Tournament Info

The PICA's All India Open FIDE Rating Below 1800 Chess Tournament is organized by Pratyusha Chess Academy (PICA) under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Telangana Chess Association (TCA). The 3-day event runs from 11th to 13th September 2026 at Sri Chaitanya Future Pathways Global School, Miyapur, Hyderabad.

AICF Event Code: 485293/TG/2026

Prize Pool: Total cash prize fund of ₹6,60,000/- featuring 125+ prizes, along with trophies and medals. Includes a daily lucky draw to win gold coins.

Prize Categories: Below 1800 Main Prizes (Top 20), Rating Categories (1601–1700, 1501–1600, 1400–1500, and Unrated), Age Groups (Under-07, Under-09, Under-11, Under-13), Best Female, Best PICA, and Best Veteran (60+ years).

Terms & Conditions

Tournament Terms & Conditions

System of Play: Conducted according to the latest FIDE Laws of Chess using Swiss Manager across 9 rounds.

Time Control: 45 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move starting from move 1 for the entire game.

Default Time: 30 minutes.

Tie Break:

Buchholz Cut-1

Buchholz

Sonneborn-Berger

Direct encounter

Greater number of wins (including forfeit wins)

Greater number of wins with black pieces

Eligibility & DOB Proof: Open to all Indian players and non-Indian players with a valid FIDE ID (no age limit). Age category players are eligible only for their own age category. Valid proof of date of birth must be presented if required.

Prize Money Rule: Prize money will not be shared; each player receives only one higher prize.

Mandatory Registration: AICF player registration for the year 2026–2027 is mandatory for all Indian participants (Fee: ₹300/-).

Protests & Appeals: Written protest along with a fee of ₹3,000/- must be submitted within 15 minutes of the incident to the 5-member Appeals Committee (refunded if upheld).

Electronic Devices: All electronic devices and wristwatches (any kind of watch) are strictly prohibited in the playing arena.

Withdrawals: Players may withdraw at any stage by informing the Chief Arbiter in writing.

Discipline: Any disruption of decorum by a player or parent will lead to exclusion from the event.