2012 Potomac Open GPP:30

August 3-5,4-5 2012
Rockville, Maryland

Championship, U1900, U1700, U1500: 5SS, Rnd 1 Game/90+inc/30, Rnds 2-5 40/100, SD/45 inc/30 from move 1, (Two day schedule: Rnds 1-2 Game/45 inc/30)
U1300 and U1000: 5SS, Game/120 d/5, (Two day schedule: Rnds 1-2 Game/60 d/5)

How to set common chess clocks for increment

Playing Site: Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, United States 20852 301-468-1100

We aim to create a pleasant environment for playing chess. Check out some of the unique characteristics of this tournament.

Tournament Features

• 30" increment time control in the top four sections → No more clock smashing scrambles at the end of the game.
• Score-based prizes → See the advantages below.
• NEW Additional 1st place prizes in each section, added to your score prize→ More prize money
• Clocks provided in the Championship section → All you need to do is show up.
• Minimum 1700 rating to play in the Championship section → Less mismatch games.
• Sets and board provided for everyone→ No more carrying around pieces and a board, just bring a clock.
• Free Sunday morning Continental breakfast → Relax, have some coffee and a danish before you start your game.
• Texting of pairings to your cell phone available (see Dec. 2011 Chess Life) → No rush at the pairing chart before the round
• Free Day guest parking → Don't worry about where you have to park your car.
• $75/night room rate → Relax and stay at the tournament hotel. $5 EF discount if staying at hotel. Reserve a room.
  
• Hotel next to DC Metro stop→ Take the Metro directly to the tournament.
• Shorter time controls in lower sections → Less waiting around between rounds.

Prizes

This tournament will pay prizes based solely on your final score. All the prizes are guaranteed. If the total pay out in the Open section is less than $1500, extra money will be added to the pay out of the top score group to bring the total to $1500.

Advantages over place-based scoring

Less Waiting

Your score determines your prize. Once you finish your last game, you can receive a check.

Less Uncertainty

Your prize does not get lowered if others tie with you. For example, if there are two 5-0 players, both receive the full amount for 5-0.

Less short draws

The total payout is always higher when games are decisive.

Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U1000, $200 U1300, $400 U1500. Balance goes to player(s) with same score or is divided among players in next lower score group.

Results from 2008 Chesapeake Open

Results from 2009 Chesapeake Open

Results from 2011 Chesapeake Open

Results from 2011 Potomac Open

Advance Registrations for the 2012 Potomac Open.

Entrance Fees

Early (online or mail by 7/20) $90
Regular (online or mail by 7/31) $100
Late (online by 8/2) $105
At-the-door (cash or credit card) $110. We'll be using Square to process credit cards. We'll also be trying our Square's Card Case app. If you have a Android or an iOS phone install and setup the Card Case app and at-the-door registration will be a breeze.

Read about Card Case at Wired, Slate Magazine, and USA Today.

Special Entrance Fees

Under 1000 and Under 1300 section: all entrance fees $35 less.
Free early entrance to GMs. $50 will be subtracted from any prizes.
$45 discount EF for IMs. $20 will be subtracted from any prizes.

$5 discount if staying at hotel.

The current preregistations are here
Mail Registrations to:
Michael Regan
1827 Thornton Ridge Road
Towson, MD 21204

Mailed registrations should include name, section, schedule(2-day or 3-day).

3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Saturday 11am and 6, Sunday 9am and 3:00.
2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Saturday 11am, 2:15 and 6, Sunday 9am and 3:00.
U1100 and U1400 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Friday 8 pm, Saturday 11 and 4:00, Sunday 9am and 1pm.
U1100 and U1400 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Saturday 11, 1:15 and 4:00, Sunday 9am and 1pm.
Half point byes: all must commit before rd 3

Reentries: all, $80 except U1000 and U1300 $40. You can reenter any schedule taking 1/2 point byes for unplayed games. If you reenter with a single 1/2 point bye, the cost is $70/$35. If you reenter with two 1/2 point byes, the cost is $60/$30.

Hotel Rates: $75 per night! $5 EF discount if staying at hotel.

Rooms are limited. Reserve a room.

So make your reservations early. Phone 301-468-1100.
Limited number of free Saturday night rooms for GMs.

Parking Information

Parking is free for day guests and $6/night for overnight guests.