14th to 20st of February 2026
Location
NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz
Changes are
possible because
of Covid or other influences.
Welcome to the 32nd international chessopen Graz
The International Chess Open Graz 2026 will take place in the NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz.
You can expect the best tournament conditions!
On Friday, 13th of Feb there is also blitz tournament. Please find invitation here.
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>> download invitation International Chessopen Graz
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>> Registration via email at registration@chessgraz.com
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SUBMISSION
GENERAL
Eligible to play:
A-tournament: ≥ 2050 Elo
surcharge: 1950-2049 Elo
B-tournament: ≤ 2049 Elo
surcharge: < 1700 Elo
C-tournament: ≤ 1700 Elo
Seniors: born ≤ 1976
weekend: free
Regulations:
Fide-regulations, computer pairing (Swiss manager)
National rating (B, C, S and W tournament)
International rating (A, B, S und W tournament)
Mode:
9, 7 or 5 rounds Swiss-System
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Playing time:
90 minutes plus 15 minutes from the 40th move for the entire game with a time bonus of 30 seconds per move from the 1st move.
Defaut time:
15 min
Playing hall:
NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz
Fischeraustrasse 22
8051 Graz
Tournament fee
Prices
Total prize fund: € 12,000
Each player receives only 1 prize. Prizes will not be shared.
Special prices
*Seniors year of birth 1961 an older
**youth year of birth 2008 and younger
RULES
Fair play/anti-cheating:
Prohibition of electronic devices in the playing area. In case of doubt, the player authorizes the referee team to check his belongings. Random checks will be carried out.
Players undertake to visit the playing halls wearing appropriate clothing and to behave in a correct and sporting manner. Players may not leave the playing area without the permission of a referee while their games are in progress.
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HALF POINT bye:
Possibility of a half point bye from rounds 1-3 for non-participation. A bye in the 1st round must be requested by February 15, 11 a.m. via email to registration@chessgraz.com and is only valid after written confirmation. Bye requests from players who have not paid the tournament registration fee will not be considered. The bye for a game in round 2 or 3 can be requested at the referee's table before the end of the previous round. A bye can only be claimed once during the tournament. Only for A, B and C Tournament.
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Decisions:
The head referee is responsible for all matters relating to the Laws of the Game. Decisions of the head referee during the tournament are final. There will be no appeals committee.
Data Processing:
By registering for the tournament, participants agree to the creation of audio and video material as well as photos and their use for dissemination purposes.
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We reserve the right to make changes due to the corona situation or other influences.
​​01 /
A, B, C-tournament: 9 rounds,
Seniors: 7 rounds,
Weekend: 5 rounds Swiss-System
02 /
Start ranking list A, B, C, S
and W-tournament: FIDE-Rating
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03 /
A-tournament: FIDE-Rating, B, C, S
und W-tournament: international and national Elo rating
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04 /
A, B, C, S und W-tournament: time control 90 min + 15 min from the 40th move + 30 sec time increment from the first move
05 /
Draw offers are not
allowed till move 30.​
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06 /
Mobile phones or other technical devices are not allowed in the tournament hall but can be deposited there.
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07 /
default time 15 minutes
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08 /
Privacy Policy can be viewed
on the tournament website.
RATING
A / Direct Encounter
B / Verfeinerte Buchholz -1 (BH -1)
C / Sonneborn Berger (SB)
D / Buchholz (BH)
SCHEDULE
Saturday / 14th of Feb
12 pm to 3 pm / registration, 3:30 pm / opening ceremony and pairing, 4 pm / 1st round A/B/C-tournament, Seniors / Weekend
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Sunday / 15th of Feb
9:30 am / 2nd round A/B/C-tournament Seniors / Weekend 4 pm / 2nd round Seniors and 3rd round A/B/C-tournament /Weekend
Monday / 16th of Feb
9:30 am / 4th round Weekend
4 pm / 3rd round Seniors,
4th round A/B/C-tournament and
5th round Weekend Approximately
9:00 pm / Award ceremony Weekend
Tuesday / 17th of Feb
9:30 am / 5th round A/B/C-tournament
4 pm / 4th round Seniors and
6th round A/B/C-tournament
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Wednesday / 18th of Feb
4 pm / 5th round Seniors
and 7th round A/B/C-tournament
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Thursday / 19th of Feb
4 pm / 6th round Seniors
and 8th round A/B/C-tournament
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Friday / 20th of Feb
9:30 am Uhr /
7th round Seniors
and 9th round A/B/C-tournament Approximately 3:30 pm / Award ceremony
SOCIAL PROGRAM
Friday, 13th of February 2026 /
Blitz tournament
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Get started for the tournament and blitz at the best location.
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Wednesday, 18th of Feb 2026 /
guided city tour
Visit the city center
Wednesday, 18th of Feb 2026 /
Player´s Night
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after the tournament round with free beer in the "Brot und Spiele" bar.
Further invitations are being planned!
REGISTRATION
Send an Email to:
registration@chessgraz.com
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Entry fee transfer:
Until 10th of Feb 2026
Account:
Steiermärkische Sparkasse
CHESS OPEN GRAZ
IBAN: AT83 2081 5000 2364 5690
BIC: STSPAT2GXXX
Personal Registration possible:
(plus 15 Euro)
Payment after the 10th of feb:
Plus 15 Euro
Participation A-tournament from 1950 to 2049: Plus 45 Euro
Participation B-tournament under 1700 Elo: Plus 20 Euro
Price fund:
12.000 Euro
The prizes will not be split, and only one prize is possible. Winners must be present at the awards ceremony. Prices are guaranteed from 150 participants.
participants have to register personally in playing hall: 14.2.2026 from 12:00 – 15:00! Otherwise they will not be paired!
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VERY IMPORTANT!
HOTELPARTNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL CHESSOPEN 2026
>> Click here for the booking link
Various room categories are available. Bookings include a breakfast buffet and dinner buffet!
Economy:
Single room including breakfast and dinner buffet: € 109.50 per night
Double room including breakfast and evening buffet: € 169 per night
We are pleased to introduce you to our hotel, which has grown from a bed-and-breakfast hotel to the NOVAPARK Airplane Hotel with an impressive 14,000 m² of guest space. Immerse yourself in the world of the NOVAPARK Airplane Hotel and experience aviation technology up close.
Our guests can expect not only spacious and comfortable rooms, but also a variety of amenities and facilities that guarantee an unforgettable stay. From restaurants and bars to modern event spaces and a wellness center, we offer everything you need for a perfect stay.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the NOVAPARK Airplane Hotel welcomes you and invites you to become part of a unique experience. Discover the fascination of flying in an ambiance that combines luxury, comfort, and adventure.
Around 350 parking spaces, including three electric charging stations (charges apply) directly at the hotel, make your journey a pleasant one.
The hotel is located in the countryside yet directly in the state capital of Graz, making it easy to reach by public transport.
Book your stay at the NOVAPARK Airplane Hotel today and let us pamper you with our hospitality and service. We look forward to welcoming you to Graz soon!
Your team from the NOVAPARK Airplane Hotel
SPONSORS
CONTACT
Steir. Schachverband
Karmeliterplatz 2/1, 8010 Graz
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tournament director
Andrea Schmidbauer
+43 699 1111 999 1
office@chessgraz.com
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