The 2012 Western States Open will take place on October 19-21, 2012, at the Sands Regency Casino Hotel in Reno, NV.

The event will consist of six sections which will be played over six rounds of Swiss system. The prize fund is 16,750 USD, but depending on the number of entries it can be increased to 26,000 USD.

Open Section is FIDE rated and worth 150 Grand Prix Points. Free entry to main tournament for GMs and IMs. Free entry for unrated players paying USCF dues.

There will be numerous side events, including a clock simul with GM Sergey Kudrin, free lecture and game analysis by IM John Donaldson, 5-min blitz tournament and 25-min rapid tournament.

The Sands Regency is located in the heart of downtown Reno, convenient to many area attractions, entertainment, fine dining and incredible sightseeing at beautiful Lake Tahoe and historic Virginia City.

Currently the top rated players are Alexander Ivanov, Sergey Kudrin, Enrico Sevillano and Melikset Khachiyan.

Official website

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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