20), by bank transfer until July 15, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 19, 1 pm.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 1:15 pm at the latest on July 19. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 3 minutes after the start of the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure.
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The start list is based in priority on the July 2026 FIDE blitz rating list, then on FIDE standard rating. Unrated players are listed in alphabetical order at the end of the start list.
Players have to register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately.
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
The tournament will be submitted for the FIDE blitz rating.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Biel Hospital Center Total Chess (TRI)

Main Arbiter
IA Florian Zarri
Dates
July 20–24, 2026
Venue
Concert Hall, Biel Congress Center.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the whole building.
Tournament Type
5 rounds of Total Chess (Chess Triathlon): Each round consists of a match against the same opponent in three games:
- Fast standard: colour according to published pairings
- Rapid: reversed colour relative to Fast standard
- Blitz: reversed colour relative to Fast standard
Time controls
Blitz: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move. 
Rapid: 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move. 
Fast Standard: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move. 
Scores
The round is decided (1 point for a win, ½ for a draw, 0 for a loss) by the combined score from all three games ("goal average"):
  • Blitz:1 point for a win, ½ for a draw, 0 for a loss
  • Rapid: 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss
  • Fast Standard: 3 points for a win, 1½ for a draw, 0 for a loss
Ranking
  1. Round points
  2. Sum of the goal average
  3. Direct encounter
  4. Number of wins in all three time controls
  5. Number of wins with black in Fast Standard
  6. Age (from younger to older)
Schedule
July 20-24, round 1-5: 
9 am: Rapid immediately followed by blitz, 10 am: Fast standard
Prize-giving: July 24, 15' after the end of last game.
Prizes

CHF 700, 500, 300.

Other non-cash prizes for U20 offered by Biel Hospital Center.

Special prize for the best U16.
Total prize fund: CHF 1'500 + non cash prize.
Prizes are valid with 50 participants or more. With fewer participants, they are reduced pro rata.
Prizes are non-cumulative.
In order to receive their prizes, the top three finishers are required to stand on the podium during the prize-giving.
Eligibility
Open to all players. 
The admission of a player is decided solely by the organization. This decision is final.
Registration
CHF 50 (born 2010+: CHF 20), by bank transfer until July 15, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration. After this date, cash payment on-site with a surcharge of CHF 20. Deadline: July 20, 8:15 am.
Check-in
All participants with "paid" status on the website should confirm their presence at the registration desk until 8:30 am at the latest on Monday, July 20. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Any player arriving at the board more than 75 minutes after the start the round will lose by forfeit, except in cases of force majeure
It is forbidden to enter the playing area with any electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart watch.
All players must comply with strict anti-cheating measures in accordance with the FIDE rules.
Pairings and results
The starting list is based on the July 2026 FIDE standard rating list. Players without such a rating will be alphabetically classified at the bottom of the starting list .
The pairings for the first round will be published at 8:45 am. For all subsequent rounds, the pairings will be published online until one hour after the end of the previous round.
Players have to deliver the original copy of the scoresheet and register the result at the arbiter's desk. Otherwise the result of the game will be recorded as 0-0.
In case of disagreement with the arbiter's decision, you can appeal verbally against it with the chief arbiter. This needs to be done immediately.
The decision of the chief arbiter is final.
The tournament will not be submitted for the FIDE ratings.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Solving Contest (PLT)

Tournament direction
Date
July 19, 2026
Venue
Vereinssaal, Kongresshaus, Zentralstr. 60, 2502 Biel. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the entire building.
Tournament type
6 problems to solve as fast as possible (max. 90 minutes).
Schedule
Registration closes: 10:45 am
Solving contest: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Prize-giving: 1 pm
Prizes
1st prize: CHF 100 + (artistic) chess books for all participants, gifted by tournament's direction.
Ranking
1. Points (max. 5 points by problem)
2. Time spent
Eligibilty Open to all.
Registration
CHF 20 (2010+: CHF 10) payable on site or by bank transfer until 15 July 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail during the online registration. After this date, cash payments are made on site with a surcharge of CHF 10. Deadline: July 19, 11 am.
Participants without FIDE-ID use the code 1234567 in the registration form.
Miscellaneous
This tournament doesn't count for any rating list.
All electronic devices of players and spectators must be switched off, with the exception of cameras and video recorders.
Declaration of consent
With your participation, you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

VINETUM Youth Tournament (JTO)

Main Arbiter
IA Jonas Studer
Date
July 18, 2026
Venue
Vereinssaal, Biel Congress Center
Smoking is strictly prohibited in the entire building.
Tournament type
7 rounds, Swiss system
Time control
10 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move
Schedule
Rounds 13: 11:00 am – 1:15 pm
Lunch buffet open as of 12:30 pm
Rounds 47: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Prize-giving: 15 minutes after the end of the last game
Prizes
Prizes in kind for every player. Cup for the winners.
Ranking
1. Number of points scored
2. Buchholz
3. Sum of Buchholz
Eligibility
Open to every young player born 2008 or later, rated or unrated.
Age groups

 
Players with an Elo rating: born 2008 or later
Unrated players - U11: born 2015 or later
Unrated players - U18: born 2008-2014
Last minute adjustments are possible in order to have an equivalent number of participants in each category
Tournament for accompanying persons in the afternoon. Registration on site.
Registration
Free of charge, lunch meal included!
In case of need, the accompanying persons are requested to order per mail until July 15, 2026 their vouchers for meal (CHF 20 each, to be payed cash on-site).
Online registration until July 17, 2026. Participants without FIDE-ID use the code 1234567 in the registration form.
Check-in
All participants must confirm their presence at the registration desk on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9 am to no later than 10 am. Players who don't confirm their participation on time will not be paired in the 1st round.
Laws of chess
Illegal moves don't lose the game, but the rule "touched piece, played piece" is applied.
Miscellaneous
The tournament won’t be rated.
Electronic devices of players, accompanying persons and spectators must be switched off in the tournament hall except for cameras and video recorders.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos - in which you appear - in any publication.

Simul (SIM)

Main Arbiter
IA Ana Srebrnič
Date
July 10, 2026; 6 pm
Venue Congress Center, Zentralstr. 60, 2502 Biel/Bienne
Tournament type
IM Lu Miaoyi faces up to twenty opponents simultaneously!
Eligibility
Open to everybody.
Registration
CHF 30 (2010+: CHF 10), by bank transfer until July 08, 2026, based on the invoice received by e-mail after the online registration.
Seats are limited – book now!
Participants without FIDE-ID use the code 1234567 in the registration form.
Declaration of consent
With your participation you give permission for the usage of photos/videos in which you appear in any publication.
IM Lu Miaoyi

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