Blitz and rapid chess in the Alps: where to play fast in Savoie
Updated 18 October 2026 · Échecs en Savoie, independent guide
Blitz chess is a game in which each player has 10 minutes or less, increment included. In Savoie and Haute-Savoie it is played all year round: the Chambéry Blitz, the Albertville Halloween tournament, the Veigy-Foncenex Blitz, the Excenevex Hyper Blitz and, in summer, the blitz at the La Plagne festival. Rapid games, from 10 to 60 minutes, have their fixtures too, from the Chablais Rapid to the Aix-les-Bains one.
Blitz chess: definition and time controls
Blitz: a game of chess in which each player's total time, calculated as the base time plus 60 times the increment per move, is 10 minutes or less (FIDE rules). Example: 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move gives 3 + 2 = 5 minutes, so it is blitz.
Rapid game: a game in which this total time is more than 10 minutes and less than 60 minutes. Example: 15 minutes + 5 seconds per move gives 20 minutes, so it is a rapid game.
| Time control shown | Calculated time | Category | Example in Savoie |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 min + 2 s | 5 min | Blitz | Albertville Halloween, Veigy Blitz, Excenevex Hyper Blitz |
| 5 min + 3 s | 8 min | Blitz | Chambéry Blitz |
| 12 min + 3 s | 15 min | Rapid | Maurice David Open (Annemasse) |
| 12 min + 5 s | 17 min | Rapid | Aix-les-Bains Rapid |
| 15 min + 5 s | 20 min | Rapid | Chablais Rapid, Veigy-Foncenex Rapid |
| 1 h 30 + 30 s | 120 min | Classical | Savoie Championship |
Hyper blitz: a term used by organisers for a blitz tournament with many rounds, played in one go. The May 2026 Excenevex Hyper Blitz had 22 rounds at 3 minutes + 2 seconds.
Where to play blitz in Savoie and Haute-Savoie
The Chambéry Blitz
The Chambéry-area club (CEAC) runs a series of rated blitz events: the 10th edition is played on 24 October 2026, over 9 rounds at 5 minutes + 3 seconds. It is the regular fixture for fast-chess enthusiasts in the Chambéry basin.
The Albertville Halloween Tournament
Albertville Savoie Échecs is launching an 11-round blitz at 3 minutes + 2 seconds on 31 October 2026, on an Halloween theme. In spring the same club organises the Tournoi des 4 vallées, a rapid event.
The Veigy-Foncenex Blitz
The 6th edition is scheduled for 28 November 2026, over 11 rounds at 3 minutes + 2 seconds. The club also organises a rapid event in June, whose 11th edition was played in 2026.
The Excenevex Hyper Blitz
Excenevex Léman Échecs launched its first Hyper Blitz on 1 May 2026: 22 rounds of blitz on the shores of Lake Geneva, a test of endurance as much as of speed.
Festival blitz
Multi-day festivals almost always have a blitz of their own: the Annemasse festival's on 20 October 2026, and the La Plagne festival's every summer (76 players in 2024). A good way to unwind between two classical games.
In Aix-les-Bains
The Aix-les-Bains club states on its official website that it offers blitz evenings every week and a rated blitz once a month. In town, the 2nd Aix-les-Bains Rapid was played on 3 October 2026. Details should be checked with the club.
Rapid games: the right format for a first tournament
For a first tournament, rapid chess is often the best choice: a single day, 7 games, a relaxed atmosphere and a time control slow enough to think. The main fixtures:
- Chablais Rapid (Évian-les-Bains): 20th edition on 20 September 2026, 7 rounds at 15 minutes + 5 seconds.
- Aix-les-Bains Rapid: 2nd edition on 3 October 2026, 7 rounds at 12 minutes + 5 seconds.
- Maurice David Open (Annemasse): 7th edition on 24 October 2026, 11 rounds at 12 minutes + 3 seconds.
- Tournoi des 4 vallées (Albertville): 5th edition on 7 June 2026, 7 rounds at 15 minutes + 3 seconds.
- Veigy-Foncenex Rapid: 11th edition on 21 June 2026, 7 rounds at 15 minutes + 5 seconds.
The full calendar is on our page on chess tournaments in Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
Rapid Elo and blitz Elo
Rated rapid and blitz games count towards ratings separate from the “classical” one. FIDE publishes a rapid Elo and a blitz Elo, governed by a specific regulation in force since 1 March 2024. The FFE also maintains a rapid Elo: the 2026 Veigy-Foncenex Rapid page states that it counts towards both the FFE rapid Elo and the FIDE rapid Elo. A player can therefore be rated much higher at blitz than in classical games, or the other way round.
As for licences, the cheaper B licence lets you play rapid and blitz tournaments, apart from certain federal competitions. See our page on the A or B licence.
Improving at blitz
- A simple repertoire: in blitz there is no time to think from the very first move. Familiar openings save precious seconds.
- Managing the clock: press it with the hand that made the move, never forget the increment, keep a reserve for the endgame.
- Play a lot, then analyse: a few games reviewed are worth more than a hundred played back to back.
The Palais des Échecs has devoted a full article to playing blitz well, with the techniques of fast players. And to practise at home under tournament conditions, nothing beats a proper clock: the Palais offers a selection of electronic chess clocks with increment.
When blitz decides a national title
Blitz is not just a game for relaxing. In 2007 in Aix-les-Bains, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave won his first French championship title in the blitz tie-break. In 2024 at Alpe d'Huez, Jules Moussard and Deimantė Daulytė-Cornette both won their finals at blitz. See our pages on Aix-les-Bains 2003 and 2007 and Alpe d'Huez 2023-2024.
Frequently asked questions
What is blitz in chess?
A game in which each player has 10 minutes or less in total, counting the base time plus 60 times the increment per move, under FIDE rules. Common time controls are 3 minutes + 2 seconds and 5 minutes + 3 seconds.
Where can I play a blitz tournament in Savoie?
In Chambéry (the Chambéry Blitz, run by the CEAC), in Albertville (the Halloween Tournament), in Veigy-Foncenex and Excenevex in Haute-Savoie, and in summer at the La Plagne festival.
Do I need a licence to play a rated blitz event?
Yes, an FFE licence taken out through a club. The B licence, which is cheaper than the A licence, is enough for most rapid and blitz tournaments.
Does blitz count towards the Elo rating?
Yes, if the event is rated: it counts towards a blitz Elo, separate from the Elo for classical games. FIDE publishes rapid and blitz rating lists.