First Saturday (chess)

First Saturday is a series of chess tournaments held monthly in Budapest, Hungary. These tournaments are known for providing opportunities for chess players to gain FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) rating points and International Title norms (Grandmaster, International Master, FIDE Master, and Candidate Master).

The tournaments typically run from the first Saturday of each month (hence the name) for about nine to ten days, depending on the number of participants and the specific format. Several different rating groups are usually offered simultaneously, allowing players of varying strengths to compete against similarly rated opponents. These groups often include a GM (Grandmaster) group, an IM (International Master) group, and several lower-rated sections.

The First Saturday tournaments are organized with a round-robin format. This means that each player in a specific group plays every other player in that group once. This format is considered fair for norm-seeking purposes, as it ensures that players encounter a diverse range of opponents.

The tournaments have become a popular destination for chess players from around the world, particularly those looking to achieve FIDE ratings or International Titles in a competitive and well-organized setting. They are seen as a valuable platform for aspiring professional chess players.