Set in the heart of the Sancy region, 2ème Open International du Sancy, July 4-10, 2026, Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, France offers a full week of classical, FIDE-rated chess in a historic mountain-village setting. The tournament welcomes all levels and runs a 9-round Swiss that rewards consistency across a long schedule. A €3,000 cash prize fund and free entry for GMs and IMs add strong competitive appeal for ambitious club players and titled participants. The playing hall sits at the town hall venue in the village center, which keeps daily logistics simple between rounds.

The organizer builds the week around a clear rhythm of morning and afternoon rounds, with an early start on the opening Saturday and a prize-giving ceremony on the final day. You can request up to two byes within the stated limits, which helps players balance travel plans with a nine-round program. The tournament guarantees the announced prizes when at least 80 paying players participate. If you want a summer event that combines serious classical chess with the atmosphere of a medieval village, this open delivers a focused and memorable tournament week.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The organizer lists a €3,000 total cash prize fund and guarantees the announced prizes with at least 80 paying players. The organizer publishes the top prizes below.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament runs a 9-round Swiss System Open and submits results for FIDE standard rating in the FIDE August 2026 rating period. Players use a classical time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move.

The organizer allows up to two byes during the tournament and accepts them only within the stated limits. The organizer does not allow byes in the last three rounds, and it limits bye availability to the period up to and including Tuesday of tournament week.

📂 Sections / Groups

The event runs a single Open section and welcomes beginners through experienced tournament players in the same Swiss standings.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Échiquier Clermontois Arverne organizes the Open du Sancy in partnership with the city of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise and delivers a structured week of classical chess with a clear schedule and published prize incentives. Jean-Loup Bertin leads tournament coordination and centralizes player communication through direct email and phone contact. The organizer also provides a single online registration channel to streamline entries and confirm participation before arrival.

• Email: jeanloup.bertin63@gmail.com

• Phone: +33 6 08 72 54 90

• Website: https://echiquierclermontoisarverne.wordpress.com/1-er-open-international-dechecs-du-sancy/

• Online registration: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/echiquier-clermontois-arverne/evenements/1-er-open-international-du-sancy-2

🏨 Venue

Salle des fêtes de la Mairie de Besse, 2 Place de la Mairie, 63610 Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, France
The tournament plays in the municipal hall at the Besse town hall in the village center. The location places players within walking distance of the central square and local services between rounds. The setting supports a focused playing hall atmosphere while keeping daily logistics straightforward across a full tournament week.

🚗 How to Get There

Travel to Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise and head to Place de la Mairie in the town center to reach the venue directly. Plan to arrive early on Saturday to complete the mandatory check-in before Round 1.

Bring your best classical preparation and turn nine rounds in the Sancy village center into a defining summer tournament result.