Swiss Team Chess Championship: Zürich Leads NLA With Perfect Record

Schachgesellschaft Zürich enters the summer break as the sole leader of the Swiss Team Chess Championship (SMM) Nationalliga A with a maximum score of 10 points. According to tournament records, they hold a two-point lead over Riehen and Winterthur before the competition resumes with a top-tier clash on August 22.

Zürich secured its position by winning matches against Genf (5:3) and the newly promoted Bodan Kreuzlingen (5½:2½). These results leave the team as the only side in the Nationalliga A to maintain a perfect point record heading into the hiatus.

Riehen and Winterthur both follow with 8 points, while Réti also holds 8 points but trails slightly in tie-break metrics. Records show Winterthur suffered a 3½:4½ loss to Réti in the fourth round before recovering with a 6½:1½ victory over Echallens in the fifth.

Did You Know? Bodan Kreuzlingen, a newly promoted team in the Nationalliga A, currently sits at the bottom of the table with zero points after five rounds.

Why does the NLA standings shift matter?

The current rankings set the stage for a high-stakes “top fight” on August 22 between Winterthur and Zürich. Because Zürich holds the maximum points, this match could determine if the lead changes hands early in the second half of the season.

At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is intensifying. According to the standings, Bodan (0 points) and Echallens (2 points) are currently the most vulnerable, followed by Nyon, Genf, and Wollishofen, who all hold 3 points.

What happened in the Nationalliga B and 1. Liga?

In the Nationalliga B East, Mendrisio and Nimzowitsch Zürich lead with 7 points each. Mendrisio narrowly beat Winterthur II (4½:3½), while Nimzowitsch Zürich defeated Wollishofen II by the same margin.

The Nationalliga B West is dominated by Schwarz-Weiss Bern and SC Bern, both holding 9 points. Schwarz-Weiss Bern secured a 5½:2½ win over La Garde du Roi Prangins, and SC Bern mirrored that result against Vevey.

Within the 1. Liga, several leaders maintained their positions. Baden-Brugg leads the Central group with 9 points after a 7:1 victory over Trubschachen. In the Northwest group, Echiquier Bruntrutain Porrentruy moved into first place following a 6:2 win over Köniz-Bubenberg.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the August 23 matchups in the NLB—specifically the Bern city derby and the clash between Swisschess Academy and Nimzowitsch—will likely act as the definitive pivot point for promotion contenders.

Who are the top individual performers?

Individual records show GM Sebastian Bogner, IM David Pires Tavares Martins, and GM Christian Bauer as the most successful NLA scorers, each earning 4½ points from five games.

In the Nationalliga B, GM Vadim Milov of Schwarz-Weiss Bern achieved a perfect score of 5 points from five matches. Other high performers include FM Kaspar Kappeler and FM Cristian Marc Arsenie, both with 4½ points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who currently leads the Nationalliga A?
Schachgesellschaft Zürich leads with 10 points.

When does the next round of competition begin?
The next round starts on August 22 for the NLA and 1. Liga, and August 23 for the NLB.

Which team is in the last place of the NLA?
Bodan Kreuzlingen is in last place with 0 points.

Which team do you think will seize the momentum after the summer break?