Darling Downs Open — A Legacy of Strategy Since 1966
Incorporating the Queensland Championships
FIDE, ACF and QJ Rated Event
1 – 5 October 2026
2026 Byron Capital Darling Downs Open
incorporating
the QLD Champs
This year the 2026 Byron Capital Darling Downs Open is combined with the Queensland Championships still with opportunities for GM and IM Norms.
Meanwhile, we are giving players of all skill levels and abilities the chance to take part in this prestigious tournament with opportunities for prize money at every level.
This competion includes:
- 3 divisions
- AU$30,000 prize pool
- Live streaming of top boards
- Discounted entry for local juniors
Entry Requirements
Tournament Schedule
Prize Structure
Accommodation
Places to Eat
Regulations
Toowoomba Grammar School
24 Margaret St, East Toowoomba QLD 4350
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Entry
When does Early Bird Registration close?
1 August 2026
When do registrations close?
Premier Division – 29 September 2026
Major Division – 1 October 2026
Minor Division – 1 October 2026
If I don't have a rating, can I still participate?
Yes, if you don’t have a FIDE or ACF rating you are welcome to play in the minor division.
Which division am I eligible for?
Eligibility is determined by a players current published Standard/Classic Rating.
Premier Division:
Open to players with a 2000 FIDE Rating and above.
Major Division:
Open to players with a 1200 ACF Rating and above or FIDE Rating under 2000.
Minor Division:
Open to players with an ACF Rating below 1200.
If you don’t have an ACF or FIDE Rating, you can play as unrated.
If you have an ACF Rating we’ll ignore your FIDE Rating.
Unsure?
Please complete the contact form and we’ll get back to you.
How does the local junior entry work?
As a club we are passionate about providing as much opportunity for our local juniors as possible. So to this end, the local junior division entry is much discounted rate to enter the competition.
All local junior entries will play in either the major or minor division. To determine this we check their ACF Rating if they have one.
If their ACF Rating is over 1200 they will be placed in the major divsion to play. If it is under 1200 or if they don’t have an ACF Rating they will be placed in the minor division to play.
If you want to check an ACF Rating you can do so here.
Bye Requests and Withdrawals
Can I request a bye if I'm unable to participate in one of the rounds?
If a player is unable to play a round (for any reason), they may request a bye from the organisers in all divisions.
Such a request must be made before the start of the previous round to the round concerned (i.e. A request for a bye in round 4 must be made before the start of round 3)
If such a request is approved, a player will receive half a point (0.5) for that round with the following exceptions:
- In the final two rounds a player shall receive no points (0) for that round
- A player may only receive a maximum of two (2) half point byes.
- A player may only receive a total of one (1) point in byes. If a player has previously received a full point bye (or a point by default), they shall receive no (0) points for that round.
The organisers reserve the right to refuse any request for a bye.
How do I request a bye?
To request a bye, you need to fill in the bye request form.
Once submitted this request will go to the Chief Organiser and Chief Arbiter via email for consideration.
Food and Accomodation
Is any food available at the tournament venue?
Food available at the venue will be available closer to the tournament.
For the Premier Division, food and drink will be provided inside the Pavilion where this division is held. Further details will be available closer to the tournament.
What food is available close to the venue?
Have a look at the Eat page. You will see a wide variety of food options within 3 mins drive of the tournament.