We are proud to be a true Chess Festival, not a mere tournament. On top of the regular tournaments, a lot of extra events are organized. In the evenings our Partner Chess Cafe Proeflokaal Hooghoudt in the city center hosts an After Chess Program. During the normal tournament days 1-day events for students and youth are organized. We have Live Commentary and a Closing Simul on the final day. In the run up to the Festival we organize some extra events throughout the city!
RUG & Hanze Chess Tournament – 22 December
On sunday the 22nd of December 2024 Chess Festival Groningen holds the first RUG & Hanze Chess Tournament. A chesstournament for students and/or employees of both the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and/or the Hanzehogeschool Groningen.
After Chess
Chess Festival Groningen is much more than what’s going on in the playing venue. Almost every night there’s a blitz- or variant chess tournament in the bar Proeflokaal Hooghoudt on Gedempte Zuiderdiep 61 in the inner city of Groningen. And there’s even a guided tour through the beautiful, old city center. Down here you’ll find the complete list and you can also check out the category side events on this website.
Hands & Brains, Thursday 22 December 08:30 PM
Great minds think alike. Or two thoughts, one move. Anyway, it’s time for Hands & Brains! In teams of two one names the piece, the other makes the move. 7 minutes per team per game.
Teams can subscribe till 08:00 PM with Maarten Roorda (00316-28979404). Prizes in liquid form. Maximum of 30 participants.
Duck Chess, Friday 23 December 08:30 PM
Kwaak. Move, then the duck. Be smart, surprised anyway, move again, use your duck wisely this time, be surprised still.
Sunday 25 December (First Christmas Day ) the bar is closed.
SISSA Kerstblitz, Monday 26 December 09:00 PM
SISSA Kerstblitz, the most bloody, tough, straightforward blitz chess tournament you will find, organized by student chess club SISSA.
Poule phase with groups of four and finals in groups of ten. Maximum of 30 participants. Full = Full.
Money prizes! Entree fee 5 euro, GM/IM’s gratis. Prize giving around 01:00 AM. No excuses, you won’t be brought home.
Dutch Bughouse, Tuesday 27 December 08:30 PM
Chess no team sport? But indeed it is! Because now it’s time for Dutch Bughouse!
Just a little bit different than regular or international bughouse, it’s easy to learn and play if you are familiar with the normal bughouse.
7 minutes per game, teams of two. The ten times Dutch champion Erik Jan Hummel also joins.
Teams can subscribe till 08:00 PM with Maarten Roorda (00316-28979404). Prizes in liquid form. Maximum of twenty participants.
Fischer Random, Wednesday 28 December 09:00 PM
Forget about opening theory, it’s time for Fischer Random (Chess 960)! Last time around grandmaster Vojta Plat became first, winning 75 euro. Are you his successor?
Swiss tournament, 7 minutes per game, 8 rounds. First price 75 euro, second price 50 euro and third price 25 euro.
Subscribe by app or SMS till 08:30 PM with Maarten Roorda (00316-28979404). Maximum of 32 participants. 5 euro entree, Free for GM’s, IM’s, WGM’s, WIM’s and WFM’s.
Chess against the Bear, Thursday 29 December from 09:00 PM
Can you beat that strong, big bear with those mighty claws? Well, try it against grandmaster ??
Subscribe is not necessary. Just come by. If you do you beat the bear, you will get a drink or a bottle for free.
The city center (Foto: Deon Prins)
Youth Grand Prix – 28 December
A chess tournament for all kids, club member or not. This tournament will be held on the 28th of December. Entry is € 10,- per person, including a ‘leuke herinnering’!
Dutch Underwater Chess Championship – 29 December
In the evening from 18:00 til 23:00 we dive, move, rise, and repeat. No clock necessary. Just a fine pair of lungs, and maybe the ability to think ahead without a board. A 4-round Swiss tournament for the brave!
Live Commentary – the entire tournament
There will be live commentary in dutch throughout the tournament. You can ask questions in English, and some of the players will talk English when they show their game.
