11° Festival degli Scacchi Città di Arzachena takes place from April 2-6, 2026 in Cannigione di Arzachena, Italy and brings a multi-day FIDE rated classical chess tournament to one of the most scenic parts of Sardinia. The event runs at Centro Vacanze Isuledda and uses a 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control over 6 rounds. In addition, the festival offers three sections, which gives strong players, club players, and developing competitors a clear and practical structure.

The 11° Festival degli Scacchi Città di Arzachena continues an established annual tradition and combines serious over-the-board chess with an attractive seaside setting in Cannigione di Arzachena, Italy. Moreover, the festival includes a confirmed cash prize fund, official FIDE Standard rating, flexible half-point bye options in the early rounds, and two additional FIDE Blitz side events during the weekend. As a result, the 11° Festival degli Scacchi Città di Arzachena stands out as one of the most appealing spring international chess tournaments in Sardinia.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Prize money is not cumulative and not divisible. In addition, category prizes apply only when at least three players represent the category. Cash prizes are paid by bank transfer during the prize ceremony.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The festival uses a 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control and runs over 6 rounds. Moreover, the tournament follows the Swiss FIDE Dutch pairing system and counts for FIDE Standard rating.

Players may request a half-point bye before the start of the tournament. The half-point bye applies only before the last two rounds, and once requested, it cannot be withdrawn. The default time is 60 minutes. Draw offers are allowed only after 30 moves by both players.

Tie-breaks follow this order: rEp, Buchholz Cut 1, Sonneborn-Berger, and ARO.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

A.S.D. Arzachess organizes the 11° Festival degli Scacchi Città di Arzachena and continues a well-known spring chess event in northern Sardinia. The club combines a serious classical chess program with official FIDE rating, weekend blitz side events, and a relaxed holiday setting in Cannigione di Arzachena.

• Email: arzachess@tiscali.it

• Phone: +39 339 260 4979

🏨 Venue

Centro Vacanze Isuledda, Cannigione di Arzachena, Sardinia, Italy

Centro Vacanze Isuledda hosts the festival directly by the sea in the Gulf of Arzachena. The venue sits close to the Costa Smeralda and faces the La Maddalena Archipelago. In addition, the resort gives players an attractive combination of tournament play, coastal scenery, and on-site accommodation.

🛎️ Accommodation

Centro Vacanze Isuledda, Cannigione di Arzachena, Sardinia, Italy

🚗 How to Get There

Players should travel directly to Centro Vacanze Isuledda in Cannigione di Arzachena, Sardinia. In addition, players who need a ferry can contact the Baia Holiday Booking Center at +39 0365 520682 to request dedicated ferry rates. Early arrival is especially useful on April 2, because registration closes at 16:00 and the first round starts at 16:30.

The 11° Festival degli Scacchi Città di Arzachena offers a strong classical chess format, a scenic Sardinian venue, and a well-established festival atmosphere for players who want serious spring tournament chess by the sea.

🧾 Other

Electronic devices are not allowed in the playing area unless the arbiter approves them. Players may keep switched-off devices inside a bag placed as agreed with the arbiter. The organizer may carry out metal detector checks.

All prizes are presented during the prize ceremony. Players with special playing needs should inform the organizer in advance.