Set in the Styrian countryside, the 23rd Semriach Chess Open 2026 runs April 29-May 3, 2026 in Semriach, Austria and delivers five rounds of classical Swiss chess with both national and international rating opportunities. The event offers two parallel tournaments, with an Open A group for all players and a B group reserved for players under 1899. A single playing venue keeps the experience focused, while the schedule places three evening rounds midweek and two weekend rounds to support travel planning.

The open combines a reliable long time control with practical tournament options, including one early-round bye and a clear default-time rule. A total cash prize fund of €1,240 rewards top results across both groups, and additional non-cash prizes extend recognition beyond the podium. If you want a compact five-round classical event with straightforward logistics and a welcoming Austrian club atmosphere, Semriach offers an efficient and competitive spring tournament.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

A-Turnier

B-Turnier

The organizers guarantee the prize fund with a total participation of 70 players. The event also awards non-cash prizes up to 10th place in A-Turnier.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs 5 rounds as a Swiss System event using Swiss-Manager. Games use 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes to finish, with a 30-second increment from move 1, and the event applies a 30-minute default time.

Each player may take one half-point bye in Rounds 1–3 when the player notifies the arbiter before the pairing for that round. The event applies these tie-breaks in order: Buchholz, refined Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, then the higher number of wins; the event does not run playoffs.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Register directly with the tournament management and arrive in time for the registration deadline because the organizers include only present players in the draw.

• Email: arnold.pristernik@aon.at

• Phone: +43 664 582 6755

👥 Organizer

Schachklub Semriach runs the Semriach Chess Open as a structured five-round classical event with two parallel groups and clear eligibility and pairing procedures. The organizing team manages entries, bye requests, and on-site operations through the named tournament management contact and coordinates the event in cooperation with the playing venue.

• Email: arnold.pristernik@aon.at

• Phone: +43 664 582 6755

🏨 Venue

Der Trattner, Unterer Windhof 18, 8102 Semriach, Austria
The tournament takes place at Der Trattner in Semriach, using a single on-site playing hall for all rounds. The venue supports an organized event flow across the week and weekend schedule.

🛎️ Accommodation

Der Trattner manages room requests and bookings directly and holds a reserved room allotment for the tournament.

• Hotel: Der Trattner, Unterer Windhof 18, 8102 Semriach, Austria

• Phone: +43 3127 80960-0

• Fax: +43 3127 80960-56

• Email: office@dertrattner.at

• Website: https://www.dertrattner.at

🚗 How to Get There

Drive to Semriach in Styria and follow local signage to Der Trattner at Unterer Windhof 18, 8102 Semriach. Plan extra arrival time on Wednesday to complete registration before the 5:30pm deadline and secure your place in the Round 1 draw.

Use five classical rounds to build momentum, manage your time control confidently, and push for a full tournament finish across the A or B groups.

🧾 Other

The playing hall and the venue are barrier-free.