48 Trusts Chess Open – 30th May to 1st June, 2026

New Zealand’s premier standard chess weekender is here! Kings Birthday weekend 2026.

Enter the 48 Trust Open here

Closer to the start date the: A Grade, B Grade, C Grade, Junior entries, pairings, results will be shown here. (note: updating these entries is done manually, so there is a time lag between one entering the tournament and appearing on these lists).

Sponsorship

We gratefully acknowledge the previous generous support of The Trusts Community Foundation and of the West Auckland Trusts have given this event over so many years. 

Venue

Te Pai Centre (opposite Quality Hotel Lincoln Green) Cnr Lincoln Road & Te Pai Place Henderson, AUCKLAND

Format

Four separate 6 round Swiss tournaments with a time control of 90 minutes each plus 30 seconds a move from the start of the game.

Time Table

Saturday May 30 to Monday June 1, 2026

Saturday        Round 1    9.30 a.m.
                Round 2    2.30 p.m.
Sunday          Round 3    9.30 a.m.
                Round 4    2.30 p.m.
Monday          Round 5    9.30 a.m.
                Round 6    2.30 p.m.

Players are asked to report by 9am on Saturday.

Prize Fund*

‘A’ Tournament (1800 and above)
1st       $1,000   *Plus $150 bonus for 6 wins
2nd      $750   *Plus 3 x $100 grade prizes
3rd       $500   *Plus $20 upset prize each round
4th       $350

‘B’ Tournament (1500 to 1999)
1st       $450   *Plus $100 bonus for 6 wins
2nd      $350   *Plus 3 x $75 grade prizes
3rd       $250   *Plus $20 upset prize each round

4th       $150

‘C’ Tournament (under 1500)
1st       $350    * Plus $50 bonus for 6 wins
2nd      $250    * Plus 3 x $50 grade prizes
3rd       $150    * Plus $20 upset prize each round

4th       $100

Junior Tournament (under 12 yrs on 1 Jan 2025 and under 1200)
1st       $200    * Plus under 10 1st $60, 2nd $40
2nd      $150    * Plus under 8 1st $60, 2nd $40
3rd       $100

4th       $50

* The organisers reserve the right to modify the prize fund should entries be substantially lower than in previous years.

Eligibility

Players between 1800 and 1999 can enter either the A or B Tournament. Other players can enter a tournament higher than their rating, but the organizers reserve the right to move them if they feel they have entered an inappropriate one.

Positive Chess

Agreed draws under 30 moves are not permitted.
First breach: loss of 50% of any prize-money.
Second breach: loss of 100% of any prize-money.

Accommodation

The Quality Hotel Lincoln Green is offering a discount. Quote “the 47 Trusts Open” when booking.

Refreshments
Complimentary coffee, tea and chilled water will be available throughout. We recommend dinner at the nearby Quality Hotel Lincoln Green.

Fill in the online Entry Form here