HCC December Game-in-45 Challenge ($500 in prizes; 2 sections)

DATE & TIME:  Saturday, December 21, 2024;  1:00PM~6:00PM  (Round 1 at 1:00PM, subsequent rounds ASAP) .
LOCATION:  Play More Chess Academy, Home of the Hamden Chess Club, 1227 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06517
EVENT FORMAT:  G/45, d5;  3-SS; Two Sections:  Open (rating floor for Open is 1500); and U1600 
ELIGIBILITY:  A current USCF membership is required to play in this tournament (go to https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess to join or renew). This tournament is open to all adult players ages 13+.of any rating, including Unrated.   (Players who are under 13 who have a USCF rating of 700+ are also eligible for this tournament. Scholastic players should also see our Scholastic Tournaments which are open to all students (K-12) of all rating levels). 
BYES:  Max one half-point bye; Request at Entry
ENTRY FEE:  
Early entry (by 11:59PM Thursday prior):  $30; (Non-HCC Member: Additional $10 Fee);  Free Early entry for FIDE titled players, NMs and HCC Members rated 2000+ (Entry fee of 30 deducted from prize);  
Regular entry (by 11:00AM day of tournament): $40  (or Non-HCC Member: Additional $10 Fee)
PRIZES:  $500, based on 24 paid entries (Open Section: $150-100;  U1600: $125-75; Biggest upset $50  Prizes adjusted on pro rata basis based on actual entries;  Players with tie score within section share prizes equally. (No playoffs or computer tie-breaks).
REGISTRATION AND CURRENT ENTRIES:  https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/5357
ENTRY DEADLINE:  11:00AM day of tournament (the registration closes two hours before tournament start time)

Join the HCC and Save - discounts on OTB tournaments, free weekly online tournaments with prizes, free casual play evenings each week!  
Adults only $120/year;  Scholastic (K-12) and Senior Citizens (65+) only $100/year!  Join HCC today at PlayMoreChess.com!

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION:  Free parking is available on behind the Academy, including free street parking on Putnam/Lake Drive that goes behind the Academy; additional free parking at 60 Putnam Ave (one block West) (See Parking Map).  CT Transit bus stop is adjacent to Academy at intersection of Putnam/Whitney Ave.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:  All players must be current members of US Chess (go to USCHESS.org to join or renew your USCF membership/membership ID number).  Must register for HCC tournaments in advance. Sets, boards, clocks, score sheets are provided.  Must use our equipment.  Register early as space is limited (36). Games on top two boards broadcast live at: https://playmorechess.com/livegames.htm
WITHDRAWALS/CONTACT:  If you cannot make it to the tournament, and have to withdraw, email:  info@playmorechess.com.  A request for a refund may be made no later than 24 hours before the tournament start time (1:00PM day prior).  Refunds for this tournament must be requested by email and are subject to a $15 cancellation fee to cover administrative and credit card transaction fees.  For contact during the event please email: info@playmorechess.com as PMCA phone will be silenced.