Play Chess in Paradise: 1st International FIDE Rating Open 2026 at Yelagiri Hills

Play Chess in Paradise: 1st International FIDE Rating Open 2026 at Yelagiri Hills

Are you ready to make your next brilliant move amidst the serene Shervarayan hills? Chessinfo and Golden Knights Chess Academy are proud to present the 1st International FIDE Rating Open Chess Tournament 2026.

Scheduled from October 28 to November 1, 2026, this tournament promises not just intense competition but also a refreshing experience in one of Tamil Nadu’s most picturesque hill stations. With a total prize pool exceeding ₹6,01,001, free lunch for all players, and a peaceful environment ideal for concentration, this is an event you cannot miss.

📅 Event Highlights at a Glance

Feature	Details
Event Name	1st International FIDE Rating Open Chess Tournament 2026
Dates	October 28, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Venue	SDAT Indoor Stadium, Yelagiri Hills, Tirupattur District
Total Prize Money	₹6,01,001/- + Trophies
Entry Fee	₹3,000/-
System	Swiss System (9 Rounds)
Time Control	90 Minutes + 30 Seconds Increment per move
Special Perk	FREE LUNCH for all players every day

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💰 Detailed Prize Structure

The tournament offers substantial cash prizes across various rating categories and special district-based awards.

Main Overall Prizes (Top 22)

Position	Prize Amount (₹)
1st	50,001
2nd	35,000
3rd	25,000
4th	15,000
5th	12,000
6th	10,000
7th	8,000
8th	7,000
9th	6,000
10th	5,000
11th – 22nd	3,100 – 4,000 (See full list below)

(Positions 11-22 range from ₹3,100 to ₹4,000)

Category-wise Cash Prizes

Prizes are distributed among specific rating bands and special categories. Note: Prizes will not be shared in case of ties; Buchholz tie-break system applies.

1. Rating Categories (1601-1750 & 1400-1600)

Position	1601-1750 Rating (₹)	1400-1600 Rating (₹)
1st	20,000	20,000
2nd	17,500	17,500
3rd	15,000	15,000
4th	12,000	12,000
5th	10,000	10,000
6th	8,000	8,000
7th	6,000	6,000
8th	6,000	4,000
9th	3,100	3,100
10th	3,100	3,100

2. Unrated Players Category

Position	Prize Amount (₹)
1st	6,000
2nd	5,000
3rd	4,000
4th	3,100
5th	3,100

3. Special District Prizes (Trophies & Cash)

District	1st Prize	2nd Prize	3rd Prize	4th Prize	5th Prize
Vellore	₹12,000	₹10,000	₹8,000	₹6,000	₹5,000
Krishnagiri	₹4,000	₹3,200	₹3,100	₹3,100	Trophy
Dharmapuri	₹4,000	₹3,200	₹3,100	₹3,100	Trophy
Ranipet	₹4,000	₹3,200	₹3,100	₹3,100	Trophy
TV Malai	₹4,000	₹3,200	₹3,100	₹3,100	Trophy
Best TPT Player	₹4,000 (Pos 11-20)	Multiple Winners

4. Special Categories (Women, Veterans, Divyang)

Category	1st Prize	2nd Prize	3rd Prize
Women	₹4,000	₹3,500	₹3,100
Veteran	₹3,100 (Pos 23-25)	Multiple Winners
Divyang (Disabled)	₹4,000	₹3,500	₹3,100

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👶 Age Group Categories (Trophies Only)

Young talents have their own spotlight! Trophies will be awarded to the top 10 boys and girls in each age group.

Category	Eligibility (Date of Birth)	Awards
Under-9 Boys & Girls	Born on or after 01.01.2017	10 Trophies Each
Under-11 Boys & Girls	Born on or after 01.01.2015	10 Trophies Each
Under-13 Boys & Girls	Born on or after 01.01.2013	10 Trophies Each
Under-15 Boys & Girls	Born on or after 01.01.2011	10 Trophies Each

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📝 Registration & Rules

Important Dates & Deadlines

• Last Date for Entries: October 26, 2026, by 6:00 PM.
• Tournament Dates: October 28 – November 1, 2026.

Mandatory Registrations

1. AICF Registration: Compulsory for all Indian players. Fee: ₹300/- (2026-27).
   • New Registration: http://aicf.in/online-player-registration/
   • Renewal: http://aicf.in/players/
2. TNSCA Registration: Compulsory for all Tamil Nadu players. Fee: ₹150/- (2026-27).
   • Register here: https://registration.tamilchess.com/new-registery
3. Tirupattur DCA: Registration fee of ₹75/- is exempted for Tirupattur District players.

Payment Details

• Entry Fee: ₹3,000/-
• Payment Modes: Online via tptchess.com, signinchess.com, easypaychess.com, chessfee.com, bookmyfee.com, chesscircle.com.
• Note: After online/bank payment, send the scanned receipt/challan to 8637439008.

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🏨 Accommodation & Travel

Yelagiri offers a range of stays from budget dormitories to luxury villas. Players can avail a 10% discount at partner properties by mentioning the tournament.

Accommodation Option	Contact Person	Phone Number	Notes
CSI Convention Centre	Mr. Karunakaran	9952224387	Bulk booking available
YMCA Camp	YMCA Office	9842376260	Rooms & Dormitory
SJR Residency	Mr. Jagadeesan	6379062110	Nearest option (6km from venue)
Food Queries	Mr. Sam	9952122587
Travels & Taxi	Mr. Imman	9962060640

Note: All bookings are the sole responsibility of the players.

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📞 Contact Information

For any queries regarding the tournament, registration, or logistics, please contact the organizers:

Role	Name	Contact Number
Secretary, TPTDCA	Mr. D Anand (IA)	8637439008
Secretary, GKCA	Mr. S Ganesh Babu (IA, FI, AO)	9944564728

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is lunch provided during the tournament? Yes! Free lunch is provided to all players every day of the tournament.

Q2: What is the time control for the games? The time control is 90 minutes for each player with a 30-second increment per move starting from move 1.

Q3: Are wristwatches allowed? No. As per AICF regulations for FIDE-rated events, wristwatches are not allowed while playing.

Q4: How are ties broken? The Buchholz tie-break system will be applied. Prizes will not be shared; tie-breaks determine the winner.

Q5: Can I withdraw from the tournament? Yes, a player may withdraw at any stage by informing the Chief Arbiter in writing.

Q6: What should I bring for AICF/TNSCA registration? Keep ready: Scanned passport-size photograph (<1MB, JPEG format), birth certificate, and a unique valid email address.