49th annual

LIBERTY BELL OPEN

Jan 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16 (Martin Luther King weekend)
Sonesta Hotel, Philadelphia

A Heritage Event

Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Pennsylvania

US Chess Grand Prix Points: 100 (Enhanced)

49th annual Liberty Bell Open

7SS, 40/100, SD/30, d10 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10; 2 day option in U2100 to U1250, rds 1-4 G/30, d10). 

At Sonesta Hotel, 1800 Market St, Philadelphia 19103.
Prizes $20,000 based on 320 paid entries (re-entries, GMs & U1250 Section count 70%), else in proportion, except minimum 75% of each prize guaranteed.

In 2006 to 2016, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected prize fund was increased in proportion.

In 6 sections:

Open: $2000-1000-600-400-300, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $900-500.  FIDE rated.
Under 2100: $1200-600-400-300-200.
Under 1900: $1200-600-400-300-200.
Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1500: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1250: $800-400-300-200-100.
Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $150 in U1250, $300 in U1500, or $450 U1700.

MIXED DOUBLES BONUS PRIZES: Best male-female 2-player combined score among all sections: $1000-600-400. Team average must be under 2200; teammates may be in different sections; must register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; teammate pairings avoided but possible.

Top 5 sections entry fee: $108 online at chessaction.com by 1/11, $120 phoned by 1/9 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), 4 day $114, 3 day $113, 2 day $112 if check mailed by 1/4, $130 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize.

Under 1250 Section entry fee: All $30 less than top 5 sections entry fee.

All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. USCF Junior Grand Prix Points available.

USCF membership required. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry (no Open to Open) $70.

4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:15.
3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:15.
2-day schedule (no Open Section): Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:15.
Half point byes: OK all, limit 3, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4.

Hotel Rates: $103-103-103-103, 1-800-SONESTA, 215-561-7500, request Continental Chess rate, reserve by Jan 2 or rate may increase. 

Parking: Chess rate at Sonesta about $20/day (half of normal rate). 1540 Spring St. (1 block from Sheraton Hotel), 12 minutes walk, is about $7/day Sat/Sun, $20 other days. 1815 JFK Blvd, 3 minutes walk, is about $10/day Sat & Sun. 

HOTEL RESERVATIONS  

Ratings:  January official USCF rating list used.  Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.     

Foreign player rating info      Prizewinner tax info      CCA electronic devices policies.

Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. 

Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied.

Entry: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, www.chesstour.com, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly).