GM Fidel Corrales Special Lecture & Blitz

Special Lecture by GM Fidel Corrales
and
USCF- FIDE-rated 3+2 Blitz event with GM Corrales playing!

Open for everyone!
 

Tournament capacity: 80 players.
Masks are optional in the chess room.

The top 6 boards will be broadcasted on chess.com:
 

Pre-Blitz Lecture: GM Fidel Corrales' Epic Chess Journey from Cuba to the World Open Crown

• Lecture: 5:30-6:30 pm
• Meet and Greet: 6:30 - 7:00 pm

• About GM Fidel Corrales
   

  Grandmaster FIDE Corrales will share his inspiring journey to the United States, blending personal stories and memorable moments that led to his remarkable victory at the World Open.

  In this talk, GM Corrales will highlight key games from the tournament, offering insight into critical decisions and turning points. He will also delve into the psychological challenges of high-stakes competition, discussing how he managed pressure, focus, and resilience throughout the event.

  A story of perseverance, passion, and strategic brilliance—both on and off the board.

1. Date & Location

• Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:00 pm
• Location: Mechanics' Institute Chess Room
  57 Post Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104 (click here to map)

2. Tournament Format:

• Tournament Format: Swiss System
• Total Rounds: 7 rounds of single games (7SS)
• First Round: 7:00 pm, and consecutive rounds are on a rolling schedule. Estimated end-time: 9:00 pm.
• Time Control: G/3+2  (Game in 3 minutes with a 2-second increment with each move.)
• The games will be US Chess and FIDE blitz-rated. The tournament results will be submitted immediately after the last round is finished.
• Section: One open section.
• Pairings are based on the higher May 2025 OTB supplemental regular or blitz US Chess rating. 
   

3. Byes

• Byes are available for players in case they can't participate but would like to stay in the tournament.
• Byes can be requested for a maximum of 2 rounds, with receiving 0.5 points for each round.
• Late registrations will receive two half-point byes for any missed round, up to a total of 2 rounds.
   

4. Prize Fund --  $540 based on 60 paid entries  -- this will be updated for two sections.

• Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing prize checks.
• Per IRS rules, anyone with a cumulative $600+ prize in any calendar year must file a W9, and the Mechanics' Institute will provide a 1099 form.

5. Registration:

• Mechanics' Institute Member: $20
• Non-Member: $30
• $5 admin fee for all cancellations & refunds.
• Register: https://mechanics-institute.jumbula.com/2025Tournaments/GMFidelCorralesSpecialBlitz
   

6. Eligibility

• Players must have a current US Chess Federation membership that expires no later than the last day of the tournament.
• Not sure if you have a membership? Need to check the expiration date of your members? Visit: https://new.uschess.org/player-search
• Become a member or renew your membership: https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess
   

7. Tournament Rules

• FIDE blitz rules apply.
• Forfeit time is 3 minutes.