56th Baltimore Open GPP:30

February 9-11, 10-11 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Championship, U2100, U1900, U1700, U1500: 5SS, Rnd 1 Game/90+inc/30, Rnds 2-5 40/90, SD/30 inc/30 from move 1, (Two day schedule: Rnds 1-2 Game/45 inc/30)
U1250 and U1000: 5SS, Rnds 1-2 Game/60 d/5, Rnds 2-5 Game/120 d/5 (Three-day U1250 schedule: Rnd 1 Game/90 d/5)

How to set common chess clocks for increment

Playing Site
Sheraton BWI
1100 Old Elkridge Landing Road; Linthicum, Maryland 21090; United States
443-577-2100

We aim to create a pleasant environment for playing chess. Check out some of the unique characteristics of this tournament. You can read an opinion of our tournaments on IM Akshat Chandra's blog.

Tournament Features

• 30" increment time control in the top five sections → No more clock smashing scrambles at the end of the game.
• Score-based prizes → See the advantages below.
• Additional prizes for non-5-0 players who are in a clear 1st place, added to your score prize→ More prize money
• Under 2100 Section is FIDE Rated
• Clocks provided in the Championship, Under 2100,Under 1900, U1700, & U1500 sections → All you need to do is show up.
• Minimum 1900 rating to play in the FIDE rated 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 or email of pairings to your cell phone available (see Dec. 2011 Chess Life) → No rush at the pairing chart before the round
• Free parking → Don't worry about where you have to park your car.
• $89/night room rate → Relax and stay at the tournament hotel. $5 EF discount if staying at hotel. Reserve a room
• 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 U1250, $400 U1500. Balance goes to player(s) with same score or is divided among players in next lower score group.

Results from the 2016 Baltimore Open
Results from the 2015 Baltimore Open

Entrance Fees

Early (online or mail by 1/26) $99
Regular (online or mail by 2/6) $109
Late (online by 2/8) $114
At-the-door (cash or credit card) $120. We'll be using Square to process credit cards. 

Cancelations will receive a 100% refund if we are notified at least 2 hours before start of the 1st round.

Special Entrance Fees

Under 1000 Section: all entrance fees $55 less
Under 1250 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.

Mail Registrations to:
Maryland Chess Association
1827 Thornton Ridge Road
Towson, MD 21204

Mailed registrations should include name, section, schedule(2-day or 3-day). The chief TD for the tournament will be Mike Regan. If you have any questions about the tournament email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Round Schedules

3-day schedule (except U1250 and U1000): Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Saturday 11am and 6, Sunday 9:30am and 3:30.
2-day schedule (except U1250 and U1000): Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Saturday 11am, 2:15 and 6, Sunday 9:30am and 3:30.
U1000 and U1250 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Saturday 11, 1:15 and 4:00, Sunday 9:30am and 1:30pm.
U1250 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7pm, rds Fri 8pm Saturday 11 and 4:00, Sunday 9:30am and 1:30pm.

Half Point Byes

Half point byes: No limit but all sections must commit 1 hour before the start of round 3

Reentries

all, $80 except U1000 and U1250 $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: $89 per night! $5 EF discount if staying at hotel.  Rooms are limited.

Reserve a room

So make your reservations early. Phone (443) 577-2100.

Parking Information

Parking is free

Rule Variations 

• In sections that the organizer provides clocks, if both players are not present at the start of the round, the tournament director will start white's clock.
• Clocks that halt on end are preferred in all sections with increment time controls.
• Any player forfeiting a round must pay a $50 fine before being allowed to play in a future tournament organized by MCA or Baltimore Chess.
• At this point in time, the electronic score keeping device, ChessNoteR, cannot be used at this tournament.

Electronic Devices Rules for FIDE Rated Section (Championship and Under 2100)

Do not bring electronic devices (cell phones and smart watches) into the playing venue (playing room, halls outside playing room, smoking area, bathrooms, etc) according to FIDE rule 11.3. Players are subject to scanning to test for possession of cell phones. We plan to monitor using both thermal and magnetic scanners. Traffic in various areas will also be video monitored.

Possession of a device that is turned on or makes a noise

• Forfeit of the game

Possession of a device that is turned off

• 1st Violation 30 minute time penalty limited to no more than 1/2 the remaining time on the clock for the current time control.
• 2nd Violation Forfeit of game