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Banff chess open seeks players

Brandon Wilson BANFF – The Banff Open chess tournament is entering its third year and is seeking more players than ever to compete during the three-day event held at the Banff Centre on Nov. 10-12.
Chess Club
The 2018 Banff Open chess tournament is being held at the Banff Centre on Nov. 10-12, and will feature up to 100 players competing for a cash prize.

Brandon Wilson

BANFF – The Banff Open chess tournament is entering its third year and is seeking more players than ever to compete during the three-day event held at the Banff Centre on Nov. 10-12.

Growing every year, the tournament has seen participation increase from the low thirties, to 100 spots in this year’s event. At the time of press, only 79 of those spots have been filled. 

Ian Findlay, the organizer for the tournament, believes that the Banff open provides a healthy mix between new players and world-class competitors. 

Findlay himself is a FIDE rankings master player, and the Banff Open boasts three international masters, a women’s international master and another FIDE master besides Finlay currently registered. 

“From my experience, I know this is one of the best venues to play chess. Not only in Canada, but perhaps the world,” said Findlay. 

The Banff Open also boasts a social night, with jazz musician Pat Moore as a musical guest. Findlay and his wife Janice Price, whom is the president and CEO of the Banff Centre, host the social night inside their home and will be providing wine and cheese to guests. 

“It makes our tournament unique. No other tournament hosts a party for players like we do,” said Finlay.
The tournament also boasts a hefty prize for whomever wins. With over $1,700 in prizes, first place in the Banff Open is guaranteed $1,000. 

In the case of a tie, an Armageddon playoff match will be held to determine who takes home the grand prize. 

To help with visitor accommodations for the tournament, the Banff Centre is offering a special rate on their rooms. 

To register for the tournament, visit www.albertachess.org and fill out the form.
Payment for the tournament will be handled on site during the first day of the Banff Open, and registrations after Nov. 9 will have a $5 late fee. 

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