Big Sky Country Open

An MCA Grand Prix Event

The Montana Chess Association and the Flathead Valley Chess Club proudly present the 2024-2025 season opener in Kalispell, Montana.

Dates: August 31 – September 1, 2024

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 Highway 93 South, Kalispell, MT 59901

Rooms:  A discounted room rate of $199 is available if reserved by Friday, August 23.

Use this link to book at the special rate or visit www.kalispell.hgi.com  and select “special rate” with group code BSCHES or call 406-756-4500

Format: Five rounds, Swiss pairings

Time Control: G/105; d5 ( Game in 1 hr 45 minutes; delay 5 seconds )

Entry Fee: $35 if registered before noon, Friday, August 30.

$40 for registration after noon, Friday, August 30.

Entry Fee to be paid by Cash during registration Saturday morning.

Registration:

USCF membership required.

MCA membership for MT residents required. MCA annual membership is $15. Unrated MT residents: First Annual MCA membership is waived.

***Players must bring digital clocks. Tournament boards are available.

On-site Registration & Entry Fees: 8:00 - 8:30 am Saturday

Entry Fee must be paid by the end of registration to be paired.

Rounds: Saturday: 9:00 am, 1:30 pm, 6:30 pm Sunday: 8:30 am, 12:30 pm or asap

Byes: One 1/2-point bye available.

Byes for rounds 4 & 5 must be requested before round 3 begins – 6:30 pm.

Prize Fund: $ 300 - Based on 20 paid entries. Possible increase with additional entries