21° Open Internazionale di Scacchi – Bozner Open 2026
Bolzano’s winter chess tradition returns with the 21° Open Internazionale di Scacchi – Bozner Open 2026, a three-tier festival (Open A, Open B, Open C) hosted at the historic Palazzo Mercantile in the heart of Bolzano. Running 30 January – 1 February 2026, the event offers a compact classical format, clear rating bands, and a welcoming setting steps from the old town arcades.
Expect professional organization by Arci Scacchi Bolzano, smooth Swiss pairings, and a classical cadence that suits both ambitious club players and titled guests. With dedicated prizes across sections and discounts for youth and titled players, the Bozner Open is an ideal way to start your chess year in South Tyrol.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 30 January – 1 February 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Palazzo Mercantile, Via Argentieri 6, Bolzano (BZ), Italy |
| ♟️ Format | 5-Round Swiss (all sections) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move (from move 1) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Elo (and national) rated; FIDE Laws apply |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open A: open to all • Open B: Elo < 2000 • Open C: Elo < 1700 |
| 💵 Entry Fee | €65 standard • €50 U16 • €35 Elo >2200 • GM/IM free |
| 👥 Organizer | Arci Scacchi Bolzano — info@arciscacchi.it — https://www.arciscacchi.it/asb/ |
🏆 Prize Fund
(Amounts in EUR; prizes are paid per section.)
Open A — Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €400 |
| 2 | €300 |
| 3 | €200 |
| 4 | €120 |
| 5 | €100 |
Total Open A: €1,120
Open B — Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €250 |
| 2 | €150 |
| 3 | €100 |
| 4 | €50 |
| 5 | €30 |
Total Open B: €580
Open C — Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | €120 |
| 2 | €60 |
| 3 | €50 |
Total Open C: €230
Notes: No double prizes; prize distribution follows the organizer’s published policy. Presence at the award ceremony may be required to receive prizes.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Classical: 90′ + 30″/move, all sections.
System: Swiss, 5 rounds.
Pairings: By rating; published each round at the venue and online.
Default time: 30 minutes after scheduled start.
Fair play: Electronic devices must be fully switched off in the playing area.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open A | Open to all players | Deepest prize pool |
| Open B | Elo <2000 | Ideal for strong club players |
| Open C | Elo <1700 | Best for developing players |
📝 Registration
How to enter: Pre-registe
Organizer
ARCI Scacchi Bolzano is a bilingual (Italian/German) chess tournament organizer serving Bolzano/Bozen and South Tyrol. The club runs a friendly, well-structured calendar of FIDE-rated open, rapid, and blitz events, plus regular club sessions for juniors, adult improvers, and returning players. With clear regulations, welcoming venues, and experienced arbiters, it offers practical pathways for Bolzano chess players to gain rating experience and enjoy competitive play in an inclusive community.
Beyond weekend tournaments, ARCI Scacchi Bolzano focuses on grassroots growth—coaching, casual play nights, and social meet-ups that connect newcomers with experienced competitors. This balance of training and competition has made the club a reliable hub for open chess events in South Tyrol and a consistent contributor to the broader Italian chess scene.
Contact
Club Venue (Sede di gioco): Circolo Nikoletti, Via Nazario Sauro 6, 39100 Bolzano (BZ), Italy
Office / Postal Address: Via Dolomiti / Dolomitenstr. 14, 39100 Bolzano (Bozen), Italy
Phone: +39 0471 300057 (club) • +39 338 662 3838 (mobile/WhatsApp – Saverio)
Website: https://www.arciscacchi.it/asb/
Facebook (Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/546674466864091/