2013 World Open

there are always 9 games

@john456852  That depends on what kind of speed in chess games you perform best at.  If you do best in fast time controls like G/45 rather than G/75 or (40/90 and SD/60), then I suggest you play in the 3-day part for optimal chances of doing well.  If you do best in moderate time controls like G/75, then play in the 4-day part.  Otherwise, play in the 5-day part.  

For me, I am playing in the 3-day part (U2200 section) to be exact as playing in the 3-day part in the U2000 section in the World Open back in 2005 was the reason I did well (initially going 0-3 in the first 3 rounds of the 5-day part, but went 6-3 when I re-entered to play in the 3-day part). 

The real issue with sandbaggers are the ones who have been inactive for 5-10 years OTB while advancing their skills with other sources (like chess.com and the books suggested above, ect). X player plays x amount of games and establishes an official rating per say U1600. Then X player leaves OTB play for 5-10 years and returns to play in a U1600 section when his strength is master+. Such sandbagging tactics would require patience but worth it for the 1st place $.

ps - I know a handful of master+ strength players doing this with USCF ratings under 1600 (due to non activity).

I believe there rules to limit general sandbagging. Such as a player who had a rating over 1800 in the last year cannot win a prise greater than x small amount if he plays in the U1700. Also, a player won a big prize at another tournament (even down 1 class) earlier in the year he is not eligible for any grand prizes.

I have not "read up" on the official rules in the last 10 years or so. (wink)

But my reason is due to my bad eye sight (no I cant play blindfold) and due to this health problem my eyes cannot focus well on a standard or tournament board (Ill call it a 3D board) and my eyes NEED a 2D or display board to even make sense which pieces are on which squares. 10 years ago it was a real sticky situation regarding MonRois or other 2D boards (usually electronic for sake of space) so I decided to leave OTB until the rules were made accommodating to my health demands.

In hindsight, health demands can influence tournament rules. Maybe I should consult my attorney on that.