2009 Western Class Championships

Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 17-18 Southern California
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
16th annual Western Class Championships. 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75; Class E & U1000 play 1/17-18 only, G/65). Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking.

$20,000 PRIZE FUND based on 230 paid entries (re-entries, E, U1000 count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections.

Master Section (over 2199): $1600-900-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE.

Expert Section (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-200.

Class A Section (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-200.

Class B Section (1600-1799): $1400-700-400-200.

Class C Section (1400-1599): $1300-700-400-200.

Class D Section (1200-1399): $1200-600-300-200.

Class E Section (1000-1199): $600-300-200-100.

Under 1000 Section: $600-300-200-100.

Rated players may play up one section. Unrated must play in A or below with maximum prize A $600, B $500, C $400, D $300, E $200, U1000 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line.

Top 6 sections entry fee: 4-day $114, 3-day $113 mailed by 1/9, all $115 ONLINE at chesstour.com by 1/13, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/13 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site.

Class E, Under 1000 Sections entry fee: $52 mailed by 1/9, $55 ONLINE at chesstour.com by 1/13 (entry only, no questions), $60 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/13, $70 at site.

All: FREE TO UNRATED if paying USCF dues!

January official ratings used.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games are usually used if otherwise unrated.
Unofficial ratings are not used if you have an official rating.

Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry (except Master) $60. SCCF memb. ($18, jr $10) required for rated Southern CA residents.

4-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 4:30 pm.
3-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 4:30 pm.
Class E & U1000 schedule: Reg Sat to 9:30 am, rds Sat 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm & 7 pm, Sun 9 am, 12 noon & 3 pm.
All schedules: Half point byes OK all rds, limit 3, must commit before rd 3 and have under 2 points when requesting bye.

Hotel rates: $87-87, 818-707-1220, reserve by Jan 2 or rate may increase.

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

Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658, chesstour at aol.com.

Entry: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776, Arcadia CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.