SPONSORS
OVERVIEW
The 2023 US Masters will be held over Thanksgiving Weekend from November 22-26, 2023. The USM is an official US Chess National Championship which features a $22,000 guaranteed prize fund. Enjoy your stay at the lakeside Hilton Charlotte University Place. Take a walk on the lake, shop, dine and more.
The US Masters is preceded by the CCC Fall GM/IM Norm Invitational November 17-21. The Masters runs alongside the 2023 NC Open, an open event for players of all ratings and $13,000 in prizes.
New this year:
Increased prize fund in US Masters and Blitz event
Free entry to all IMs and WGMs, including USA players
Higher rating requirements for untitled junior players
WHEN
November 22-26, 2023
WHERE
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 J M Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 547-7444
HOTEL BOOKING
$109/Night - Free Internet, Parking
Booking Link - Reserve by November 11
If booking by phone, use group code: 916
REGISTRATION
Players are strongly recommended to register online (registration form below)
Online registration until November 22, 3:00pm
On-Site Registration: November 22, 2:30-3:00pm
All registrations after Wednesday November 22, 3:00pm will result in round 1 bye.
ELIGIBILITY
Players rated or once rated at least 2200 USCF or FIDE based on an established rating of at least 26 games.
Players with the NM, FM, and WFM titles, regardless of rating.
NEW – untitled juniors (under 20) must be rated 2000+ FIDE or 2100+ USCF at the time of registration (or thereafter, but no peak ratings) to play – additional fee applies.
No exceptions to eligibility rules. Players who do not qualify for the US Masters may enter the NC Open.
TIME CONTROL
G/90; +30
90 minutes plus a 30 second increment from move 1
$22,000 GUARANTEED IN PRIZES
150 US Chess Grand Prix Points
$6000* - $3000 - $2000 - $1500 - $1000 - $800 - $600 - $500
Top U2550 FIDE: $1200 - $600
Top U2450 FIDE: $1000 - $500
Top U2350 FIDE: $800 - $400
Top U2250 FIDE: $600 - $300
Top U2150 FIDE: $600 - $300
* $300 bonus prize, trophy, and title for clear first or playoff winner
NORMS
GM, IM, WGM, WIM norms available
Norm “Super Swiss” – normal federation requirement waived
FIDE now requires at least one Swiss norm to obtain GM/IM/WGM/WIM titles
SCHEDULE
Registration and bye request window closes 3:00pm Wednesday
Wednesday: 5:00pm
Thursday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Friday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
SIDE EVENTS
FREE $2,000 Blitz
Saturday 9:00-11:00pm
6 Rounds, 2 sections – Championship and Under 2000
Blitz registration on-site only until 8:45pm
Both sections US Chess and FIDE blitz-rated
Free Entry to players in the U.S. Masters / NC Open, $40 for others
ENTRY FEES
All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Entry with no deduction if registered by October 20. $200 deducted from prize if registered after October 20.
Titled Player Entry (FM, WIM, WFM, NM): $299 by November 1, $319 by November 15, $349 after November 15.
Untitled Juniors (U20) with Peak Ratings Under 2200: Must be rated 2000+ FIDE or 2100+ USCF at the time of registration: $200 more than Regular entry.
Entry fees based on the title/status at the time of registration.
CONTACT
For questions, concerns, and withdrawals prior to the event email: events@charlottechesscenter.org
Titled Player Conditions - wmhigh@nc.rr.com
RULES AND NOTES
Registration and bye request window closes November 22 at 3:00pm
Withdrawals/Refunds:
Before the event, withdrawals for paid entries will incur a $25 transaction fee until November 20. 50% refunds after November 21 until 2 hours before round 1.
Conditioned players who withdraw (cancel) after November 15 may not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
All withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 1 hour before the round.
Byes: Up to 4 optional half-point byes which must be requested by 3:00pm on November 22.
Norms not possible if taking a bye.
Byes not available to conditioned players without expressed permission of the organizers.
All byes requested after the start of round one are zero-point byes.
Any zero-point byes or withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 90 minutes before the round in question.
Players who forfeit a round (no show) or do not provide 90-minute notice to withdrawing will incur a $200 fine.
In case of a tie for first place, the top two players on "average rating of opposition, cut one" tiebreak will play a blitz playoff of two G/5; +2 games, followed by an Armageddon game as specified by the Chief Arbiter. The playoff winner will win the $300 bonus prize, US Masters trophy, and title.
Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment).
US Chess and FIDE-rated. US Chess membership is required.
November FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes.
By registering for or attending this event, players and guests grant permission to CCC to take and use photographs and video for purposes related to the event.
CCC FAIR PLAY MEASURES
No spectators are allowed in the playing area.
Live game broadcasts will be on a delay.
Tournament staff will be equipped with wands and other anti-cheating equipment.
Stronger quality and quantity of tournament directors, arbiters, and organizers than other events.
Games will be submitted for thorough review by Dr. Ken Regan's FIDE-approved algorithm prior to submitting the event for rating and norms.