Tournament Info

The QGCA Open Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2026 is organized by Sahyog Educational Foundation & Welfare Society and Queens Gambit Chess Academy (QGCA), Patna, under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and All Bihar Chess Association. The two-day event takes place from 19th to 20th September 2026 at Lumina Grove Resort, Patna, Bihar.

AICF Event Code: 492704/BR(R)/2026

Prize Fund: Total prize money of ₹3,51,000/- distributed across main and special categories.

Prize Categories: Main Open Prizes (Top 30), Best Below 1800 (Top 9), Best Below 1600 (Top 9), Best Unrated (Top 7), Best Patna (Top 5), Age Group Prizes (Under-08, Under-10, Under-12, Under-16 for Boys & Girls), Best Veteran (60+ years), Best Women (16+ years), Best QGCA Academy Players, and Best Physically Challenged Players.

Perks: Certificates to all participants.

Entry Limit: Strictly limited to the first 250 accepted entries.

Terms & Conditions

System of Play: FIDE Swiss Rapid System with a total of 9 rounds.

Time Control: 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move starting from move 1.

Reporting Time: All players must report by 10:00 AM on 19th September 2026.

Default Time (Walkover Time): 25 minutes.

Tie Break Rules (AICF Guidelines):

Buchholz Cut 1

Buchholz

Sonneborn-Berger

Direct encounter

Greater number of wins including forfeits

Number of wins with Black pieces

Appeals & Protests: Protests against the Chief Arbiter's decision must be submitted in writing along with a fee of ₹1,000/- within 15 minutes of the incident to the 5-member Appeals Committee (refunded if upheld).

Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, tablets, wristwatches (all types), earbuds, headphones, and smart glasses are strictly prohibited in the playing hall. Violation leads to immediate disqualification.

Parents & Coaches: Must remain in the designated waiting area during rounds.

Refund Policy: Entry fees are strictly non-refundable.

Admission Rights: The organizers reserve the right to accept or reject any entry without assigning any reason.