1st Connecticut River Valley Open

1st Connecticut River Valley Open

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 

1st Congregational Church of Hatfield

41 Main St, Hatfield, MA 01038

Park on the left-hand side of Billings Way or on Main Street. 

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

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

PRIZE FUND: $500 based on 25 Rated Players.

The Prize Fund will increase with more than 25 rated players entering the tournament.

2 SECTIONS:                                     PRIZES:

OPEN                          1st $130, 1st U-2000 $100, 1st U-1800 $60

U-1600                        1st $100, 1st U-1400 $70, 1st Unrated players only eligible for $40

Unrated players must play in the U-1600 Section.

FORMAT: 3 Games Swiss System (No elimination).

Time Control G/90;d5  

IRREVOCABLE BYES: One 1/2-point round 3 bye specified before round 2 pairings, others before round starts.

CHESS SETS, and CHESS 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 REGISTRATION 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 28th.

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 October 1st.

3) NEW, Online Registration with a Credit or Debit card at https://www.wmass-chess.us by October 1st. You can

see advance registrations at the top of your online registration form by clicking the number next to "Players".

ADVANCE ENTRY FEE: Rated players $30 by Check, $31 by PayPal or Venmo, $31 by Credit card & Debit card at the WMCA website. New and Unrated players, $5.

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

AT SITE ENTRY FEE: Rated players $35 by Cash or Check, $36 by PayPal or Venmo, $36 by Credit card, & Debit card at the WMCA website. New and unrated players, $10

WMCA & MACA MEMBER DISCOUNTS: $5 off

WMCA WEBSITE: https://www.wmass-chess.us

WMCA MEMBERSHIP: $15 per year NOT required. It includes the 19th WMCA Free tournament in 2027 & $5 off at WMCA tournaments, including this one, voting rights, & any privileges added during membership.

ROUND TIMES: 9:30am, 1:00pm and 4:30pm

ANY QUESTIONS? Leave a text message at: 413-668-4589 or email; [email protected]