39. Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Schach-Open 2026 runs from August 1-9, 2026 in Schwarzach im Pongau, Austria. This is a chess tournament in Schwarzach im Pongau, Austria, in 2026. The festival takes place at the Festsaal der Gemeinde Schwarzach and returns for its 39th edition in the Salzburg region.

The event combines a nine-round classical chess festival with several tournament tracks. Alongside the main open, players can enter the B-Turnier, C-Turnier, and a U16 youth tournament, while a separate blitz event opens the week on Saturday evening. Moreover, the A, B, and C sections use the same long-play classical time control, and the event counts for FIDE rating as well as Austrian and German national rating.

The published cash prizes give the festival strong competitive value. The guaranteed cash awards across the main, B, and C tournaments total EUR 10,350, which is approximately USD 11,919 at the ECB reference rate of EUR 1 = USD 1.1517 on March 27, 2026. In addition, the youth tournament awards cups and material prizes rather than cash.

📌 Event Details

The key tournament facts are below.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The festival uses a 9-round Swiss system for the main classical competitions. Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 more minutes to finish the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one. As a result, the event gives players a full classical format instead of a short weekend structure.

The tournament also applies a clear competitive framework. Tie-breaks follow this order: points, Median Buchholz 1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, average rating of opponents, and number of wins. In addition, the default forfeit time is 30 minutes, and each player may take one half-point bye in rounds 1 to 8 after timely notice to the chief arbiter. However, the organizer does not allow mobile phones in the playing hall.

🏆 Prize Fund

The event offers EUR 10,350 in guaranteed cash prizes across the main, B, and C tournaments. Therefore, the festival brings a strong prize structure to all three classical rating sections. The youth tournament adds cups and material prizes, but those non-cash awards are not included in the cash total.

In the classical sections, the event splits first place in case of a tie on points. Meanwhile, the organizer awards the remaining prizes by final ranking after tie-breaks. A player may win only one prize.

👥 Sections / Groups

The festival divides the field into several tracks, so players can choose the section that best matches their rating and age group. At the same time, the main open keeps a strong international profile and offers norm chances in the top section.

🗓️ Schedule

The week starts with the blitz tournament on Saturday, then the main classical events begin on Sunday with a double round. After that, the festival continues with one evening round per day until Saturday, before the final morning round and prize ceremony on Sunday.

📝 Registration

Registration closes on July 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM. In addition, all players, including pre-registered players, must complete attendance check on August 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The tournament website also states that players can register online, while the brochure lists bank-transfer payment details and direct organizer contact information.

🏢 Organizer

Schachklub Schwarzach organizes the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Schach-Open and handles player communication through the tournament website and event email. Moreover, the festival works closely with local partners in the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse region, which helps support accommodation and travel logistics for visiting players.

Phone: +43 664 88250559
Email: salzburgeropen.chess@gmail.com
Website: https://schachopen.at/

📍 Venue

Festsaal der Gemeinde Schwarzach, Marktplatz 4, 5620 Schwarzach im Pongau, Austria

The playing hall sits in the center of Schwarzach im Pongau, which keeps players close to local services and regional accommodation options. In addition, the brochure lists room-booking support through the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse tourism association for players who want help with their stay.

🚆 How to Get There

Schwarzach im Pongau is easy to reach by road, rail, and air. By car, players can use the A10 Tauern motorway, exit at Bischofshofen (Exit 47), and continue on the B311 toward St. Veit and Schwarzach. By train, the region uses the Schwarzach-St. Veit rail hub. For air travel, Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart is about 70 km away, and the tourism office offers airport-transfer assistance.

This Salzburg-region chess festival is a strong choice for players who want a full classical week, multiple section options, and a scenic Austrian summer setting.