Las Vegas International Chess Festival (June 5-8): GM Gata Kamsky to Participate in the 2008 National Open

Las Vegas International Chess Festival Gata Kamsky

Las Vegas International Chess Festival:  2008 National Open Championship

The National Open is one of the longest running, premier open tournaments. First established in the 1960’s by Ed Edmondson, the event has been organized by Fred Gruenberg and Al Losoff for more than two decades. They have also added additional championships in recent years, with the National Open being the centerpiece of the Las Vegas International Chess Festival.

This year the $100,000 Prize Fund is based on only 850 players with $75,000 absolutely guaranteed.

World Cup Champion GM Gata Kamsky will participate in this years National Open.

A simul will also be given by Kamsky on Thursday, June 5th at 3pm. He will be available for autographs Friday & Saturday afternoon.

The National Open is a 6 round Swiss System tournament, you can choose between the standard 3-day or alternate 2-day playing schedules. Half-point byes are available for all rounds, with notice to the Tournament Directors or with an advance entry.

Chess sets and boards provided for tournament play only. Bring your own chess clock.  The 2008 National Open Championship section is FIDE rated.

Sections, Schedules and Fees:

Format: 6 Round Swiss System USCF Rated Tournament 200 Grand Prix Points

Sections:

  • Championship
  • Under 2200
  • Under 2000
  • Under 1800
  • Under 1600
  • Under 1400
  • Under 1200
  • Unrated

The Championship (Open) section is open to all players. The under sections are open only to players with USCF June ratings under the section cap.

Players without official ratings may only play in the Open or Unrated section. Verified foreign ratings may used if reliable conversion is possible. 50 Points are added to FIDE ratings.

The decision of the chief tournament director is final regarding eligibility, rating adjustments, conversions, unofficial ratings, the CCA minimum rating list or other rating issues.

If your rating changes in the June supplement you will be moved up automatically or down on request.

Time Control: 40 moves in 2 hours then Sudden Death in 1 hour , 2-day rounds 1-3 and all Unrated rounds Game/60

Registration: Thursday 6-11 p.m., Friday 8-9:30 a.m., Saturday 8-9 a.m.

Rounds:

  • 3-Day: Friday 11 a.m & 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
  • 2-Day: Saturday 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. & join 3-day at 6 p.m. ,
  • Unrated: Saturday 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Entry Fees:

  • $129 by 1/15, $169 by 5/19, $199 by 6/4, $220 on site
  • $35 off advance entry for Juniors under 20 or Seniors over 65
  • $80 added for players rated under 2100 in the Championship section
  • Add 50 cents to advance entry for round 1 bye
  • Add $2 for 2-day schedule (except unrated section)
  • Unrated section $99 by 6/4, $120 on site, counts as 1/2 player for prizes. No discounts.
  • Re-entry $120, counts as 1/2 player for prizes. Not available in Open Section

U.S. Chess Federation Membership is required of all players. You may join with your entry or on site. Players will not be allowed to complete the tournament without a valid membership.

About the GM Gata Kamsky Simul:

The Simultaneous exhibition is limited to 20 boards. Entry Fee is $100. If more than 20 players sign up, names will be drawn to play GM Kamsky. Sign up early, because your name is entered in the drawing when you enter, and again on the first of every month until the simul. No on site registration.

The drawing will be held at 2:45 p.m on Thursday June 5th. If you are not chosen to play GM Kamsky, you will receive a $70 refund and play another Grandmaster. Players who wish to enter the alternate simul may do so for $40.

Two time U.S. Champion GM Alex Yermolinsky will play all comers for $40 a board ($30 for players who signed up for GM Kamsky but whose names were not drawn). GM Yermolinsky’s simul will start at 3:30 p.m. On site registration only.

Players who defeat or draw the Grandmasters will receive autographed prizes.

For detailed information regarding the 2008 Las Vegas International Chess Festival and side events – Please visit their website at www.vegaschessfestival.com.

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