2026 February Real FIDE Championship
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About This Tournament
🏆 2026 February Real FIDE Championship — Feb 20–22, 2026
Join us for a fun, competitive weekend of chess! Whether you prefer a relaxed 3-day pace or a 2-day sprint, we have an option for you. Everyone is welcome — come play, improve, and enjoy the chess community! ♟️🎯🏅
📅 Dates & Format 🗓️♟️
Dates: Feb 20–22, 2026 (Fri–Sun)
Format: Swiss, 6 rounds
Pairings & ratings: USCF rules with the February 2026 rating supplement
⏱️ Schedule — 3-day option (Fri–Sun) 📅
Day | Date | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
Friday | Feb 20 | 6:30 PM | Round 1 |
Saturday | Feb 21 | 9:30 AM | Round 2 |
1:50 PM | Round 3 | ||
6:10 PM | Round 4 | ||
Sunday | Feb 22 | 9:30 AM | Round 5 |
2:00 PM | Round 6 |
⏱️ Schedule — 2-day option (Sat–Sun) 📅
Day | Date | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday | Feb 21 | 9:00 AM | Round 1 |
11:20 AM | Round 2 | ||
1:50 PM | Round 3 | ||
6:10 PM | Round 4 | ||
Sunday | Feb 22 | 9:30 AM | Round 5 |
2:00 PM | Round 6 |
⏱️ Time Controls 🕒
3-day option: All rounds G/90 +30 (increment).
2-day option: Rounds 1–2 G/55 d5; Rounds 3–6 G/90 +30.
♟️ Sections & Ratings 🏅
Section | Rating Type |
|---|---|
1800+ | USCF & FIDE rated |
1400–1799 | USCF & FIDE rated |
Unrated & Under 1400 | USCF rated only |
💰 Entry Fees 🧾
Option | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Standard entry | $148 | Full prize eligibility |
Economy entry | $111 | Eligible for 50% of prize |
Play‑up Fee | +$28 | Applies when playing up one section |
Late Fee | +$30 | Starts 2/20 |
Membership Discount: Sign in using the email address associated with your BAC membership to receive any applicable discount
Championship+Blitz CashBack: Register for Blitz and get $10 cash back to your account (processed within 7 days of tournament)
🏆 Prizes — $4,000 Guaranteed 💰
Section | Eligibility | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1800+ | All | $500 | $200 | $170 |
u2000 | $300 | $170 | ||
1400–1799 | All | $500 | $200 | $160 |
u1600 | $300 | $170 | ||
Under 1400 | All | $500 | $200 | $160 |
u1200 | $300 | $170 |
Unrated players: Maximum prize $200 (except in the top section).
Small sections may be merged at the director’s discretion.
A player who withdraws during the tournament is not eligible for prize money.
✅ Eligibility ℹ️
Open to all players.
Active USCF ID required.
🔁 Bye Rules 🎯
½‑point byes available for any round. Maximum 3 byes.
0‑point byes available for any round; players must play at least half the rounds to be eligible for prizes.
Important: Any changes to byes for the last two rounds after Round 3 starts, or playing fewer than 3 rounds, will result in any earned prize money being donated to BAC.
🔼 Play‑Up Rules ♟️
Players may play up one section only. Double play‑up is not allowed.
To play up:
Must be within 300 points of the higher section cutoff to play up one level.
Must be within 200 points to play up into the highest section.
Unrated players may play up to any section.
📌 Tournament Notes 📝
Boards and pieces are provided. ♟️
Notation is mandatory — please bring a pen or pencil to record your games.
Chess clocks are optional (you may bring one). TDs may place a clock on games that are not progressing on schedule.
ℹ️ Additional Notes & Policies 🚨
Please do not bring outside food or drinks; only water is allowed. 🚫🍔🚫🥤
Only players are allowed in the playing area; spectators will be asked to wait outside the playing room when games are ready to start.
Changes can be requested at bayareachess.com/request.
Questions? Email events@bayareachess.com or join us on WhatsApp at bayareachess.com/askbac 📧
We’re excited to see you at the board — good luck and have fun! 🏅♟️
2026 February Real FIDE Championship
Feb 20-22, 2026