Nevada is relaxing (but not eliminating) restrictions, and we are confident that we can return to over the board chess with the Chess Event of the Year. We have delayed accepting entries until we were (nearly) certain that we could proceed. Players who have carried their entries over from previous events will be added to […]
News
2020 National Open Rescheduled
Vegas Chess Festivals Coronavirus Response
We have received several inquiries as to whether the National Open and the Chess Festival will be canceled. We intend to hold the event as planned if it is at all possible and safe. We hope to make a firm decision by …
Join us for the 2020 Las Vegas International Chess Festival
It’s never to early to plan for the Chess Vacation of the Year! Once again we are offering a drawing with great prizes for early entries to the National Open and the International Youth Championship, and everyone who reserves a room with our group code will also be entered into a drawing for a free […]
Win Free Hotel Stay During Chess Festival
Reserve your room early for more chances to win! You must reserve your room at the Westgate before May 23rd. You must be part of the chess festival group. Use our online link to reserve your room or phone (800) 732-7117 and use our group code: SVCF9R.
Welcome and Important Rules Information!
Dear Participants, On behalf of the all the Tournament Directors (TD) I would like to welcome you to the 2019 Las Vegas International Chess Festival. As is customary at this Chess Vacation of the Year, our goal is to provide you with the best chess playing conditions and, despite the competitive nature such a money […]
Drawing for Free Hotel Room
The Drawing was held and the winner was the holder of ticket 6327. The guest with initials W C who made the reservation on January 30th for 6/12 through 6/17 on will have the room paid for by the festival. Congratulations! WC will be notified by email. The drawing for the Free Hotel Room will […]
Registration Now Open for 2019 Events
This year the Open Section of the National Open will be a 9-round Swiss with FIDE norms possible and discounts for titled players. All under sections remain at 7-rounds, a popular change we made last year. Extra discounts are also available for returning players who enter before the end of January. We call this the […]
2018 Las Vegas International Chess Festival Concluded
Join us Next Year June 12-16. Many thanks to everyone who came and participated in this year’s Las Vegas International Chess Festival. The National Open broke the 700 player mark for only the 3rd time since 2001, finishing with 722 players in the 8 sections. This was also the 1st time we added an extra […]
Where’s my Prize?
All prize checks for less than $600 were mailed Thursday, June 28th, as were larger checks for players who completed a W-9 form. Players expecting prize checks $600 or larger must submit a W-9. You can download the form from the IRS at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf and mail the completed form to PO Box 90925 Henderson NV 89002. […]
U. S. Women’s Open Under Way
The Las Vegas Chess Festival kicks off with the U.S. Women’s Open. Over 40 women and girls are participation. Watch the games Live.
FIDE Arbiters Seminar
A FIDE Arbiters seminar will be held the 3 days before the National Open. Anyone who wishes to become a FIDE Arbiter or International Arbiter must attend one of these seminars. This is likely to be the only seminar in the U.S. this year. Anyone may attend but the US Chess Federation will only submit […]
2017 U.S. Women’s Champion Sabina Foisor to Host Youth Championship
Each year we invite a player who is or was famous as a child star to host the International Youth Championship. The current U.S. Women’s Champion, Sabina Foisor, has won medals at the European Youth Chess Championships in various age categories. Her result at 2007 European Women’s Championship qualified her for the Women’s World Chess Championship […]
Welcome to our Redesigned Website
Important features of the redesign include Easier navigation Searchable Pages Responsive Web Design Easier to use on phones and tablets Format adapts to a wide variety of devices Comments Welcome Yet to come FAQ More Photos Timely announcements of featured guests To celebrate our new look we are giving away a Free Hotel Stay to one […]
Welcome to the National Open
$125,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund will not be reduced. The NATIONAL OPEN is one of America’s longest running premier Open tournaments. No tournament in U.S. history was handled with more regard for the comfort and convenience of the players than the first National Open and we are proud to continue the tradition…
U.S. Women’s Open
The U.S. Women’s Open draws women and girls from all over the world to play on the Wednesday & Thursday before the National Open. 5 round US Chess and FIDE rated Swiss Tournament with a $3,500 prize fund and a friendly atmosphere.
Electronic Device Policy
The following Electronic Device Policy will be in effect for all 2016 Las Vegas International Chess Festival events. 1. While playing, players may not use cellphones or other electronic devices capable of chess analysis or communication, without permission of a Tournament Director/Arbiter (TD). A player using a prohibited electronic device during play will be penalized. […]
GM Walter S. Browne 1949 – 2015
It’s with great sadness, we must pass along the tragic news that Grandmaster Walter Shawn Browne has quietly and suddenly passed away in Las Vegas Nevada. As we grieve, Alan and I extend our condolences to his wife, family, friends, and the fans of this towering giant. GM Browne had just finished playing in […]
Kamsky and Saidy Lectures from 2014 Las Vegas International Chess Festival
Recordings from the GM Gata Kamsky and IM Anthony Saidy lectures given at the 2014 Las Vegas International Chess Festival. Gata’s lecture was titled “My Favorite Endgames” and Anthoy’s was titled “My Games with Bobby Fischer.” Thanks to Tim Hanks for these videos.
50th Anniversary National Open
Celebrate the National Open’s 50th Anniversary with us at the Las Vegas International Chess Festival. In addition to the usual great tournaments and activities we have a few surprises in store. Watch this space. If you played in the first National Open at the Stardust in 1965 we want to invite you to play this year […]
