18th W.M.C.A. FREE

18th W.M.C.A. Free

September 19th, 2026

Indian Orchard Citizens Council building at Myrtle Street Park

117 Main St., Indian Orchard, 01151

A large parking lot across Main St., accessible from Front St., can be used. 

Air Conditioned and Handicap accessible

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

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

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

The Prize Fund will increase with more than 35 players entering 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 2025 or after, AND you did not play in the W.M.C.A. Free on September 13th 2025.

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

2 SECTIONS:                                              PRIZES:

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

 Under-1600               1st in; Class C $50, Class D $50, Under-1200 $45, Unrated $35

One 1/2-point Bye allowed. Specify before rounds 1, 2, and 3 start.

IRREVOCABLE BYE: 1/2-point Bye for round 4 specified before round 2 pairings

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 REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT OPTIONS:

1) Send MEMBERSHIP FORM (Available at https://www.wmass-chess.us) 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 14th.

2) PayPal or Venmo to [email protected] (must include Registration Form information as a note during electronic payment, or via e-mail, or phone text message) by Thursday September 17th.

3) Online Registration with a Credit or Debit card at https://www.wmass-chess.us by September 17th. You can see advance registrations at the top of your online registration form by clicking the blue number next to "Players."

MEMBERSHIP FEE: $15 by Check. Or, $16 by Venmo, and PayPal. $16 by Credit card and Debit card.

AT SITE MEMBERSHIP FEE (includes a $5 surcharge): $20 by Check. $21 by Venmo, and PayPal. $21 by Credit card and Debit card.

AT SITE REGISTRATION: Saturday 8:45am – 9:00am

ROUND TIMES: 9:30am, 11:45am, 2:15pm, and 4:30pm

Any questions text Ed at: 413-668-4589 or email; Click here to show mail address