XVII Open Internacional de Xadrez Marquês de Pombal 2026 takes place from December 26 – 29, 2026, at Bombeiros Voluntários de Pombal in Pombal, Portugal. The tournament is part of the Portuguese Chess Federation’s National Classical Circuit and the Portugal Chess Tour.

This is a chess tournament in Pombal, Portugal, in 2026. Players will compete in a 7-round Swiss open with classical time control and FIDE rating calculation.

The event offers a confirmed cash prize fund of €1,450 / approx. $1,690, with an additional €500 added if the tournament reaches at least 75 registered players. In addition, players can compete for youth, team, 50+, 65+, and special category awards.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one. This gives the tournament a classical format across four playing days.

The event uses a 7-round Swiss system. Moreover, the tournament counts for FIDE rating, so players should make sure their federation registration is valid before entering.

The default time is 60 minutes. Therefore, players should arrive early, check pairings before each round, and avoid unnecessary forfeit risks.

Players may request up to two half-point byes. However, bye requests must reach the organizer in writing before Round 1, and they apply only during the first four rounds.

Draw agreements before move 30 require arbiter approval. After finishing a game, players should leave the playing area so the remaining games can continue without crowding.

💰 Prize Fund

The tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of €1,450 / approx. $1,690.

If the tournament reaches at least 75 registered players, the organizer will add €500 / approx. $580 to the prizes. In that case, the prize fund rises to €1,950 / approx. $2,270.

Prize Fund Overview

Main Prizes

Special Awards

The tournament also awards prizes or trophies for U08, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, 50+, 65+, and team categories.

In addition, the event includes a special “Partida Beleza” award for a beautiful game. Players must attend the closing ceremony to receive prizes.

🧩 Sections / Groups

The tournament has one open section. All eligible players compete in the same 7-round Swiss event.

This format gives players a direct classical tournament experience. At the same time, the category awards create extra goals for youth players, club players, teams, and older players.

The event also belongs to the Portugal Chess Tour. Therefore, it can attract local players, national circuit participants, and international visitors looking for a post-Christmas rated tournament in Portugal.

📅 Schedule

Players should complete accreditation before the first round. In addition, they should plan carefully for the evening rounds on December 26, 27, and 28.

📝 Registration

Entry Fees

Players should pay the entry fee before the tournament. The organizer may leave unpaid players out of the first-round pairings.

Non-registered FPX players should request federation registration and pay the related cost through the organizing club.

👥 Organizer

Associação de Xadrez Oficina Criativa de Pombal organizes XVII Open Internacional de Xadrez Marquês de Pombal 2026. The event also receives support from the Portuguese Chess Federation, Leiria Chess Association, Pombal Municipality, and Pombal Parish Council.

Phone: +351 919 850 373
Email: axocp.openpombal@gmail.com

🏛️ Venue

Bombeiros Voluntários de Pombal – Rua Carlos Alberto de Mota Pinto, 3100-492 Pombal, Portugal

The tournament takes place at Bombeiros Voluntários de Pombal. The venue gives players a central local setting for the four-day classical open.

Players should use the full venue address when planning arrival. In addition, they should allow enough time for accreditation before the late first-round start.

🛏️ Accommodation

The tournament information includes several accommodation options in Pombal.

Belém Hotel

Hotel Contact: +351 236 200 800
Hotel Email: hotel@senhoradebelem.com
Hotel Address: Avenida Heróis do Ultramar, 3100-462 Pombal, Portugal

Cardal Hotel

Hotel Contact: +351 236 200 220
Hotel Email: info@cardalhotel.com
Hotel Address: Largo do Cardal, 3100-440 Pombal, Portugal

Telesico Residência

Telesico Residência offers guesthouse-style accommodation in Pombal, with Wi-Fi, a garden, terrace, and 24-hour reception.

Contact Email: celia.telesico@gmail.com
Phone: +351 914 669 944
Address: Rua da Cartilha Maternal Lt. M2, 3100-508 Pombal, Portugal

🚆 How to Get There

Players should travel to Bombeiros Voluntários de Pombal – Rua Carlos Alberto de Mota Pinto, 3100-492 Pombal, Portugal.

Pombal has rail connections through CP – Comboios de Portugal. Therefore, players arriving from Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, or other Portuguese cities can plan travel by train.

Players can also use national bus routes to reach Pombal. Drivers should use the full venue address for navigation and allow extra time for arrival before accreditation.

ℹ️ Other Information

Players who miss Round 1 may leave the tournament list, unless the tournament direction accepts an exceptional reason.

Two no-shows also remove a player from the tournament. Therefore, players should inform the organizer early if a serious travel or health issue affects attendance.

The appeal committee includes Jorge Barrento, Micael Gomes, and Francisco Veiga as main members. Henrique Oscar and Fernando Alves serve as reserves.

XVII Open Internacional de Xadrez Marquês de Pombal 2026 offers a FIDE-rated post-Christmas chess event in central Portugal, with classical games, local support, and a clear Portugal Chess Tour setting.