1st to 10th April 2018 · Chiangmai, Thailand

Tournament Schedule

The day-by-day programme of the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2018, from arrival and the technical meeting through the standard rounds, the Blitz Championship and the closing ceremony.

Bright, airy hotel lobby with polished stone floors, cream walls and a reception desk, calm and welcoming in soft daylight

Key dates

The main milestones of the championship week at Lotus Pang Suan Kaew, Chiangmai.

  • Saturday, 31st March 2018 Arrival and Technical Meeting
  • Sunday, 1st April 2018 Opening Ceremony and Rapid Championship
  • Monday, 2nd April 2018 Standard Chess Rounds 1 and 2
  • Sunday, 8th April 2018 Blitz Championships
  • Monday, 9th April 2018 Closing Ceremony

Full schedule

Times as listed for the 2018 championship programme.

Asian Youth Chess Championship 2018 — programme
Date Time Activity
Saturday, 31st March After 14:00 Arrival
Saturday, 31st March 21:00 Technical Meeting
Sunday, 1st April 10:00 Opening Ceremony
Sunday, 1st April 10:30 Rapid Championship
Monday, 2nd April 9:00 Round 1
Monday, 2nd April 15:00 Round 2
Tuesday, 3rd April 15:00 Round 3

The standard rounds ran from 2nd to 9th April 2018, with the Blitz Championships on 8th April and the closing ceremony on 9th April.

The Asian Youth Chess Championship brings together the most promising young talents from across the continent, creating a vibrant atmosphere of friendly competition and cultural exchange. Young players born in various age categories gather in Chiangmai to test their skills against peers from many nations. The championship serves as a platform for developing players to gain invaluable experience in international competition, fostering friendships that transcend borders. Parents and accompanying persons witness their children grow not only as chess players but as individuals learning discipline, patience, and strategic thinking. The event represents a celebration of youth chess and the bright future of the sport across Asia.

The tournament schedule is carefully structured to accommodate multiple age categories and events within a single championship week. Following the arrival day and technical meeting, participants engage in the rapid championship before transitioning into the standard rounds that form the heart of the competition. The blitz championship adds an exciting fast-paced dimension to the programme, testing players' ability to think quickly under pressure. Each round brings new challenges and opportunities, as competitors from different federations face off across the board. The schedule ensures that every participant has ample time between rounds for rest, analysis, and social activities.

Chiangmai provides a warm and welcoming backdrop for this international gathering of young chess enthusiasts. The city's rich cultural heritage and serene surroundings offer participants a memorable experience beyond the tournament hall. Lotus Pang Suan Kaew serves as the central venue, hosting players and officials throughout the championship week. The cooperation between the Thailand Chess Association and the Asian Chess Federation ensures that the event runs smoothly, with attention to every detail from playing conditions to parallel activities. The location reflects the championship's spirit of bringing together diverse cultures in a spirit of mutual respect and shared passion for chess.

The championship features multiple categories including rapid and blitz formats alongside the main standard competition, providing varied challenges for the young participants. These different time controls test various aspects of chess skill, from deep strategic calculation to quick tactical awareness. Players classified in different age groups compete for titles and recognition among their peers. The parallel activities organized during the championship create additional opportunities for cultural exchange and recreation. This comprehensive programme ensures that the Asian Youth Chess Championship offers a complete experience, balancing serious competition with the joy of meeting fellow chess enthusiasts from across the continent.

The closing ceremony marks the culmination of an intense and rewarding championship week, celebrating the achievements of all participants. Medalists are recognized for their outstanding performances across all categories and formats, while all players take home memories and experiences that will benefit their future development. The exchange of ideas and playing styles between different national chess schools enriches every participant's understanding of the game. Federations return home with new insights and inspiration for developing youth chess in their own countries. The Asian Youth Chess Championship continues to play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of chess talent across the continent.

Categories played

The championship covered five age groups — Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 — in Standard and Blitz formats, alongside the Rapid Championship held on the opening day.

The event was organised by the Thailand Chess Association in cooperation with Bangapi Chess Club on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation.