Invitation to play at Blue Chevaliers International Open 2026

An event Indians can't miss

The tournament is proving to be especially popular among Indian players, with 18 Indians travelling to Phuket to compete last year, and even more expected this coming September. They will be hoping to emulate India’s WFM Sneha Halder (pictured below), who triumphed last year in both the female and junior championships!

The tournament offers particularly attractive prize money for female players, with over $US 3,000 to be won this year by them alone. Capacity is limited to 130 players, so players should enter early to avoid disappointment. Special accommodation discounts are available to players staying at the playing venue, Novotel Phuket Resort. A limited number of Grandmasters' accommodation packages are also on offer.

Enhanced Accommodation Offer

As a result of our move from July to the low season in September, Novotel Phuket Resort is offering room rates 25% below 2025 levels. Players can now stay at the venue resort for just 2,400 baht per night (reduced from 3,200 baht in 2025). Tariffs in other accommodations are also likely to be lower than in 2025. We have also increased the quantity of our “Grandmaster Accommodation” packages, which offer a further discount and an automatic upgrade to a sea view room, from five packages to six.

The Tournament

A nine round swiss system tournament will be played over seven days. Each player will be given 90 minutes for all moves, plus a 30 second increment that will be added after each move played. All games will be processed for rating by FIDE.

Complement With Other Events

We have selected dates to suit players planning a September “chess trip.” We anticipate that the Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open will end with a morning round on 6 September. After examining flight times, we have set our first round for 4.30 pm on 7 September for the convenience of players journeying to Phuket from Kuala Lumpur. We further anticipate that the initial playing day of the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan will be on 16 September. Direct flights from Bangkok to Uzbekistan are available on 15 September to transport players to the Olympiad. Flights with a brief single stop are available on 14 September.

Capacity

To fulfil our commitment to provide first-class playing conditions throughout both of our tournament rooms, capacity will be limited to 130 entrants. Entries will be immediately closed should capacity be reached. Players are therefore encouraged to enter early to secure their place in the tournament.

The Venue

Tournament Director

The Blue Chevaliers are a small group of foreign chess players active in South-East Asia who aim to be of service to chess in that region. They are strictly non-profit. In addition to presenting their open tournament annually in Phuket, the Blue Chevaliers publish a free on-line newsletter “Tiger Chess!” which promotes and reports on 90/30 tournaments held in South-East Asia. To subscribe to “Tiger Chess!” simply email Peter at peter.frost3@yahoo.com.au

Red Knight Chess Club

The Blue Chevaliers International Open is presented by the Blue Chevaliers in partnership with Red Knight Chess Club, whose support we gratefully acknowledge. Founded by Riste Menkinoski and Loreshyl Cuizon, Red Knight Chess Club has produced many Thailand youth champions and helped many young players in Bangkok to become strong, competitive chess players. In addition to coaching, the club regularly organizes large international school competitions, as well as FIDE rated tournaments for players of all ages and levels. You can learn more about Red Knight Chess Club at redknightchess.com

Registered players till now

Details

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Enquiries can be directed to Tournament Director Peter Frost at: peter.frost3@yahoo.com.au