IM Edward Formanek

“Probably no tournament in U.S. history was handled with more regard for the comfort and convenience of the players than the first National Open”, wrote Chess Life editor J.F. Reinhardt in 1965. We are proud to continue that tradition with the premier USCF National Championship and the Las Vegas Chess Festival which has grown around it.

The festival begins the day before the NATIONAL OPEN with the International Chess Camp. Full or half day sessions in small groups for players of all ages with instructors GM Melik Khachiyan, GM Ron Henley, GM Ben Finegold and others. The U.S. Game/10 Championship and Simul by defending National Open Champion GM Alex Lenderman rounds out the activities for Thursday.

2007 World Under 12 Champion IM Daniel Naroditsky hosts the International Youth Championship which will be played on Saturday and Sunday. Daniel will also give a youth Simul on Saturday evening. Kids will also enjoy the Friday Trophy Tournament, the Youth Blitz and the Puzzle Solving Competition.

The Las Vegas International Chess Festival returns to THE STRIP and the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Expanded Casino

Over $20 million in remodeling has turned the Riv into a brand new hotel with a familiar face. New restaurants, refurbished guest rooms, a new lobby and an expanded casino welcome us back. The $62 chess rate ($89 Friday and Saturday) guarantees you a Signature or remodeled room with new furniture, flat screen TV and more.

The complimentary resort package includes access to the Fitness Center, free WI-FI, 800 calls from your room, half off beverages at Le Bistro Lounge, half off selected show tickets and more -- all with no additional resort fee for Chess Festival guests.

Grandmasters Ron Henley and Melik Khachiyan will analyze your games after each round and will also give a series of free lectures on how to improve your game.

There will be live broadcast of games from the National Open, and possibly other events here and on the MonRoi web site.

Thank you to our many loyal players who keep coming back year after year, for the Chess Event of the Year: the Las Vegas International Chess Festival.