40th International Chess Open of Avoine will take place from July 18 – 26, 2026, in Avoine, France. This is a chess tournament in Avoine, France, in 2026.

The tournament continues one of the best-known summer chess traditions in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Moreover, it offers a 9-round international open with FIDE and FFE rating calculation.

In addition, the event combines classical chess with a full side-activity program during the week. Therefore, players can enjoy serious games, prize opportunities, and a lively festival atmosphere in Avoine.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Format

Players receive 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, each move adds a 30-second increment.

The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss System. Therefore, players can expect a full classical schedule across nine playing days.

Pairings and Tie-Breaks

The event uses an accelerated Swiss pairing structure. As a result, the early rounds should create stronger pairing balance in a large field.

The main tie-breaks are truncated Buchholz and performance. Therefore, every round can affect the final ranking and prize positions.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The listed prize fund is €12,010, approx. $14,130. The amount is guaranteed when the tournament reaches 300 participants.

The prize program includes general ranking prizes, Elo-band prizes, women’s prizes, youth prizes, and official older-player category prizes. Moreover, players must attend the prize ceremony to receive their prizes.

General Ranking Prizes

Elo-Band Prizes

Women’s Prizes

Youth Prizes

Official Older-Player Category Prizes

The organizer also lists many additional special prizes. Therefore, players in different rating, age, and category groups can compete for more than the main ranking prizes.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Tournament

The tournament uses one main open section. Therefore, all registered players compete in the same field.

Player Groups and Awards

In addition, the broad prize structure gives many players a clear target. Thus, the event can suit titled players, strong club players, juniors, local players, and international visitors.

📅 Schedule

Opening Day

Main Rounds

Prize Ceremony

On days with extreme heat of 35°C or higher, rounds may move to 09:00. Therefore, players should follow organizer updates during the tournament week.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players who have already paid their entry fee do not need to complete on-site check-in. However, they must inform the organizer if they withdraw.

The tournament is limited to the first 350 players who pay their entry fee. Therefore, early registration is important.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Club d’Échecs d’Avoine organizes the 40th International Chess Open of Avoine. As a result, the event continues a long-running summer chess tradition in Indre-et-Loire.

Moreover, the club combines a serious FIDE-rated tournament with many side activities during the week. This gives players and accompanying guests a fuller chess festival experience.

Email: open.international@clubechecsavoine.com
Phone: +33 6 98 85 23 18

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Espace Culturel / Salle des Fêtes d’Avoine – Rue de l’Ardoise, 37420 Avoine, France

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at the cultural and events venue in Avoine. Therefore, players should use Rue de l’Ardoise as the main arrival point.

Avoine is located in the Indre-et-Loire department, close to the Loire Valley and Chinon area. As a result, visitors can combine the tournament with a summer stay in a well-known French tourism region.

🏨 Accommodation

Important Accommodation Note

The usual Centre de Loisirs accommodation and restaurant service will not be available in July 2026. Therefore, players should use hotels, guesthouses, camping, or other local accommodation options.

The organizer lists several hotels, restaurants, camping options, and tourist-office resources. Moreover, players should book early because the tournament takes place during the summer season.

Listed Accommodation and Food Options

Players looking for hotels, gîtes, guesthouses, or rural stays can also contact the Azay-Chinon Val de Loire tourist office in Chinon.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Avoine

Avoine is in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Therefore, many visitors can travel through Tours, Chinon, or nearby Loire Valley transport routes before continuing to the venue.

Players arriving by car should plan for Rue de l’Ardoise in Avoine. In addition, those using rail or regional transport should allow enough time for the final local transfer.

Local Planning

Round 1 starts at 15:00 on July 18. Therefore, players who need check-in should arrive before 14:00.

Most rounds from July 19 to July 25 start at 14:00. However, the final round starts at 09:00 on July 26, so players should adjust their final-day travel plans.

ℹ️ Other Information

Side Activities

The tournament week includes several side activities open to participants and guests. The final activity program is planned for July 11.

Practical Notes

Prize winners must attend the prize ceremony to receive their prize. Therefore, players who expect to win an award should stay for the July 26 reception.

The event is limited to 350 players. In addition, the prize fund is guaranteed with 300 participants.

Finally, the 40th International Chess Open of Avoine offers a major FIDE-rated summer chess event with strong prizes, side activities, and a long-established Loire Valley tournament atmosphere.