Open Chess Tournament
The Pensioners’ Association Novo mesto (DU Novo mesto) is organising an individual open chess tournament to mark the 80th anniversary of the beginning of organised chess playing in Novo mesto and the cooperation between DU Novo mesto and the Novo mesto Sports Association.
The tournament will take place on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, at 8:15 a.m. at the Prepih Restaurant in Gornja Težka Voda near Novo mesto.
The time control will be 10 minutes per player. The competition format will depend on the number of registered participants and will be conducted according to the Swiss system (9 or 11 rounds, depending on the number of entrants).
On the day of the tournament, confirmation of registration is mandatory by 8:00 a.m. The opening ceremony and welcome address will take place at 8:00 a.m., followed by the start of Round 1 at 8:15 a.m.
Immediately after the completion of the tournament, the results will be announced and awards presented. Prizes will be awarded according to the following criteria:
* Top 5 overall;
* Top 3 players up to 65 years of age;
* Top 3 players aged 65–75;
* Top 3 players over 75;
* Oldest participant;
* Youngest participant;
* Top 3 female players.
Each participant may receive only one award.
After the award ceremony, lunch and a pleasant surprise will follow.
The tournament will be played in accordance with the rules of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and will be officiated by chess arbiter Jernej Zupančič, assisted by deputy arbiters. During the tournament, the arbiter’s decisions regarding the rules of chess shall be final.
Due to the complexity of organising the tournament and the as yet unknown number of participants, pre-registration is mandatory. Associations or individuals must submit written applications to DU Novo mesto, Čitalniška ulica 1, 8000 Novo mesto, or to the association’s secretariat at upokojenci2@t-2.net, or by telephone at +386 41 717 031. Applications must include the participant’s full name and date of birth. Proof of payment of the entry fee must also be enclosed. Payment should be made to the DU Novo mesto bank account (IBAN: SI56 6100 0000 0830 667).
The entry fee is EUR 15 and includes lunch, tournament organisation, arbiters, venue hire, use of chess sets and clocks, free parking, good company and a tournament surprise. By prior arrangement, payment may also be made in person to the tournament organisers before the start of the event. Pre-registrations are binding and subject to payment.
Registrations will be accepted until Friday, 7 March 2026. For further information, please call +386 70 411 394 daily between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
All chess enthusiasts are warmly welcome, without restriction.
