31st International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten 2027
The 31st International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten 2027 will take place from May 6–9, 2027, in the picturesque municipality of Ratten, Styria, Austria. Organized by Schachverein Horn Union Ratten, this established international tournament offers five rounds of classical chess, three rating-based sections, and cash prizes for overall standings and special categories.
The championship follows FIDE rules and uses a classical time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remaining moves, with a 30-second increment from move one. The A section is rated by both FIDE and the Austrian Chess Federation (ÖSB), while the B and C sections count toward Austrian national ratings. In addition, an internationally rated blitz tournament takes place on Saturday evening.
The Raiffeisen Chess Open has become a traditional meeting point for Austrian and international players. Its 30th edition attracted 139 competitors across three sections in 2026. Furthermore, the 2027 program includes youth awards, senior and women’s prizes, a closing ceremony, and a prize raffle. The mountain setting of eastern Styria also makes the event attractive to players combining tournament chess with a short holiday.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 6–9, 2027 |
| 🌍 Country | Austria |
| 📍 Location | Ratten, Styria |
| 🏨 Venue | Veranstaltungshalle Ratten |
| 🏛️ Organizer | Schachverein Horn Union Ratten |
| ♟️ Tournament Format | 5-round Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 min / 40 moves + 30 min; 30-sec increment |
| 🧩 Sections | A Open, B Under 2000, C Under 1750 |
| 🌐 FIDE Rated | A section only |
| ✅ Austrian Rated | All three sections |
| 🏆 Cash Awards | €2,450 placement prizes + up to €760 conditional category prizes |
| ⚡ Side Event | FIDE-rated blitz tournament |
| 📝 Registration Deadline | May 5, 2027, 6:00 PM |
| 📧 Registration | f.krassnitzer@gmx.at |
| 🔗 Official Information | https://www.horn-union-ratten.at/open/ausschreibung |
| ♟️ Chess-Results A | https://s3.chess-results.com/test/tnr1491905.aspx?lan=36 |
| ♟️ Chess-Results B | https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1491906.aspx?SNode=S0&art=0&lan=2&turdet=YES |
| ♟️ Chess-Results C | https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1491908.aspx?SNode=S0&lan=1 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament consists of five Swiss-system rounds played according to FIDE chess rules.
All three sections use the same classical time control:
| Playing Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament System | Swiss |
| Number of Rounds | 5 |
| First 40 Moves | 90 minutes |
| Remaining Moves | Additional 30 minutes |
| Increment | 30 seconds per move from move one |
| Rating Systems | FIDE + Austrian national in A; Austrian national in B and C |
Each player receives 90 minutes to complete the first 40 moves. After completing move 40, the player receives an additional 30 minutes for the remainder of the game. The 30-second increment applies throughout the game.
Rating Regulations
In the A section, the FIDE rating takes priority for the starting list and applicable rating-category prizes.
For the B and C sections, the Austrian national rating determines the relevant starting position and rating categories.
All participants must obtain an identification number from the Austrian Chess Federation (ÖSB) before the tournament begins.
A-section participants must also have an existing FIDE ID. Players without an established rating may enter their preferred section only with the chief arbiter’s approval.
Half-Point Byes
The official tournament regulations allow players to request a bye during Rounds 1–3.
However, the published announcement does not specify the points awarded for an approved bye. Players should confirm the scoring conditions and request deadline with the tournament director.
🏆 Prize Fund
The 31st International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten 2027 advertises €2,450 in placement prizes across its three sections, plus up to €760 in additional cash-category awards.
The combined published cash-award schedule is €3,210 (approximately $3,600). However, special-category prizes are guaranteed only when at least three players participate in the relevant category.
All monetary amounts are listed in euros. Approximate USD equivalents use €1 ≈ $1.12 and are rounded upward to the nearest $10.
🥇 A Open Section
| Placement | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | €500 (~$570) |
| 2nd Place | €350 (~$400) |
| 3rd Place | €250 (~$290) |
| 4th Place | €150 (~$170) |
| 5th Place | €100 (~$120) |
| Total | €1,350 (~$1,520) |
The A section features the tournament’s largest first-place prize and is open to eligible players with a FIDE ID.
🥈 B Under 2000 Section
| Placement | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | €300 (~$340) |
| 2nd Place | €200 (~$230) |
| 3rd Place | €150 (~$170) |
| Total | €650 (~$730) |
🥉 C Under 1750 Section
| Placement | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | €200 (~$230) |
| 2nd Place | €150 (~$170) |
| 3rd Place | €100 (~$120) |
| Total | €450 (~$510) |
🏅 Special Cash Awards
Additional prizes recognize youth players, seniors, women, and eligible rating-category competitors.
| Special Category | A Section | B Section | C Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Under 18 | €80 | €70 | €40 |
| Rating Category | ≤2150: €80 | ≤1850: €70 | ≤1600: €40 |
| Best Senior Over 65 | €80 | €70 | €40 |
| Best Female Player | €80 | €70 | €40 |
Approximate USD values: €80 ≈ $90, €70 ≈ $80, and €40 ≈ $50.
Special prizes are guaranteed only when at least three players compete in the relevant category.
🏆 Junior Trophies & Material Prizes
The C tournament also awards trophies and material prizes to the top three eligible players in the following age groups:
| Age Group | Awards |
|---|---|
| Under 14 | 1st–3rd: Trophy + material prize |
| Under 12 | 1st–3rd: Trophy + material prize |
| Under 10 | 1st–3rd: Trophy + material prize |
| Under 8 | 1st–3rd: Trophy + material prize |
These are noncash awards and are separate from the published cash-prize amounts.
Tiebreaks & Prize Conditions
When players finish with equal points, the tournament uses Buchholz excluding the lowest-scoring opponent, followed by further tiebreak criteria.
Each player may receive only one prize. Therefore, players qualifying for more than one award cannot collect multiple prizes.
Prizes are presented exclusively during the official closing ceremony. Participants should remain until the ceremony to receive their awards.
🧩 Sections / Groups
The competition offers three sections to accommodate players with different rating levels.
| Section | Eligibility | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| A Open | Open to eligible players with a FIDE ID | FIDE + AUT |
| B Under 2000 | Rating below 2000 | AUT |
| C Under 1750 | Rating below 1750 | AUT |
A Open
The A tournament welcomes players of all rating levels who possess an existing FIDE ID. It is the principal international section and offers both FIDE and Austrian national rating calculations.
Players without an established rating must obtain approval from the chief arbiter before entering.
B Under 2000
The B tournament is restricted to players rated below 2000. It offers five rounds of classical chess and a separate prize allocation.
The Austrian national rating is the primary reference for this section.
C Under 1750
The C tournament welcomes players rated below 1750 and provides additional opportunities for youth and developing competitors.
Beyond its cash prizes, the section includes age-category trophies and material awards for younger participants.
Rating Eligibility
Participants should review their FIDE and Austrian ratings before selecting a section. In particular, players from outside Austria must ensure that the required national identification process is completed before the tournament begins.
The chief arbiter may decide on section eligibility for players who do not have an established rating.
📅 Schedule
The tournament takes place from Thursday, May 6, through Sunday, May 9, 2027.
All times are local Austrian time (Central European Summer Time, CEST).
| Date | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, May 5 | Registration Deadline | 6:00 PM |
| Thursday, May 6 | Attendance Confirmation / Final Payment | 9:30 AM |
| Thursday, May 6 | Opening Ceremony | 9:45 AM |
| Thursday, May 6 | Round 1 | 10:00 AM |
| Thursday, May 6 | Round 2 | 5:00 PM |
| Friday, May 7 | Round 3 | 6:00 PM |
| Saturday, May 8 | Round 4 | 2:00 PM |
| Saturday, May 8 | Blitz Tournament | 8:00 PM |
| Sunday, May 9 | Round 5 | 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, May 9 | Awards Ceremony & Raffle | 30 minutes after final game |
⚡ Saturday Evening Blitz Tournament
A separate FIDE-rated blitz tournament will take place on Saturday, May 8, at 8:00 PM.
The entry fee is €15 (approximately $20). The organizer will distribute the entire collected blitz entry-fee amount as prize money.
The blitz event provides an additional competitive opportunity during the classical championship weekend.
Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony takes place approximately 30 minutes after the final classical game.
Alongside the cash and trophy presentations, participants can enjoy a large prize raffle. Furthermore, the club represented by the largest participating group will receive a special gift basket.
📝 Registration
Players may register directly with the tournament administration by email or telephone.
Registration Email:
f.krassnitzer@gmx.at
Registration Telephone:
+43 664 542 3939
Official Tournament Regulations:
https://www.horn-union-ratten.at/open/ausschreibung
Registration Deadline
Wednesday, May 5, 2027, at 6:00 PM
The organizer explicitly states that late registrations cannot be accepted for organizational reasons.
Players should therefore complete their entry and confirm their chosen section before the deadline.
Entry Fees
| Player Category | A Open | B U2000 | C U1750 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | €50 | €45 | €40 |
| Under 18 | €40 | €35 | €30 |
| A Section: Under 1900 | €60 | — | — |
Approximate USD equivalents are $60 for €50, $60 for €45, $50 for €40, $40 for €35 or €30, and $70 for €60.
The A-section regulations specifically list a €60 entry fee for players rated below 1900. Under-18 players who also fall into this rating category should confirm which fee applies before making payment.
Payment Instructions
Entry fees should be transferred to the tournament’s published bank account.
Account Holder: Schachturnier Ratten
IBAN: AT32 3802 3000 0500 6408
Payment Reference: Player’s name and chosen section (A, B, or C).
Players should include their full name and section in the transfer reference so the organizer can identify the payment correctly.
Attendance Confirmation
Registered players must complete attendance confirmation and settle any outstanding entry fees by 9:30 AM on Thursday, May 6.
The opening ceremony begins at 9:45 AM, followed by Round 1 at 10:00 AM.
👤 Organizer
Organizer Name: Schachverein Horn Union Ratten
Contact Person: Harald Göslbauer
Email: info@horn-union-ratten.at
Phone: +43 676 421 8200
Schachverein Horn Union Ratten organizes the traditional International Raiffeisen Chess Open in the Austrian state of Styria.
The 2027 edition is the tournament’s 31st staging and continues a long-running program of competitive classical chess, junior development, and regional chess activities.
Chief Arbiter: IA Franz Krassnitzer.
📍 Venue
Veranstaltungshalle Ratten – Kirchenviertel 156, 8673 Ratten, Styria, Austria.
The tournament will take place in the multipurpose event hall of the Freizeitzentrum Ratten recreational complex.
The facility includes a spacious event and sports hall, community meeting areas, a café and restaurant, and additional recreational facilities. It is located within the village of Ratten, surrounded by the mountains and forests of eastern Styria.
The complex also houses the 2Punkt0 restaurant, which provides dining facilities in the same building. Consequently, players and accompanying visitors can find refreshments and meals without traveling far from the playing venue.
Venue Contact
Telephone: +43 3173 2213
Email: gde@ratten.gv.at
The venue is managed through the Municipality of Ratten.
🏨 Accommodation
Several family-run guesthouses and small hotels are available within Ratten. The municipal accommodation directory includes the following options near the tournament venue.
| Accommodation | Location | Indicative Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alpenpension Grünes Herz | Kirchenviertel 152, Ratten | Double rooms from €45 (~$60) per person |
| Gasthof zur Post | Kirchenviertel 10, Ratten | From €46 (~$60) per person, with breakfast |
The rates above are indicative prices from the municipality’s published accommodation information, not confirmed tournament rates for May 2027.
Alpenpension Grünes Herz offers guest rooms within walking distance of the playing venue, while Gasthof zur Post provides traditional Styrian hospitality and accommodation in central Ratten.
Players should book early and confirm the total cost, breakfast, tourist tax, and cancellation conditions directly with the accommodation provider.
Alpenpension Grünes Herz:
https://www.alpen-pension.at/de/
Gasthof zur Post:
https://www.gasthof-albert.at/
Municipal Accommodation Directory:
https://www.ratten-steiermark.at/de/gastronomieundbeherbergung.html
🚆 How to Get There
By Air
Graz Airport (GRZ) is the nearest major commercial airport for players traveling to Ratten.
| Airport | IATA | Travel Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Graz Airport | GRZ | Nearest practical commercial airport |
| Vienna International Airport | VIE | More international flight connections |
Ratten is approximately 70 km by road from the city of Graz, while the airport is south of the city. Travel from Graz Airport therefore requires additional driving.
Vienna Airport is another practical option for international visitors, especially those arriving on long-distance flights.
A rental car or prearranged transfer is recommended for the final journey into the region.
By Train
Krieglach railway station is a practical rail connection for visitors traveling to Ratten.
The station is located approximately 19 km by road from the village and has ÖBB rail services connecting with other Austrian cities.
From Krieglach, travelers can continue toward Ratten by regional bus, taxi, or a prebooked shared-transfer service.
Austrian Railways (ÖBB):
https://www.oebb.at/
By Bus & Shared Taxi
Regional bus services connect Ratten with nearby towns, including Krieglach and Birkfeld. However, service frequency can be limited, particularly on weekends.
The organizer recommends the SAM shared-taxi service, which operates in eastern Styria and provides connections from regional transport hubs.
SAM Booking Telephone: +43 50 363 738
SAM Information:
https://oststeiermark.at/sam/
The latest municipal information lists SAM operating hours of 6:00 AM–8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sunday service should not be assumed, so participants leaving after the final round on May 9 should confirm alternative transport arrangements in advance.
By Car
Ratten is accessible from the Austrian regional road network through the eastern Styrian mountain area.
From Graz, drivers can travel toward Weiz and Birkfeld before continuing to Ratten. Visitors approaching from Vienna or northeastern Austria can also travel via the S6 expressway and Krieglach.
Drivers should use the full venue address for navigation:
Veranstaltungshalle Ratten, Kirchenviertel 156, 8673 Ratten, Austria.
Parking facilities are available around the Freizeitzentrum recreational complex.
ℹ️ Other Information
Tournament Conduct
The official regulations establish strict playing-hall rules.
Alcohol, smoking, and mobile phones are prohibited inside the tournament hall. Participants must comply with these restrictions throughout the competition.
Default Time
The tournament has a 30-minute default time.
Players who arrive more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start of a round risk losing their game by default.
Therefore, participants should allow sufficient travel time and arrive at the playing venue before the published round start.
Austrian Federation Identification
Every participant must have an Austrian Chess Federation identification number before the tournament begins.
Foreign players without an ÖSB identification number should contact the tournament administration in advance to arrange the necessary registration.
The A tournament also requires a valid FIDE ID.
Awards & Prize Ceremony
All prizes are awarded during the closing ceremony. The organizer does not advertise an alternative distribution procedure.
Players should remain at the venue until the conclusion of the ceremony, particularly if they may qualify for a placement prize, special award, or junior trophy.
International Participation
The tournament welcomes international players, subject to its rating and identification requirements.
Its five-round classical format allows visiting competitors to gain valuable tournament experience within a four-day stay in Styria.
Tournament Tradition
The 2026 edition brought together 139 participants in the A, B, and C competitions. The event’s long-standing success reflects the club’s commitment to regional chess and international participation.
The 31st edition continues this tradition through rated classical chess, junior awards, and an additional blitz competition.
Official Tournament Website:
https://www.horn-union-ratten.at/open/ausschreibung
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $3,600
Organizer
♟️ About Schachverein Horn Union Ratten
Schachverein Horn Union Ratten is an established Austrian chess club based in Ratten, Styria. The club combines competitive team chess, youth development, regular local chess activity, and the organization of one of the region’s longest-running international open tournaments.
Chess has deep roots in the small Styrian community of Ratten. The club’s own historical records trace organized chess activity in the village back many decades, while the present Schachverein was formally established in 1987. Since then, Horn Union Ratten has developed into an active regional club with a strong connection to both competitive chess and the local community.
The organization is particularly known for the annual Internationales Raiffeisen Schach-Open Ratten. The tournament attracts club players, juniors, experienced competitors, and international visitors to eastern Styria each spring. Harald Göslbauer is a central figure in the club’s tournament organization and serves as the principal organizer of the Ratten Open.
📜 Chess Tradition in Ratten
The history of chess in Ratten extends well beyond the formal establishment of the current club. According to the club chronicle, chess was already played locally after the First World War, when workers connected with the area’s glassworks and mining industry brought additional chess activity to the community.
Names of local chess players are documented from the 1930s, and another group of enthusiasts became active after the Second World War. Economic changes and the closure of local industries later reduced organized activity, but chess remained part of community life.
A notable step came in 1977, when a local cup tournament was held at Café Schweighofer. The competition was played over twelve rounds and represented an important precursor to the later organized club structure.
The present-day Schachverein was founded in 1987, initially with only a small group of members. Over the following decades, it expanded its competitive, junior, and tournament activities and became firmly established within Styrian chess.
🏠 Chess in the Ratten Community
Chess has an unusually visible presence in Ratten for a community of its size. The club has promoted the game not only through formal tournaments but also through schools, local establishments, training sessions, and community activities.
The club reports that chess sets, pieces, and clocks have traditionally been available in local establishments, allowing residents and visitors to play throughout the village. Chess instruction has also been offered in local schools, helping introduce new generations to the game.
Horn Union Ratten has organized chess courses for both juniors and adults. Over the years, experienced trainers and titled players have been involved in training activities, including International Masters.
The club also holds local competitions such as its village rapid chess championship, providing another form of competition alongside league matches and the international open.
🧒 Youth Chess & Player Development
Youth development is an important part of Horn Union Ratten’s activity. The club regularly supports junior players in regional competitions and Styrian youth events.
Players representing Horn Union Ratten have participated in the Steirische Jugendschacholympiade, one of the important youth chess programmes in Styria. In the 2026 edition, the club fielded several young competitors across multiple age categories.
The programme gives developing players opportunities to progress from school and club chess into formal tournament competition. Training, regional events, and participation in youth championships therefore form an important part of the organization’s broader chess activity.
This long-term investment in juniors complements the club’s open tournament programme, where youth players can compete alongside experienced adult players.
🏆 International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten
The Internationales Raiffeisen Schach-Open Ratten is the flagship event organized by Horn Union Ratten and the highlight of the club’s annual calendar.
Over three decades, the Open has developed into a recognized spring tournament in Styria. It welcomes professional players, regular club competitors, ambitious juniors, and hobby players, creating a broad competitive field within a single chess festival.
The modern event is divided into several rating groups. The principal A Tournament is open to players with a FIDE ID and is submitted for both FIDE and Austrian rating. Additional B and C sections allow players with lower ratings to compete within suitable rating ranges.
A separate FIDE-rated blitz tournament is also held during the festival. Together, the classical sections and blitz competition create a full multi-day chess programme.
The tournament is currently played at Veranstaltungshalle Ratten, part of the local Freizeitzentrum. The modern venue became home to the Open in 2023 and provides the club with a larger dedicated playing space for the growing tournament.
🌍 30th International Open — 2026
Horn Union Ratten celebrated the 30th Internationales Raiffeisen Schach-Open from May 14–17, 2026.
Around 140 players from several countries took part across the A, B, and C classical tournaments and the accompanying blitz competition. The field ranged from experienced tournament competitors to promising young players.
David Kramar won the A Tournament, while Julia Krassnitzer took first place in the B section. Radu-Beniamin Borz won the C Tournament, and Gregor Neff finished first in the blitz competition.
The organizers highlighted the work of Harald Göslbauer, Chief Arbiter IA Franz Krassnitzer, Guenter Kaiser, and the wider volunteer team in delivering the anniversary edition.
The scale of the 30th Open demonstrated how a tournament originally rooted in a small Styrian community has developed into an international event capable of attracting a substantial field from Austria and abroad.
🌟 31st International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten 2027
The tradition continues with the 31st International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten, scheduled for May 6–9, 2027.
The tournament again consists of A, B, and C sections, all played over five rounds under Swiss-system rules. The A Tournament is open to players with a FIDE ID and is rated by both FIDE and the Austrian federation. The B section is intended for players rated below 2000, while the C section is for players below 1750.
A FIDE-rated blitz tournament will take place on Saturday evening. The organizers also continue the event’s tradition of category prizes for juniors, women, seniors, and different rating groups.
Junior players receive particular attention. Separate awards are planned for the U18 categories, while the C Tournament also includes trophies and prizes for U14, U12, U10, and U8 competitors.
The tournament concludes with a prize ceremony and traditional raffle. In addition, the club bringing the largest group of players receives a special gift basket, reinforcing the social and community character of the Open.
♟️ Competitive Club Chess
Horn Union Ratten is active beyond its own international tournament. The club participates in Austrian regional team competition and maintains teams within the Styrian league structure.
In the 2024/25 season, Horn Union Ratten finished first in the published table of the 2. Klasse Murtal/Mürztal, demonstrating that competitive team chess remains an important part of the organization’s programme.
League competition gives club members regular opportunities to represent Ratten against teams from other Styrian chess organizations. It also provides a competitive pathway for players who develop through the club’s junior and local chess activities.
Together with the International Open, youth competitions, training, and local events, league participation gives Horn Union Ratten a broad year-round chess programme rather than limiting its activity to a single annual tournament.
👥 Organization & Tournament Team
Harald Göslbauer has played a major role in Horn Union Ratten for many years. Historical club records show that he previously served as club chairman for two decades and later continued his involvement in youth training and tournament organization.
Today, he remains the principal organizer of the International Raiffeisen Chess Open Ratten and the main public contact for the event.
For the 2027 International Raiffeisen Chess Open, IA Franz Krassnitzer serves as Tournament Director. The organizing structure therefore combines long-standing local experience with qualified international-level tournament administration.
The club’s ability to sustain an international open for more than three decades, while simultaneously supporting league teams and junior chess, reflects the strong volunteer structure behind Horn Union Ratten.
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