She was a winner the West Germany Women's Chess Championship (1964).

From the 1960s to the early 1970s, Irmgard Kärner was one of the leading chess players in the West Germany.

She won four medals in West Germany Women's Chess Championships: gold (1964), two silver (1965, 1970) and bronze (1962).

She twice won the third place at the German Women's Senior Championship (1996, 2002).

[6] In 2000, Irmgard Kärner shared 1st place in German Women's Senior Championship.