21st annual
NORTH AMERICAN OPEN

Dec 26-29 or 27-29, 2011 at Ballys Las Vegas

ROOM RATES - LATE NEWS
The $65 special chess rate ended November 25. However, Ballys is now offering an online special, for a two night minimum stay, at about the same price. To reserve, go to www.ballyslv.com, click "limited time offers" and then "South Tower Classic." This special promotion may be cancelled at any time, so act quickly!

$120,000 projected prizes, $90,000 minimum guaranteed!

An American Classic
 December 26-29 or 27-29, Nevada
         Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
 
21st annual North American Open chess tournament. 7SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5), Bally's Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV 89103. Prizes $120,000 based on 600 paid entries (seniors, re-entries & GMs count as half entries, Under 900 or Unrated in U1250 or U1500 as 1/4), else in proportion; $90,000 minimum (75% each prize) guaranteed. 

In 7 sections.  NOTE LOWERED ENTRY FEE FOR UNDER 900.

Open Section: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak bonus $200, top Under 2500/Unr $2500-1200. FIDE rated.

Under 2300 Section: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-800-600-500-400-400.  FIDE rated.

Under 2100 Section: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $2500.

Under 1900 Section: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1800.

Under 1700 Section: $6000-3000-1600-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1200.

Under 1500 Section: $5000-2500-1400-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $800.

Under 1250 Section: $4000-2000-1300-900-700-600-500-400-300-300, top Under 1000 $1000, no unrated may win over $400.

Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 12/11 list may not win over $1500 U1250, $2500 U1500 or U1700. Games rated too late for 12/11 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 12/10-11/11, prize limit $1500. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line.

Mailed entry fee: 4-day $244, 3-day $243 mailed by 10/15, 4-day $274, 3-day $273 mailed by 12/15.

ONLINE entry fee: $245 at chesstour.com by 10/15, $275 by 12/20, $300 12/21 until two hours before round 1.

Phoned entry fee: $280 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/20 (no questions). No phone entry after 12/20.

Entry fee at site: $300.

Special entry fee: Seniors 65/over except Under 900 or unrated, $130 less.  Re-entry $120; not available in Open Section. GMs $150 from prize.

Entry fee for Under 900 or Unrated in U1250 or U1500 (NOTE CHANGE): 4-day $54, 3-day $53 if mailed by 12/15, $55 ONLINE at chesstour.com by 12/20, $60 phoned by 12/20 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $70 at site. 

All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with entry- Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 

       4-day schedule reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, rds 12/26 6 pm, 12/27 11 am & 6 pm, 12/28 11 am & 6 pm, 12/29 10 am & 4:30 pm.
       3-day schedule reg. ends 12/27 10 am, rds 12/27 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm, 12/28 11 am & 6 pm, 12/29 10 am & 4:30 pm.
       Half point byes: OK all rounds, limit 4, limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. 
       The 4-day and 3-day schedules merge after round 2 and compete for the same prizes.

Hotel rates:  The $97 chess rate listed in Chess Life has been reduced to $65! The new $65 rate is good on the nights of Dec 25, Dec 26, Dec 27, Dec 28, and Dec 29.  If you want to come in early and stay Dec 24, the chess rate is $95. Call 800-833-3308, 702-739-4111; the rate may increase if not reserved by 11/22.  UPDATE: The chess rate was discontinued about Nov 25, but Ballys is now offering an online special that is about as good- see above.

Free parking (garage at adjacent Paris Las Vegas Hotel is most convenient).  

Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.

Ratings:  December official USCF rating list used.  Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.  Unofficial ratings are not used if you have an official rating.  Foreign player rating info.

Special rules: In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or more and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission, and must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director.

Entry: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

***************************************************************************************************************************

Dec. 29                             Nevada
       ChessLecture.com Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
North American Blitz. $2,500 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND. 5-SS, G/5 (double round,10 games), Bally's Las Vegas (see North American Open). $$G 2500.  In 2 sections: Open: $400-200-150, top U2300/Unr $240-120, U2200 $220-110.  Under 1900: $300-150-100, top U1700 $180-100, U1500 $150, U1300 $80.  EF: $40, no checks, enter at site only. Quick-rated, but higher of regular or quick USCF rating used for pairings, prizes. USCF membership required. Reg. ends 10:15 pm, rds. 10:45 pm, 11:30 pm, 12:15 am, 12:45 am, 1:15 am. Bye: 1.

Home            More tournaments