Chess SA Logo

South African Junior Rapid & Blitz

Chess Championship 2026

31 January - 1 February 2026

Online - lichess.org

1. Invitation

The South African chess Federation invites all chess enthusiasts to take part in the 2025 South African Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship, an exciting national event that will bring together players of all levels from across the country. This year's championship will be held online on lichess.org, making it accessible to everyone, wherever you are. Don't miss this opportunity to test your skills, compete against some of South Africa's finest players, and be part of a prestigious tournament that celebrates the spirit and passion of chess. Join us and make your move in this thrilling battle of minds!

2. Eligibility

Only citizens of South Africa may participate in this event as this is a selection tournament for the FIDE World Cadet & Youth Rapid & Blitz Championship. Chess SA / National colours to be confirmed.

3. Tournament Format

  • The format of the tournament will be an Individual Swiss, player over 9 rounds.
  • There will be no combined sections.
  • Time Control:
    • Rapid - 15/15 + 10sipm
    • Blitz - 3/3 + 2sipm
  • Rating
    • This event will not be Chess SA or FIDE rated.
    • The event will be rated on lichess.org

4. Tournament Sections

  • Under 08 Open & Girls born: 2018 & later
  • Under 10 Open & Girls born: 2016 & 2017
  • Under 12 Open & Girls born: 2014 & 2015
  • Under 14 Open & Girls born: 2012 & 2013
  • Under 16 Open & Girls Born: 2010 & 2011
  • Under 18 Open & Girls Born: 2008 & 2009

5. Playing Schedule

DATE TIME ACTIVITY
SATURDAY
31 JANUARY 2026		 09h00 Rapid - Round 1
10h00 Rapid - Round 2
11h00 Rapid - Round 3
12h00 Rapid - Round 4
13h00 Rapid - Round 5
14h00 Break
15h00 Rapid - Round 6
16h00 Rapid - Round 7
17h00 Rapid - Round 8
18h00 Rapid - Round 9
SUNDAY
1 FEBRUARY 2026		 09h30 Blitz - Round 1
10h00 Blitz - Round 2
10h30 Blitz - Round 3
11h00 Blitz - Round 4
11h30 Blitz - Round 5
12h00 Break
12h30 Blitz - Round 6
13h00 Blitz - Round 7
13h30 Blitz - Round 8
14h00 Blitz - Round 9

6. Registration

  • All registrations must be done online using the following link: https://chessworks.co.za
  • Registration fee: R400 per player
  • Registration cut-off date: 1 January 2026 at 12am
  • Late registrations will incur an additional late entry penalty of R100.
  • Late registrations will be accepted until the 15th of January 2026.
  • Registration is the responsibility of the player/parent.

7. Payments

All payments and registrations will be processed through the ChessWorks platform.

8. Prizes

  • Trophies for section winners
  • Electronic certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions

9. Communication

10. Tournament Regulations

Tie-Breaks

  • In the event there is a tie between players on the same number of game points, the ties between those players will be broken using the following tiebreak systems in order:
    1. Direct Encounter
    2. Buchholz Cut - 1
    3. Buchholz
    4. Sonneborn-Berger
    5. Average Opponent Rating
  • If a player is awarded a half point for joining late, that point will be deducted.

Fair Play

  • Players may not receive any assistance whatsoever, including from chess engines, computers, or other persons (e.g. parents, coaches, friends, or siblings).
  • Pairings will be conducted using the lichess.org pairing system. All anti-cheating measures and regulations related to computer assistance will be strictly enforced.
  • Cheating will be monitored by lichess.org's detection system. Any breaches of the lichess Terms of Service reported within 48 hours after the event will result in automatic disqualification and further investigation.
  • Random games may be reviewed by the Chief Arbiter, and their findings regarding suspected cheating shall be final and binding.
  • Any player found guilty of cheating will:
    1. Forfeit their place in the rankings, and
    2. Be banned from future CHESS SA ONLINE events.

Monitoring And Video Supervision

  • All players are required to participate under Zoom video monitoring and may be asked to share their screens.
  • Prolonged absence from the Zoom meeting during a game may result in a default loss for the round in question.
  • Zoom links will be provided in the booking confirmation email and via WhatsApp communication.

Tournament Procedures

  • Players must be logged into Lichess no later than 60 minutes before the commencement of the first round.
  • Players are not allowed to pause between rounds.
  • Players must not have multiple tabs or applications open on their computer while participating in the tournament.
  • If you suspect your opponent of breaching fair play:
    1. Report your concern directly to the Chief Arbiter
    2. Do not message the opponent or comment in the tournament chat.

Technical Requirements

  • Players are responsible for ensuring they have a stable Wi-Fi/Internet connection throughout the event.
  • The recommended browser for play is Google Chrome, as it provides the most stable and effective use of the Lichess.org platform.

Event Administration

  • The organisers reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the event should circumstances require it.