Schachverein Almtal

♟️ About Schachverein Almtal

Schachverein Almtal (SV Almtal) is an Austrian chess club based in Scharnstein, Upper Austria, serving players from the Almtal region and competing within the Schach Landesverband Oberösterreich. The club combines regular team chess with youth development and tournament organization. Its official club address is at the Landesmusikschule Scharnstein, which has also become the venue for its growing international Almtal Chess Open. SV Almtal fields teams in the Upper Austrian league system and has steadily expanded its competitive structure. Its first team competed in the Landesliga West during the 2025–2026 season, while a second team played in 1. Klasse Süd. The club also maintains an active junior program, with young members competing in Schülerliga events and Upper Austrian youth championships. Since 2025, tournament organization has become another important part of the club’s identity through the successful Almtaler Schach Open. Manfred Sonntagbauer is the current Chairman (Obmann) of Schachverein Almtal and is also closely involved in the club’s youth work. Erwin Lachmair serves as captain of the first team and Tournament Director of the Almtal Chess Open, making him the principal operational contact for the club’s major tournament activity. In 2026, SV Almtal completed its second Almtal Open with more than 100 participants and has already confirmed the 3rd Almtaler Schachopen for May 26–30, 2027.

♜ League Chess

Team competition forms a central part of SV Almtal’s year-round activity. During the 2025–2026 Upper Austrian Landesliga West, Almtal 1 competed in a strong 12-team division. The club completed the season in seventh place, scoring 32 board points and nine match points across 11 rounds. Erwin Lachmair served as team captain. The squad included experienced players alongside developing club members, giving SV Almtal a competitive presence in one of Upper Austria’s principal regional leagues. The club also fielded Almtal 2 in 1. Klasse Süd, demonstrating the expansion of its playing base. The first team is again registered for the 2026–2027 Landesliga West, where it will face clubs including Ried im Innkreis, Steyr, Vöcklabruck, Taufkirchen/Pram, Haag/Hausruck, and Schach am Attersee.

🎓 Youth Chess

SV Almtal has placed increasing emphasis on junior chess and practical tournament experience. Manfred Sonntagbauer has served as both club chairman and youth trainer, while young members regularly participate in the Upper Austrian Schülerliga system and other junior competitions. The club’s progress can be seen in recent results. At the 2025 Upper Austrian Schülerliga Masters, Ralf Buchegger of SV Almtal finished third in the U10 category, while Sarah Buchegger represented the club in the U12 competition. Young Almtal players also participated directly in the club’s own international Opens. The 2025 and 2026 editions included several SV Almtal juniors in the rating-restricted B tournament, allowing them to gain experience in longer classical games against players from different clubs and federations. The Schach Landesverband Oberösterreich published a dedicated report on SV Almtal’s youth work for the 2025–2026 season, reflecting the club’s continued involvement in regional junior development.

🌟 Almtaler Schach Open

The Almtaler Schach Open has quickly developed into SV Almtal’s flagship tournament. The idea for the event emerged in 2024 during a tournament in Semriach, when Arnold Pristernik, Werner Niesswohl, Manfred Sonntagbauer, and Erwin Lachmair discussed creating a new international competition in the Almtal region. The inaugural tournament took place from June 19–22, 2025 at the Landesmusikschule Scharnstein and immediately attracted more than 100 players. English IM Harry Grieve won the A tournament with a perfect 5/5. This strong debut established the event as an annual project and encouraged the club to expand the second edition.

🏆 Almtaler Schach Open 2026

The 2nd Almtaler Schach Open was held from June 3–7, 2026 in Scharnstein and again attracted more than 100 players. A total of 104 competitors from Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic participated. The festival consisted of an A Open and B Open, each played over five Swiss-system rounds. The A tournament was both nationally and FIDE rated, with a classical time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 additional minutes and a 30-second increment from move one. Austrian GM Nikolaus Stanec produced a perfect 5/5 to win the A tournament. GM Andreas Diermair finished second with 4.5 points. The festival also included a charity simultaneous exhibition, in which GM Andreas Diermair played 28 opponents. The event supported Balasai Global Care, adding a community and charitable dimension to the tournament. Erwin Lachmair served as Tournament Director, while IA Franz Krassnitzer was Chief Arbiter.

📅 3rd Almtaler Schachopen 2027

SV Almtal has already confirmed the continuation of the tournament in 2027. The 3rd Almtaler Schachopen is scheduled for May 26–30, 2027, again at the Landesmusikschule Scharnstein. The A tournament will consist of five rounds and will be rated for both Austrian and FIDE Elo. Erwin Lachmair is again listed as Tournament Director, with IA Franz Krassnitzer as Chief Arbiter. The rapid growth of the event from its first edition in 2025 demonstrates SV Almtal’s expanding role not only as a regional chess club but also as an international tournament organizer in Upper Austria.