The Tournament
Two disciplines, twelve days, one championship — in the heart of the Caucasus.
About the championship
The World Team Renju Championship brings together national teams from across the globe for the sport's premier team event, organized under the Renju International Federation (RIF). The 2026 edition is hosted by the Armenian Renju Federation in Yerevan, and is immediately followed by the World Team Gomoku Championship.
- Dates
- Aug 8–19, 2026
- Host
- Yerevan, Armenia
- Venue
- Chess House, Yerevan
- Organizer
- Armenian Renju Federation
- Time control
- 120 min + 30 sec/move
Schedule
Provisional — round details to be confirmed by the organizers.
Format
Team composition
4 players + up to 2 reserves per team.
Eligibility
One team per country. Armenia, China, Estonia, Japan, Russia, Czechia, Uzbekistan and Poland may enter up to two.
Time control
120 minutes + 30 seconds per move, per game.
Rules & fair play
Every game is played under the official regulations of the Renju International Federation (RIF) and overseen by RIF-certified referees. Renju games use the Taraguchi-10 opening rule, and the event is rated as a RIF title competition. The playing format — a round-robin or a Swiss system — is set according to the number of registered teams.
Fair play
- No databases, internet access, or advice from others — any outside assistance is forbidden.
- No electronic devices or headphones during play.
- Players must record the opponent's move before replying; arriving more than 30 minutes late forfeits the game.
- Captain–player strategy consultations are held in English.
How ties are broken
- Game points
- Team match points
- Buchholz coefficient
- Berger coefficient
- Head-to-head result between the tied teams
- Results on boards 1 to 4 in turn
- If still level: additional games at 20 minutes per player
Entry & fees
| Participation (adult) | €30 / person |
|---|---|
| Participation (under 21) | €20 / person |
| Accommodation — single room | €50 / night |
| Accommodation — shared (2–4) | €40 / person / night |
Frequently asked questions
When and where is WTRC 2026 taking place?
The World Team Renju & Gomoku Championship 2026 is held in Yerevan, Armenia, from 8 to 19 August 2026.
How large is a team?
Each team registers 4 players plus up to 2 substitutes. Four players compete in every match, on boards 1 to 4.
What time controls are used?
All games are played with a time control of 120 minutes per player plus 30 seconds added for each move.
How are tied standings resolved?
Ties are broken in this order: (1) game points, (2) team match points, (3) Buchholz coefficient, (4) Berger coefficient, (5) head-to-head result between the tied teams, (6) results on boards 1 to 4 in turn, and (7) additional games at 20 minutes per player if still level.
Is registration still open?
No. The registration period has closed. Teams that have already registered should contact the organizers directly for any remaining queries.