Chess tournaments in Switzerland: how to find one and sign up

Chess tournaments in Switzerland are easiest to find in a bundled calendar like the Chessmates tournament calendar, which combines open tournaments, FIDE-rated events and the team championships, including the Swiss Chess Federation dates. Registration is usually online or by email, entry fees run about 20 to 80 francs, and for most opens you need neither a club nor a rating.

Where do I find chess tournaments in Switzerland?

In a tournament calendar that bundles the organizers' announcements. The Chessmates calendar brings together open tournaments, FIDE-rated events and the Swiss team championships, filterable by region, and includes the Swiss Chess Federation dates. Most opens run on weekends; the bigger festivals last several days.

Can visitors and foreigners play in Swiss chess tournaments?

Yes. Open tournaments are open to everyone, regardless of nationality or club membership – you register like any other player. In FIDE-rated events your games count toward your international rating, which is why some players combine a trip to Switzerland with an open.

How do I register, and what does it cost?

Usually through a registration form on the tournament page or by email to the organizer, often with a deadline a few days ahead. Most tournaments charge an entry fee, typically in the range of about 20 to 80 Swiss francs depending on length, category and prize fund; juniors often pay less.

What do Standard, Rapid and Blitz mean?

They differ in thinking time. Standard (classical) usually gives each side 60 minutes or more per game; Rapid typically runs between about 10 and 60 minutes; Blitz is anything below that, classically 3 to 5 minutes. Shorter time controls mean more games per day, but less time to calculate.

Do I need a club or a rating to play?

Not for open tournaments – everyone can enter, often without any rating. You only need a club for the team competitions such as the Swiss Team Championship, where teams represent their club. If you want one, the Chessmates directory lists more than 200 Swiss clubs sorted by city.

More on Chessmates

All current dates are in the tournament calendar. Looking for regular play instead? See how to join a chess club in Switzerland, or the city guides: Zurich · Geneva · Basel · Bern · Lausanne.

About Chessmates

Chessmates is the platform for over-the-board chess in Switzerland: find meetups, discover clubs, play tournaments. Free for players and clubs.