48th Georgi Tringov Memorial 2026 will take place from August 9–16, 2026 at Grand Hotel Plovdiv in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The historic memorial welcomes players of all ages in two separately rated open tournaments.
Moreover, Tournament A is for players rated above 2000, whereas Tournament B is for players rated up to 1999; both groups have nine Swiss-system rounds. Players receive 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. The event counts for FIDE ratings and title norms.
In addition, the week includes a rest-day rapid memorial, a detailed prize structure, special-category awards and opportunities for titled and developing players. The official regulations set the total prize fund at €9,000 / approx. $10,340.
Meanwhile, the Moscow Hall and official hotel accommodation create one integrated tournament base. Plovdiv has direct road, bus and rail connections with Sofia and other Bulgarian cities.
Therefore, players should review the registration rules, schedule, accommodation conditions and official documents before making travel arrangements. Participants can also request a half-point bye in the first three rounds under the published procedure.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | August 9–16, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Plovdiv, Bulgaria |
| 🏛️ Venue | Grand Hotel Plovdiv |
| ♟️ Format | Two 9-round Swiss-system groups |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| 👤 Organizer | Chess Club Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Plovdiv Municipality |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Group A | https://chess-results.com/tnr1433677.aspx?lan=1 |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Group B | https://chess-results.com/tnr1433678.aspx?lan=1 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Both groups will run over nine Swiss-system rounds. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game with a 30-second increment from move one.
The shared format enables the two sections to follow one festival timetable while maintaining separate standings and pairings.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Group A | 9 rounds; 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Group B | 9 rounds; 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
Moreover, players should check the official pairing publication before every round and report any discrepancy immediately to the arbiter.
Therefore, participants should arrive early enough to find their board, prepare the scoresheet and place all electronic devices in the required condition.
🏆 Prize Fund
The official total prize fund is €9,000 / approx. $10,340. Tournament A awards €1,800 / €1,200 / €900 / €700 / €600 / €500 / €400 / €300 to the top eight. Tournament B awards €500 / €350 / €200 / €150 / €100 / €100 to the top six.
♟️ Sections / Groups
The tournament is divided into two rating-based groups. Players should confirm the applicable threshold in the current regulations or participant list.
| Section | Information |
|---|---|
| Group A | Higher-rated section |
| Group B | Second tournament section |
📅 Schedule
Sunday, August 9, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14:30 | Technical meeting |
| 15:30 | Round 1 |
Monday, August 10, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15:00 | Round 2 |
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Round 3 |
| 15:30 | Round 4 |
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15:00 | Round 5 |
Thursday, August 13, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Round 6 |
| 15:30 | Round 7 |
Friday, August 14, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15:00 | Round 8 |
Saturday, August 15, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Rest Day | 6th Haralampi Vanev Memorial Rapid |
Sunday, August 16, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Round 9 |
| 14:00 | Prize-giving and closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
In addition, players should keep a copy of their payment or registration confirmation and verify that their name appears on the official participant list.
👤 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | SCC Lokomotiv Plovdiv |
| Representative | WGM Margarita Voyska |
| Chief Arbiter | IA Iliana Polendakova |
| Email 1 | chessopen.tringov@gmail.com |
| Email 2 | voyska.m@gmail.com |
| Phone | +359 878 510 197 |
📍 Venue
Grand Hotel Plovdiv – Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Street 2, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The Moscow Hall inside Grand Hotel Plovdiv hosts both tournament groups. Therefore, players staying at the official hotel can reach the playing area without a daily transfer.
The hotel also provides meeting space, dining, parking and optional access to its aqua center.
🏨 Accommodation
The organizer negotiated special hotel rates for players, coaches and accompanying persons from August 8 to 17.
Accommodation requests must reach the tournament director by July 30, 2026. Moreover, the published prices include VAT and a 20% discount.
| Accommodation Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Classic Single Room | €42 per night |
| Bed in Classic Double Room | €31 per night |
| Bed in Classic Triple Room | €24.80 per night |
| Breakfast | €10.23 per person |
| Aqua Centre | €7.16 per entry |
| Parking | €8.18 per vehicle per day |
🚆 How to Get There
Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and a major intercity transport hub. Consequently, players can arrive by rail, coach, car or a transfer from Sofia Airport.
The hotel stands on the northern side of the Maritsa River, close to central Plovdiv. Players should use the complete street address for taxi and navigation services.
| Travel Option | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| By Air | Fly to Sofia Airport, then continue to Plovdiv by coach, rail, taxi or private transfer. |
| By Train | Plovdiv Railway Station connects with Sofia and other major Bulgarian cities. |
| By Bus | Intercity coaches link Plovdiv with Sofia and regional destinations. |
| By Car | Use Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Street 2; hotel parking costs €8.18 per vehicle per day. |
ℹ️ Other Information
Players may request one half-point bye in the first three rounds before the arbiter publishes the relevant pairings.
In addition, the organizer prohibits unauthorized electronic devices in the playing area and applies a 30-minute default time.
Key Tournament Rules
| Rule | Information |
|---|---|
| Tie-Breaks | Direct encounter in the score group, Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, wins and Sonneborn-Berger |
| Appeal Deadline | Within 30 minutes after the round |
| Appeal Deposit | €50 |
| Cash Prize Tax | 10% under Bulgarian law |
| Prize Rule | A player receives only the higher monetary prize when eligible for two cash awards |
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rest-Day Event | 6th Haralampi Vanev Memorial Rapid on August 15 |
| Payment Account | IBAN BG54UNCR75271054669116; BIC UNCRBGSF |
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Regulations | https://s1.chess-results.com/UploadData.aspx?Uid=1&lan=9&tnr=1433677 |
Accommodation
Accommodation is available at Grand Hotel Plovdiv. Room types, prices and tournament booking instructions should be confirmed directly with the organizer or hotel.
Detailed Regulations
The full regulations set the total prize fund at €9,000 / approx. $10,340. Tournament A is for players rated above 2000; Tournament B is for players rated up to 1999. Players rated 1800–1999 may enter Tournament A with the higher organizational contribution.
| Registration Category | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Pensioners and School Students | €40 |
| Other Participants | €60 |
| Rated 1800–1999 Entering Tournament A | €90 |
| Grandmasters | Free |
| Visitors Not Staying at Grand Hotel Plovdiv | Additional €50 |
Bulgarian players paying by July 20 receive a 25% discount. Registration must include the player’s full name, FIDE ID or date of birth. A half-point bye may be requested in the first three rounds only.
| Accommodation at Grand Hotel Plovdiv | Official Rate per Night |
|---|---|
| Classic Single Room | €42 |
| Bed in Classic Double Room | €31 |
| Bed in Classic Triple Room | €24.80 |
| Breakfast Supplement | €10.23 |
| Aqua Centre Access | €7.16 |
| Parking | €8.18 per vehicle per day |
Accommodation requests must be sent by July 30. The tie-break order is direct encounter among tied players, Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, number of wins and Sonneborn-Berger. The default time is 30 minutes. Electronic devices are prohibited in the playing area unless specifically approved by an arbiter.
| Official Contact | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Director | WGM Margarita Voyska |
| chessopen.tringov@gmail.com | |
| Direct Email | voyska.m@gmail.com |
| Mobile | +359 878 510 197 |
| Official Regulations | https://s1.chess-results.com/UploadData.aspx?Uid=1&lan=9&tnr=1433677 |
Plan your participation carefully: confirm the latest registration status, room availability and organizer instructions before booking non-refundable travel.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $10,340
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
Chess Club Lokomotiv Plovdiv, officially listed as Sports Chess Club “Lokomotiv” – Plovdiv, is an active chess organization based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The club supports competitive chess, youth instruction, team participation, and tournament organization.
WGM Margarita Voyska serves as chair of the club. She also directs its main international tournament. The club works with players of different ages and competitive levels. Its activity includes classical chess, rapid chess, youth training, and participation in Bulgarian team championships.
The club maintains a children’s chess academy in Plovdiv. It gives young players an opportunity to learn chess, improve their practical skills, and prepare for competitions. Club members also represent Lokomotiv Plovdiv in individual and team events across Bulgaria.
🏆 Chess Events and Activities
Chess Club Lokomotiv Plovdiv organizes the Georgi Tringov Memorial, a long-running international chess tournament named after the Bulgarian grandmaster Georgi Tringov. The event takes place in Plovdiv and attracts Bulgarian and international players.
The 48th International Georgi Tringov Memorial runs from August 9 to 16, 2026, at Grand Hotel Plovdiv. The club serves as the chief organizer, with support from the Municipality of Plovdiv and the hotel. Two Bulgarian chess federations also assist with the event.
The 2026 competition includes two 9-round Swiss-system tournaments. Tournament A is for players rated above 2000. Tournament B is for players rated up to 1999. Both sections use a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. The event counts for FIDE ratings and title norms.
The published prize fund is €9,000. It includes general prizes and awards for women, veterans, juniors, and rating groups. The regulations also list memorial prizes named after GM Nikola Padevsky and GM Julian Radulski.
🌍 Youth Chess and Club Development
Chess Club Lokomotiv Plovdiv combines international tournament organization with local chess development. Its academy introduces children to over-the-board chess and supports players who want to enter official competitions.
The club also takes part in Bulgarian team championships. Its teams include adult, women, youth, and veteran players. This activity gives club members regular opportunities to compete in classical, rapid, and blitz formats.
On August 15, 2026, the club will also organize the 6th Haralampi Vanev Memorial. This rapid tournament forms part of the Georgi Tringov Memorial program. It honors Haralampi Vanev, who served as a long-time club president and tournament organizer.
Through its academy, team activity, and international events, Chess Club Lokomotiv Plovdiv supports organized chess in Plovdiv. It provides opportunities for beginners, juniors, club players, and experienced competitors.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
