June 3-5: the first ICC open

In a press release the Internet Chess Club (ICC) announces its first "ICC Open", an online blitz tournament with a $3,500 prize fund. Besides a main event where IMs and GMs will fight for the prizes, there will be U2200, U2000, U1800 and U1600 sections.

PRESS RELEASE

1ST ICC OPEN, 3-5 JUNE WITH $3,500 IN PRIZES

Summer officially starts now on the Internet Chess Club (www.chessclub.com), as we get set to launch the inaugural ICC Open with $3,500 in prize money. ICC members will get the chance not only to hone their skills on some of the world’s top GMs and IMs, but they will also get the opportunity to win cash prizes within their own rating band!

There’s something for everyone in the 1st ICC Open, ranging from the hardened-pros of GMs and IMs to tournament players and the occasional club player with an Open, U2200, U2000, U1800 and U1600. Four qualifying tournaments (with a time control of 3 minutes throughout) will be held on www.chessclub.com on Friday and Saturday, 3rd-4th June, starting at 3pm and 8pm EDT. Class prize-winners will be determined by their best score in one qualifier and competitors can play in as many qualifiers as they like. Qualifier 1: Friday, June 3, at 3pm Qualifier 2: Friday, June 3, at 8pm Qualifier 3: Saturday, June 4, at 3pm Qualifier 4: Saturday, June 4, at 8pm Finals: Sunday, June 5, at 3pm

All times are server time (EDT, New York Time, UTC/GMT -5 hours).

The Open will be contested in a grand winner-takes-all knockout final that all ICC members can watch live on Sunday, June 5th, starting at 3pm EDT.

This is an event that is restricted only to ICC members. GMs and IMs receive free membership on ICC, and for non-titled players membership starts from just $24.95. You can join ICC now on a free 7-day trial membership, but entry into the 1st ICC Open will only be allowed on a full membership.

For condition of entry, rules and full schedule of the 1st ICC Open, go to the official site.