17th W.M.C.A. Free

U.S. Chess Federation Rated Event

Sponsoring U.S.C.F. Affiliate: The Western Massachusetts Chess Association, Inc (WMCA)

Saturday September 13th, 2025

Holyoke Public Library

Air Conditioned and Handicap accessible

PRIZE FUND: $375 based on 30 Players. THAT IS 83% of the Membership Fee.

The Prize Fund will increase with more than 33 players entering the tournament.

U.S. Chess Federation Membership is required and available at the tournament.

CURRENT W.M.C.A. MEMBERS: Play for free. You could use your W.M.C.A. membership if you purchased your membership in September 2024 AND you did not play in the W.M.C.A. Free on September 14th 2024.

WMCA MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED: It includes this Free tournament & $5 off at all other WMCA tournaments, voting rights, and any privileges added during membership.

FORMAT: 4 Games Swiss System (No elimination).                   Time Control Game 60 minutes; delay 5 seconds

SECTIONS:                                                PRIZES:

OPEN                         1st Place $75, 1st in; Class A $65, Class B $60

Under-1600               1st in; Class C $55, Class D $45, Under-1200 $40, Unrated $35

BYES: Limit of one 1/2-point bye, available for any missed round, specified with entry or before round 2.

CHESS SETS, and CLOCKS will be provided. However, if you have a set that you would rather use, you may

substitute your equipment for any round with the approval of the player of the black pieces for that pairing.

ADVANCE WMCA MEMBERSHIP AND PAYMENT OPTIONS: Send MEMBERSHIP FORM and Check payable to W.M.C.A by U.S. mail to: ED KOSTREBA, 45 FAIRVIEW ST., PALMER, MA 01069, postmarked by Monday September 8th. OR PayPal or VENMO to [email protected] (must include Membership Form information as a note during electronic payment, or via e-mail, or phone text message) by Thursday September 11th.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: $15 Check, or $16 electronically.

AT SITE MEMBERSHIP FEE: $20 Cash or Check, or $21 electronically.

WMCA WEBSITE: www.wmass-chess.us

AT SITE REGISTRATION: Saturday 8:45am – 9:00am         ROUND TIMES:  9:30am, 11:45am, 2:15pm, 4:30pm

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17th W.M.C.A. Free MEMBERSHIP FORM

¨Name _________________________________________________________ Section¨__________________

¨U.S.C.F. ID. No. (If member) ________________________    1/2-point bye (Circle round)    1     2      3      4

¨e-mail address ___________________________________________  OR  Phone # (_____)_____________

If not a U.S.Chess Federation member or if a renewing member (Fill out a USCF Membership Form) Fee:+$ _______

¨ W.M.C.A. membership (Circle one)          new          or         renewing         +.$_______

¨ Required information to enter the tournament.                                                                ¨ TOTAL: $_______