Club event · past event
2026 NZ Seniors Chess Championship
Six-round national championship for players over 49, with Seniors, Veterans and Legend titles.
Details
- Date
- 17–19 July 2026
- Venue
- Carbine Room, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, Mount Wellington, Auckland
- Organiser
- Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club with the Howick Poppies Bookstore
- Rounds
- Two per day at 9:30am and 2:30pm, Friday to Sunday
- Time control
- 90 min + 30 s from move 1
- Players’ meeting
- 9:00am Friday 17 July
- Entry fee
- $60 per player
- Entries close
- Wednesday 15 July
- Eligibility
- Over 49 on 1 January 2026 (born before 1977)
Titles and prizes
The highest-placed New Zealand player becomes NZ Seniors Chess Champion. The highest-placed player over 64 on 1 January 2026 (born before 1962) becomes NZ Veterans Champion, and a new Legend prize goes to the highest-placed player over 80 on 1 January 2026.
No player may win more than one prize; ties share prizes and titles equally. The prize fund is at least $1,000 plus Poppies Bookstore vouchers.
Rules
- Up to two half-point byes in any of the first four rounds, notified before the tournament starts (you can request them on entry).
- NZCF and FIDE rated where possible. Non-NZL players must have or obtain a FIDE ID from their national federation.
- Prize-giving as soon as possible after round 6.
Players’ dinner
Saturday 18 July at Wellington’s restaurant, Waipuna Hotel. Indicate your interest on the entry form.
| Division | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | $250 | $150 | $100 |
| Veteran | $250 | $150 | $100 |
| Legend | Poppies book vouchers ($150) | — | — |