6th Annual Potomac Open GPP:30

July 29- Jul 31, Jul 30 - Jul 31 2016 Gaitherburg, Maryland

Championship, U2100, U1900, U1700, U1500: 5SS, Rnd 1 Game/90+inc/30, Rnds 2-5 40/90, SD/30 inc/30 from move 1, (Two day schedule: Rnds 1-2 Game/45 inc/30)
U1250 and U1000: 5SS, Rnds 1-2 Game/60 d/5, Rnds 2-5 Game/120 d/5 (Three-day U1250 schedule: Rnd 1 Game/90 d/5)

How to set common chess clocks for increment

Playing Site
Gaithersburg Hilton
620 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

We aim to create a pleasant environment for playing chess. Check out some of the unique characteristics of this tournament. You can read an opinion of our tournaments on IM Akshat Chandra's blog.

Tournament Features

• (NEW)Trophies to the top 10 in the U1000.->More Prizes
• 30" increment time control in the top five sections → No more clock smashing scrambles at the end of the game.
• Score-based prizes → See the advantages below
• Additional prizes for clear 1st place with 4.5 or shared with lower sore, added to your score prize→ More prize money
• Clocks provided in the Championship, Under 2100, & Under 1900 sections → All you need to do is show up.
• Minimum 1900 rating to play in the Championship section → Less mismatch games.
• Sets and board provided for everyone→ No more carrying around pieces and a board, just bring a clock.
• Free Sunday morning Continental breakfast → Relax, have some coffee and a danish before you start your game.
• Texting or email of pairings to your cell phone available (see Dec. 2011 Chess Life) → No rush at the pairing chart before the round
• Free Day guest parking → Don't worry about where you have to park your car.
• $85/$95 room rate → Relax and stay at the tournament hotel. $5 EF discount if staying at hotel. Reserve a room
  
• Shorter time controls in lower sections → Less waiting around between rounds.

Prizes

This tournament will pay prizes based solely on your final score. All the prizes are guaranteed. If the total pay out in the Open section is less than $1500, extra money will be added to the pay out of the top score group to bring the total to $1500.

Advantages over place-based scoring

Less Waiting

Your score determines your prize. Once you finish your last game, you can receive a check.

Less Uncertainty

Your prize does not get lowered if others tie with you. For example, if there are two 5-0 players, both receive the full amount for 5-0.

Less short draws

The total payout is always higher when games are decisive.

Note that the tournament will use the August Rating supplement

Unrated may not win over $100 in U1000, $200 U1250, $400 U1500. Balance goes to player(s) with same score or is divided among players in next lower score group. No adult unrateds allowed in U1000.

Results from the 2014 Baltimore Open
Results from the 2014 Chesapeake Open
Results from the 2013 Potomac Open
Results from the 2013 Maryland Open
Results from the 2013 Baltimore Open
Results from the 2013 Chesapeake Open
Results from the 2012 Potomac Open
Results from the 2012 Chesapeake Open
Results from 2011 Potomac Open

Entrance Fees

Early (online or mail by 7/15) $99
Regular (online or mail by 7/26) $104
Late (online by 7/28) $109
At-the-door (cash or credit card) $120. We'll be using Square to process credit cards. We'll also be trying our Square's Card Case app. If you have a Android or an iOS phone install and setup the Card Case app and at-the-door registration will be a breeze.

Read about Card Case at Wired, Slate Magazine, and USA Today.

Special Entrance Fees

Under 1250 section: all entrance fees $35 less.
Under 1000 section: all entrance fees $55 less.
Free early entrance to GMs. $50 will be subtracted from any prizes.
$45 discount EF for IMs. $20 will be subtracted from any prizes.

$5 discount if staying at hotel.

Mail Registrations to:
Michael Regan
1827 Thornton Ridge Road
Towson, MD 21204

Mailed registrations should include name, section, schedule(2-day or 3-day). The chief TD for the tournament will be Mike Regan. If you have any questions about the tournament email him at mregan@baltimorechess.org.

Schedules

3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Saturday 11am and 6, Sunday 9:30am and 3:30.
2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Saturday 11am, 2:15 and 6, Sunday 9:30am and 3:30.
U1000 and U1250 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Saturday 11, 1:15 and 4:00, Sunday 9:30am and 1:30pm.
U1250 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7pm, rds Fri 8pm Saturday 11 and 4:00, Sunday 9:30am and 1:30pm.

Byes

Half point byes: all must commit before rd 3

Reentries: all, $80 except U1000 and U1250 $40. You can reenter any schedule taking 1/2 point byes for unplayed games. If you reenter with a single 1/2 point bye, the cost is $70/$35. If you reenter with two 1/2 point byes, the cost is $60/$30.

Hotel Rates: $85 king, $95 double per night! $5 EF discount if staying at hotel. Reserve a room, Group code is "JAP"

Rooms are limited.

So make your reservations early. Phone 301-468-1100.

Parking Information

Parking is free