Tournament regulations

Article 1 RULES OF THE GAME
The games will be played according to the FIDE Laws of Chess in the official English version, edition 1 January 2023, unless otherwise provided in these regulations.

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Article 2 DIVISION INTO GROUPS
The players will be divided into the following groups according to their playing strength:
A group: open to players with a rating of at least 2050,
B group: open to players with a rating between 1850 and 2100,
C group: open to players with a rating between 1650 and 1900,
D group: open to players with a rating of up to 1700.

If a number of participants exceeds 120, the groups will be split into two (B1/B2 instead of B). This split is arbitrary.

When determining the playing strength of a player to be taken into account for the classification of the groups, the highest of the following two ratings is used:

the KNSB rating according to the rating list dated 1 October 2025;

the FIDE rating according to the rating list dated 1 October 2025;

If these two ratings are missing, the following can be used:

the national rating, according to the most recently published rating list.

an estimate of the playing strength of a player, for example based on online rating.

Players for whom no rating can be determined are classified in the D group.

For special reasons, the organization can classify players in another group.

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Article 3 ROUNDS
The number of rounds is 6 for all groups.
A bye can be requested twice in the first four rounds, with a compensation of 0.5 points. This is only valid if a participant requests this in time, before the end of the previous round. The playing time is 90 minutes per player, plus 30 seconds per move.

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Article 4 CLASSIFICATION
The classification of games is done via accelerated Swiss based on FIDE rating.
The results are processed for FIDE rating and KNSB rating.

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Article 5 GAME SCHEDULE
Two games are played per day. Playing times can be found on the general information page. The prize giving ceremony will follow after round 6.
The default time is 30 minutes. If a player first appears at the board more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time of the round, the player loses the game, unless the arbiter decides otherwise.

A game that has not been completed after 4.5 hours of play can be considered a draw by the tournament management for the purpose of classification.

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Article 6 RULES OF CONDUCT
During matches, a player is prohibited from carrying a mobile phone,
smartwatch and/or other electronic communication devices. A
violation of this rule will be punished with the loss of the game, unless the referee decides otherwise. Such a device, provided it is switched off, may be stored in a jacket or bag or placed on the gaming table. If it is determined that such a device is not switched off in a permitted place in the gaming hall, the playing owner's playing time will be halved for a first violation with a maximum reduction of 10 minutes. For a second violation, he will lose the game and the referee will determine the opponent's result.
In the player's area, spectators are not permitted to use mobile phones,
smartwatches and/or other electronic communication devices.
The player's area is understood to mean the areas in the gaming hall accessible to the players and the public, toilets, canteen, as well as the smoking areas designated by the competition management.

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Article 7 FINAL STANDINGS
The following ranking is used to determine the final standings:
the score,
mutual result (if applicable),

Resistance points,
Sonneborn-Berger,

progressive score,
drawing.
The entire prize fund, including
rating prizes, is announced during the first round.
In the event of a tie on points, the cash prizes are shared, with the exception of rating prizes. A player who qualifies for more cash prizes will only receive the prize that has the highest amount.
If, by sharing prizes per person, an amount of less than 10 euros remains,
players will be eliminated based on the above ranking, until the amount per player is at least 10 euros. Prize money will not be paid in cash but transferred.

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Article 8 SANCTIONS
Without prejudice to possible sanctions under the FIDE Rules, a player who acts in violation of these regulations or who misbehaves may be excluded from the tournament by the tournament management, after consultation with the organization, if the seriousness of the violation(s) or misbehavior(s) justifies such exclusion.

Article 9 APPEAL
An appeal may be lodged against a decision of the tournament management.
An appeal must be submitted in writing to the tournament management within half an hour after the end of the game in question.
An appeal shall be submitted without delay to the Appeals Committee. This consists of three members and two alternate members, who are appointed by the organization.
A member of the Appeals Committee who has a direct or indirect interest in an appeal issue, will be replaced by a reserve member for the handling of the appeal. Whether a member has such an interest, will be determined by the chief arbiter or his deputy.
The decision of the Appeals Committee is binding on all parties.

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Article 10 FINAL PROVISION
In cases not provided for in these regulations, the competition management will decide.

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