2023 US MASTERS
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:
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Increased prize fund in US Masters and Blitz event
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Free entry to all IMs and WGMs, including USA players
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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
HOTEL BOOKING
Hilton Charlotte University Place (host hotel)
$105/Night - Free Internet, Free Parking
Booking Link - Coming Soon
REGISTRATION
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Players are strongly recommended to register online (registration form below)
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Online registration until November 22, 3:00pm
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On-Site Registration: November 22, 2:30-3:00pm
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All registrations after Wednesday November 22, 3:00pm will result in round 1 bye.
ELIGIBILITY
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Players rated or once rated at least 2200 USCF or FIDE based on an established rating of at least 26 games.
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Players with the NM, FM, and WFM titles.
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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.
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No exceptions to eligibility rules. Players who do not qualify for the US Masters may enter the NC Open.
$22,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND - 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
Conditions for titled players – see below
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
SIDE EVENTS
FREE $2,000 Blitz
Saturday 8:45-11:00pm
6 Rounds, 2 sections – Championship and Under 2000
Blitz registration on-site only until 8:30pm
Both sections US Chess Blitz-rated, Championship also FIDE Blitz-rated
Free Entry to players in the U.S. Masters / NC Open, $40 for others
Special Guest and VIP Activities throughout the weekend (TBD)
US MASTERS SCHEDULE
Wednesday: 5:00pm
Thursday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Friday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am & 5:00pm
TIME CONTROL
G/90; +30
90 minutes plus a 30 second increment from move 1
ENTRY FEES
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All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Entry with no deduction if registered by October 20. $200 deducted from prize if registered after October 20.
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Titled Player Entry (FM, WIM, WFM, NM): $299 by November 1, $319 by November 15, $349 after November 15.
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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.
CONDITIONS
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All GMs, Foreign IMs, and Foreign WGMs are eligible for shared hotel or equivalent conditions.
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GMs rated 2550+ FIDE are eligible for additional stipends, inquire early.
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Conditions must be arranged in advance through Dr. Walter High as early as possible.
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Conditioned players who withdraw (cancel) after November 15 may not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
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Conditioned players may not take byes or withdraw without the expressed permission of the organizers.
Registration and Entry Lists Coming Soon
RULES AND NOTES
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Withdrawals/Refunds:
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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.
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Conditioned players who withdraw (cancel) after November 15 may not be eligible for conditions in future CCC events.
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All withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 1 hour before the round.
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Byes: Up to 4 optional half-point byes which must be requested by 4:00pm on November 22.
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Norms not possible if taking a bye.
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Byes not available to conditioned players without expressed permission of the organizers.
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All byes requested after the start of round one are zero-point byes.
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Any zero-point byes or withdrawals during the event must be submitted at least 90 minutes before the round in question.
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Players who forfeit a round (no show) or do not provide 90-minute notice to withdrawing will incur a $200 fine.
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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. The playoff winner will win the $300 bonus prize, US Masters trophy, and title.
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Boards, sets, clocks provided (must use our equipment).
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US Chess and FIDE-rated. US Chess membership is required.
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November FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes.
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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
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No spectators are allowed in the playing area.
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Live game broadcasts will be on a delay.
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Tournament staff will be equipped with wands and other anti-cheating equipment.
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Stronger quality and quantity of tournament directors, arbiters, and organizers than other events.
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Games will be submitted for thorough review by Dr. Ken Regan's FIDE-approved algorithm prior to submitting the event for rating and norms.
ORGANIZER CONTACTS
Refunds and Changes - CCC Events Team - events@charlottechesscenter.org
Conditions - Dr. Walter High - wmhigh@nc.rr.com