Dubrovnik Advent 2026 – Open International Chess Tournament Invitation

Chess Club Dubrovnik is organizing the Dubrovnik Advent 2026 Open International Chess Tournament, which will take place from December 17 to 20, 2026, at the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel.

The tournament will be played over seven rounds with a classical time control, featuring a total prize fund of €7,500, distributed across 31 cash prizes.

The tournament is supported by the City of Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and the Croatian National Tourist Board.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tournament: Dubrovnik Advent 2026 – Open International Chess Tournament

Organizer: Chess Club Dubrovnik

Dates: December 17–20, 2026

Venue: Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel ★★★★, Iva Dulčića 34, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Eligibility: The tournament is open to all players holding a valid FIDE ID whose federation is not suspended by FIDE, and who have a FIDE Standard rating below 2400 (maximum 2399), according to the December 1, 2026 rating list.

Tournament System: Swiss system, with computer pairings using Swiss-Manager. All registered players will compete in one combined section.

Number of Rounds: 7

Time Control: 60 minutes per player, with a 30-second increment per move.

FIDE Rating: The tournament will be FIDE-rated for Standard (classical) chess.

PRIZE FUND

The total prize fund amounts to €7,500 net, distributed across 31 cash prizes.

Main Prizes – Final Standings

Special Prizes

IMPORTANT: PRIZES ARE NON-CUMULATIVE!

Prizes for participants from European Union countries will be paid to their bank accounts within five days after the tournament concludes.

PLAYING SCHEDULE

On-site confirmation and final registration will take place at the playing venue on Thursday, December 17, 2026, from 11:00 to 14:30.

The official opening ceremony will be held on the same day at 15:45.

A dinner break is scheduled between the first and second rounds.

The prize-awarding and closing ceremony will take place immediately after the conclusion of the seventh and final round.

ENTRY FEE

The tournament entry fee is:

• €50 for all participants.

• €30 for Chess Club Dubrovnik members who have paid their 2026 membership fee.

• Free entry for players holding the GM or WGM title.

Payment Method

Entry fees must be paid by bank transfer to the bank account of Chess Club Dubrovnik.

Bank Account Details:

Beneficiary: ŠK Dubrovnik

Address: Liechtensteinov put 12, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

IBAN: HR8224070001100022033

BIC (SWIFT): OTPVHR2X

Payment description: DAO 2026 – Full Name

Payment Deadlines

The applicable regular entry fee must be paid no later than December 7, 2026, which is ten days before the tournament begins.

Entry fee payments received between December 8 and the final registration deadline of December 14, 2026, will be subject to an additional €10 late fee.

Important: Players whose entry fees have not been received by the final registration deadline will be removed from the entry list, no later than December 14, 2026.

Entry Fee Refund Policy

Participants who are unable to attend the tournament and notify the Organizer of a valid reason before the tournament begins are entitled to a full refund of their entry fee.

Refunds will be made to the same bank account used for the original payment.

If the Organizer is not notified in a timely manner, the Organizer reserves the right to retain the entry fee.

ACCOMMODATION

Special accommodation rates have been arranged for tournament participants and their accompanying guests at the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel ★★★★, located at Iva Dulčića 34, Dubrovnik.

The hotel also serves as the official playing venue, allowing participants to enjoy convenient accommodation and direct access to the tournament hall.

Special Accommodation Rates

Half board includes buffet breakfast and buffet dinner. Drinks are not included.

All listed prices include VAT and the tourist tax.

Additional Discounts

The following discounts apply to guests sharing a room with two adults:

• 100% discount for children up to 2 years of age.

• 50% discount for children aged 2–12.

• 20% discount for guests over 12 years of age.

Accommodation Reservations and Payment

The special accommodation rates listed above are available exclusively for bookings and payments made through the Organizer, Chess Club Dubrovnik.

Bank Account Details:

Beneficiary: ŠK Dubrovnik

Address: Liechtensteinov put 12, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

IBAN: HR8224070001100022033

BIC (SWIFT): OTPVHR2X

Due to limited accommodation capacity, reservations can only be guaranteed upon receipt of payment.

In case of cancellation of paid accommodation, the hotel's cancellation policy will apply. Further details are available upon request.

For accommodation reservations and additional information, participants are invited to contact the Organizer at prijave@skdubrovnik.hr.

TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION

Pre-registrations for the tournament must be submitted by email to:

prijave@skdubrovnik.hr

The pre-registration deadline is December 14, 2026, at 12:00 (noon).

All pre-registrations must include:

• The player's full name.

• The player's FIDE ID number.

By submitting a pre-registration, the player will be added to the tournament entry list. However, registration becomes complete and confirmed only after the entry fee payment has been received.

Entry fees must be paid in accordance with the payment instructions and deadlines outlined in the Entry Fee section.

After making the payment, participants are required to send proof of payment to the same email address used for registration.

Registrations received after the deadline may be accepted only at the Organizer's discretion and subject to the available capacity of the playing hall.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Chess sets and digital chess clocks will be provided by the Organizer for all participants.

For tournament registration, accommodation reservations, and all other inquiries, please contact:

prijave@skdubrovnik.hr

Dubrovnik Pocket Guide

To help participants travelling to Dubrovnik prepare for their visit, the Organizer has also created a special travel guide entitled "Dubrovnik Pocket Guide."

The guide provides practical information about travelling from Dubrovnik Airport to the city, getting around Dubrovnik, recommended attractions, food and drink suggestions, and other useful local tips.

Its purpose is to help participants plan their stay more easily, explore the city, and enjoy a comfortable and memorable tournament experience.

Advent in Dubrovnik

Holding the tournament in December offers participants a wonderful opportunity to combine competitive chess with the festive atmosphere of Dubrovnik during the Advent season.

As part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, a rich cultural and entertainment program will be offered at various locations throughout the city.

All tournament participants and their accompanying guests are warmly invited to explore Dubrovnik's festive attractions and experience the city's unique atmosphere during this special time of year.

For more information about the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, please visit the official website:

https://www.dubrovackizimskifestival.com/

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION (GDPR)

By registering for the tournament, participants agree that personal data necessary for the organization of the competition (such as name, age, chess rating and title, federation, club or team membership, and similar information), as well as photographs and games from the tournament, may be published on the Organizer's official website and in the media.

FINAL NOTE

The Organizer reserves the right to make minor changes and technical adjustments to the tournament regulations up to one week prior to the event.

Chess Club Dubrovnik warmly invites chess players from Croatia and abroad to take part in Dubrovnik Advent 2026, enjoy four days of competitive chess, and experience the unique festive atmosphere of Dubrovnik.

Welcome to Dubrovnik!