Asian Youth Chess Championship Under-10
by Asian Chess Federation (ACF)
Candidate Master title for all 3 medallists
Continental Under-10 chess championship for Asia, with separate Open and Girls sections and direct FIDE titles for the medallists.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Held over about ten days, with nine classical rounds plus rapid and blitz side events
Eligibility
Open to Under-10 players, in separate Open and Girls sections, who have not reached the age of 10 before 1 January of the championship year. Players are entered only by their national federation; Indian players are selected by the All India Chess Federation. A younger player may also enter a higher age category if the federation nominates them.
- Age range
- 9 to 10 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Valid FIDE ID for every player
- Nomination by the national federation (All India Chess Federation for Indian players)
- Player must not have reached the age of 10 before 1 January of the championship year
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Trophies & medals
Trophies, medals and certificates go to the top three in the Under-10 Open and Under-10 Girls sections. Team medals are awarded in the Under-10 category on the combined score of a federation's top three players.
Certificate
FIDE participation certificate
Certificates of participation are issued to all players, with FIDE-rated results recorded internationally.
Recognized by
Recognition
FIDE title to top finishers
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 10 Jun 2026
- Competition
- 15 Jul 2026 to 25 Jul 2026
How to apply
- 1Ensure the player holds a valid FIDE ID
- 2Qualify through the national federation; Indian players are selected by the All India Chess Federation on national age-group performance
- 3The national federation registers the player and pays the entry and registration fees to the organiser
- 4Arrange accommodation at the official hotel and travel, including visa, through the federation
Rules and guidelines
- Played under the FIDE Laws of Chess and General Regulations for FIDE Competitions
- Registration only through national federations; individual entries are not accepted
- Separate Open and Girls sections are held in the Under-10 category
- A valid FIDE ID is mandatory for every player
- Final standings decided by points with the FIDE tie-break order
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Indian players enter and pay through the All India Chess Federation. The fee for the next championship is not published yet.
About this opportunity
The Asian Youth Chess Championship Under-10 is the continental age-group championship for the strongest Under-10 chess players in Asia, held annually under the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE and hosted by a member national federation.
The Under-10 section is one of six age categories at the championship, and it is entered, played and medalled entirely on its own. It runs separate Open and Girls sections. Players enter only through their national federation; Indian players are selected and entered through the All India Chess Federation, which may enter one official player per category and further players at its own expense.
Play is over the board under the FIDE Laws of Chess. The standard event is a nine-round Swiss tournament, with rapid and blitz side events alongside it, and every game is FIDE-rated.
Gold, Silver and Bronze medallists are all awarded the Candidate Master or Woman Candidate Master title. The Under-10 champion also earns the personal right to play the World Youth Championship in the same age category the following year.
Rounds and format
The main Standard event is a nine-round Swiss tournament at 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Separate rapid (seven rounds) and blitz (nine rounds) side events run alongside. Entries are submitted by national federations, games are FIDE-rated, and final standings are announced at the closing ceremony.
How entries are judged
Standings are decided by points scored, with FIDE tie-breaks applied in order: direct encounter, Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger and number of wins.
Selection process
Indian entries are selected by AICF: players who finished in the top 50 of the 2025 National Age Group Championships, hold a GM/WGM/IM/WIM title, or are national champions or medallists in their age category.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
Frequently asked questions
How do students manage competitive pressure at an international event?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their game plan, practicing mindfulness techniques, and maintaining a positive mindset. Regular tournament experience helps in adapting to high-stakes environments and performing consistently under stress.
What are common preparation mistakes to avoid for this championship?
Common mistakes include neglecting physical fitness, over-analyzing opponents instead of focusing on one's own game, and insufficient practice of time management during classical games. A balanced preparation routine is crucial for optimal performance.
How can participants improve their chances of earning a FIDE title?
Improving chances for a FIDE title involves consistent training, deep study of openings, middlegames, and endgames, and gaining experience in FIDE-rated tournaments. Analyzing past games and working with experienced coaches also significantly contributes to skill development.
What strategies are effective for maintaining focus during long classical games?
Effective strategies include taking short breaks between moves, staying hydrated, and having a pre-game routine to mentally prepare. Developing strong concentration skills through practice and minimizing distractions during play are also vital.
How do the FIDE tie-break rules impact final rankings?
FIDE tie-break rules are crucial for determining final rankings among players with equal points. Understanding the order of tie-breaks, such as direct encounter, Buchholz, and Sonneborn-Berger, can influence strategic decisions during the tournament and affect medal prospects.
Share with other parents
Categories
Related opportunities
Commonwealth School Chess Championship Under-7
by Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA)
A nine round Commonwealth chess championship section for school players under-7, with individual and country team titles decided separately for boys and girls.
What your child could gain:
Commonwealth School Chess Championship Under-9
by Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA)
A nine round Commonwealth chess championship section for school players under 9, with individual and country team titles decided separately for boys and girls.
What your child could gain:
Asian Youth Chess Championship Under-8
by Asian Chess Federation (ACF)
Continental Under-8 chess championship for Asia, with separate Open and Girls sections and direct FIDE titles for the medallists.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app