Walter Browne Memorial National Open Blitz Championship

$5,000 Prize Fund plus the Walter Shawn Browne Cup

We honor the memory of our friend, Grandmaster Walter Browne, by naming the National Open Blitz Championship after him. Walter started the World Blitz Chess Association (WBCA) and always seemed to be in time trouble. His flag has fallen, but he will always be a champion to us.

6 Double Round Swiss Game/3 +2

• Play 12 games – white and black against each opponent
• Open Section is FIDE Blitz Rated

Sections & Prizes

Open (Championship) Section

• FIDE & US Chess Blitz Rated
• 1st $1,000 + cup, 2nd $600, 3rd $300
• U2400 $260, U2300 $240, U2200 $220, U2100 $200, U2000 $180

Reserve (Under 1900) Section

• US Chess Blitz Rated
• 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $200
• U1800 $190, U1700 $170, U1600 $150, U1500 $140, U1400 $130, U1200 $120, U1000 $100

Higher of June US Chess Regular or Blitz Rating used.  Other ratings may used at TD’s discretion as described on the National Open page. Unrated players may play in the Reserve Section but may not win class prizes. An unrated prize will be added if more than 3 unrated players participate. Unofficial ratings may be used at the chief tournament director’s discretion.

Entry Fee

• $60 by May 26, $80 later
• Register online before 6 p.m. Saturday or
• Register on site by 8:00 p.m.
  • Players registering later will receive a bye for round 1.
• 1/2 point byes for both games in any round (limit 2 rounds) are available.

Schedule

• Round 1 at 9:00 p.m.
• Subsequent rounds follow immediately

Make your hotel reservations early:

$114 single or double, $154 Friday and Saturday nights. The resort fee is discounted to $29. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 18; after that, rates will increase significantly and there may not be any rooms available. Weekend rates may increase sooner. vegasvhess.com/hotel or (800) 732-7117. Be sure to ask for the INTERNATIONAL CHESS group rates.

Free self parking  for chess festival players and guests.

LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL

Grandmaster Simuls and Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday. National Open 2,3,4, and 5 day Schedules, U.S. Women’s Open Wednesday and Thursday. Walter Browne Memorial Blitz Saturday 9 p.m. Blitz Sectionals Friday & Sunday nights. Youth Events Friday – Sunday. Poker Tournament Monday. Free parking. Free raffles with great prizes. Free Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games.