The International Quaternity Tournament, Arcos – 2026

by Wes Jamroz

The tournament took place in Arcos de la Frontera, a spectacular hilltop town in the province of Cádiz, southern Spain. Arcos is one of the famous Pueblos Blancos – the “White Villages” – known for their bright limewashed houses, winding streets, and postcard-worthy views.

For six days, from August 7 to 12, this beautiful town became the meeting point for Quaternity players from around the world. The venue could hardly have been more atmospheric: an open-air teahouse, surrounded by ancient cork trees. These trees did more than provide shade and charm. Standing quietly around the playing area, they seemed to form an additional audience – silent, patient, and possibly more composed than some of the players.

The tournament brought together 48 players from many countries. Since several players competed in pairs, the total number of people involved was even higher. Alongside the individual competition, the participants were divided into 12 teams, each competing for the team trophy.

The organizers prepared six tables, each with a beautiful wooden board. There were two rounds each morning, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with every player playing one game per day. The preliminary rounds were played during the first five days. The tournament was arranged so that no two players from the same team would play at the same table.

The final games took place on the sixth day. One of the nicest features of the tournament was that all 48 players took part in the final round. The tables were arranged according to the players’ overall scores: the top four players competed at the first table for the individual championship, the next four at the second table, and so on.

After five rounds, the leading players were:

  • Stefan — 17 pts

  • Kilian — 15 pts

  • Dominique + Wes — 15 pts

  • Richard — 14 pts

  • Noel + Victor — 14 pts

There was, however, one important twist. The rule preventing players from the same team from playing at the same table also applied to the final. As fate would have it, Stefan and Kilian were on the same team – Kaiserschmarrn, named after the famous Viennese sweet, fluffy pancake. This meant that Kilian, despite being ranked second after the preliminary rounds, could not play for the individual championship.

As a result, the final was played by Stefan, Dominique + Wes, Richard, and Noel + Victor.

The final itself was a tense and fascinating battle. It lasted more than two hours. Dominique and Wes played white, Richard played red, Victor played black (Noel had to leave earlier and could not play), and Stefan played green.

First, Dominique and Wes checkmated Stefan. Then Victor checkmated Dominique and Wes. At that point, Richard resigned. With that, Dominique and Wes won the individual tournament, Noel and Victor finished second, and Stefan took third place.

In the team competition, the winners were:

1st Place: Chaturaji de la Frontiera

  • Anael and Lia

  • Javier

  • José Maria and Isabel

  • Dominique and Wes

2nd Place: Kaiserschmarrn

  • Stefan

  • Kilian

  • Michael and Andrea

  • Sue and Josef

3rd Place: Hierbabuena

  • Noel and Victor

  • Mario

  • Nick

  • Nacho and Kay

The tournament was extremely well organized. Everything ran smoothly from beginning to end. Each morning, the tables and boards were beautifully prepared. Players received all the necessary information about schedules, table arrangements, and results. These details made the whole event not only efficient, but enjoyable. A big “thank you” is due to Quaternity Club España for creating such a memorable experience.

The winners: Chaturaji de la Frontiera (photo by Andreas)

On a more personal note, playing Quaternity requires precise thinking, pattern recognition, and careful calculation. But Quaternity adds something more. Because each player competes against three opponents at the same time, the game gains an additional dimension. It is not just about calculation. It is also about awareness.

During the tournament in Arcos, I had the chance to sense this in a new way. While watching others play, I realized that the game as “watched” is not the same as the game “played.” The four players at the board seem to enter a different state from those standing nearby. They perceive something that spectators cannot fully see. Together, the four players create a kind of invisible field around the board – a “quaternity halo.” The ancient cork trees may also have something to do with it.

Learning to sense and act within this halo is part of what makes the game so special. Over time, players can develop not only skill but also a heightened perceptivity. This is one reason Quaternity has been described as a 21st-century mind sport.

It is difficult to explain. It has to be experienced.

Perhaps the best conclusion is also the simplest: You should try it. So, see you at the next tournament!