Huge field at the Tegernsee Open

by Stefan Liebig
11/3/2025 – At the start of the 28th Open International Bavarian Chess Championships (OIBM) on the picturesque shores of Lake Tegernsee, there was palpable tension on the first day of the tournament, both around the chessboards and during the breaks when the more than 500 participants from over 30 countries gathered together. As soon as the first move was made, it was clear that this was a tournament where a passion for chess met international standards. It deserved special attention not only because of its size, but also because of the quality of the competitors. The historic Gut Kaltenbrunn estate provided the perfect setting for a tournament that skilfully combined leisure and competition. | Photos: Organiser / Stev Bonhage, Sandra Schmidt, Sebastian Siebrecht
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For almost three decades, the Bavarian Open International Championship has been one of the most important chess tournaments in Europe. What began as an ambitious new open tournament has long since become a fixture in the calendar. Its professional organisation, scenic surroundings and international flair attract a high-calibre field of participants every year, including young players, experienced masters and grandmasters, who regularly test their form for the next season at Lake Tegernsee.

The playing hall | Photo: Steve Bonhage

Many players appreciate the contrast between the intense mental work of the games and the tranquillity of autumn in Tegernsee. They enjoy taking walks by the lake and having brief conversations in the sunshine before returning to the board and focusing fully again. 

In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
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Free sample video: Invisible moves

In addition to the main event, the supporting programme also adds to the unique atmosphere – many people take the opportunity to combine competition with relaxation during their stay in the Tegernsee Valley.

The first two rounds

It was clear from the outset that the field was tightly packed and competitive at every level. Most of the favourites got off to a good start, but some outsiders also seized their chance to secure their first surprise victories.

Several favourites lost in the first round. One of the most spectacular victories was that of regional league player Andreas Kerpe (SG Ludwigsburg), who won against IM Al Muthaiah after 81 moves – a classic upset in which the significantly lower-rated player seized his opportunity in the endgame.

Andreas Kerpe is happy about his win in round 1 | Photo: Sebastian Siebrecht

The second round also saw unexpected successes for the underdogs. Some grandmasters suffered early losses, while young talents and players such as Liya Kurmangaliyeva and Jana Schneider performed strongly at the top boards, scoring points against favoured opponents – as in the case of the former – or at least challenging them seriously – as in the case of Schneider. Here is the game of the surprise winner on board 1:

Brandon Jacobson stumbled in round 2 | Photo: Sandra Schmidt

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Standings after round 2

Rank Name Pts.  Tb1 
1 Kurmangaliyeva, Liya 2 2599
2 Ramien, David 2 2493
3 Wunderlich, Elias 2 2403
4 Loew, Gerald 2 2388
5 Delitzsch, Juergen 2 2360
6 Engel, Luis 2 2276
7 Gumularz, Szymon 2 2274
8 Gopal, G.N. 2 2274
9 Sasikiran, Krishnan 2 2274
10 Abdisalimov, Abdimalik 2 2272
11 Vrolijk, Liam 2 2272
12 Pultinevicius, Paulius 2 2264
13 Gholami Orimi, Mahdi 2 2264
14 Visakh, N R 2 2261
15 Gokerkan, Cem Kaan 2 2256

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Stefan Liebig, born in 1974, is a journalist and co-owner of a marketing agency. He now lives in Barterode near Göttingen. At the age of five, strange pieces on his neighbour’s shelf aroused his curiosity. Since then, the game of chess has cast a spell over him. Flying high in the NRW youth league with his home club SV Bad Laasphe and several appearances in the second division team of Tempo Göttingen were highlights for the former youth South Westphalia champion.