Regulations
Technical regulations of the FIDE World Junior U20 Championships 2026 (Open & Girls): playing system, tie-breaks, prizes and appeals. For participation, fees and deadlines, see Registration & deadlines.
Official invitation & regulations (PDF) ↓ FIDE registration form (PDF) ↓
Official regulations, version 3 · 31 October 2026.
Organisation
Organised by the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of People's Power for Sport and under the auspices of FIDE. Playing venue and official hotel: Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas. Official arrival on 17 November, competition from 18 to 27, departure on 28.
Playing system
- Swiss system, 11 rounds.
- Time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves and 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one.
- A player who arrives at the board more than 15 minutes late loses the game.
- No draw offers before move 30 without the arbiter's consent.
- FIDE titles and norms are awarded according to the applicable regulations.
- FIDE-approved clocks, provided by the organisers.
Tie-breaks
- Direct encounter (where applicable).
- Buchholz Cut 1.
- Buchholz.
- Greater number of games played with Black.
- Greater number of wins.
- Drawing of lots, if the tie remains (FIDE Tie-Break Regulations in force from 1 March 2026).
Fair play
The FIDE Anti-Cheating Regulations apply throughout the Championships. Phones, any electronic device and wristwatches are prohibited in the playing hall.
Prizes
| Place | Open | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | €3,500 + trophy + gold medal | €2,500 + trophy + gold medal |
| 2nd | €2,500 + trophy + silver medal | €2,000 + trophy + silver medal |
| 3rd | €1,250 + trophy + bronze medal | €1,000 + trophy + bronze medal |
Preliminary prize fund: €12,750. All participants receive an official participation certificate; the top three in each category also receive an official diploma.
Appeals
Protests are submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee within 60 minutes after the end of the game, with a €200 deposit that is returned if the appeal is upheld.
Technical officials
- Chief Arbiter: to be confirmed.
- FIDE Technical Delegate: to be confirmed.
- Appeals Committee: to be announced.
Registration deadline: 30 October 2026. Official information: worldjunior2026.fide.com · [email protected]
