The Chess Variants Clash of Georgia 2026 

The Chess Variants Clash of Georgia 2026 is a four-day international festival dedicated to some of the historic chess variants.
The event will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 14–17 May 2026, bringing together players of Shogi, Janggi, Xiangqi, Georgian Chess, and Makruk—along with side events, social activities, and a wine tour through the most beautiful regions of Georgia.

This festival is organized by the Georgian Shogi Federation and the Boardgame Club “Chaturanga”, in cooperation with European partners promoting Xiangqi and Janggi.

Tbilisi, Georgia -  GINGER Hotel - 9 Polikarpe Kakabadze Street, Mtatsminda

Timetable

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Xiangqi Open of Tbilisi 2026 (10:00–18:00) - Rounds 1–5. Time control: 20 minutes + 10 seconds Fisher increment 

Makruk – Business Chess Format (19:00–21:00)

     Shogi side-events

     - Mini shogi (10:00–14:00) - Rounds 1–5. Time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds Fisher increment.

     - 3 vs 3 Shogi (10:00–14:00) - Rounds 1–3. Time control: 15 minutes + 30 seconds byo-yomi.

     - Blitz shogi (15:00–18:00) - Rounds 1–5. Time control: 8 minutes without byo-yomi or increment. 

     - Quick shogi (19:00–21:00) - Rounds 1–5. Time control: 10 minutes + 15 seconds byo-yomi.  

Friday, 15 May 2026

Janggi Open of Tbilisi 2026 (10:00–18:00) - Rounds 1–5. Time control: 20 minutes + 10 seconds Fisher increment 

Georgian Chess – Business Chess Format (19:00–21:00)

     Shogi side-events

     - Mini shogi (10:00–14:00) - Rounds 1–5. Time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds Fisher increment.

     - 3 vs 3 Shogi (10:00–14:00) - Rounds 3–6. Time control: 15 minutes  + 30 seconds byo-yomi.

     - Blitz shogi (15:00–18:00) - Rounds 6–10. Time control: 8 minutes without byo-yomi or increment. 

     - Quick shogi (19:00–21:00) - Rounds 6–10. Time control: 10 minutes + 15 seconds byo-yomi.  

Saturday–Sunday, 16–17 May 2026

Shogi Open of Georgia 2026  - Time control: 20 minutes + 40 seconds byo-yomi 

Rounds 1–5 (Saturday, 10:00–19:00)

Rounds 6–7 (Sunday, 10:00–12:00)

In addition to the main tournaments, the festival will feature a dedicated Side Events & Free Play Area, where participants can enjoy a wide range of classical, traditional, and modern strategy games. These include Abalone, Hive, Onitama, Chess, Tavreli, Hiashatar, Tamerlane chess and Commander Chess. All side events are offered in a relaxed, demonstration-style format and are open to anyone who wishes to learn, explore, or simply enjoy casual play throughout the day.

Business Chess format - Business Chess is a light, entertaining, team-based format designed for friendly play rather than strict competition. Instead of individual matches, players form teams of 3-5 people, who discuss, vote, and make each move collectively. The goal is to create a fun, interactive atmosphere where strategic ideas are shared, and everyone participates, regardless of playing strength. Georgian Chess and Makruk will be offered in this demonstration / social format, making them accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

 3 vs 3 Shogi format  - The 3 vs 3 Shogi format is a team game played on a single shogi board between two teams of three players each. Before the game starts, the team listed first determines its internal playing order (Player 1–2–3) and takes their places at the board. The opposing team may then choose how to position its players against them. Players are not required to remain seated; standing is allowed. Each team is provided with a playing card indicating whose turn it is within the team. The player holding the card makes the move, presses the clock, and then passes the card to the next team member in the predefined order. The clock must always be pressed by the player who made the move. If any other team member presses the clock, this is considered an illegal move and the game is immediately lost. Communication between players of the same team during the game is strictly forbidden, including verbal communication, gestures, or any form of signaling. If a team member makes a move or takes a piece when it is not their turn, this is considered an illegal move and the game ends immediately. 

Participation fees:

-  Xiangqi tournament: 5 EUR

-  Janggi tournament: 5 EUR

-  Shogi tournament: 10 EUR

-  Shogi side-events: 5 EUR

Prizes and Awards :

- In all tournaments, players and teams placing 1st to 3rd will receive medals, certificates, and commemorative prizes.

- The award ceremony will take place at the end of each tournament 

- There will also be an overall standings ranking across all tournaments, with a special award for the top performers.