Ideal playing conditions

According to the organisers, the OIBM 2025 - now in its 28^th edition - remains one of the most important open chess tournaments in Europe. And shortly before the start, the expected field of participants seems to live up to that reputation: with 115 titled players across all age groups, including 23 GMs, 24 IMs, 1 WGM, 6 WIMs and numerous other titleholders in various categories, the list reads like a "who's who" of the chess world.

Historic setting

The venue, as in previous years, is the historic Gut Kaltenbrunn estate overlooking Lake Tegernsee. With views of the lake and surrounding mountains, the complex offers ideal playing conditions and sufficient space for nearly 600 participants - a capacity that, as experience shows, is usually reached early. Those wishing to secure a place should hurry, as the registration deadline is 27 October. Once the limit is reached, a waiting list will be opened.

The tournament will consist of nine rounds, played under the Swiss system, with accelerated pairings in the first five rounds following the Baku method. The prize fund, including cash and material prizes, stands at around €15,000 - the same as last year. This makes the event not only attractive from a sporting perspective but also financially rewarding - for both amateurs and the international elite.

A highlight for spectators and those following from home: 44 live boards will transmit the top games online in real time. Fairness and compliance with the rules will be ensured by the experienced team of arbiters led by Chief Arbiter Ralph Alt, supported by Sandra Schmidt, Gerhard Bertagnolli, Hans Brugger and Stefan Ewert.

Young talents

Master Class Vol. 19: Wilhelm Steinitz

In this video course experts examine the games of Steinitz. Let them show you which openings Steinitz chose, where his strength in middlegames were, how he outplayed his opponents in the endgame & you’ll get a glimpse of his tactical abilities!
Williams Steinitz, 1st World Chess Champion (1886-1894) The match between William Steinitz and Johannes Zukertort in 1886 was the first chess match for the ‘World Chess Championship’. Steinitz won, and has since been considered the first official world champion in chess history.
Free video sample: The Steinitzian method of restriction
Free video sample: Strategy Introduction

Tournament Director Sebastian Siebrecht, himself a grandmaster and internationally active chess ambassador, is particularly committed to supporting young players. Many young talents are once again expected this year - often accompanied by their families, who combine their love of chess with an autumn holiday in the Tegernsee Valley. In addition to the competitive programme, a variety of leisure activities around the lake offer opportunities for active relaxation - from autumnal hiking and cycling tours to wellness and traditional Bavarian cuisine in the nearby inns.

Peter Rie, Event Manager of Tegernsee Valley Tourism GmbH and Tournament Director of the OIBM, emphasises the event's importance for the region:

The OIBM generates around half a million euros of added value for the region every year - and that during the low season. Players from all over the world, loyal regular participants, and families make this tournament a special event for the Tegernsee Valley. Our great thanks go to all hosts who support the event by accommodating a grandmaster, as well as to the school chess club and all sponsors.

Registered players

Calculation Step by Step: A Grandmaster’s Training Guide Vol. 1 - Foundations

In this course GM Ganguly turns calculation into a trainable skill with a structured path for any level.
If one skill decides more games, it’s calculation. Openings fade, plans change - but seeing clearly, comparing lines, and choosing with confidence wins points. In this course GM Ganguly turns calculation into a trainable skill with a structured path for any level. You won’t just solve tactics; you’ll learn how to think: where to start, which branches to explore, when to stop, and how to keep a crystal-clear mental board under pressure.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Forcing moves

...557 players

Links

• Official website
• All technical info on Chess-Results