New Zealand Open Championships

• Open to all chess players, any nationality
• Winners crowned New Zealand Champions
• $10,000 in prizes

Organised by the New Zealand National Chess Centre
Devonport St Paul’s, 100b Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

New Zealand Open Championships
1st–9th January 2015

New Zealand Rapid Championships
Weekend of 10th–11th January 2015

New Zealand Lightning Championships
Sunday 11th January 2015

New Zealand possesses arguably the best established National Chess Championship in the world, dating back to 1879. For this 122nd New Zealand Chess Congress, the charming seaside village of Devonport will play host for the first time. Located directly across the harbour from the Auckland CBD, Devonport is renowned for scenic locations, superb beaches and delightful cafes. The tournament venue will be the new National Chess Centre at Devonport St Paul’s.

Tournament website: www.newzealandchess.co.nz
Download the entry form here (pdf document)
Venue information: www.nationalchesscentre.co.nz

The 2015 New Zealand Championship is an Open tournament – giving a unique opportunity for up-and-coming players to take on the elite of New Zealand chess, and visiting overseas players.

TIMETABLE FOR 2015 NEW ZEALAND OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Open to all players of any strength. All games start 1.30pm. One game per day. Time control: 90 minutes for first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with the addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
ROUND 1 – Thursday 1st January
ROUND 2 – Friday 2nd January
ROUND 3 – Saturday 3rd January
ROUND 4 – Sunday 4th January
ROUND 5 – Monday 5th January
ROUND 6 – Tuesday 6th January
ROUND 7 – Wednesday 7th January
ROUND 8 – Thursday 8th January
ROUND 9 – Friday 9th January (followed by Banquet from 6pm and Prize-giving, details below)

BUFFET BANQUET – 6pm-9pm at Number One Bistro, 1 Victoria Rd, Devonport.
This 3-course buffet for Congress participants is kindly subsidised by former NZ International Grant Kerr.
Tickets only $20; places MUST be reserved no later than Tuesday 6th January at the tournament bookstall.
Price $20 for Congress participants and their accompanying persons.

PRIZE GIVING – from 8pm onwards at Number One Bistro, 1 Victoria Rd, Devonport.
Anyone may attend – drinks on sale at the bar.
Please note that the Poison Pawn Grand Prix prizes will also be presented here.

ENTRY FEE $220 (plus late fee $50 if entering after 20/12/2014).
PRIZEFUND: 1st $2000, 2nd $1500, 3rd $1000, 4th $500, 5th $450, 6th $400, 7th $300.
Grading Prizes: best under 2100 $600, best under 2000 $500, best under 1900 $400, best under 1800, $350.
Chess Book Grading Prizes: best under 1700, 1600, 1500.
Plus a $20 Corelli’s Cafe voucher awarded daily, for meritorious performance the previous round.
Tournament winner will be crowned 2015 New Zealand Open Champion.
Top New Zealand player will be crowned 2015 New Zealand Champion, and will have name engraved on Silver Rook trophy.
Top NZ player under 2100 will be 2015 Major Open Champion.
Top Juniors (any nationality): trophy and official NZ JUNIOR OPEN CHAMPION title for Under 18, Under 16, Under 14, Under 12, Under 10, Under 8.
Top Woman (any nationality): trophy and official NZ WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPION title.
Top Senior (any nationality): trophy and official NZ SENIOR OPEN CHAMPION title.
(Senior: any player born in or before 1965)
Note: tie-breaks will apply to all NZ OPEN titles/trophies.

Late Entry Fee:
Entries to the Open Championship after 20/12/2014 (if accepted) will be surcharged $50.

http://www.newzealandchess.co.nz/NZChamp122/index.html