45th annual

LIBERTY BELL OPEN

Jan 18-21, 19-21 or 20-21 (Martin Luther King weekend)
Sonesta Hotel, Philadelphia

A Heritage Event

Jan. 18-21, 19-21 or 20-21, Pennsylvania

Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (Enhanced)

45th annual Liberty Bell Open

7SS, 40/2, SD/1, d5 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/70, d5; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/35, d5). U900 Section plays 1/20-21 only, G/35, d5.

At Sonesta Hotel, 1800 Market St, Philadelphia 19103.
Prizes $20,000 based on 320 paid entries (U900 Section counts as 40%, U1100, U1300 & re-entries 80%), else in proportion, except minimum 70% of each prize guaranteed.

In 2006 to 2012, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected prize fund was increased in proportion. In 9 sections.

Open: $1700-1000-500-300-200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, top Under 2400 $800. FIDE.
Under 2300: $1000-600-400-300-200. FIDE.
Under 2100: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1900: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1500: $900-500-400-300-200.
Under 1300: $600-300-200-150-100.
Under 1100: $600-300-200-150-100.
Under 900: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10.
Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U900, $300 in U1100, $500 U1300, $700 U1500, or $900 U1700.

Top 6 sections entry fee: $100 online at chessaction.com by 1/14, $110 phoned by 1/14 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), 4 day $104, 3 day $103, 2 day $102 if check mailed by 1/9, $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site or online until 2 hours before first game. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize.

Under 1300, Under 1100 Sections entry fee: All $20 less than top 6 sections entry fee.

Under 900 Section entry fee: $40 online by 1/14, $45 phoned by 1/14, $42 mailed by 1/9, $50 at site or online until 2 hours before first game.

 All: Online late entry available until 2 hours before your first game; same price as site entry. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. No mailed credit card entries. Chess Magnet School JGP (except U900).

Special 1 year USCF dues with 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. Online entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re entry (except Open Section) $80.

4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30.
3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30.
2-day Under 1100 & up schedule: Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2, 4 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30.
2-day Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2 & 4, Mon 10, 12 & 2.
Half point byes: OK all, limit 3, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4.

Hotel Rates: $98-98-98-98, 1-800-SONESTA, 617-806-4653, request Continental Chess rate, reserve by Jan 3 or rate may increase.

Parking: Chess rate at Sonesta approx. $20/day (half of normal rate). Gateway Parking at 1540 Spring (or 1540 Vine), near Sheraton Hotel and 1/2 mile from Sonesta, is approx. $5/day Saturday & Sunday.

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

Entry: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577 (DirectorAtChess.US, www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658.) $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries are posted at chessaction.com.