V Magistral “Villa de Zahara” 2026
V Magistral “Villa de Zahara” 2026 is a closed IM-norm round-robin held in the white-washed hill town of Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz, Spain). Ten titled and title-seeking players compete across nine classical rounds in a boutique setting overlooking the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir. The tournament is organized with professional arbitering and clear regulations to maximize norm chances.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 1 – 5 April 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz), Spain |
| 🏟️ Venue | Salón Bajo Plaza del Rey, 11688 Zahara de la Sierra |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated Invitational (IM-norm event) |
| 🧩 Tournament System | 10-player Round Robin |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes for the game + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| ⏰ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 🧮 Rating/Norms | Rated for FIDE & regional lists; IM/WIM/WGM norms possible |
| 🏢 Organizer | Ayuntamiento de Zahara de la Sierra |
| 👤 Tournament Director | IO José Antonio Fernández Rodríguez |
| 👤 Chief Arbiter | IA José Antonio Fernández Rodríguez |
⏱️ Time Control & Regulations
- 90′ + 30″/move from the first move.
- Round-robin pairing (9 games per player).
- Default time: 30 minutes after scheduled start.
- Electronic devices must be switched off and stored; FIDE Fair-Play rules apply.
- Results are sent for FIDE rating; norms are calculated according to the FIDE Handbook.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Wed, 1 Apr 2026 | Arrival, Technical Meeting & Rounds begin |
| Thu, 2 Apr 2026 | Tournament play (double-round day possible) |
| Fri, 3 Apr 2026 | Tournament play |
| Sat, 4 Apr 2026 | Tournament play (double-round day possible) |
| Sun, 5 Apr 2026 | Final Round & Closing Ceremony |
📝 Participation & Entry
- By invitation only (10 players).
- Players must hold a valid FIDE ID.
- Invitations are extended to optimize norm chances (average rating, title mix, federation balance).
🏢 Organizer
Ayuntamiento de Zahara de la Sierra hosts the Magistral in partnership with local chess promoters to showcase elite classical chess in the Sierra de Cádiz.
Key roles:
– Tournament Director: IO José Antonio Fernández Rodríguez
– Chief Arbiter: IA José Antonio Fernández Rodríguez
The event focuses on smooth logistics, accurate pairings, and a quiet playing hall to support norm-level performance.
🏟️ Venue
Salón Bajo Plaza del Rey, 11688 Zahara de la Sierra — a bright, dedicated hall in the historic center with panoramic views toward the reservoir and the Moorish castle above. The setting blends professional playing conditions with a memorable Andalusian atmosphere.
🛏️ Accommodation
Zahara de la Sierra offers cozy hotels and guesthouses within a short walk or drive of the venue. Nearby villages around the reservoir provide additional options (B&Bs, rural casas). Early booking is advised during spring weekends.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Air: Nearest major airports: Seville (SVQ) ~90 km; Jerez (XRY) ~85 km; Málaga (AGP) ~140 km.
- By Train/Bus: Regional rail to Ronda, Jerez, or Seville with bus links to Zahara/Algodonales.
- By Car: Scenic mountain roads from Seville/Jerez/Ronda; public parking near the old town.
Compete for IM/WIM/WGM norms in one of Andalusia’s most spectacular pueblos blancos. The V Magistral “Villa de Zahara” 2026 combines focused, title-oriented chess with sun-drenched vistas, quiet playing conditions, and warm local hospitality — a perfect stage for your next breakthrough.