39th Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Schach-Open 2026 will take place from August 1 to 9, 2026, in Schwarzach im Pongau, Salzburg, Austria. The main classical tournaments run from August 2 to 9, while the blitz tournament opens the chess program on August 1.

The event offers several playing sections: the Main Tournament, B Tournament, C Tournament, and Youth U16 Tournament. The Main, B, and C tournaments use a classical time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.

The published guaranteed cash prizes across the main adult sections total €10,350 / approx. $12,000. In addition, the youth tournament offers trophies and material prizes for the best players in the U12, U14, and U16 categories.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Main, B, and C tournaments use a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one.

The youth tournament time control depends on the number of participants. Therefore, young players should check the final tournament information before the start of play.

Tie-Breaks

Players may request one half-point bye in Rounds 1–8. However, they must inform the Chief Arbiter in time.

A player who misses one round without excuse may lose the right to continue in the tournament.

🏆 Prize Fund

The published guaranteed cash prizes across the main adult sections total €10,350 / approx. $12,000.

If players tie for first place, the first prize is shared. However, the remaining prizes and additional prizes are awarded according to ranking after tie-breaks.

One player can win only one prize.

Main Tournament Prizes

Main Tournament Rating and Special Prizes

B Tournament Prizes

C Tournament Prizes

The youth tournament awards trophies and material prizes to the top three players in the U12, U14, and U16 age categories.

Prize winners are responsible for the taxation of their prizes.

📂 Sections / Groups

The event offers several sections for different rating levels and age groups.

The Main Tournament is the strongest section and offers FIDE norm opportunities. Meanwhile, the B and C tournaments give club players more balanced rating groups.

The Youth U16 Tournament gives younger players a separate competitive option during the same chess week. In addition, the Youth Camp adds a training and community element to the event.

📅 Schedule

The chess program starts on Saturday, August 1, with the blitz tournament at 6:00 PM.

The main classical tournaments begin on Sunday, August 2. Players must attend the attendance check at 9:00 AM, including players who already registered in advance.

Most rounds start at 6:00 PM, which gives players time for sightseeing, preparation, or rest during the day. The final round starts earlier, at 9:30 AM, on Sunday, August 9.

📝 Registration

Players should register through the official tournament website.

All pre-registered players must still attend the presence check on August 2 at 9:00 AM.

Entry Fees

Payment Details

Players should include clear payment information so the organizer can match the payment with the correct registration.

👥 Organizer

Sportverein Schwarzach – Sektion Schach organizes the 39th Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Schach-Open 2026 in Schwarzach im Pongau.

The event continues a long-running chess tradition in Salzburg and combines a strong open section, rating-limited tournaments, a youth tournament, and a blitz side event. Moreover, the schedule gives players a full chess week in the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse region.

📍 Venue

Festsaal der Gemeinde Schwarzach – Marktplatz 4, 5620 Schwarzach im Pongau, Salzburg, Austria.

The tournament takes place at the municipal festival hall in the center of Schwarzach im Pongau.

Players should use the full venue address when planning their route to the playing hall.

🏨 Accommodation

The official regulations list room assistance through the local tourism association for St. Veit, Schwarzach, and Goldegg.

Players may also look for accommodation in Schwarzach im Pongau, St. Veit im Pongau, Goldegg, or nearby towns in the Salzburg region.

Early booking is recommended because the event runs during the summer season and lasts more than one week.

🚆 How to Get There

Schwarzach im Pongau is located in the Salzburg region of Austria.

Players arriving by car should use the full venue address:

Festsaal der Gemeinde Schwarzach – Marktplatz 4, 5620 Schwarzach im Pongau, Salzburg, Austria.

ℹ️ Other Information

Mobile phones are not allowed in the tournament hall. Therefore, players should follow the arbiter’s instructions before each round.

By registering, participants agree to the publication of tournament results and photos connected with the event.

Join the 39th Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Schach-Open 2026 in Schwarzach im Pongau and play a full chess week in Salzburg with FIDE-rated classical tournaments, a blitz side event, youth chess activities, and guaranteed cash prizes.