NZ Chess Congress 2026

NZCF and FIDE Rating: Tournaments will be NZCF-rated and FIDE-rated where possible.

Pairings and Rating-Based Prizes: NZCF ratings will be used for pairings and rating-based prizes except for the NZ Lightning Championship which will use FIDE blitz ratings. Players without ratings may be assigned a rating by the Chief Arbiter. The most recently published rating lists will be used (January for NZCF and FIDE).

Pairings: Pairings will be done with the assistance of Vega. For standard tournaments, pairings will not be final i.e. published for the purposes of FIDE regulations until 30 minutes before the round start time.

NZ Player: Per NZCF regulations, NZ citizen or a player who is normally resident in New Zealand and has been resident in New Zealand for at least one year prior to Congress.

Multiple Prizes and Tiebreaks: Players may not win more than one cash prize in a tournament – the highest cash prize will be paid and other prizes will be passed down to the next highest-placed player. Titles and cash prizes will be shared by eligible players on the same score and ties will not be broken.

Players Meetings: Players meetings will be held for all tournaments (usually 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the first round) as noted in the individual tournament timetables. Players who do not attend the players meeting for a tournament may be excluded from the first round of that tournament.

Defaults: Default time is 30 minutes after the start of the round.

Appeals: A player may appeal against a decision of the Arbiter in a tournament other than the NZ Lightning Championship (no appeals allowed). Appeals Committees for each tournament will be appointed by the Organiser from the players. Appeals must be lodged in writing within 30 minutes of the end of the game (10 minutes for the NZ Rapid Championship). A fee of $100 will apply, to be refunded if the appeal is successful or otherwise at the discretion of the Appeals Committee.

Fair Play Measures: In alignment with the recommendations put forth by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), we are committed to reinforcing the protection mechanisms of fair play for the upcoming New Zealand Congress 2026. The integrity of the game is paramount, and these enhanced measures are designed to ensure a level playing field for all participants.

Primary Measures

Prohibition of Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices

During a game, players are forbidden to have a mobile phone, electronic means of communication or any device capable of suggesting chess moves in the playing venue. Storage facilities will be available for such devices which should still be switched o . This includes smart watches but not standard analogue or digital watches.

This measure is essential to prevent any potential use of unauthorized assistance during the games.

Introduction of Scanners

Players are subject to random scanning for electronic devices by an arbiter using a handheld electronic scanner whilst in the playing venue or on entering or leaving the playing venue.

This will aid in ensuring that no prohibited items are brought in and that the security of the venue is maintained.

Strict Penalties for Violations

Any violation of the Fair Play Measures will result in an immediate loss for the offending player.

In cases where cheating is suspected, the entire game result will be annulled, and the matter will be reported to FIDE for a thorough investigation.

Installation of Cameras

Cameras will be strategically placed throughout the tournament venue. This will help in monitoring and recording the games, thereby deterring any attempts at cheating and providing evidence if required.

Anyone entering the playing venue is deemed to have given the organisers consent to be filmed.

Searches

Furthermore, the arbiter may require a player to allow his/her clothes, bags, other items or body to be inspected, in private. The arbiter or person authorised by the arbiter shall inspect the player and shall be of the same gender as the player. If a player refuses to cooperate with these obligations, the arbiter shall take measures in accordance with Article 12.9. of the FIDE Laws of Chess.

By implementing these measures, we aim to uphold the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship at the New Zealand Congress. We appreciate the cooperation of all participants in adhering to these protocols, as they are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the competion.

Photos: Spectators may take photos during the first 5 minutes of a round.

Covid-19: If Congress is cancelled due to Covid-19, entry fees will be refunded. Organisers will not be responsible for any further compensation to affected players.

Small Entry: If fewer than 40 total entries are received in the NZ Championship and Major Open, the events will be combined with an adjusted prize fund. The Major Open Champion will be the highest placed NZ player with either NZCF or FIDE rating below 2100.

Small Entry to NZ Championship: If fewer than 20 players enter the NZ Championship, players may be asked to move up from the Major Open.

Prize funds: The Small Entry regulation above notwithstanding, prize funds shown are the minimum, additional or increased prizes may be offered depending on entry numbers.