XXXVI Zemplén Cup 2026
XXXVI Zemplén Cup 2026 will take place from August 13 to 16, 2026, at Rákóczi Castle in Szerencs, Hungary.
Moreover, the festival includes A, B and C groups, and each section has seven Swiss-system rounds at 90+30.
In addition, the organizer publishes a total prize fund of HUF 500,000 / approx. $1,630.
Meanwhile, the historic castle creates a distinctive playing environment in the Tokaj–Zemplén region.
Therefore, participants should complete the online registration by August 11 and verify their assigned group.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | August 13–16, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Szerencs, Hungary |
| 🏛️ Venue | Rákóczi Castle |
| ♟️ Format | Three 7-round Swiss-system groups |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| 💰 Prize Fund | HUF 500,000 / approx. $1,630 |
| 👤 Organizer | Szerencs Városi Sportegyesület Chess Section |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Group A | https://chess-results.com/tnr1433802.aspx?lan=1 |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Group B | https://chess-results.com/tnr1433813.aspx?lan=1 |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Group C | https://chess-results.com/tnr1433814.aspx?lan=1 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
All three groups will run over seven Swiss-system rounds. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game with a 30-second increment after every move.
The shared time control allows the sections to follow one festival schedule while maintaining separate standings.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Group A | 7 rounds; 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Group B | 7 rounds; 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Group C | 7 rounds; 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
Moreover, players should check the published pairings before every round and report any discrepancy immediately. Therefore, each participant should arrive early enough to find the board, prepare the scoresheet when required and follow the arbiter’s instructions.
🏆 Prize Fund
The published total prize fund is HUF 500,000 / approx. $1,630.
The total prize fund is HUF 500,000 / approx. $1,630.
♟️ Sections / Groups
The tournament offers three groups for different rating and age profiles.
| Section | Information |
|---|---|
| Group A | Open principal section |
| Group B | U1800 section |
| Group C | U12 and unrated players |
📝 Registration
Online registration closes at midnight on August 11, 2026.
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | August 11, 2026 |
| Registration Form | https://forms.gle/u6dEPLsnbbdMX3zQ9 |
In addition, players should retain their payment or registration confirmation and verify that the organizer has added their name to the official participant list.
Meanwhile, international players should check whether the tournament requires a FIDE ID, federation membership, visa documentation or other eligibility evidence.
👤 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Szerencs Városi Sportegyesület Chess Section |
| Representative | Tibor Simon |
| Chief Arbiter | IA Dominik Herka |
| Contact Email | titkarsag@chess.hu |
| Contact Phone | +36 20 539-9209 |
📍 Venue
Rákóczi Castle – Huszárvár út 11, 3900 Szerencs, Hungary
Rákóczi Castle hosts all three groups. Consequently, players can follow the complete tournament program without changing venues.
The castle complex stands in Szerencs and provides a historic setting close to the town’s services.
🏨 Accommodation
Szerencs and the surrounding Tokaj–Zemplén region offer hotels, guesthouses and apartments.
Players should compare the distance to Rákóczi Castle and the morning round schedule before booking.
🚆 How to Get There
Szerencs has rail and road links with Miskolc, Budapest and the Tokaj region.
The castle lies close to the town center and players can reach by local taxi, car or a walk from nearby accommodation.
| Travel Option | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| By Train | Travel to Szerencs railway station from Miskolc or Budapest. |
| By Car | Use Huszárvár út 11 for navigation. |
| Local Travel | Taxi and walking routes connect the station, town center and castle. |
| Regional Stay | Accommodation is available in Szerencs and the wider Tokaj wine region. |
ℹ️ Other Information
The organizer applies the current FIDE Laws of Chess and the event-specific regulations. Moreover, participants should follow all arbiter instructions, fair-play requirements and venue rules.
In addition, players should recheck the official sources shortly before travel because the organizer may publish operational updates, room assignments or timetable adjustments.
Key Tournament Rules
| Rule | Information |
|---|---|
| Group A | Open principal section |
| Group B | U1800 section |
| Group C | U12 and unrated players |
| Rounds | 7 in each group |
| Registration Deadline | August 11, 2026 |
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Hungarian Chess Page | https://chess.hu/xxxvi-zemplen-kupa/ |
| Registration Form | https://forms.gle/u6dEPLsnbbdMX3zQ9 |
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $1,630
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
Szerencs Városi Sportegyesület Chess Section, officially known in Hungarian as Szerencs Város Sportegyesülete Sakkszakosztálya, is a chess club and tournament organizer based in Szerencs, Hungary. It operates as a specialist section of Szerencs Város Sportegyesülete, the city sports association founded on March 2, 1993. The association supports several sports in Szerencs, while its chess section represents the city in organized chess competitions and promotes regular over-the-board play. The official Szerencs municipal directory identifies Simon Tibor as the head of the chess section and lists the team as a participant in the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county team championship. The club’s members also compete individually in regional rapid, classical, and open tournaments under the Szerencs VSE name.
🏆 Tournaments and Chess Events
The chess section is best known as the organizer of the Zemplén Cup, a long-running international chess tournament held in Szerencs. The event reached its 36th edition in 2026, demonstrating its established position within the Hungarian tournament program. The 2026 competition is scheduled for August 13–16 at the historic Rákóczi Castle and features a total prize fund of HUF 500,000. It is played over seven rounds using the Swiss system, with an Open section, a section for players rated below 1800, and a separate group for unrated players under 12. The program also includes an evening blitz competition. The official regulations identify Szerencs Város Sportegyesülete Chess Section as the organizer and Simon Tibor as the principal organizer and head of the section.
🌱 Chess Development and Community Activity
Through its team participation and tournament organization, the chess section provides playing opportunities for local competitors while bringing players from other parts of Hungary and neighboring chess communities to Szerencs. The Zemplén Cup is designed to offer accessible tournament conditions, promote both chess and the city, and strengthen friendships among players. Its multi-section structure allows experienced competitors, club players, juniors, and unrated children to participate in an appropriate group. Local players receive reduced entry fees, further encouraging community participation. The club also works with the Szerencs Cultural Centre and Library, the municipal government, local accommodation providers, and regional chess officials when delivering its principal tournament. Reports on previous editions highlight the participation of players from multiple generations and the importance of younger competitors to the event’s future.
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
