The 49th Annual Canadian Open will be held in Victoria, BC at the Hotel Grand Pacific located in Victoria's Inner Harbour steps away from tourist attractions, ferry connections, and the BC legislature.  $15,000 in prizes is guaranteed for this nine round Swiss held over 6 days.  Download a Flyer Here   Print a few copies and post at your club and community center. Thanks for spreading the word.

The Canadian Youth Chess Championship will be held just before the Canadian Open from July 3-6 in Surrey, BC (near Vancouver) Details click Here

Come enjoy Victoria for your 2012 summer chess vacation.  The six day schedule makes it easy to travel with perhaps an extra day or two to be a tourist.  And if you've always wanted to play a GM one on one, this year's event offers you the opportunity to bid on a first round GM, IM, or WGM pairing!

There will be a welcome Barbecue on July 7th from 4-6pm at Fisherman's Wharf Park (walking distance from the Hotel Grand Pacific). Join us for burgers, casual chess games and a meet and greet. Barbecue $10 adults $5 children<12 Other food choices nearby.  Casual chess free. Spectators free.

For more information on side events including the BBQ, simuls, blitz, and more, see the Schedule page.

Visit us on Facebook and click "LIke"  http://www.facebook.com/pages/2012-Canadian-Open-Chess-Championship/255942357759371 

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click here for Online Registration:

Venue: The 4 star Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Bellevile St. Victoria, BC Canada located in Victoria's Inner Harbour.

Sections: Premier (FIDE and CFC rated), U2000 (CFC rated), and U1600 (CFC rated)

Round Times: Sunday July 8 at 11:00am  and 6:00pm, Monday July 9 at 11:00am and 6:00pm, Tuesday July 10 at 11:00am and 6:00pm, Wednesday July 11 at 6:00pm, Thursday July 12 at 6:00pm, Friday July 13 at 10:00am

Time Control:  Premier 40/90 followed by Game/30 all with  a 30 second increment.  U2000 & U1600 sections: Game / 120 plus 30 second increment each move.

Prize Fund:  $15,000 Guaranteed:

Premier Section:  $2000 / $1600 / $1300 / $1100 / $1000 U2400: $750 / $600  U2200: $750 / $600 

U2000 Section: $750 / $600  U1800: $750 / $600 

U1600 Section: $650 / $550  U1400: $650 / $550 

Unrated Prize: (best score any section): $200

Entry Fee: $175 on or before June 1, 2012, $195 on or before June 29, $215 on site.  Registration is by rating section - add $20 for each section you play up. (e.g. if rated U2000 and playing in the Premier section)   Unrated first time players who are Canadian residents playing in the U1600 section have a one year CFC membership included in entry fee.  A Family Discount of 50% of the entry fee is given to the 3rd and higher registered players from one family.

IM & GMs rated over 2400 FIDE, WGM rated over 2300 FIDE: Free entry if registered on or before June1 and you agree to our non standard 1st round pairing, $100 otherwise [receives a normal Swiss pairing].

Accommodation:  At the Hotel Grand Pacific.  $139 room rate. single/double  Quote Canadian Open Chess or JUL12Chess. www.hotelgrandpacific.com Toll Free: 1-800-663-7550  Phone: 250-386-0450 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Play a GM, IM, or WGM:  The pairings for the 1st round games against our marquee players will be sold first come, first served (on line registration only).  Any player from any section may place a bid. See the "Play a GM" menu on the right for a full description and rules.

Registration:  Online, or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , by mail to: Paul Leblanc, 1012 Spiritwood Place, Victoria, BC  V8Y 1C6 Canada.   Make cheques payable to: Victoria Chess.  US cheques from US residents OK.  Do not mail entry after June 22;   You can also register on site Sunday July 8 9:00am- 10:00am  Late entries are not guaranteed a Swiss pairing for round 1.

Misc: Half point byes for rounds 1-7 if requested in advance, maximum of 4. BCCF dues included in entry fee.  CFC membership or tournament membership required except as noted for first time ever players.   First time players without any recognized official rating in any system AND resident in Canada AND in the U1600 section, have a one year CFC membership included in entry fee ..  This tournament uses a 1 hour grace period before forfeit of the game.    All equipment provided.  Unrated players are not eligible for class prizes (See our Policies page for information on ratings).   Those people requiring a letter of invitation to obtain a visa, please read our Policies page.

Organizers: Brian Raymer, Paul Leblanc, Roger Patterson Contact us at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chief Arbiter:  Mark S. Dutton, IA

Assistant Arbiter: Stephen Wright, FA