Upcoming Spring Tournaments in BC
For all those looking for their next chess fix after the triumph and heartbreak of the BC Open, here's a few more upcoming tournaments to consider. All of these will take place outside the greater Vancouver area. I'll be making a separate post about the Keres Memorial in a few weeks.
The Nanaimo Spring Open 2018
The rumors are true! Canadian GM Erik Hansen (2626) is registered play in this traditionally small tournament in Nanaimo along with Keith MacKinnon (2280), who tied for second at the BC Open. Limited to thirty entries.
When: March 3-4, 2018
Where: Coast Bastion Hotel, 11 Bastion St., Nanaimo, BC
Format: 5 rounds; 90 min + 30 second increment; one section
Entry Fee: $70 ($10 discount for juniors; over 2200 CFC play free)
Contact: Jason Williamson @ 250-797-0231; nanaimo.open@gmail.com
Website: https://nanaimo-open.ca/next_tournament
Twelfth Annual Grand Pacific Open
Traditionally the largest BC tournament of the year, this event will draw players from across the province and Washington state. There will also be two side events with free entry - Midnight Blitz on Saturday night and Bughouse on Monday afternoon.
When: March 30-April 2, 2018 (Easter weekend)
Where: Grand Pacific Hotel, Victoria, BC
Format: Six round Swiss; 90 min + 30 second increment; Four sections (U1200, U1700, U2000, Premier)
Entry Fee: $80 if you register today (Feb 19); $90 to register after Feb. 19 ($20 less to play in U1200 section); playing up is possible for a fee
Contact: grandpacificopen@gmail.com
Tournament website: http://grandpacificopen.pbworks.com/w/page/15387541/FrontPage
Kamloops CFC Open Grand Prix "The 90s Memorial"
When: April 21-22, 2018
Where: Oldman Building; Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
Format: five round Swiss; 60 minutes for 30 moves + 30 minutes for remaining moves; one section
Entry Fee: $75-$100 depending on date of registration ($15 dollar discount for juniors, seniors, and students)
Contact: Justin Cachelin justin.cachelin@gmail.com
Tournament Flier: http://www.miltonchess.ca/images/cfc/2018_kamloops_grand_prix.pdf
