2021 US MASTERS
The 2021 US Masters will be held over Thanksgiving Weekend from November 24-28, 2021.
The USM is an official US Chess National Championship event features a $17,000 guaranteed prize fund.
The event runs alongside the 2021 NC Open, an open event with sections for players of all ratings.
Enjoy your stay at the lakeside Hilton Charlotte University Place. Take a walk on the lake, shop, dine and more.
9 Round Swiss - US Chess and FIDE Rated - GM, IM, WGM, WIM Norms Possible
When
November 24-28, 2021
Where
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 J M Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
Hotel Rates
$101/Night - Free Internet, Parking
Rooms are also available on November 23 - adjust dates as needed using the link above
Registration
Online registration until November 23 - Use link below
On-Site Registration: November 24, 4-4:30pm, registrations after this period will result in round 1 bye.
Eligibility
Players rated or once rated at least 2200 USCF or FIDE
Players with the NM, FM, and WFM titles
Exceptions
Juniors (under 20) rated or once rated 2000+ USCF or 2000+ FIDE**
Players with foreign FIDE federation rated or once rated 2000+ USCF or 2000+ FIDE**
**additional fee applies
$17,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund!
$5000* - $2500 - $1600 - $1200 - $1000 - $800 - $600 - $500
*$500 bonus prize for clear first or playoff winner
Top U2400 FIDE: $1200 - $600
Top U2250 FIDE: $1000 - $500
Side Event
Free $1,000 Blitz
7 Rounds - US Chess Blitz Rated
Section and Prize Breakdown TBD
FREE to players in the U.S. Masters and NC Open, $30 for others
Schedule
Main Event
Wednesday: 6:30pm
Thursday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Friday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
$1,000 Blitz
Saturday: Round 1 at 9:15pm then rounds ASAP
Time Control
Main Event
G/100; +30
100 minutes plus a 30 second increment from move 1
Blitz Event
G/3; +2
3 minutes plus a 2 second increment from move 1
Entry Fees
GM and Foreign IMs: Free, no deduction from prize
U.S. IMs: $199 by October 20, $219 by November 15, $239 after
Regular Entry: $249 by October 20, $269 by November 15, $289 after
Junior and Foreign Federation Players with Peak Ratings Under 2200: $100 more than regular entry
Refunds: Withdrawals are subject to a 5% transaction fee by November 23, no refunds after November 23.
Conditions
GMs and Foreign IMs eligible for conditions. Conditions must be arranged in advance. Contact Dr. Walter High as early as possible.
Players receiving conditions may not take byes or withdraw.
Registration
Registration and Pre-Reg List Here
Special Notes:
Rules:
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Up to 3 optional half-point byes, request at registration. Norms not possible if taking a bye.
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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.
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Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment)
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November FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes in the main event.
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US Chess ratings used for blitz.
Organizer Contacts:
• Dr. Walter High, wmhigh@nc.rr.com
• Grant Oen, grant@charlottechesscenter.org
• Peter Giannatos, peter.giannatos@charlottechesscenter.org
COVID-19 Measures
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The chess chess equipment will be disinfected and thoroughly cleaned several times daily.
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Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipe stations will be placed throughout the chess hotel.
COVID POLICY (UPDATED)
The event's official COVID policy will be posted online by October 13 based on the CDC and local guidelines at the time.