13th National Amateur Chess Championship 2026

The 13th National Amateur Chess Championship 2026 is one of India’s most anticipated chess tournaments, organized by Ananthi Chess Academy in association with Viyugam Chess Academy, under the guidance of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association and All India Chess Federation (AICF).

This championship provides an excellent platform for amateur chess players across India to compete at a national level.

📍 Event Overview

Players with a rating below 2300 are eligible to participate, and state championship qualification is not required.

♟️ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to amateur players rated below 2300
• Entries must be submitted through respective state associations
• Birth certificate verification required
• Participation open nationwide
  *Tamil Nadu players get direct eligibility without state qualification.

(a) For the under-2300 section, a player must not have a published FIDE
rating of 2300 or greater for at least one year prior to the start of the
championship. All players must not hold any title above FM (or WFM for
Women) in the section Under-2300.

(b) For the Under-2000 section, a player must not have a published FIDE
rating of 2000 or greater for at least one year prior to the start of the
championship. All players must not hold any title above CM (or WCM for
women) in the section Under-2000.

(c) For the Under-1700 section, a player must not have a published FIDE
rating of 1700 or greater for at least one year prior to the start of the
championship. All players must not hold any title above CM (or WCM for
women) in the section Under-1700.

(d) If a player reaches or exceeds the FIDE rating of 1700 or 2000 after the
registration deadline, he/she will play in the upper rating category. If a player
reaches or exceeds the FIDE rating of 2300 after the registration deadline,
he/she will not be permitted to play in the championship

💰 Entry Fee Details

🧾 Entry Fee Structure

Important Notes:

• Valid until: 11 February 2026
• Final Entry Deadline: 18 February 2026 – 6:00 PM

🏅 Total Prize Fund – ₹3,00,000

The championship features multiple prize categories across open and women divisions.

🥇 Open Category – Prize Distribution (Group 1 – Rating 2300)

🥇 Open Category – Prize Distribution (Group 2 – FIDE Rating 2000)

🥇 Open Category – Prize Distribution (Group 3 – FIDE Rating 1700)

👩 Women Category – Prize Distribution

♟️ Tournament Format & Rules

📋 System of Play

• Swiss System Tournament
• Total 9 rounds
• FIDE Laws of Chess applicable
• Girls categories may merge if less than 10 participants

⏰ Time Control

Tournament Schedule :-

More Detail / Prospectus Download :

Disclaimer: Event details such as prizes, venue, schedule, and rules may change — always verify with the official organizers or original documents.
This website shares information for reference only and is not responsible for any updates, modifications, or discrepancies.