# German Classic Returns: Itzehoer Schach Open Kicks Off in May
The 5. Itzehoer Schach Open launches Thursday in northern Germany with a competitive 7-round Swiss format. Players will compete under classical time controls: 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 15 minutes for the remainder plus 30 seconds per move.
Itzehoe has quietly built a solid tournament tradition. This event draws serious club players and regional masters who treat Swiss tournaments as proving grounds. The format rewards consistency over a single brilliant game.
The 90-plus-30 time control sits in that sweet spot. It's long enough for real chess to unfold, short enough that tactics punish careless play. You'll see preparation tested early, but endgames often come down to clock management and pure calculation under pressure.
May 14th marks the start. With seven rounds spread across the tournament run, players face a gauntlet. Drawing black pieces multiple times could hurt your score. White's built-in advantage compounds across rounds.
The real story emerges after round three. That's when rating points genuinely matter for climbing the final standings. Early upsets fade. Chess strength separates the field. Watch for one or two breakout performances from players hungry to boost their FIDE ratings before the summer season heats up.